9 March 2026 – Jalon to Alcalali

  20 on todays walk

This included Robert, a new member

The past week has been particularly wet and miserable

So we were relieved to have a forecast of cloudy/sunny

There was also a 20% chance of rain after 2pm

But we would have finished the walk by then

In fact it was sunny when we met in Jalon

It was also quite cold with everyone had jackets or jumpers

 
We soon warmed up due to the slight incline on the first part of this walk

Bu the time we had our first water stop top layer of clothing was being removed

This is a particularly nice walk on a sunny day, with the woods looking at their best

I had expected some mud walking through the woods, but the track was quite firm

Once more we had our banana break at the Ermita

We sat at the picnic tables, but most need their jackets as it was chilly when not walking

I also noticed that the dark clouds were gathering

I feared that the rain forecast for 2pm might arrive early

But the sky cleared again as we started the return journey

We are always ready to take a break at the slightest excuse

And particularly for any friendly animal we might encounter

These three beauties are particularly popular

And they seem as happy to see us as we are to see them

The walk discipline is always very good

And we always walk at the pace of the slowest

But as we near the end of the walk, and the bar, the pace often increases

Today was no exception

Lovely walk and very pleasant after walk drink in Casa Claudia

Temperature – 8 to 15c

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 9km

2 March 2026 – Parcent to Alcalali

 

  21 on todays walk

This included two visitors, Robin and Allison

There should have been two more, but Peter and Julie got lost coming from Denia

After a long sunny spell it looks like winter has returned

Rain is forecast for the whole week

And the temperature dropped from 22c last week to 13c this week

But it did not rain, at least today

It was very overcast, which does not make for good photographs

Quite cold when we met at Parcent car park

But after an hour walking many had removed a layer of clothing

Only to put it back on when we stopped for our banana break

Despite the weather it was a very enjoyable walk

This was mostly due to the company

But also because it is better to be out walking than at home looking out the window

We had more minor injuries than usual today, including my tendon injury

So the pace was a little slower than usual

It was a little too cold to sit outside for our after walk drink

Fortunately there is lots of indoor space at the Parcent Cooperativa

And they seemed quite happy to have our loud group taking up so many tables

Lovely walk, but hoping for a little sunshine next week

Temperature – 11 to 13c

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 9km

23 February 2026 – Alcalali to Parcent

22 on todays walk

This included Tina, who has just returned from her Far East adventure

Because the group was so large we asked if it was ok to use Bar Toni after the walk

I was surprised that he did not want such a large group to use his bar

Just as well we asked before the walk

This was the first sunny walk since Christmas

Ideal walking weather, warm enough to sit but cool enough to walk

We don’t usually do this walk after heavy rain

I hoped that the four weeks since the last rain would be enough

However I was a little concerned that the river was very high at the first crossing point

I quite expected that we would have to use the alternative route along the road and over the bridge

However before we reached the river we had to cross the bee hive field

Some of the newer members were a little concerned

But I assured them that all would be well if they kept quiet

They were – and it was

The river was higher than usual, but was fordable with walking boots

The braver ones used the rocks, assisted by Pierre

I suspect a few of the less daring had damp socks, but no one complained

I think the hill was more of a challenge to some

But all arrived at the font (public wash house) without any problem

On such a warm day more choose the shaded seating than the sunny ones

All were pleased to have a 15 minute “banana break”

By now it was pretty hot, and the last stage is without shade

This is the part of the walk when the pace tends to increase

Everyone knows the route, and the faster walkers tend to pull ahead

So I insist of a last water stop at the Ermita to allow everyone to catch up

I let them all go at their own pace for the remainder of the walk

We decided to use bar Nonombre for our after walk drink

They are always pleased to see us

And it is a very pleasant place to end a very enjoyable walk

Temperature – 17 to 22c

Time taken – 3.5 hours

Distance – 9km