Barranc de l’Infern, 6,800 stone steps, magical hike in Alicante

We start the tour in Fleix, the “poble d’enmig” of the three that make up the Vall de Laguar. We leave the car at the entrance of the village, in a parking lot next to the CV-721. Just 30 meters up the road we see the signs that, by asphalt country road, lead us to the Font Grossa and old village laundry.

After passing this picturesque piece of history, we immediately see the path that turns off to our right, with the indicators of the PR-CV 147. The stone “steps” begin, of which there are said to be more than 6,800. Just this once, we’re going to believe it and not keep score.

It does not take long to appear before us the impressive descent to the dry riverbed of the Girona River and the no less spectacular climb up the opposite side of the ravine.

But let’s not anticipate events. Before that, we will have to pass by the head of the Barranc del Salt , several tens of meters high. We then cross El Forat de la Juvea, a hole carved in the rock that allows us to continue advancing while enjoying a memorable panoramic view (the photo at the top of this article).

This first part of the PR-CV 147 trail hides a natural wonder that often goes unnoticed. After episodes of torrential rains, the Barranc del Salt (or Barranc de Fleix) gives rise to an impressive waterfall of 65 meters in total height. Next, you can see this natural spectacle in the video I have prepared…

We continue descending and finally arrive at the bed of the Riu Girona , which usually remains dry. Down the ravine, it is possible to visit the Isbert dam , although from this side it is less attractive.

It is time to take a break and regroup, before starting the steepest climb of the day, in which we will have to overcome a drop of about 300 meters positive, again with a staggered path. It is known as“Camí de la Juvea“, an old access road to farmland.

Beyond the effort, the road has no difficulty whatsoever, and it is worth taking it easy and enjoying this fantastic scenery. It is not hard to imagine the old Moorish settlers, living and cultivating these lands, until their definitive expulsion in 1609.

The zigzagging ascent leads us to Les Juvees d’Enmig, where we take another break and discuss the anecdotes of the day. We pump water from the Pou de la Juvea to refresh ourselves.

When resuming the march, a small ascent takes us to an esplanade next to some houses. Then we take the path to the left, which will make us “go down to hell” again.

This second descent, which goes through places that seem to have escaped from a dream, leads us to the Font de Reinós, where we will have lunch.

When we resume the march, we finish the downhill section that leads us to the bed of the Barranc de l’Infern. From this point, it is possible to approach the beginning of the sport canyon, a section that can only be overcome with the help of advanced canyoning materials and techniques. The spectacle is overwhelming . Vertical walls that seem to ascend to the sky, populated by lush vegetation.

We retrace our steps to retake the path PR-CV 147, a few meters above the point where we crossed the ravine. Be careful not to get lost at this point, always look for the trail markers.

We now face the second of the climbs, also demanding, which will lead us to the old hamlet of Les Juvees de d’Alt. Again, I recommend taking it easy and enjoying each of the thousands of stone steps that make up this magnificent route.

At the top, we have spectacular panoramic views of the Barranc de l’Infern, at the foot of the Sierra de la Carrasca (on the left).

We are in Les Juvees de d’Alt, an uninhabited hamlet, where we find several buildings in ruins and a couple of cisterns. From here, we begin a new descent towards the so-called Barranc de Racons, a tributary of the . At this point of the route, the stone steps or “rastells” seem to be better preserved.

Soon we reached the bottom of the Barranc de Racons and began the last, winding and staggered climb. Halfway up, we reach a natural viewpoint where we must stop and take a deep breath, the scenery is breathtaking.

We resume the march and, after one last steep climb, we finally finish our ascent from “hell”. We arrive at a beautiful area of terraced fields on the outskirts of Benimaurell, “the village above”.

The path leads us to the asphalt road that, if we follow it to the right, will take us to La Venta del Collao, a restaurant with an exceptional location.

To finish the circular route of the Barranc de l’Infern, we follow the asphalt to the left, gently descending, and soon we reach the recreational area of the Font dels Olbis.

Shortly after, we cross the village and arrive at the Font de Benimaurell, next to the village washing place.

This may be a good place for a last rest and/or to replenish water. From here to Fleix we only have a gentle walk following the paved path between terraces.

While we enjoy the last steps, between the trees appears the silhouette of the Serra del Cavall Verd or Serra del Penyó, on which the three villages of the Vall de Laguar are located: Campell, Fleix and Benimaurell.

Tired but very happy, we go through the last steps while we comment on the anecdotes of the day. We complete the route, we close this “magic circle” of the Vall de Laguar. As I said at the beginning, an essential excursion in Alicante , for all lovers of nature, history and the culture of our land…