Elche reservoir route
THIS surprisingly attractive route runs from Elche city centre, following the Vinalopó River as far as Elche reservoir. It shows off the best of Elche – and leaves the walker wanting to explore more areas of the municipality.
It’s a waymarked route (white/yellow markings) and there are frequent signs to aid the walker and indicate points of interest. It’s a pleasant stroll along the river valley, with the path criss-crossing the waterway on wooden bridges. The highlight of the route comes towards the end when the path reaches the reservoir. There is a wonderful waterfall, which cascades down from the dam – and steps run up the structure to reach a walkway constructed over the water. The path continues along the right-hand side of the reservoir, which is home to dozens of species of birds including herons and ducks.
The Vinalopó is little more than a large stream for most of the year. However, after heavy rain it does become a river again and this path becomes unusable due to flooding. The path is then very muddy and should be avoided until it dries out.
The route starts below the old Molí Real flourmill and runs for 7.7 kilometres (one way). The walker returns on the same path. It is important to start as early as possible in the summer (before 08.00) to avoid the intense heat which comes later in the day.
As is often the case, the biggest difficulty is getting to the start point of the walk. After leaving the car in the Candalix parking zone (mostly free), head across to the Parque Municipal – a very attractive city park. Cross the park to head down to the Vinalopó, where a walkboard showing the route stands below the Molí Real mill/building. It is best to consult google maps beforehand to save time.
The Walk
The route starts in the city, where many local residents jog and walk along the track, which follows the riverbank. The track passes under the road bridges that span the river. As the route leaves the city behind it turns into an unsurfaced track. It continues alongside the river, crossing it in many places. It passes over the Taibilla water pipes and then under the A-7 motorway bridge. From the
Clot del Diable vantage point the route passes onto a country road, which turns into a track, still following the river valley. Continue on to the Molí dels Magros, where there are great views over the valley and of ancient irrigation channels. Here follow the signs for the hydroelectric station (centro hidroelectrica). Keep to the right of the impressive arc/bridge aqueduct and drop down to cross a small footbridge over the stream.
Continue on towards the reservoir. At a fork keep left to get to the old hydroelectric station. The impressive dam is straight ahead. Ascend the steps to the right. Enjoy the view from the top then take the pontoon walk across the reservoir, then onto the riverbank. It’s 5.5km to the reservoir.