Internationale groepsreis Sierra de Aitana Trek

Marc

Mooie uitdagende wandelingen (dagelijks zo'n 20 km en 1 km stijgen/dalen) in een rustig wandelgebied met prachtige vergezichten. Het eten was elke avond ook een feestje!

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

A great winter sunshine destination for some energetic hiking in the limestone mountains of the Costa Blanca, with an excellent Spanish local guide and fellow like minded friendly companions.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

First day ( Sunday pm ) of arrival walking around El Castell de Guadalest after tapas, close our first hotel and seeing the landscape of walks ahead, and feeling the warm sun after the wet, wintry and cold of the UK.  Mid week walk from Benimantell guesthouse to next stay at Sella, and walking over Aitana, 1558 m , highest point of the week, and walking through a gap in the rocks from one valley to the other. Walk up Puig Campana 1408m , mountain that backdrops Benidorm, challenging , would class as the C walk, rest all B, was windy on our day, but dry and sunny, did not quite make the top due to conditions, zig zagging up scree slope challenging but expertly lead.

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose Miguel an excellent guide , locally based in Sella, with a great backup team of local drivers, all working in the local community of Sella, your base for second half of week. Spoke excellent English, knows the area very well, excellent mountain guide, discussed topics of interest along the way, regularly checked group for level of happiness, made some warping 3 layered sandwiches for the lunches. Helps with the options for your free day. A TV star as was shown a DVD of him with Cameron McNeish in the area for a BBC TV Adventure programme.  A big plus for this tour, being lead by a local man.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Ideal for regular hikers, anyone who can do Snowdon will find it ok. Definitely bring a walking pole or 2. And drinking water bottles, thirsty work in the warm sun. The almond blossom week went on added some pretty colour to the arid landscape. Free day options , I went to the coast, beautiful sandy bay of a Spanish resort of La Villa Joyiasa, colourful houses, quieter resort certainly in early Feb; train from here could take you to Alicante , or Benidorm ( if like skyscrapers on a sandy bay), or further up to Altea or Javea if time allows, I was happy just to stay and chill in the sun after the strains of hiking.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hotels good, good food, comfortable, good views from both. Sella guesthouse run by an English couple, meals at their home, all home cooking, plentiful and yummy.  Only negative, was that the main photo in the Exodus brochure, which partly sold the holiday to me, taken from inside a cave , looking out over a bay, with 2 walkers in, and trailing ivy,  you don't actually go here anymore, this is the Bernia ridge, so Exodus need to update their main photograph to reflect a landscape where visited now , I have plenty if they need some .  Enjoy.

Fantastic scenery, great guide

A fantastic trip seeing the beautiful variety of the Sierra de Aitana range. Five wonderful walks exploring different parts of two scenic valleys from a range of view-points. You are walking for 7-8 yours a day, ascending 800-1000m most days and the pace is not difficult. There has to be a minimum pace as need to get back in time for dinner etc. but we always had plenty of time for beer or icecream after the days walk. As you can probably tell we had some lovely weather with most days 20+ for the end of March. Evening meals were brilliant with the variety of food

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The whole trip was just an amazing way to spend a week hiking in the Spanish mountains. Summit views were brilliant as we had wonderful clear days on most of the walks.

What did you think of your group leader?

José was a brilliant tour leader and his love of the area made the walking even more special. His knowledge and willingness to talk about all aspects of life in the mountains was excellent.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

When booking flights check with exodus about flying locally as lots of places seemed to fly to Alicante at the same time of day. For example, stanstead, Birmingham, Manchester all arrived within 20 mins of the group flight from gatwick. The fourth walking day can be done in approach shoes if you prefer. Most people drank between 2-3 litres each day.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A great way to do some winter hiking and have great fun with like minded people. Hopefully a chance of warm weather, but be prepared for changeable weather.

