A walk to the Benimeli Aerials on the Sierra Segaria

It was perfect walking weather, dry, sunny and a crisp 14 degrees when we met in the Benimeli village square for the start of the walk.

After leaving the village it is basically straight up and we soon warmed up enough to stop and enjoy the first of the great views.

Then it was onwards and upwards, which could be a challenge for the in-initiated and the group had naturally split into two by the time we reached our banana break spot.

It was the site of an old finca, a large flattened out area with plenty of 'rock seats' and great views across the valley to the Caballo de Verde ridge.

The group further divided as we climbed to the aerials, it was an easy path to follow so everyone could just take it at their own pace. It was good to see my walking partners still smiling as we reached the summit.

Finally we all join together at the aerials and we all pose for the obligatory photo

It was quite a clear day, the sea was a stunning blue and we could see all the way to Valencia in one direction,

and the Montgo in the other.

Rosemary kindly posed for me so I could capture the paddy fields in the background which belong to part of the Marjal Natural Park, a keen favourite with the bird watchers.

With lunch and photos over we made our way back down, with the hard bit done we had a relaxed walk catching up with the other members of the group.

After the main descent we had a nice stroll through the village past an obvious lover of Bourganvillea. There were 6 different colour varieties!

Then off to the bar for a well deserved half in the beautiful village! Although the barman didn't seem too happy at 20 people descending upon him without notice, especially as he had to set up two long tables to accommodate us.

Somebody was obviously very entertaining at the other end of the table at the time of my photo!