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El Maestrazgo The emptiness of the Maestrazgo is awe-inspiring, being the least populated region of western Europe. Little known even within Spain this is an isolated range of mountains which separates the three kingdoms of Aragón, Castile and Valencia whose inhabitants have been content to continue unchanged the ways of life of generations. An important centre for the Moors and then for the Spanish military orders, the Maestrazgo remained unmoved by the advance of industrial development, shunning progress to a degree that even Spain would consider reactionary. The landscapes of this frontier territory are as varied as they are dramatic. Mediterranean pine woods give way to the magnificent open pastures of the Gúdar range, which offers superb walking and the highest point of the walk at over 6500 feet. To the North the terrain becomes increasingly rugged and rocky and the approaches to the fortified villages of Cantavieja and Morella give reminders of the region’s bellicose past. This is a superb long and continuous walk through dramatic and unchanged scenery. ITINERARY Day 1. Arrive at Valencia airport and travel to the ancient village of Mora de Rubielos (1035m), a frontier town defending Aragón from the Moorish kingdom of Valencia. Overnight Mora de Rubielos. Day 2. The route begins through the pinewoods of the foothills of the Sierra de Gúdar towards the Puerto de San Rafael (1552m). Morning 2.5hrs. It then descends to a little hamlet that has grown up around a country shrine. Afternoon 3.5hrs. Overnight Virgen de la Vega. Day 3. The climb continues through the village of Alcalá de la Selva into the high open pastures of the Sierra de Gúdar to the magnificent village of Valdeinares, the highest village in Aragón. Morning 3.5hrs. Afternoon 2.5hrs. Overnight Valdelinares. Day 4. A long descent through the most beautiful section of the route, a huge canyon filled with wild flowers. Morning 4.5hrs. After lunch at an ancient farmstead the path continues to the Pelado pass before descending to Cantavieja. Afternoon 3.5hrs. Overnight Cantavieja. Day 5. A free day to enjoy this lovely village with its arcaded square, C17 church and magnificent situation. An optional walk (3hrs) leads to the superb medieval village of La Iglesuela del Cid, where there is a memorable pilgrimage church. Overnight Cantavieja. Day 6. A walk down from Cantavieja leads to the beautifully preserved medieval village of Mirambel. This tiny settlement still lives the life of hundreds of years ago. In the village are several superb buildings, including a convent which still preserves remarkable plasterwork ‘celosías’ (lattice windows). Morning 3hrs. Afternoon 3hrs. Overnight Mirambel. Day 7. We walk along the valleys to the East to the lovely town of Forcall where a seigneurial house has been superbly renovated as our hotel. Overnight Forcall. Morning 3.5 hrs. Afternoon 2.5 hrs. Day 8. From the nearby town of Forcall the route crosses the huge rocky spur of Encamarás before descending once more to the valley and lunch. Morning 3.5hrs. In the afternoon medieval roads lead to the hilltop town of Morella (2hrs). Overnight Morella. Day 9. Return to Valencia airport.
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