SIERRA DE AITANA - AN UNEXPECTED SPANISH TREASURE

Great walking, stunning scenery and plenty of wine and beer - what more could you want!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The scenery is amazing and really unexpected so close to the cultural graveyard of the Costa Blanca. There are impressive limestone peaks and ridges stretching into the distance. Views from the tops are amazing - even Benidorm takes on a certain grandeur when spied from afar! The trip also offers a good dose of rural Spanish culture. The village of Sella is a delight, there is nothing better than coming off the hills after a great day of walking and retiring to one of the village bars for beer and tapas!

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose is a fantastic leader - knowledgeable, great company and a pleasure to be with on the hills. His enthusiasm for the area is infectious and I shall certainly go back.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

A pair of walking poles is useful particularly for some of the steeper downhill sections. The trip starts on a Sunday so consider spending Saturday night in Alicante, which is just a short 3.75 Euro bus ride from the airport. The old town is worth a look and a fun way to spend a Saturday night - very Spanish with not a rowdy Brit in sight. It also means there is no stress with linking in to the group transfer should your low cost regional flight be delayed.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you enjoy walking and want to swap drab UK November weather for a bit of Spanish sunshine and culture this is the trip for you.

Sierra de Aitana Trek

If you like decent rough mountain walking, great scenery, good views, quiet villages, good food and drink at great accommodation do this trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The sunrise over Puig Campana seen from our accommodation in Sella. The view from Puig Campana to Mallorca on our last day

What did you think of your group leader?

José Miguel García Fraile went the extra mile and a half to ensure we had an excellent walking holiday. He has excellent local knowledge on walks, climbs, history, culture etc and obviously loves the area and is keen to encourage others to do the same. I was really impressed that he had done footpath clearance work and is keeping open some old routes that could fall out of use. We had poor weather forecast on one day and he found a good alternative to the advertised route, he clearly has a lot of walks up his sleeve

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You need to understand that while some of the walking was on 4x4 tracks and pleasant little footpaths there was a lot of walking on steep rough ground over scree and rocks and you should come equipped with reasonably stiff mountain boots with good ankle support.You will find poles come in handy and bring bottles etc for at least 3 litres of water, it can be hot even in October. If you want to send post cards buy them and stamps that at Guadalest, the supply of stamps at Sella is not great. If you like to follow where you are going on the trip get there is an excellent 1:20000 map that covers most of what we did.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Sierra de Aitana Trek

This was a superb holiday in what was to us an unknown area of Spain. The area was full of historic sites and had excellent walking opportunities with some relatively demanding paths to the summits. The whole holiday was very well planned and coordinated and the short transfers to the start of the walks were appreciated as avoided sitting on a bus for too long. .

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The sense of history walking in the steps of travelers from centuries past, along the tracks and mountain passes. The peace and solitude in the area as there were very few other walkers around - some days we saw none.

What did you think of your group leader?

We had Jose Miguel as our leader, who lives in Sella and is passionate about the area and its history and ecology. He has lead much of the restoration of the old tracks and paths and is knowledgeable about them and their history. On the walks he was supportive and encouraging, whilst quickly able to assess individual strengths and weaknesses and make decisions as to ability to tackle the more demanding walks - just what you want from someone leading you in a mountainous area. He was pleasant and amusing, made triple-decker sandwiches to keep you going all day, and was all we could have hoped for as a leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We had warm/hot weather (October 2014) but we would suggest going fully equipped for mountain weather with good walking boots with ankle support as many of the tracks are rough and stony. The trip is graded Moderate/Challenging and this is realist - imagine a longish day in the Lake District with sunshine. Ensure you carry plenty of water - on some walks there is no opportunity to resupply and we drank 2 to 3 litres.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The food was excellent (and plentiful) throughout, that at Benimantell was very traditional local cuisine and so much appreciated, that at Sella was traditional with modern twist and very good. Both sets of accommodation were clean and welcoming and exactly what was needed for a walking holiday. We plan to do the holiday again in early spring probably to see the almond blossom and spring flowers

Wonderful hike with great views

The Sierra De Aitana is predominately limestone, so there is lots of loose rock underfoot. The walking is not too tough if you are fit, have a head for heights, are careful with your footing and can manage as much downhill as uphill. For the rest the views & mountain summits and ridge walk are breath taking and worth every step you take. The history of the area with terracing farmlands & the plight of the people is extremely interesting.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being a regular hiker, rock formations always fascinate me. The jagged limestone ridge of the Castellets and other rock strata are intriguing & inviting to try & climb. I love every summit and every sheer cliff and the two together make for an exciting adventure. Enjoying each day with your fellow hiker, learning from them , laughing with them & helping each other is part of the adventure that makes you long for more.

