Balanced Life Holidays
                 Spain +34 603 697 183
Mountain High Valley Low

Mountain High - Valley Low

Day 1 - Arrival

A friendly face to welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. A little free time to unpack and settle in followed by a late afternoon BBQ with your hosts.
Day 2  - Home Start

We'll give the legs a good warm up for the week with a walk through a mixture of terrains; forests, mountains and fruit groves, taking in the villages of Parcent and Alcalali, followed by a short mountain walk to the Col de Rates on the Sierra Carascal. It offers spectacular views across the valley all the way to Benidorm in one direction and Valencia in the other. We follow the 'Route of the Raisins' on the way down, retracing the footsteps of the traders of yester year.                                           

 Stats; 12-15km 450m ascent

We return to the village of Parcent at L'Era for Paella and Sangria.


 Day 3 - A Moorish Castle

The area of Castell de Castells is truly beautiful; an old Moorish village surrounded by four mountain ranges, rolling hillsides, dramatic gorges and amazing rock formations. It is also home to a World Heritage Site containing cave paintings over 5,000 years old. There are so many fabulous walks to choose from in this area including the famous rock arches but we think the one to the Castle is our favourite. It has great paths and magnificent views including ones over the Guadalest lake and valley. Packed lunch provided.                                                                         

  Stats; 13km 550m ascent.    Then....

You can either have a relaxing night in, head out to one of the local restaurants (transportation provided), or opt to visit Parcents Bodega for a wine tasting and tapas.



Day 4 – Font and Castell D'Aixa incl Fat Mans Squeeze

Aixa was said to be a beautiful woman living in the area with a very protective Father. In order for a man to take Aixas hand in marriage he had to pass challenges set by her Father. One was to provide water and irrigation to his home and hence Font D'Aixa was formed by the successful pursuer. Little remains of Castell Aixa although that doesn't stop it being a great walk or a great place for lunch.

After passing through Fat Mans Squeeze we continue upwards to the castle for lunch and vistas. We then descend into the picturesque village of Lliber for a well deserved beer.                                                                   
 Stats; 13.5km 420m or 825m ascent.

Day 5 – Day off 

We will provide transportation to one of the coastal areas. (Probably too cold to swim but you never know!!) We can provide you with maps and GPS info if you fancy a coastal walk, or other info on local history, things to do and see etc.

We'll then pick you up at the designated place and bring you home.

Day 6 – The Fantastic 'F's'... The Font, Forat and Fort Walk

History and vistas combined on the Sierra Bernia. Passing an elaborate Font we head up towards the Forat , a 20m tunnel through the mountain passing through from the North side to the South (get your sunglasses ready!). We leave the sea behind us as we head along the sunny side to the Fort, built for Felip II in 1562 to protect them against the Moors and the Pirates. Lasting just over 50 years was partially destroyed by Felip III in 1612.

We return down to the countryside of Jalon for a stroll around the vineyards to see the Riu Raus and discovery the history behind this areas unique way of turning grapes to raisins.                                                        
 Stats; 12km 420m ascent

(Jalon has maintained its traditional charm and is a delight to walk around. It has a stunning church, several museums and many bars, restaurants and bodegas).

Day 7 – Home Run

We'll finish the week as we started, taking in a variety of terrains, this time in the magnificent cherry growing Val de Laguar. It is a popular area for walkers as it has a wealth of history, stunning scenery and amazing views. We'll take in some of the countryside before heading up the most well known mountain around here; El Penyo including the Caballo de Verde Ridge. Renowned for the final battle of the Moriscos and it's twin peaks! 
Stats; 14km 400m ascent.

Then it's back home to 'freshen-up' before joining your hosts again for a farewell evening of paella, wine and Spanish guitar. (and maybe dancing!)

This is a sample week in which grades, distances and ascents can all be increased or decreased according to your groups’ preference. Likewise because we are independent we are able to add personal touches to your holiday, perhaps less/more trips to Bodegas, more time spent in the villages or arrange for you to visit a particular place.


Share by: