When I’m 64 – Montant to Xerica

The hotel was ok. My first hotel was ok. The food was ok. I slept ok. 

I’ve decided to aim for Xerica today to try to get back to Alicante a day early just to be sure with Easter services on road and rail. In January the snow started up on the hills above there and I got a lift at Sacanyet to Bejis, where I got stuck. So to complete the 800 mile route from Tarifa to Reus I’ll need to walk at some stage the twelve miles from Sacanyet down to Xerica. I think I’ll do that next year, when I’m 64 – boom boom. I’ve got harsh sores and a blister on my feet from yesterday’s road walking and from the pebble footpaths and I don’t think I could do that extra 12 miles in the next two days. If I’m here with Maggie next year she could rest in a hostal whilst I finish the walk. It’ll take a morning and I’ll be back for lunch.

Good. Decided. Anyway I’ve got another 2,500 miles to do to complete Tarifa to John O’Groats so this 12 miles is the least of my concerns. 

Montant to Xerica was calling. My bedroom window view showed a sunny but slightly cloudy day. 12 miles to do up the valley from Montant to a pass on the top and then an even length drop to Xerica.

Still great views and the road up was a struggle. Bank Holiday and the dickheads on motorbikes and sports cars were blasting this relatively main road.

I made the top, and had to stop, and that’s what’s bothering me. Goodbye you brilliant northern mountains. By a long way my favourite walk in Spain. Beautiful country, beautiful folk and great peace. Thanks. 

Looking south from the top of the pass I could see Bejis, where I’d done time in a blacked out Hostal in the snow.

And two hours later I was marching in to Xerica on Good Friday. 

The streets were packed for a small country town.

My bus arrived, the same one I got last time, and I eventually made it to Valencia station and on to Alicante. I’ve had a rest day in Alicante. My flight is tomorrow and I’m looking forward to coming home. However this has been the dog’s. 

I’ve been lucky with finding cheap but fantastic accommodation, great people and solitary country walking. Pauls to Vallibona particularly should be on everybody’s bucket list. 

Thanks for reading this. May you build a ladder to the stars, and climb on every rung.

Love Dave.

We are going up. And today we’re confirmed as champions. XXX