Around Puig Campana

THIS walk completes a circuit around Puig Campana (1,410 metres) – the volcano-like mountain behind Benidorm. The PR-CV 289 footpath allows the walker to contemplate this magnificent peak from every angle and take in all the facets of the mountain.

On the south side, the rock face is sheer and can only be conquered by expert climbers. Towards the end of the walk, the east face is visible close up, along with Roldan’s Notch - the missing chunk of rock.

The highlight of the walk is the arrival at the Font de la Solsida natural spring where there are wonderful views over the Peñon d’Ifach and the Sierra Helada.

The path is very well signposted and has white/yellow waymarks to help with orientation. The walk starts from the Font del Molí in Finestrat.

The Walk

FROM the Font del Molí car park walk up the road, picking up the white-yellow waymarks. After around 40 metres bear right for Col del Pouet. After a couple of hundred metres turn off the road on the right to follow the PR-CV 289 on a path. The path heads up through the pine trees. Cross a wide track and continue straight on into the trees. It’s a steady climb, with ever improving views. At a tall pine tree – a spot known as Volador - bear round to the right. The route turns round the back of Puig Campana, where there are pine trees and shade. Continue on and up past the José M. Vera refuge under the towering west face of the mountain and keep ascending. And on to the Col del Pouet (883 metres). This is a lovely shady area with plenty of picnic spots and a walkboard. Here take the PR-V 289 for Font del Molí going past Foia

Cac. It’s uphill at first. After

200m keep left for Font de la

Solsida.

The path heads into the trees, offering occasional spectacular glimpses of Ponoig ridge on the left. It’s a further 400m to the Solsida spring – a majestic spot near the foot of huge slab of rock. The path is a ‘sender botanic’ and there is a huge variety of flora on view.

From the font, it’s a descent over rocky terrain around the open mountainside. The path emerges at Fioa Cac. Cross straight over. It’s a further 2.1km back to Font del Molí. When the path hits a country lane, bear right, with just 1km remaining. The road turns into a track. Later, at a fork, bear left. Then on to the car park.