Most Inspirational Moment
If high places, sweeping views, dramatic cliffs and rock formations, sun, sky, sea, forest, wild flowers and a general absence of people rock your boat, the trip will be full of inspiring moments.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Also inspiring. Extremely knowledgable about his region, and generous in sharing a vast and varied range of information on all sorts of (interesting) topics, which further enriched the walks.
Funny, engaging, astute; he was fundamentally kind-hearted but without being particularly indulgent. He kept an eye on us, but didn't coddle us. We were expected to take responsibility for ourselves (and for keeping up) on the walks. And It was stated at the outset that there could/would be limited tolerance for dawdlers!
In an ideal world, and given the glorious October weather, I'd probably have enjoyed the walks (even more than I already did) at a slightly more relaxed pace, the better to absorb the magnificent surroundings en route and probably take more photos; but I was still able to do both things - just maybe a little more hurriedly than I am used to.
I imagine that the pace/timetable was however in part dictated by the amount José had still to achieve following our daily return from the walk, including the next day's shopping and picnic preparation. He was a one-man tour-de-force organisationally: incredibly hardworking/dedicated to the cause. He provided excellently for us at lunchtime daily (making genuinely the most tasty and satisfying sandwiches that I've ever been fed on a walking holiday!) as well as transporting us safely and punctually by minibus, organising, leading, educating and entertaining us throughout the trip. And only occasionally appeared a bit weary.. 😉
Advice for Potential Travellers
Hone your fitness to enjoy the walks to the full. Be prepared for long, steep ascents and descents. Make sure you're prepared for cold mountaintops even in good weather (in October, anyway). Be prepared for a superb week of walking and scenery. Make sure you download either maps.me or the app José recommends before you do the first self-guided walk: it will ensure you find the correct route. The local village of Guadalest is very attractive and the castle well worth paying to enter/explore. The midweek day-trip to the coast is also very worthwhile and both towns are well worth exploring. The little history museum in the first coastal town is worth a visit.