La Vall de Laguar
Suitable clothing. Please wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear if you wish to go out walking on any of the routes described below. Those of you who enjoy rock climbing should take all necessary equipment along with you, as this area is an ideal spot for this activity.
THE MARINA ALTA VALLEYS
From Dénia head towards the town of Ondara and in the town centre, round a bend in the road, you will see a signpost for "Benidoleig". Take this road straight to Benidoleig and the Calaveras Caves. These caves are easily accessible and are filled with stalagmites and stalagtites. Buy your ticket to go in at the ticket office at the entrance to the caves.
After visiting the Calaveras Caves, make your way towards Orba, a town well known for its local earthenware and ceramics
Visit the Moorish ceramic ovens on the left hand side of the Benidoleig-Orba road.
ORBA
The town of Orba is divided into two historic centres, Orba itself and Orbeta. In Orbeta you will find various Arabic remains including the Font de Dalt and the Font de Baix.
From Orba to the Vall de Laguar . Visit Fontilles-Presa Pantano d'Isbert Gorge. From Orba follow the main road towards La Vall de Laguar: after negotiating a 180 degree bend around the gorge about 2.5 kms out of the town, take the access road on the left leading to the Barranco de Fontilles Rest Area, situated at the foot of the Castellet de Orba. Here you will find the remains of a semi-ruined tower and of the famous Cavall Verd, the Green Horse, last bastion of the Moorish uprising in the Marina region. Also located here is the Sanatorio Residencia de Fontilles and the Font de Fontilles – inside the Sanatorium, beside the church, the peaceful atmosphere fills the air. After a short stroll, pay a visit to the Presa del Pantano d'Isbert just half a kilometre away, on the same road. The beauty of the landscape here is truly spectacular.
To Campell -Fleix- Barranc de l'Infern – Benimaurell. On your trip today around the Vall de Laguar you will see numerous churches all dating from the 18th century, and a large number of natural springs all across the valley.
The first village we come to in the Vall de Laguar is Campell.
CAMPELL
You will find the Church of Santa Ana (XVIII century) situated in Plaza de Sta. Ana, at the entrance to Campell, on the left hand side.
Hiking. For those who enjoy hiking, there are a variety of footpaths and cycle paths on the outskirts of Orba, and for photographers the countryside is picturesque at every turn. One of the hiking paths leads to the ruins of "El Castellet", dating from the 13th century. The time needed to complete this route is between two and three hours on foot or cycling. Another interesting route leads to the Fuente Centella, also accessible on foot or by bike.
On the Campell-Fleix road. On your left you will find a B-road signposted for the Font de Campell, for the Ermita de San José (XVIII century) and for the Font de Gel.
FLEIX
Have a look at the churches of Santa Teresa and San Pascual (XVIII century) both situated in San Pascual street.
The countryside around the Barranc de l'Infern (Hell´s Gorge) is impressive indeed, and also known hereabouts as "the hiker´s cathedral". The landscape is simply spectacular following the steep zig-zag trail of an ancient cobbled track with 6873 steps, passing on the way ruined washing fountains and wells, such as the "lavadero y font grossa" until you reach the Font del Reinós and la Font dels Olbis –a welcome rest area! This rest area known as "Les Juvees" is in itself of great interest: small farmsteads adorn the countryside and the beauty of this northern side of the valley is exceptional. This is a circular route, so now you will find yourself back in Fleix again.
The Barranc de l'Infern is a popular destination for rock climbers. Map ref. PR V-147.
Another strenuous hiking route (25 kms in length taking 11 hours to cover the distance) is the footpath marked PR V-181. The start of PR-V 147 joins up with PR V-181.
Hiking in the "Barranc de l'Infern".
Route recommended for experienced hikers only.
It must be pointed out that the Barranc de l'infern is classified as a high difficulty hiking route; it is therefore recommended that only very experienced hikers should attempt this walk, and then only in fine weather conditions (it is prohibited to hike there on rainy days).
Access to Route PR-V-147. From Fleix take the road to Benimaurell and you will then come directly to Fleix College, where a short footpath map ref. PR- V147 begins; this footpath will take you to the Barranco and to the Rest Area of the "juvees altes i mitjes". Park your car near the College and start your walk from there.
The route covers a distance of 14.4 km and takes 6h. 45 min. to complete.
To Benimaurell. From Fleix continue by car towards Benimaurell. Along the way you will see the Font del Camusot.
BENIMAURELL
You can visit the churches of Saints Cosme and Damián (in Plaza Sacramento) to add to the 18th century churches you have already seen. In Benimaurell you will also find the Font dels Olbis.
The communal outdoor laundries in these three villages (Campell, Fleix and Benimaurell) are well worth a look, as are the typical traditional friendly village streets.
Hiking. There are a variety of hiking routes in this valley through the Sierra Cavall Verd and Sierra Collao mountain ranges. Your efforts will be rewarded with astonishing mountain views, and you will also be able to visit another beautiful natural spring in the Cavall Verd sierras, called La Font del Penyó.