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose' Miguel is passionate about his hike, the land & these mountains. The maginficent power of the rock flows through his veins and feeds his soul. He imparts this to everyone interested in loving the adventure. Jose' contiuously feed us with treats & sandwiches, and interesting information past & present.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't try a challenging hike if you are not sure if you are capable or fit enough. Be sure of your capabilities. This hike is not tough. It is a beautiful adventure.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Sierra de Aitana

A memorable trip based in a perfect location for both trekking & leisure time. The walks are lengthy but well planned to made more manageable with long gradual ascents/descents. A basic hotel but with friendly staff & excellent food fuelling you for the long days ahead! It does have a pool for warmer days (larger than a plunge pool as described in the particulars).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Summiting Puig Campana on the final day

What did you think of your group leader?

An excellent guide very experienced & good company. His brother also joined us who enjoys sharing mountain survival skills & detailed local knowledge. He creates the best sandwiches for lunch I have ever seen! Don't expect to lose weight! I was disappointed at not summiting Aitana & did feel he was overly cautious given low cloud/mist. It felt as if he thought that if there was to be no view then it wasn't worth it. The cloud & mist was negligible & we could easily have managed the summit without any significant risk.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do some pre-investigation & planning for the day off. The local coastal town is very limited & the alternative beach is very nice but again very quiet. Obviously it depends very much what you are looking for.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Despite the comments I really enjoyed the trip. Good organisation, the group all competent in the mountains which meant we all worked well together as a group. Thinking where to go next!

A Great Week in the Sierra de Aitana

Five excellent guided walks in the mountains surrounding our accommodation at El Trestellador. Each day was very enjoyable and the walks took approximately 6 hours. It was extremely hot for October and the mountains have little shade, so plenty of water had to be carried. The packed lunch provided was superb and enjoyed on the peaks each day. Returning to El Trestellador for a cold beer was equally enjoyable.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I loved the accommodation. It was simple, very clean and our hosts were so friendly. The food provided each night was exceptional and more than enough for the largest appetite.

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose is a nice guy with a passion for the Sierra de Aitana. He knows everything about the area and makes the walks interesting. He also is responsible for the excellent sandwiches.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is not an easy week and deserves the Activity level 4

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Most of my treks have not been based at one centre. I thoroughly enjoyed having a base to return to and not having to unpack a rucksack everyday. On our free day a group of us went to the beach at Altea which was very enjoyable.

Sierra Aitana Trek

A brilliant trip. Challenging but worth it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the summits were brilliant. It was difficult terrain. A lot of loose stones underfoot so I had to walk with poles which I don't usually do but it was challenging and the guide really helped. The scenery was beautiful and the local villages of Guadalest and Benimentall were lovely.

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose was fantastic. His English was excellent and he had a great sense of humour. He was incredibly passionate about his country and very knowledgeable. His guiding was faultless, made excellent sandwiches - really! Respected and managed people with different levels of experience.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Definitely need ankle support boots and poles. Bring thin layers.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A very worthwhile trip. Food and hospitallity from Paco and his wife was great.

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

Challenging trip  just as trip notes said!!! good value for money  eatable mealsthe sun shone no rain just as the brochure suggested  interesting lively guide

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

reaching the top after a push and a shove  to go from the dark side to the flat light side of the peak!!

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose was funny sweet and lots of fun  my did he walk FAST A very good sandwichmaker  he even pleased the vegetarian of the group  when i was cold in one of the stops  hotel  he made sure the heating was on for me  and got me blankets

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get fit  lose weight  be prepared for challenging uphill walking

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Excellent weather for a week in December  lucky or what???

