Taking the ‘Alquibla’
BIGASTRO town hall has just signposted a new walk which they have called the ‘Alquibla’. The full route takes in a large swathe of the municipality and measures some nine kilometres.
It is divided into three parts and the section outlined here takes in La Pedrera nature area. This ‘third’ covers around 3km (as might be expected!) on a wide track, with a height gain of just under 100 metres. The route ascends to some of the highest spots in the municipality and several purpose-built vantage points offer expansive views over the Vega Baja to the mountains of Orihuela and Callsoa. It is a pleasant stroll which most walkers will be able to complete in around an hour, with several stops to gaze over the surrounding countryside. The route is well signposted and information boards show your progress on the trail.
To get to the start point, drive into Bigastro on the CV920 from Jacarilla. On the edge of the town notice a sign on the left for ‘zona recreativa y ocio La Pedrera’.
Follow the signs as far as this nature area – which is advertised with a large sign (on the left). There is no parking here so turn round and drive back down the road for around 100 metres and take a left into Calle Cañada de Andrea to leave the car (this is the finish point of the walk).
The Walk
Walk back up to La Pedera nature area, entering at the large sign. The wide track heads up the hill as far a signpost. The route bears right but it is worth keeping straight on for a few metres to then bear left into the ‘mirador’ (vantage point) area. It is still under construction but offers panoramic views over the Vega Baja. Back at the signpost, head for the ‘aula de la naturaleza’.
It’s a gradual ascent up the track as far as another sign. Our route goes straight on but it’s worth bearing right to get to another vantage point with spectacular views over the mountains of Orihuela and Callosa.
Back on the track, continue to ascend. At the top of the rise there is a fantastic view over the Vega Baja farmland and a great angle on the Sierra de Orihuela.
Descend on the wide track. At the bottom ignore a turn off to the right. The track continues to descend, following the fence.
The track turns into a surfaced road. Almost at the bottom, 20 metres short of a dogleg right-turn, bear right onto Calle Escocia.
At the end of this street bear left onto Calle Cañada de Andrea where (with a bit of luck) your car will be patiently waiting.