Walking on the edge has always been my favourite way to walk, There is something invigorating about being in front of the ocean or standing on the top of a cliff.
dover cliffs.
During the first lockdown, I was staying in the UK with my daughter and we started walking along the amazing Dover Cliffs. It became our challenge to see how much of the South Coastal path we could achieve. We finally managed, on separate walks to cover from Broadstairs to Folkestone. Walking with my daughter was fun, We talked about everything possible and made picnics, We sometimes took off our shoes and socks, and walked through grass, also good for your mental state. We walked through wind, rain and sunshine.
Moraira and Javea, Costa Blanca.
This week I have joined a friend walking in the mornings, This week we have walked along the coastal paths of Moraira and Javea.
Moraira is quite a new town with lovely shops and cafe’s The coastal walk takes you in the direction of Calpe. The views are stunning over the rocky coastline. Start from the Castillo de Moraira an 18C castle finished in 1742 to keep out Berber invaders from plundering Teulada. You will find it perched on the sea front by the town. Go right from the castle, There is a lovely park of pine trees as you pass the main beach. You can join the path by following the road.
We managed our normal 10.000 steps and returned to our favourite French Coffee shop, for a delightful breakfast of fresh fruit salad with Yogurt and if you wish, some honey for those of you with a sweet tooth.
A couple of days later we walked in Javea. From my village it is 40 minutes drive, I wanted to get there early because it can be a pain to park, especially in the summer months.
We started our walk from the Arenal, an area on the central beach front, littered with a selection of trendy coffee shops and restaurants. Wicker chairs plumped with fancy cushions, Indian style parasols, decorated with tiny mirrored mosaic pieces catch the morning sun and reflect and twinkle. My kids always loved the ambience here, as they could run along the beach front wall and jump onto soft sand.
We head left from the Arenal and walk to the Javea Port area. An older part of Javea, which sits at the base of the Montgo. We pass the Parador and walk along the designated coastal path of green tarmac, for people not wanting to walk along the stone beach.
Normally this area would be bustling with people, Corona virus has killed off most of the tourism. The Chiringuito’s are empty but still open for business. We are reaching the end of the summer season and soon they will close up. I hope they will be back and busy next year. We decide to offer our support and buy a couple of coffee’s
The Montgo, the famous mountain is ahead of us in the distance, we reach the port and the unique gift shops, Artisanal products proudly displayed between more coffee shops and bars.
From the Arenal to the port, then back to my car, gives us the amount of steps we wanted to walk. Walking in open areas, we are able to take off our masks to breath in fresh air and to fill our lungs with clean oxygen.
As a child my mother would say, ‘We need some sea air’ It is true. I always feel invigorated when I walk close to the edge. Looking at the ocean we realise how small we are.
The other day I said I wrote about feeling trapped on an island, Meeting up later with another friend, he announces with great excitement that he has just bought a boat. ‘Wonderful’ I exclaim, ‘When are we sailing?’
