19 Apr 2010 - The Green Horse

Cavell Verde (The Green Horse) is our favourite walk, and today we were blessed with ideal walking weather. We also had a larger group than expected with Pauline joining us after a break of many months. Ann also brought her son Tim, who was unable to return to UK due to the cancellation of all flights resulting from the volcano in Iceland. Finally Peter and Anne are here for a couple of weeks and joined us for the walk.

The walk starts from Benimaurell, and it is a climb right from the start. However there are wonderful views of the coast so there is always a good excuse to stop for a short break.

We are aiming for the ridge just this side of the twin peaks. There is a good mosarabic trail all of the way up. It was not as wet as last week when we did the recce.

There are a couple of places where a helping hand is appreciated, and there is always someone on hand to help. David helps Pauline at one such place.

We soon reach the top, where there is an excellent area to sit and admire the views. From here there are views of the Jalon and Orba valley plus the road to Castells, which is still closed for “improvement” after more than a year.

Ann, Tim, Jan and David enjoy the views

After a short break we start on the ridge walk. There no obvious path, though a route has been marked with white and yellow paint. This is a well walked route, and even when the signs are missing there are plenty of cairns to follow.

There is a suitable area, with good views, for a banana break before we start the descent

Most of the path down is level with good views, however the first section is steep with a poor path and some care is required.

On this part of the walk the views are towards the village of Castells and the mountains beyond.

One of the advantages of this walk is this picnic site. It belongs to a rural restaurant which is always closed on a Monday. It’s nice to have somewhere to sit and a proper table to eat our sandwiches.

The walk back to Benimaurell is along a gentle hillside path with this view of the village and the coast beyond.

There are a couple of bars in the village so there is always somewhere to have an after walk drink. Even on a fine day like this we were the only ones sitting outside, the Spanish were all inside the smoke filled bar, shouting at each other over the loud TV which no one was watching.


Nice to have Ann back with the group, with her usual large brandy to supplement her hot chocolate.

Next Week

Another old favourite, Orba Castle. We will meet at 10am at the “chicken shacks” on the right as the Alcalali road enters Parcent. Anyone not sure where to meet, or want more details of the walk, give me a ring.