5 Jan 2011 - Denia to Javea

 We have not done this walk for a long time, as it is not very popular with our Monday walking group.   Not sure why, because it includes a level walk along the coast, climb uphill to a tower and then across another level area of gorse to the windmills overlooking Javea.  Lots of variety, and lovely sea and mountain views.

 The walk starts at Denia yacht club and follows the coast for 2-3 miles, with views of the tower all the way

 There is then a steep road climb up to the tower, the only climb on this walk but quite a stiff one

 But the view at the top is well worth the climb

 After a short rest we set off across the bracken covered area which always reminds us of walking in Scotland.

 We soon pass this abandoned urbanization.   The building was stopped because there was no planning permission.  That was about 15 years ago, and the half finished buildings have been an eye sore ever since.  There are even piles of cement bags which have broken open and set hard.   When I see it I always think of the lost dreams of prospective buyers who lost their deposit and their chance of life in the sun.

After a pleasant walk we reach the deserted windmills overlooking Javea

 This is the first view we ever had of Javea, and it remains my favourite.   A lovely place to sit and have our picnic lunch in the warm mid day sun.

We then retrace our steps back to the tower…..

…..and along the coast back towards Denia

 There are a number of café’s along this stretch of coast, but we usually stop at this one.  It is the nearest to Denia, and slightly more than half way back to the yacht club and our car.

 It’s not the cheapest cup of coffee on the coast, but it was well worth it to have the opportunity to rest our weary legs…..

…..and to enjoy the sea views.

Lovely day for a lovely walk.   It was also nice to walk on our own for a change.   We must not leave it so long before we repeat this walk again.

1 Jan 2011 - Rothbury

With just two days left of our holiday in Rothbury, we were desperate to get out for a walk.   When we arrived on Christmas Eve the snow was thick, and the temperatures well below freezing.   But for the last two days the temperatures had risen, and we were hopeful that the hills above Rothbury would be walkable.  

But once out of the village we found that the paths leading uphill were hidden by deep snow.   We knew the route well, so we found our way to the top.   The strong winds had blown the loose snow away, leaving a thick layer of hard ice on the paths.

 In the woods we found that the heavy snow in December had brought down a lot of branches, making frequent detours off the path into the deep snow necessary

 Once clear of the woods and onto the open moorland at the top of Craigside there was not much snow.   The paths were covered in hard ice, but we could walk on the heather either side of the path

It was much too cold to sit for long, but we were tired after our climb.   We only had a couple of sandwiches, we had left our flasks in Spain and we really missed a hot drink

 We had planned to do an eight mile walk, but the cold and difficult terrain made us abandon the walk after three miles.

 The paths were even more dangerous going downhill, and we had to take it slowly.   We had left old walking boots in Rothbury to use in the summer, and they were no longer water proof.   Our feet were soon soaked, which added to the general misery of the walk.

Not one of our most enjoyable walks, and we arrived home cold and wet.   But it did get us out of the house for three hours, and it certainly made us appreciate our walks in Spain.