MR DEREK GOTT

I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. Good walking, good weather, good company and excellent food.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the summit of Puig Campana on the last day.jj

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose is a great leader. He is so knowledgeable,enthusiastic and efficient. He also made our lunches!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Drink plenty of water as the weather can be very hot.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

A strenuous but very rewarding week of hiking led by an enthusiastic local guide. Good food and comfortable accomodation.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

A wonderful full body massage after some very challenging hiking. We did this trip 5 years ago and were so impressed we decided to do it again (we don't usually repeat a trip). But 5 years, two unreliable knees and a dodgy hip combined to cause some problems for me. I decided to forgo the hike up to the highest peak and after the first, easy 3 hour walk, sat in a sunny glade with my book to wait for the rest of the party. I figured I had done it once and had nothing to prove. I spent an enjoyable few hours chatting to passing hikers and bikers and one very elderly gentleman who wanted to try out his English. He could read English well but didn't know how to pronounce most of the words - we both had fun guessing what the other was saying.  

What did you think of your group leader?

In a word - excellent. Jose Miguel is full of enthusiasm for this part of Spain - his home. Committed to the rural way of life and sustainable living. Very adaptable when the weather wasn't on our side.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take heed of the trip notes - this is not an easy stroll. Sadly, the weather was not as kind in March as it had been in late January 5 years ago when the sun shone every day. Be prepared for some rain in early season. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't eat too much breakfast or you won't have room for Jose's superb three tier lunchtime sandwiches!

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

Ideal for a winter break, peaceful and interesting mountain trails in the sun a few miles from the Spanish coast.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Great views across the Sierra to the coast. Wonderful Spanish home cooking at Benimantell. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Good fun, very knowledgable and clearly a local celebrity.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It might just about be a B/C grade, but it's pretty close to a C; there are a couple of longer days, there's the odd short scrambly bit and sometimes because the area is so rarely walked the trail is a bit rough. The trip notes describe the walks very accurately, so read those rather than just go by the grade. This is all good, but it's best to know what to expect. April and May departures are likely to be pretty warm, although there was always a breeze up on the ridges.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Jose Miguel rather undersold the optional visit to Villa Joiosa on the coast on the free day - those that went really enjoyed it.  

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

A great combination of vistas, food and wine in a really wonderful location.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Very difficult to pin point any 'one' thing as everyday had plenty of very fond memories. Scenery is really magical and whilst on the trail you often saw glimpses of valleys or ridges that we had either done previously or  were to be challenges in the days ahead .  If pushed then certainly the summit of Puig Campana was indeed a great finale to the week ...a great route to get to the top, and an even better one heading back to our base at Sella.  

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose was a real character and makes great packed lunches!  His local knowledge was very impressive and love of the area was obvious.  He had spent huge amounts of effort in fine tuning the routes to maximise our enjoyment, and was able to give interesting anecdotes about rural village life past and present. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Only a small point  but here is not a lot of chances to buy any trail snacks ( or indeed anything)  so you might want to take some them out from the UK . On the other hand you might get the chance to sample the odd Orange as you pass by a grove! 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

   DO NOT  be put off this trip just because the region is not  that well known as the  Picos de europa or Pyanees ….Its equal to either of them, and in many ways better. SO in a nutshell....GO!!! ...and you will feel quite smug for visitng this ‘undiscovered gem’  .    

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

Fantastic walking with stunning views.  The beauty of this region exceeded my expectation.  And, then there was a fun group and a great guide and his humongous sandwiches.  Very enjoyable! 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Descending from Puig Campagna as the sun was setting down and the mountains were covered in gold and amber.  Just perfect!

