FACT FILE:

Difficulty: Moderate

Type of route: Circular. Road, track and footpath. Hikers only.

Length: 6.5 km

Approx. Duration ( outgoing) : 3.5 hrs on foot.

Diff. in elevation: 315 m

Recommendations: Water, hiker´s boots, hat or cap, camera.

Safety tips: Watch out for vehicles on roads and tracks.

Staring from ALCOSSEBRE itself, or from the estate URBANIZACION MONTEMAR, walk west along the road. After about 15 minutes you cross over a roundabout, and just before you go under the railway bridge, turn right onto a footpath that's goes up the slope. This is the way.

Following this path that's runs parallel to the railway line, in about 20 minutes you come to the old WAY STACION ( point 1), where the trains of course no longer stop. About  500 metres on, there is a mobile phone antenna, and 50 metres further a footpath through the orchards branches off. Continue along this path until you reach a large irrigation pool, and leave it to yours right to follow the winding path upwards that often traverses the rocky stream beds to make its way through the large limestone debris on the mountain slope. There is a permeating aroma of herbs and shrubbery, lots of green dwarf palms and kermes oak trees providing some degree of shade. This is the lie of the land as your approach the CHAPEL OF SANTA LUCIA AND SAN BENET. Just before you arrive there is a LITTLE CHAPEL OF SANT BENET.

Your arrival at the CHAPEL affords you a new view of the sea, cut out puzzle-wise between the rocky mountains, creating a picturesque contrast between the solid browns and liquid blues. As your face the door of the CHAPEL, to the left you can see a footpath that leads off from the side lane to start the descent towards ALCOSSEBRE. The downhill journey is short, only about 20 minutes, and although it is quite steep and a little complicated at the beginning, it soon turns into a comfortable walk with the CHAPEL standing guard at your back all the way.

The footpath finally arrives at the URBANIZACION MONTEMAR once again, and following the street you reach the road again. Turn left and walk along the first wide street to the right and you come back to your starting point.

HIKER´S RULES:

Do not light fires.

Bikes and motorised vehicles are not allowed on footpaths.

On tracks and oads where traffic is allowed, always walk on your left - hand side. If using a vehicle, always keep to the speed limit ( 20 kmh on track).

Do not leave behind or bury rubbish. Take it back with you.

Do not harm the route, the flora and fauna or the scenery.

If you take a dog, you should have it under control at all times.

No free camping is allowed.

Do not drink water from pools, dams, wells, ect.

Do not leave the market trail.

Always tell someone where you intend to go.