In the footsteps of the pilgrims
After an unexpected break, Cycle Clips returns with the second and final instalment of the route following the southeast section of the Camino de Santiago route, which incorporates sections of the Vía Augusta from Villena to Elche.
The route has been provided by our collaborator, Cicloturismo Valencia - a local development project that aims to promote the region of Valencia, in particular Alicante province, as a quality cycle tourism destination.
As with all of their routes, they advise that they are indicative and should be undertaken in conjunction with the relative maps.
Normally there is a wikiloc map to accompany the ride, but with this route there is not one available, meaning it will be necessary to follow the yellow route described on the map at the bottom of the webpage https://valenciacicloturismo.wordpress.com/zona-devillena/ruta-del-vino-de-alicante-en-bici/
They also state that cyclists must comply with current regulations regarding helmets and the relevant road markings and signposts along the route.
Likewise, Funbici.org does not assume any liability due to incidents that may occur during the bike ride.
Route description continued The next town on the route is Sax with its imposing castle. The most important industryin the municipality is curtains making, although almost 50% of its surface area is dedicated to cultivating vines, almonds and vineyards.
The town has an important architectural heritage and a visit to the castle and the Asunción church is recommend by a collaborators.
After visiting the town the cyclist will discover the remains of a flour factory and its mill, which used to exploit the flow of the Vinalopó river to power its machinery.
The complex was then used as a luxury hotel until it was closed down in recent years.
The route continues along the track running parallel to the river.
The section from Sax to Elda/Petrer is possibly the most complicated of the route.
Firstly because it follows paths, initially in good condition but becoming stony later, and at some points it runs close to a train line.
Although there is a border between the track and path it is necessary to cycle with care.
It is also this stretch that can become muddy if it has been raining, although there are signs along the route containing information how to avoid this section.
Despite the above, the route is still pretty, without traffic, except other cyclists and the arid Mediterranean climate.
Additionally, the path brings the cycle tourist closer to two points of high historical interest: the first being El Poblet finca, which was the last headquarters of the Republic during the Civil War, and El Monastil, an archaeological site of enormous interest, because it has been identified as being the first Byzantine monastery on the Iberian Peninsula.
In order to get to Elda it is necessary to travel on the CV835. The road has some traffic but is not dangerous.
Once in Elda, a short diversion leads the cycle tourist to Petrer, with its elevated castle providing the cyclist with a warm welcome. The building was constructed during the Islamic era, is in a good state of repair and Cicloturismo Valencia recommend a visit.
Visitors can also view the cave houses, which are linked to the Dámaso Navarro museum of archaeology and ethnology.
“Without doubt, a very interesting environment for cyclists who want to know more about the history of this Medio Vinalopó town” says our collaborator.
They also encourage cycle tourists to ‘take a ride through Elda, in order to learn a little more about the municipality with a shoe making and leather tradition’.
To do this, travel along the ‘well paved roads’ and the ‘scattered houses’ before joining up with the Vinalopó river once again. The route continues running parallel with the river. The path, arid and desert-like, contrasts with the greenery of the river, which, at times, makes the cyclist forget that they are in one of the most eroded and dry parts of Alicante province.
It is important to take into account that this section of the route uses un-asphalted paths and tracks, where, at time, it will be necessary to dismount. If it has been raining the stretch will also be muddy.
“However, we insist that with patience and philosophy, you will greatly enjoy the company of Vinalopó, which at times becomes faster flowing. In addition, let us not forget that we are in the middle of the Camino de Santiago, signs of which you will encounter on the journey” say Cicloturismo Valencia
To the right, at height, it is possible to see the area’s ‘most beautiful’ modern religious monument – the Magdalena sanctuary, designed by the Novelda native José Sala and inspired by the work of Antonio Gaudí.
Little by little the route takes the cyclist closer to Novelda, but before that a visit to the spectacular Finca Cesilia bodegas is recommended, with its perfectly cultivated vineyards that bring the cycle tourist closer to the oenological traditions of this Alicante town.
The route finally enters the town of Novelda, whose rich architecture will ‘surprise’ the visitor. It is a municipality of ‘modernist buildings combined with a rich religious heritage’.
Our collaborators recommend dedicating some time to discovering the town, which is linked to the marble and saffron industries and grape production.
Leaving Novelda behind the route passes through an enjoyable number of kilometres surrounded by hectares of land dedicated to the cultivation od table grapes.
A little after, the cyclist has to make a diversion to the left on an apparently blocked path, but which is accessible to bicycles.
After crossing the River Vinalopó with care using the granite blocks, the path enters the Sierra de Elche. A place with little vegetation, but of a large amount of interest due to Elche reservoir and spectacular geological formations caused by erosion. A few kilometres later the cycle tourists will enjoy a ‘marvellous descent, on perfectly asphalted paths.
“What can we say about Elche reservoir! Declared as being of cultural interest, the reservoir’s main function is to collect water from the River Vinalopó and use it for irrigating the area en the south of Valencia.
It is an architectural jewel of great beauty and uniqueness that invites cycle tourists to relax around the dam” say Cicloturismo Valencia.
After the dam path enters Elche and the end of the route.
Elche is a city with an ethnological and historic heritage and an impressive landscape, although it would take two days to enjoy all that the city has to offer, the rambla, the palm grove (palmeral) and its historic centre are a must.
“We hope that you will enjoy doing this route, possibly, the richest in terms of local heritage that we have described so far” notes our collaborators.
Have a good journey.