Lloma Larga from Lliber, Jalon Valley
By the time we arrived at our accommodation in the Jalon Valley, Costa Blanca after a very long and tiring drive from the Lake District it was dark so it wasn't until the next morning that we were treated to the beautiful vista of the Jalon Valley from our villa. There were mountains as far as the eye could see including the delightful Lloma Larga ridge and it's highest peak the Silla de Cao, directly opposite. From my first sighting of this lofty mountain ridge I realised we had to discover a way up it. With the binoculars I could see that there was a path leading along the ridge over several minor tops to the main summit of Silla de Cao. I managed to buy a walking map of the area at a local garage, which with the exception of the start, it included the Lloma Larga.
Finding the start was not straight forward and we drove up several wrong roads even ending up in someone’s private driveway, but finally found the start of the track which led up towards the ridge. Once at the ridge the track became a narrow mountain path which was good at times and occasionally indistinct but never for long. We enjoyed beautiful limestone flora, and lots of rosemary, thyme and Cistus (Rock Rose) – typical flora of Mediterranean mountains. I was glad to have long trousers on as some of the plants are very tough and spiky. We had excellent views of the coast from Montgo, all the way along to the Peñon, the huge rock that juts out into the sea at Calpe. We also could see much of the beautiful Jalon Valley with it's vineyards, almond groves, pretty villages and small towns all surrounded by the many rocky ridges and mountains.
Finding the start was not straight forward and we drove up several wrong roads even ending up in someone’s private driveway, but finally found the start of the track which led up towards the ridge. Once at the ridge the track became a narrow mountain path which was good at times and occasionally indistinct but never for long. We enjoyed beautiful limestone flora, and lots of rosemary, thyme and Cistus (Rock Rose) – typical flora of Mediterranean mountains. I was glad to have long trousers on as some of the plants are very tough and spiky. We had excellent views of the coast from Montgo, all the way along to the Peñon, the huge rock that juts out into the sea at Calpe. We also could see much of the beautiful Jalon Valley with it's vineyards, almond groves, pretty villages and small towns all surrounded by the many rocky ridges and mountains.
Mark and Don on summit of Silla de Cao with views to the Bernia Ridge
We were on the summit within two hours of leaving the car and sat to have lunch beside the Institutio Geografico triangulation point. From here we had fantastic views of the long serrated Bernia ridge over which we had enjoyed scrambles in previous years. Below us there was a terraced area leading to a barranc going in the direction of the Jalon Valley. The map showed a path following this barranc and we wondered whether to try to make our way down to it and make the walk circular but realised it would have meant a fair bit of walking on the road at the end of the route, so we decided to leave it for another time and sort out an alternative parking spot.
Instead we returned the way we had come with the only thing putting a slight blot on the views being the coastal motorway far below. Away in the distance with the help of binoculars, we could make out the villa we were staying in, sitting on its little hillside and I felt pleased that we had found the route up this lovely mountain that we could see every day.
If you are ever out in the area and attempt this walk, an alternative linear walk can be made (two cards needed) by continuing along to the Col taking in the Tosal de Navarro (683m) en route and finishing at Pinos below the Bernia ridge where there are welcome refreshments available at the Pinos Restaurant.
Instead we returned the way we had come with the only thing putting a slight blot on the views being the coastal motorway far below. Away in the distance with the help of binoculars, we could make out the villa we were staying in, sitting on its little hillside and I felt pleased that we had found the route up this lovely mountain that we could see every day.
If you are ever out in the area and attempt this walk, an alternative linear walk can be made (two cards needed) by continuing along to the Col taking in the Tosal de Navarro (683m) en route and finishing at Pinos below the Bernia ridge where there are welcome refreshments available at the Pinos Restaurant.
Thanks to Mark and Don for a great day out, hopefully one of many more to come!
Kate
Summit views from the Peñon right around to the Bernia Ridge