Lecrin Valley Limpers

This week we had a short walk from Padul, It was short for 2 reasons. The first was that it was the Chite fiesta and we had to get back in time for the Paella, the second reason was I did not expect to get much sleep on the Saturday night and the thought of getting up for a longer walk, when I wanted to stay in bed, was not appealing.   There were 16 of us eager for a walk,  this week it’s Rene’s turn to be the missing mystery person who did not get on the photo. The walk started on the outskirts of Padul, and it was cold, with low cloud swelling around the summit by the cross and it looked like it could rain at anytime. The route starts with a short climb up to a forest which you walk through for a couple of kms. The path then slowly makes its way up the hillside, I know some will say it was quite steep in places but it wouldn't be a proper walk without a bit of climbing. Normally, in June, after 10 am we look  for some shade when we stop for a break...

This week Stuart had left me in charge of leading the walk whilst he took Olwyn out for a well deserved birthday lunch. I had decided on a trek around Venta Fraile which is relatively moderate walk suitable for all. With Stuart away, I was expecting a low turn out with not many entrusting the stand in group leader. Well the hoards kept turning up, so it was left to me to organise the car sharing, I’m sure Stuart must have had long flowing locks of hair before he was faced with this weekly task. Eventually, with everyone in a vehicle, we set off to meet more friends at the second pick up point where we met another two to make the group 26.  Having a large number is always handy as you can afford to lose one or two. The walk starts out with the first stretch along the road which is a lovely gentle way to start out a Sunday morning walk. After a while we climbed up a short steep scree slope to take in our first small diversion to a high point for nice views over Pad...