Otters on the up
Around a decade ago the authorities confirmed that otters had returned to the River Segura in the south of Alicante province. Since then, this emblematic species has started to colonise nearby El Hondo natural park, which lies in the municipalities of Elche and...
DANAs – unpredictable and sometimes destructive
Spain was hit by one of its most devastating episodes of weather ever at the end of October, 2024 leading to catastrophic flooding in different parts of the country, with Valencia province suffering the worst of it. In all, 223 people died in the tragedy; with 215 of...
Giants of the skies return
The largest European vulture, with a wingspan reaching three metres, is making a comeback.The cinereous vulture, also known as the Eurasian black vulture, underwent a dramatic decline in this continent, but thanks to the increase of the Spanish population the species...
Animals of the Pyrenees
This vast mountain chain, that includes two national parks and stretches from coast to coast, is a haven for all sorts of wildlife, as well as providing pasture for livestock. The high mountain areas near the passes and summits are home to the elusive chamois (rebeco...
Spain’s glaciers are in terminal decline
While there are great hopes for two of Spain’s unique animals, the Iberian lynx and the Iberian brown bear which were on the verge of extinction 35 years ago, very sadly there appears to be no hope at all that the country’s glaciers can avoid this...
Iberian bears – a beacon of hope
The story of the Iberian brown bear is one of most encouraging in recent times for species conservation. In a world in which human folly is leading to extinctions and plummeting populations of wildlife, it is significant to note that it was the actions of mankind...
Aitana – the direct route
At 1,558 metres, Aitana is the highest summit in Alicante. This enormous lump of a massif is my favourite spot in the province – and one I return to on a regular basis for lots of reasons. The walk outlined here is on the north-west side of the mountain, which is a...
Hell’s ravine
The PR-CV 147 footpath takes in one of Alicante province’s most spectacular geographical features; the Barranco del Infierno (hell’s ravine). On most days of the year the infamous, sheer-sided gulley belies its fearsome name – and walkers admire the towering rock...
Villahermosa – it’s a beauty
The name Villahermosa del Río originated in the Moorish era. Meaning ‘beautiful village of the river’, it is hard to quibble with the sentiments. But, after visiting, it begs the question – which river? The village is perched on a ridge flanked by two long ravines...
Villahermosa ravine walk
This short walk takes in the spectacular ravine forged by the River Carbo, which passes the eastern edge of Villahermosa del Río, with the whitewashed houses standing above, along the cliffs. There is no real difficulty to the route, but walkers should be aware that...
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