Fortunately the rain previously forecast for Monday 14th October had disappeared and we left Javea in our minibus in the sunshine, starting our morning with a refreshment break at the Restaurante Meson La Mesquita in the village of Beniardà.
The 9.63 km circular hiking route (approx. 3 hrs) around the Guadalest Reservoir rewarded us with some amazing views of the surrounding mountains and the turquoise water below, following the road around the lake amongst pine, olive and almond trees
The Guadalest reservoir receives water mainly from the Guadalest river (a tributary of the Algar), and was built in 1969 so that there would always be water to irrigate. Guadalest valley is surrounded by the Aitana, Serrella and Xortà mountains, Aitana being the highest in the entire Valencian Community (1,558 metres).
Once we reached the dam, we knew that we had covered most of the walk, and Wendy was on hand with a bowl of sweets for everyone to share!
The uphill leg at the end of the walk was not so inviting, but we were all well rewarded by the service which we received when we returned for our lunch at the Restaurante Meson La Mesquita. There were 3 different tapas to share (including an individual bowl of vegetable soup), choice of meat, fish or vegetarian for the main course, and a selection of various desserts for everyone to share, followed by coffee. Not to mention the numerous jugs of beer and bottles of red, white and rosado wine brought to the tables without question or additional cost! The restaurant is highly to be recommended, for its menu del dia, friendly welcome and very efficient staff.
Tom Stevenson kindly sent the photo above – a lovely reminder for the members who were on the Via Verde Serpis Walk earlier this year in April – the historic route of the Alcoy-Gandia railway line.
Thank you to all the walkers for making it such a lovely day!
Report by the group leader, Angela Chantry