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose Miguel was a perfect host and guide.  He ensured everyone's needs were taken care of.  And, his knoweledge of the region and history complemented his tasty sandwiches. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

This was a fantastic pre winter trip, close to home. The region is spectacular, walking is challenging, food was amazing and the group were great company. It exceeded all of my expectations.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the summits of each mountain climb The sunset on the final day of walking Jose's passion for the region and his committment to the local community Enjoying the generous supply of Spanish wine The hospitality we received at both sets of accommodation The tranquility - on most days we hardly saw any other walkers

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose was incredible. He has a great sense of humor, is extremely knowledgeable, and a tremendous patriot for this region of Spain. His community minded attitude, and respect for the environment, was inspirational. You couldn't ask for a better host and guide.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The weather at this time of year was really warm on most of the days. Plenty of sunscreen and water required

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We were very fortunate to have a great group of people on the trip which helped to make this a very memorable holiday. This trip is ideal for anyone who wants some challenging walking in a beautiful part of the world without travelling too far away from home.

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

Perfect way to get away from the excess of Christmas and New Year! Walk in the sunshine amongst citrus groves laden with fruit!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were so many moments of 'did I really walk/scramble up there?!' and 'how on earth am I going to get back down!', but getting through the 'eye of the needle' rock, otherwise known as Fat Man's Agony, and then having a picnic lunch in the sunshine after I'd stopped trembling is a memorable moment. Another was almost getting to the summit of Puig Campana and then down the other side! After 4 days of looking at a very daunting summit from our balcony at Casaroc I could say to myslef, 'yes, I did it!'

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose Miguel was our sandwich-maker and leader extraordinaire, who effortlessly organized, drove and guided us through a landscape which he was clearly passionate about, and even maintained at his own cost and in his own time. Some of the paths would have remained unpassable had he not strimmed his way through them before we arrived. He gauged the strengths and weakenesses of our group pretty quickly, and dealt with them appropriately. He had a great sense of humour too!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Even if you don't usually use walking poles, they will be handy for the descents, which can be hard on the knees otherwise. Also, most of us came away with scratches on arms and legs from the multitude of spiny bushes, so gaiters would be a good idea. Camel backs were ideal for the amount of water you need as well as ease of use for the whole day's walk. Be prepared for quite a bit of scrambling and very rocky terrain, and make your day pack as light as possible (but with rain gear and water). I think that the walks were perhaps more challenging than moderate, but all the more satisfying for that.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I have to mention that the accomodation in Sella, run by Steve and Liz Greene, was to be commended for being beautiful and very comfortable. The views over the mountains were gorgeous and both Steve and Liz were really friendly and attentive, and prepared delicious meals for us every day. After a long day's walk, it was really nice to come back to Casaroc!

Sierra de Aitana Trek

Excellent holiday – the grade for this holiday is 4 Moderate/Challenging however, the walks were more challenging than some “challenging” holidays we have been on.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were so many but we particularly liked the walk on day 3 – Sierra de Serrella – the views and scenery were spectacular, we were walking in snow for part of this walk and had to do a bit of scrambling as well, which was different.

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose was very knowledgeable about the whole area and told us a lot about the history etc. His enthusiasm and passion for this region shone through. Also, the sandwiches he prepared for us were excellent – very tasty and filling.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take walking poles with you – they are helpful on some of the steeper descents.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is an excellent holiday in an unspoilt part of Spain. It is also very quiet with very few other walkers. Steve & Liz at Casa Roc were fantastic hosts and provided delicious food. The group we were with had a good level of fitness and were very good company.

Sierra de Aitana Trek

Excellent holiday – the grade for this holiday is 4 Moderate/Challenging however, the walks were more challenging than some “challenging” holidays we have been on.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were so many but we particularly liked the walk on day 3 – Sierra de Serrella – the views and scenery were spectacular, we were walking in snow for part of this walk and had to do a bit of scrambling as well, which was very different.

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose was very knowledgeable about the whole area and told us a lot about this history etc. His enthusiasm and passion for this region shone through. Also, the sandwiches he prepared for us were excellent – very tasty and filling.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take walking poles with you – they are helpful on some of the steeper descents.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is an excellent holiday in an unspoilt part of Spain. It is also very quiet with very few other walkers. Steve & Liz at Casa Roc were fantastic hosts and provided delicious food. The group we were with had a good level of fitness and were very good company.