High Point Holidays - Walking Cylcling Holidays in France

Your Holiday at a Glance

Holiday	Jalon Valley - Untamed Costa Blanca
Dates for 2011	All year round for groups of 4 or more
Price	Price depends on number in group, please contact us for a quote
Grade
Profile	8 days: 6 days single-centre-based, guided walking at low altitude
Highlights	Dramatic limestone scenery away from the crowds providing great walks for all abilities Great panoramic views to the sea from stunning ridges surrounded by orange groves and terraces Historic sights and beautiful wild flowers Beautifully restored hotel and fantastic food Mild and sunny Meditarranean climate makes it ideal for winter breaks
Accommodation and Meals	Casa Carrascal is a 17th Century hotel which has recently been renovated to a high standard to provide for your every comfort and convenience at the same time as retaining its original charm and character. Your hosts, David and Sue, reserve you a special welcome. They use the finest fresh produce to create exciting and varied menus of excellent quality.
What's included	Pick up from airport and all transport for the week, 5 guided walks led by experienced mountain walkers and leaders, accommodation at Casa Carrascal with breakfast, 6 lunches, 6 four-course dinners with wine.
What's not included	Travel between the UK and Spain, one lunch and dinner on free day, lunch on departure day, entrance fees.

The Jalon Valley

Inland from the Costa Blanca, you'll find the Jalon Valley, a haven for those looking to get away from the crowds and see some of the finest scenery in Spain. There are magnificent mountains which surround the plains of olive trees, orange groves, vineyards, raisins and almonds. The Jalon Valley is peppered with unspoilt villages including Alcalali, Jalon, Lliber and Parcent, the last being the beautiful setting for your hotel.

The area is a walker's paradise with trails to suit everyone. Gentle inland strolls, coastal trails, and rugged mountain ridges can all be found in a relatively small area. Highlights include the beautiful Sierra Bernia mountains offering magnificent views across the sea and the lovely ridge walk along the Caballo Verde. One of the nicest times to visit the area is in late January and early February when the whole of the Jalon Valley is covered with pink and white almond blossom.

The Walks

The walking varies from gentle strolls to moderately strenuous walks along easy mountain ridges. This mixture allows most people with some walking experience to enjoy this holiday. The paths are often stoney and can be rugged in places. The walks can be varied to suit the groups abilities. This is especially so, if you book on a tailor-made week.

Day 1

Pick up from the airport, lunch and leisurely stroll around Parcent. First of many excellent 4 course meals with wine

Day 2

Moderate walk on the picturesque Aixorta mountain, ascending through high mountain pastures and terraces. Optional ascent to the summint at 1218m. Plenty of breaks to take in the great panoramic views and for lunch. 16km 700m ascent. 4 course meals with wine

Day 3

Smugglers Cove - 7 Km 150m ascent 4 hr - Following a Baranco (small dry river bed) to the Smugglers Cove with fantastic coastal views and then along the under cliff passing 3 caves to the Playa de Moraig. A chance to see the Balearic Islands on a clear day

Day 4

Free day to relax or take a local stroll

Day 5

Moderate ridge walk along Caballo Verde, ascending by mule tracks know as Mazaraic trails built over 700 years ago. Plenty of time to take in the great views. 13km, 550m of ascent. Paella meal on the terrace.

Day 6

A tour exploring the Sierra Bernia, through amazing mountain scenery with superb views to the sea. Picnic lunch at Bernia Fort, built for a Spanish King in 1565. Take a natural tunnel through the mountains. 16km. 4 course meals with wine

Day 7

Moderately strenuous walk up to the Serella Castle, sitting atop a great viewpoint, which allows you to see the whole region. 15km, 500m ascent. An optional scramble takes you to the very top. The view from the lunch stop is truely amazing. Final celebration scrumptous meal at Casa Carrascal with wine, coffee and brandy.

Day 8

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for transfer home

Map Jalon Valley Costa Blanca Spain walking holiday

Sierra Bernia costa blanca Spain guided walking holiday

Aixorta Jalon Valley Costa Blanca Spain guided walking holiday

Almond blossom Jalon Valley Costa Blanca Spain guided walking holiday

walk to Smugglers cove Jalon Valley Coast Blanca Spain guided walking holiday

Jalon Valley Costa Blanca Spain guided walking holiday

Notes:

Accommodation & Meals

Casa Carrascal is a 17th Century hotel which has recently been renovated to a high standard to provide for your every comfort and convenience at the same time as retaining its original charm and character. The hotel is set in Parcent, the most beautiful village in the area, in the heart of the Jalon Valley, affording breath-taking views.
Your hosts, David and Sue, reserve you a special welcome. They use the finest fresh produce to create exciting and varied menus of excellent quality. Relax and unwind either inside in their comfortable lounge or outside on the courtyard terrace. Take a drink or two and enjoy the slower pace of life

Casa Carrascal terrace at night casa carrascal Jalon Valley Spainlounge room casa carrascal jalon valley spain