Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers
Mirador Challenge 2019
A team from the Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers swapped their hiking boots for walking trainers and successfully completed the 2019 Mirador Challenge to finish in second place, close to the record time of 4 hours and 19 minutes. This event is a medium-distance endurance walk (running is not permitted) of approximately 29 kilometres which links a network of 15 designated viewpoints, located along the wonderful coastline of Jávea. It is limited to 30 teams of five walkers who begin in the early morning at the Granadella mirador and then pass along the coast in a northward direction to arrive at the last viewpoint of 'Els Molins', the iconic windmills which sit above the town of Jávea and afford stunning views all the way back to the startpoint. The trophy presentation and social evening for the teams and their supporters was held at Bar Quo Vadis.
Cherry Blossom Festival of Walks
Earlier this month (April 3), 103 walkers gathered at the village of Benimaurell for the Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers annual Cherry Blossom Walks Festival. The usual party atmosphere prevailed, as both regulars and those new to the group chatted in the early morning spring sunshine before setting off on a choice of 5 different walks.
The less strenuous walks included a gentle 7k meander around the countryside of Benimaurrell, a longer triangular route ascending to the Caballo Verde ridge and a circular walk up to the head of the Val Laguart. Another group climbed to the head of the valley and walked the length of the Caballo Verde ridge and descended below Penyo Roig and returned above Fleix. For those up to more of a challenge on mozarabic paths and rough terrain, there was an ascent up to and along the Carrasco ridge enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding ridges and barrancos. On completion of the walks the group were able to enjoy a well deserved drink followed by lunch at the Hotel Alahuar above Benimaurell.
Walks continue
The team will be returning to the mountains for the remaining busy schedule of walks on Wednesdays and Saturdays until the end of May. The group hopes that you will come and join them, and share their love of walking in the beautiful mountains of the Costa Blanca. Full details of all their walks, including walk grades, length, duration and start points are on the programme which can be viewed or downloaded from the website www.cbmwalkers.org. The website also includes a wealth of information on mountain walking which is of particular interest to those who may be new to this exhilarating pastime.