This is a simple trail, although of a certain distance that can be started either from La Colina de Charly, to which we would have to add 8 kilometres, round trip, and almost 1 hour and 45 minutes. You can also choose to drive to the dam, where there is a parking area, and do the whole trail.
This is a circular trail in which we will discover the villages of the Guadalest valley and its natural environment from another perspective, admiring the spectacular mountains that surround us: Aitana, Xortà and Serrella. We will pass through fields of traditional crops of almond, olive, carob and pine trees.
As additional information we tell you that the reservoir collects mainly the waters of the Guadalest river and the ravines of the valley.
Guidepost 1: Church of San Vicente Mártir: If we start the trail from La Colina de Charly, we must reach the church of San Vicente Mártir (18th century) (coordinates 38.676865, -0.210041).
From the church of Benimantell go down Calle La Creueta to the end and continue straight on along the concrete path. Leave the school on your right. A few metres further on you will pass a fountain, the “Font de Baix”, where women used to go with pitchers to fetch water.
Circular trail along the Guadalest reservoir
We will always follow the main path, with the cemetery on the right.
Pay attention when the concrete road ends and do not go straight ahead but continue on the dirt road on the left with very sharp bends. In the background you can see “La Penya el Castellet”, a rocky outcrop with the ruins of a small Muslim castle on the top.
Guidepost 2 Reservoir: We will get to a wider and well maintained path that borders the reservoir. We will go to the right until we reach the dam.
Those who choose to drive to the dam will start the trail here.
Guidepost 3 Dam: The dam began to be built in 1953 and took more than 19 years to be completed in 1971. The dam is 77 m. high and has a capacity of 16 hm3.
We pass over the dam and continue along the asphalted country road on the left.
Guidepost 4 Barranco del Sitjar: At this point the paths fork. There is a signpost for the PRV-18 to the top of “Xortà”.
Continue to the left.
Guidepost 5 Guadalest river bridge: After crossing it, we will go up a steep slope towards Beniardà, perhaps the point that requires the most effort of the whole trail, passing in front of a fountain.
Guidepost 6 The outskirts of Beniardà: Before entering Beniardà we turn off to the left onto a small asphalted road with a very steep descent until we reach almost the level of the reservoir. If you reach Beniardà, turn back because you have left the reservoir path.
Continue along the dirt track and cross the “barraco del Muladar”, which carries water during the rainy season and can be difficult to cross.
We continue until we join the path back to Benimantell, for those who have arrived on foot, continuing to the dam, for those who have decided to leave the car at the dam.
We leave you the Wikiloc trail, from Benimantell.
Now, enjoy a well-deserved lunch, at home or in one of the bars and restaurants in the area.
