El Barranco del Infierno- “The Cathedral of Hiking”

La Vall de Laguar, offers one of the most interesting hiking routes in the Marina Alta region, unique not only for the characteristics of the PR-CV 147 path which, with its more than 6,800 steps and a winding zigzagging route, leads twice into the deep Barranc de L’Infern ravine, but also for the history of this small valley, the last stronghold of Moorish resistance until its definitive expulsion by Philip III in 1609.

The paths along which the route runs are not particularly complicated, with a few exceptions, as they are mostly bridle paths, cobbled, with a zigzag layout.

However, the route is very demanding, as it has a saw-tooth profile in which we have to overcome some very steep slopes, with little distance between them and, in addition, overcome more than 6,800 steps.

The route is divided into the following six clearly differentiated sections

SECTION 1. Fleix-Barranc de l’Infern (elevations 443-185 m)Leave Fleix (elevation 443 m), via a paved path that leads to the Font Grossa and the municipal washhouse. After passing these elements, a signpost for the PR-CV 147 trail takes us, to the right, to the path that descends to the Barranc de l’infern, towards Les Juvees d’Enmig.

After a few minutes, cross the Forat de Juvea, an opening dug into the rock that continues the path and offers a more open perspective of the area.

The path continues gently descending, along a mostly zigzag layout with some winding sections, to the bed of the deep Barranc de l’Infern.

SECTION 2. Barranc de l’Infern-Les Juvees de d’Enmig (heights 185-504 m)

At the Barranc de L’infern or dry bed of the Girona River (185 m above sea level), begin the climb to Les Juvees d’Enmig through one of the most beautiful sections of the cobble-stoned route, There are beautiful panoramic views of the Barranc de l’Infern.

Continue through an area of ​​middle-aged pine forest and reach the Pou de la Juvea, equipped with an old water pump, in perfect working order, which can be manually operated.

SECTION 3. Les Juvees d’Enmig-Barranc de l’infern (altitudes 504-277 m

A little further on is les Juvees d’Enmig, the northernmost point of the route, next to the area known as Pla de l’ Avenc, where stands a group of buildings and a large, monumental holm oak.

From this point, begin a new descent to the Barranc de L’Infern. During the descent, on the right, is the very small natural fountain of Reinós. Next to the fountain, abundant vegetation grows associated with the water course.

SECTION 4. Barranc de L’infern-Les Juvees de d’Alt (elevations 277-499 m

)From the bed of the ravine, begin the climb to les Juvees de d’Alt, again along a zigzag route.Thre is a spectacular view of the narrows of the Barranc de l’infern and its imposing, steep limestone walls. Without a doubt, a good example of a gorge.

SECTION 5. Les Juvees de d’Alt-Barranc de Racons-Carretera de Benimaurell (heights 499-376-592 m)

The last section of the route, with a sawtooth profile. This is the hardest part of the route as most people are quite tired by now!

Following the directions on a signpost on the trail, head towards Benimaurell and descend to the Barranco de Racons along a gently sloping cobbled path, that gives an idea of ​​the final climb that awaits.

Then begin the climb to the road, linking some first sections of gentle slope; further on, turn right at the fork, always in the direction of Benimaurell, through a very steep area, to the road. The difference in altitude is 220 m, in a distance of just over 1.5 km, so, being the last climb, it is necessary to take it easy, especially in the heat.

6. Benimaurell-Fleix (levels 592-443 m)

On the road leaving the Font dels Olbis recreational area on the left, descend to Benimaurell; Enter the town centre and look for the public fountain on Carrer del Pou, where you can cool off.

At the exit of the town centre of Benimaurell, along the old road that descends to Fleix, there is the Font de Benimaurell and its beautiful wash house, which is a must-see, as there are fewer and fewer examples of these buildings left, which were once essential as a place to wash clothes and a meeting point for the local women.

The path gently descends, between small orchards and cherry fields, until reaching the town centre of Fleix, the starting point of this unique route, which us about 30 mins drive from Javea to the west of Orba.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET (IBP index summary)

Difficulty: medium-high
Distance: 13.696 km
Cumulative ascent distance: 813.78 m
Desn. of descent accumulated: 815.22 m
Total time: 5:23:21 h
Time on the move: 4:50:43 h
Stopped time: 0:32:38 h

Source: Wikiloc