What an experience we were to be treated to when we walked part of the Sierra de Mariola. As none experienced walkers ourselves we had no idea what would happen or how we would endure the days hike. The weather was not the kindest and as we began to climb the wind became so cold.
However, our senses were in for a feast and the wind and the walk were soon forgotten.
The Sierra de Mariola mountain range covers over 16,000 hectares and was declared a nature reserve in 2002.
By the way we only walked one route!
It has some prominent features, springs, country houses, numerous natural resources.
It is an area noted for its medicinal and aromatic plants down through the centuries
Previous settlers have been ice-dealers, shepherds, wood cutters and farmers
There are countless archaeological findings that illustrate human heritage, especially the cavas (snow wells) from 16th to 20th century. These are cellars or vaults that were used to store snow, at first for food preservation and later for therapeutic uses, even finally ice cream!
Snow Caves
We saw castles perched on top of the mountains, chapels, a monastery and a factory.
Convent D' Agres
The factory now has gone into ruin but it was a flour mill and a paper mill famous for its smoking papers. Later it was turned into a textile factory. The locals hated it and all that it represented so to this day they have no interest in restoration.
The energy for the factory was generated by the Vinlopó River and which has its source high up in the Sierra from the natural springs.
Humans
There are still today masías, (self sufficient country homesteads,) farming, forestry and livestock. All the family living in one unit.
They have a rich cuisine, specialties being olla stew, borreta filled beans, pericana dried pepper and cold meats dressed with herbs.
Sweets are also greatly appreciated, coated nuts, sweet potato and almond cakes.
The most valued drink is herbero, anise liquor macerated with herbs off the mountain. Said to alleviate many ailments!!!!
In the midst of this natural paradise the people who live up here nowadays drive their cars into the local towns and of course the youngsters do not wish to live on the land.
Flora
The area is the home 1400 plants and is famous for its medicinal herbs such as Mariola sage, chamomile, thyme, cat’s tail, hypericum and rock tea.
There is a whole range of trees from the pine to kermes oak and Teixera d’Agres, yew tree grove, where you discover this magic tree.
Fauna
The great diversity of the area and its terrain also offers a diversity of fauna.
Amphibians –frogs and toads.
Reptiles –lizards and snakes
Birds- from finches, robins and partridges to golden eagles, vultures, falcons.
Mammals – boar, rabbit, wild cat, weasels, badgers and foxes.
This is a protected space of superb landscape beauty and great natural and cultural value to be kept for future generations.
It was a day of discovery for us with too much to mention here.
This is a place for everyone to visit to develop a greater understanding of our living planet, its unique eco systems and pure beauty.
There are recreation areas and picnic areas.
If you go with a group like Aveninça, as we did, you can learn from other like minded people who are happy to share their knowledge of plants and birds.
Sleep came very easily and next day I woke feeling so relaxed knowing that I had been at one with nature.
Sierra de Marriola in Winter
