It was cloudy yesterday (Sunday), so Sorelle and I thought it would be a good idea to try to climb the hill behind the seminary in Orihuela (as you do). We´d tried it before and failed miserably, but the views are great from up there, and I imagine even better if you can make it to the top!
Parking is difficult in Orihuela, so we just went straight to the big car park where they hold the market (here https://goo.gl/maps/KZnmY63TaKX9feXF9) and set off walking from there.
The sun broke through the clouds almost straight away and the temperature started to rise, so basically we stopped at the first bar we came across to have a drink! It was set in a lovely square by one of Orihuela´s many churches, and just looked too tempting. I took this quick 360º video as we were waiting for our drinks, to show you how noisy it can be when the bells start! The bar is called Los Monaguillos (the altar boys) and is in the Plaza de la Anunciación (https://goo.gl/maps/ius2JzGnvPed16oJ6). It´s not that cheap but it´s a bit upmarket. A drink and tapa (fantastic ensaladilla rusa - best we can remember) was 3.50€.
We then headed off to the start of the ascent (here: https://goo.gl/maps/iU3kPdCaXaBRu3At9) from where the road leads up 650 metres in distance and 66 metres in height to the seminary, where you can pause to get your breath back!
Then you carry on the path behind the seminary until you get to here:
Now, this is where we keep going wrong! You´re supposed to turn right here up the steps. That´s the easier way. But we keep carrying on and ending up having to rejoin the main route via a very steep path which is quite difficult to navigate.
You need good footwear whichever route you take, but if you follow the painted arrows which start further up, you should be OK.
This is what it looks like going up, and if you´re not good with heights, I wouldn´t recommend it. We´re not that great with heights ourselves, which is why we were shaking and clinging on to each other as little children skipped happily past us without a care in the world!!
So the 360º photo above is a record of how high we managed to get THIS time, which was a bit pathetic really, as we didn´t even reach the castle, never mind the Cruz de Muela cross which is the peak. One day we will do it! Maybe!!
The descent reminded me how creaky one of my knees is and that a walking stick might be required next time!
