Ten months ago we received our first guests. The English Mike and Angie, who did not want to drive home after a party, and our aunts Alexa and Annette, who traveled from Tournai (Belgium), via the ‘Camino El Cid’ (Burgos-Valencia), to their nieces in Spain on bicycle. Although we had a few very quiet winter months shortly after opening, the number of bookings now finally seem to be picking up speed. After a fairly nice June and July, in which bookings were still mainly concentrated around the weekends, and a very busy August (which is still in full swing), we are slowly starting to look forward to autumn. Because although the swimming pool is of course a huge plus in the summer, the appeal of Vall de Gallinera lies mainly in the beauty of the valley. Ideal for both walking and cycling.
So while I could not resist reminding our guests during the cold winter months of the fact that one could really relax here in the summer with a drink at (or even in) the pool, I remind our current guests of the fact that this area is fantastic for taking various types of walks. And the fact that you do not have to take the car first is something I cannot emphasize enough.
But while most of our guests have so far preferred the shorter (or most famous) hiking trails of Vall de Gallinera, I mainly try to put our 30-kilometer route on the map. This route, which not only passes through all eight villages of the valley (Benialí, Benissivà, Benitaia, La Carrajo, Alpatró, Llombai, Benissili and Benirrama), but also past both castles, the Forada and the Mirador del Xap, allows you to see most of the valley with just one walk. Together with my mom I walked the route not once but twice and with an average speed of 4.5 kilometers per hour I think we set the bar quite high. Only one guest couple has dared to attempt it so far. The fact that they had to abandon the route halfway due to the heat and completed the second half a month and a half later does not detract from their performance though. Because although we walked the route in both February (21) and May (12), it is one that is of course better suited for the cooler autumn and winter months than the warmer spring weather.
I therefore cannot wait until the temperatures start to drop again and we can set out a similar route on the other side of the valley. Because just like our aunts, who covered no less than 2.400 kilometers by bike in 49 days, we also do not shy away from a challenge. If you don’t have time to visit our beautiful B&B (in an even more beautiful surrounding) this year – then don’t worry. We’re just getting started and we’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Except outside, maybe. For a nice walk. To enjoy all the beauty that Vall de Gallinera has to offer.