More on the Maestrat – final part
IN recent weeks we’ve been looking at walks from the town of Villafranca del Cid in the heart of the Maestrat area – in the rugged interior of Castellón province.
As has been pointed out in previous editions, Villafranca is not an obvious hotbed of tourism – and in parts it isn’t particularly easy on the eye.
However, it does grow on visitors as they discover the more aesthetically pleasing parts of the town – not to forget the main reason for the visit, which is walking. Over the previous three weeks we have outlined several routes from Villafranca. And there are more. The walkboards close to the entrance to the town, arriving from Ares de Maestrat show a range of different options. They can be found on Calle Portell close to the junction with the CV-15 (not far from the Cepsa petrol station).
One of the routes set out on the walk boards was previewed last week – the GR-331 long-distance footpath. Another starting from this location is the PRCV-402, which is a 10km route one way to La Pobla de Bellestar near the border with Aragón region.
The PRCV-1 is another option – as mentioned a couple of weeks ago for the walk to the ‘Picaio’ summit. However, this path to Culla loses its way after around 6km and becomes impossible for the uninitiated to follow. But there is a good short walk (2.5km one way) to be had out of the back of the town, heading to meet the PRCV-1. Find the Plaza Don Blasco in the centre of Villafranca, which lies off the CV-15 road (it is also called the Placa d’En Blasc). Facing away from the CV-15, head along the left-hand side of the square to follow Carrer Sant Miguel, which turns into Carrer Cid as it passes the Torre de Conjurar – the tower attached to the back of the Santa María Magdalena church. The same street turns into Carrer Maset. Keep left on this street to leave the town, going downhill to a signpost (pictured below). This is the start the PRCV-1. It is also a picnic area. Here turn off right on the SLCV-18.4 footpath. It’s less than 1km to the caves – Les Coves del Forcall, which are set in the ravine of the same name. The impressive limestone landscape has led to the formation of 16 caves and weird and wonderful rock formations. Return by the same path.
Another route which deserves a second mention is the GR-7 long-distance footpath which passes through the village of Ares de Maestrat. Visitors from Alicante province have to pass through Ares on the CV-15 road to get to Villafranca. The footpath sets out from the Col de Ares pass, off the CV-15 where there is parking and a bar/restaurant.
The path heads up the hugely impressive limestone escarpment (pictured above) and over to Benasal. It takes around an hour to saunter up the gradual incline to enjoy the wonderful views from the top over the surrounding area. The GR-7 skirts the side of the flat top of escarpment, then starts the descent towards Benasal. This section is also very enjoyable – over grassy, stone-walled country, then into woods and past some impressive rock formations. Be aware that the turn off for the woods after passing the inhabited farm on the other side is partially hidden. It comes soon after the signs that are on the ground (see photo) – descending on the surfaced track, the turn off is on the right onto a path. There is no sign to help here. Red white waymarks start soon afterwards. The path soon heads into the woods. The walker will have to return on the same path – so will face the not-unpleasant conundrum of when to turn around and retrace the steps already made.
Where to stay
Villafranca has one hotel – Hotel Los Arcos – which is adequately comfortable and serves reasonable food (hotellosarcos.es) Other options are available via booking.com
More information at the website, turismevilafranca.es
How to get there
Take the AP-7 motorway out of Alicante province, passing Valencia. Just after Sagunto the highway forks. Head onto the A-7 (not the AP-7). The A-7 then morphs into the CV-10. Turn off the CV-10 at Puebla Tormesa onto the CV-15. Continue on towards Ares de Maestrat, keeping on the CV-15 for Villafranca