28 March 2022 – Jalon to Parcent

 

 

 This was an alternative walk due to the recent long spell of heavy rain

We cancelled last Monday due to the rain

And it looked likely we would have to do so again this week

Particularly as there were reports of flooding only 24 hours earlier

However we decided to meet and leave it to everyone to decide on the morning

We were very pleased that 13 of the original 15 turned up

We decided to do the valley walk from Jalon to Parcent

And to only use the valley road system

Lucky we did as the surrounding fields were flooded

And we could not cross the river at Alcalali

The river was also fast flowing at Parcent, but not very deep

Two brave souls did cross, but not on the return journey

The rest of us did a detour on the road, and kept our feet dry

We had two new members for the walk

Suzanne is a new resident and lives in Lliber

Lynne has a holiday home in Alcalali

Not the best conditions for their first walk

But both seemed to enjoy it

In fact everyone seemed very pleased to be walking again

But I hope that we can soon get back to our regular walking programme

Time taken – 5 hours

Distance – 15 km

Temperature – 9-16c

14 March 2022 – Jalon Lliber Hidden Valley

 We cancelled the Monday walk last week due to heavy rain

We almost did the same again today, for the same reason

But we really didn’t want to cancel two weeks in a row

So we advised everyone that we would meet in Jalon whatever the weather

We were very pleased that 13 turned up

Only three missing out of the original group of 16

The weather forecast improved and promised a dry day

However it started to rain as we left the house to drive to Jalon

We were undecided whether to do Lliber Hidden Valley or Jalon to Parcent

But the majority voted for Hidden Valley

This was also my choice

Because next week is also forecast rain all day

And we now have Jalon to Parcent in reserve if we need it

The rain stopped just as we started the walk

It was cloudy all day, but no more rain

And warm enough to walk in shirt sleeves before too long

This is the longest run of rain forecast that I can remember

But I am glad that we ignored the forecast today

It was really good to walk with the group again

Fingers crossed that the forecast is also wrong for next Monday

Time taken – 5.5 hours

Distance – 15 km

Total Ascent – 245 metres

Temperature – 9-18c

2 March 2022 – Castells Serella Castle

 We had planned this walk for Monday

But changed to Wednesday due to weather forecast

Consequently the 19 expected were reduced to 8

This is because the rest had other commitments on Wednesday

The weather today lived up to expectations

Clear blue skies, warm with a cool breeze

In fact ideal walking conditions

And it meant that we saw the exceptional scenery at its best

It is almost three years since we last did this walk

And it’s much harder than I remembered it

The first half of the walk is almost all climbing

And in fact it is one of our top three for total ascent

However the views are spectacular

And the company distracts from the effort required

Also there is a great sense of achievement at the end

We were really looking forward to a well deserved drink

So there was great disappointment to find the bar was closed

We had never done this walk on a Wednesday before

And did not realise that was the bar closed day

Despite this a very enjoyable walk in great company

Time taken – 5.5 hours

Distance – 12 km

Total Ascent – 682 metres

Temperature – 6-19c