In full bloom
This spectacular photo by Ángel García was taken at Guadalest.
Now is an ideal time to head inland, especially to Jalón and Parcent to witness firsthand the almond trees in full bloom, where the display ranges from pure white to a very deep pink.
THE CURRENT restrictions we are all experiencing can have real consequences on mental health and it has been well documented that exercise, or even a walk among nature, can help combat stress, release tension and lift your mood.
Many choose to take a daily stroll along the promenade, whether that be Benidorm, Albir, Altea or further up along the coast in Calpe or Jávea.
The soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore blocks out all other sounds, calms your nerves and can
help reju venate your soul. However, far from being a tranquil stroll, it sometimes appears that half the population have had the very same idea and you almost end up performing a quickstep trying to dodge each other. This is particularly true at the weekends. As an alternative why not head inland, especially at this time of the year when the almond blossom turns the valleys into a spectacular display of pink and white candyfloss as far as the eye can see.
It is a truly breathtaking view as my dear friend Jo can attest to, living amongst this visual Garden of Eden. She regularly posts the most spectacular pictures of her daily walks, ones that could quite easily sell for a fortune at a gallery in London and I am fortunate to feature here for you all to enjoy free of charge – well except for the cost of the newspaper obviously, but I am sure she would be delighted to take a commission if you fancy one!
The best locations to see the blossom are between Jalón and Parcent and as the Saturday rastro is postponed at the moment, you won’t have any problems parking opposite the bodegas.
Do please wear sensible walking shoes or trainers and most definitely take a camera or fully charged mobile. To be honest, my iPhone 11 actually takes better and higher resolution pictures than my Canon camera. The only advantage over the phone is that it does have a terrific zoom lens, but the weight, suspended from around the neck after some time is very wearing.
Follow the riverbed under the bridge towards Alcalalí – probably the best place for photographs and from there, head towards Parcent.
Head inland on paths towards the Coll de Rates, which is one of the most popular cycling climbs in all of Spain. A couple of weekends ago the first race of the European cycling calendar headed along this route. You will get the most spectacular view of Parcent church nestling amongst the blossoms.
Under normal circumstances, it would be great to head into Alcalalí, where you could stop off at one of the many bars or restaurants for a drink or better still, lunch.
It’s amazing how the fresh country air whips up an appetite. So either pack a sandwich or snack, along with a bottle of water (or perhaps something a little stronger), sit down and soak in the incredible views whilst munching away.
The positively gale-like winds we had recently fortunately didn’t blow the blossom away, as has happened in previous years, so whilst it is still there, it’s worth a visit. You will return energised and glowing.
Having lived in London– a hive of activity, I would often wonder what attracted people to choose the countryside over fast-paced city life.
Moving to Spain I feel I have the best of both worlds now - close enough to be in the centre of Benidorm within 15 minutes, yet go the other way and in less than half an hour it can feel like I am in the middle of utopia.