Benicadell
SL-V 43: Aielo de Rugat
The SL-V 43 is a footpath which runs through the municipal area of Aielo de Rugat. With 5 km 280 m in length, it is not difficult to be covered. Some hours are needed to complete this footpath which will lead the visitor to unforgettable spots in this region.
The SL-V 43 starts in a town called Aielo de Rugat, where we can park our vehicles. We leave from this town towards the Fuente de la Pasta (fountain) through an asphalt path which runs parallel to the Barranco de la Fuente (ravine).
When we arrive at the Fuente de la Pasta, we can fill our water bottles and continue the route going past “els Tolls”, natural swimming pools where people took a bath in the past. Nowadays, they are dry because of the scarce rains.
The footpath leads us to the crossroads “Caseta del Magre-Penyes Llúcies”. If we take the path to the right, we go to the “Penyes Llúcies” in 40 minutes going past the “Corral de Simeó” and the “Corral de Montesí”. The “Penyes Llúcies” are 540 metres above sea level. These rocks are called “Llúcies” (“shining”) because of their intense shine after having rained for awhile and because they can be seen from a long distance. They are formed by a conglomeration of rocks and sand particles that has taken the shape and texture of volcanic lava.
From
here we can connect with the footpath SL-V 44, which leads us to the
town of Rugat. However, we are are going to follow the main path. Once
we are in the crossroads “Caseta del Magre-Penyes Llúcies”
again, we arrive at the Caseta del Magre in 20 minutes. From here, we
can observe splendid views over the Benicadell, the Serra Grossa and
the Montdúver. If we go up to the Castle of Aielo de Rugat (10
minutes more), the views are even better. The castle is a fortification
of Muslim origin that has a water well (in a good state of preservation)
and thick walls, which remain still standing and let us imagine how
the rooms of the Castle were in the past. Jaime I walked into an ambush
in this castle at the hands of the Moorish leader Al-Azraq.
From the Caseta del Magre, we go to the east, towards the crossroads “Collado-Peña l'Hedra”, where the ravine and vegetation are different. Once we are in this crossroads, we can take the path of the Collado, where we arrive after 25 minutes walking. At 575 metres above sea level, we can admire the Cuta and the Sierra of “la Safor”, with all its splendour. There is a path to the right which leads us to the Racó del Dux (river Serpis). An old house, which is being restored, and a big farmyard to the livestock can be found in the Collado. Next to the farmyard there are some pools and a fountain. The entire landscape is next to the Carrasqueta, the highest peak of the area with 843 metres high.
We return to the circular route and arrive at the previous crossroads. If we take the left path, we will arrive at the Fountain of “la Penya de l’Hedra”, a cosy place to rest and enjoy the calm of the environment.
We continue our route through the path which goes deep into one side
of “el Collado” ravine. This is a shadowy ravine full of
native vegetation. If we walk through this path, we will see an old
lime kiln. After going down the rustic stairs, we can see some carob
and olive trees which lead us to the ravine. Once we pass the ravine,
we arrive at the “Fuente de Ferri”, one of the most emblematic
fountains in this area. Through an asphalt path we arrive in Aielo de
Rugat in 10 minutes. This path is an old rural road and the end of our
route. This circular footpath (SL-V 43) can be done the other way round,
that is from the Fountain of Ferri to Aielo de Rugat.
Forest recreational facilities
Refuges:- Coll de les Planisses (shelter in Motixelvo)
- Font d'Elca (Salem)
- Las Fuentes (Rugat)
- Fuente de Micairent (Montixelvo)
- Font del Llop (Terrateig)
- Pla de les Fontetes (Terrateig)
