FACT FILE:

Difficulty: Strenuous

Type of route: Linear. Footpath. Hikers only.

Length: 12 km

Approx. Duration (outgoing): 3 hrs 35 min

Diff. in elevation: 550 m

Recommendations: Water, food, hiker's boots, hat or cap, camera, vehicle on the other side.

Safety tips: unsuitable if rain is likely due to frequent ravine and gully crossings. Particular care should be taken when descending Campanilles towards Fuente de la Parra.

This route starts from Point 2 on the Main Route, heading E-SE initially through croplands on the right and almonds orchards on the left. Almost at once you come to the CARRERA RAVINE, running parallel to the left of the footpath. The climb is quite easy and pleasant, during which you can enjoy as much silence as the breeze allows, and all the fanciful forms of sculpted pine branches that seem to beckon as you pass. The mountain on the left of the ravine also bears frequent signs of wind sculpture, with eroded rocks and stony sections all along its slopes.

As you climb higher, the footpath starts drawing away from the ravine, becoming quite sinuous to fool you into thinking the ascent is easier than it really is, amid the aroma of rosemary and other shrubs all mixed with sea breeze. The rocks start to change too, from rounded and softer to more rugged and jagged. Once you reach the LAGAR PLATEAU, there is a signpost showing the way to CAMPANILLES, left, and the CHAPEL OF SANTA LUCIA AND SAN BENET, right. For this route, turn left to CAMPANILLES, and almost immediately the footpath turns into a track. At first you walk upwards all the time, through the pine trees, to the crest of the mountain, then along this with the sea to your right and the XIVERT CASTLE always in sight to your left.

The last stretch is quite difficult and takes you to the top of CAMPANILLES, at 572 metres above sea level, the highest point in the SIERRA DE IRTA. This can take as much as an hour. The descent through the ravine called FONT DE LA PARRA presents two sections that are quite different in terms of difficulty: the first part is tough and very complicated, with a steep drop and lots of loose stones, leading down from CAMPANILLES to the ravine. Once you have found the ravine, you can continue along a footpath or climb down the ravine itself, amongst shrubbery and vines, young pines on both sides and, of course, dwarf palms, which are abundant here, and have been used down through the ages for all kinds of things - like making baskets, brooms, and even as food at times. When the ravine meets with the track again, you should leave the gully and follow the track, as further down it is almost impossible to get through. You now come to the fountain known as FONT DE LA PARRA, which offers no drinking water.

From here on the track is quite different. It slopes down gently through easy terrain and you finish your descent alongside the same ravine, now converted into a footpath, and carefully tended, with taller vegetation, far from the brusque winds of the mountain peaks. You finish by coming to the RIBAMAR road, which forks right and takes you to the LIGHTHOUSE.

HIKER´S RULES:

Do not light fires.

Bikes and motorised vehicles are not allowed on footpaths.

On tracks and roads where traffic is allowed, always walk on your left - hand side. If using a vehicle, always keep to the speed limit (20 km/h 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, etc.

Do not leave the market trail.

Always tell someone where you intend to go.