Hot Property News Letter – July 2010

Welcome to this issue of the Hot Property news letter which we hope you find informative and helpful. If you have any suggestions, comments or questions, which we can address in future issues, you can contact us at info@hotpropertyspain.net 

1: SIERRA BERNIA MOUNTAIN RANGE
 
The Sierra Bernia mountain range rises from the sea between the coastal resorts of Altea and Calpe, with the first part of this ridge, known as the "Mar Y villa" urbanisation, but is really the "Toix" ridge.

The ridge then descends to become the dramatic Mascarat Gorge, through which the main N332 coast road, the AP7 motorway and the railway all pass through a total of six tunnels, ignoring older redundant tunnels.

The ridge then rises as a great cliff, eventually easing to the first summit at the eastern end and this cliff, which provides a challenging climb, is very popular with rock climbers of all nationalities.

Apart from the actual ridge there are popular walks both round it and through it. It can be approached from either the Altea (south) side or, more commonly, from the north side.  The natural starting point is at the Bernia restaurant at a height of approximately 650 metres.

The complete ridge is not a walk but a serious, and at times very exposed, scramble, and should be not attempted without correct equipment.  Even so, it is not possible to remain on the crest and abseiling equipment is needed at the point where 'FIN' (END) is painted on the rock in order to abseil.

 Although the ridge viewed from below seems to be continuous and reasonably level for much of its length, it is in fact a series of towers, pinnacles and broad buttresses. From time to time, it is necessary to track back to find ways down and round vertical drops and other obstacles to progress.

Getting up on to the ridge is often much easier than finding a way off it. Exploration and finding the best way can be very time consuming.

The way marked "scramble route” along the ridge may take anything from 3 to 5 hours. A number of misleading goat tracks exist in many places along the ridge.

The West summit can also be climbed.
 
Access routes to the mountain involve some typically rough limestone terrain with scree, rocky obstacles and eroded pathways. Only those routes which actually proceed along the ridge involve real scrambling with occasional exposure.

The slopes on the north side, while containing sections of scree, are, in the main, covered in lush vegetation, while, on the south side, the hillside is composed of dry arid scree with occasional ribs and slabs of easy angled rock. It is much easier to miss the way on the south side. Most routes are ‘way’ marked but on the south side the ‘way’ marks may not lead the way you wish to go.

To access the routes, which start from the Bernia Restaurant, follow these directions:

Approach from the south on the national road N-332 which links Alicante to Valencia.
Pass through the Mascarat gorge. Pass Calpe, which is to the right, and proceed up the long winding hill to Benissa. Just before Benissa, take the left turn to Jalon (Xalo) and almost immediately take the minor road, on the left, to Pinos.

This road winds through a beautiful landscape, with lovely views to Calpe, the Peñon and the sea.

Ignore the new (unsigned?) road up to right.  Eventually the road climbs up in a westerly direction to a T-junction at the top. Follow left new road to restaurant and park.

If approaching from the north of Benissa drive through Benissa town and follow directions as above, taking the right fork just after the viewing point and cross the junction to take the minor road.

A detailed description of all routes can be found in the "Bob Stansfield" guide books (Available from Amazon and good book shops) but some are not easy to follow.

When to visit

It is possible to climb the Sierra Bernia at any time.  However, the best seasons are spring and autumn. When attempting the climb during the summer, take care as it can be very hot. Start very early, at least by 06.30 am and take lots of water!

In the autumn and winter, the weather on the North side can change in a minute and mist can come down and transform the area, so take a GPS or compass and warm, waterproof clothing.

Red tape  

Permits are not required.  However, take care to protect the wildlife, leave nothing behind, tell someone of your plans and expected time to arrive home.

It is a compulsory requirement to register the jet ski at the Harbour Master’s Office.

The owner must have civil liability insurance.

The minimum age for using a jet ski is 18, or 16 with the written consent of parents or guardians.

A homologated life jacket should be worn by the driver and passenger, together with a whistle, a protective helmet that maintains its buoyancy at all times, and protective goggles.

No more than the maximum number of persons permitted by the manufacturer may ride the ski.

Jet skis must not be used in areas closed of for regattas or bathing which, for the latter, is an area between the beach and the line of buoys. If there is no line of buoys, the bathing zone is considered to be a 200m wide strip of sea running parallel to the shoreline.

To take to sea, or to bring a jet ski to shore on unmarked beaches, the jet ski must be ridden on a course perpendicular to the shore at a speed of under 3 knots.

Jet skis can only be used during daylight hours and in good weather with good visibility.

HIRED SKIS:

In the case of hired jet skis, the hire agent must be authorised by the Harbour Master’s Office.

The company must have the following

A circuit, marked with buoys.
A floating base on the edge of the circuit.
A method of carrying users to and from the circuit.
A rescue boat.
At least two members of staff to monitor the circuit and one monitor for every four users.

A jet ski hired by the day must meet the same regulations as a private jet ski.

QUALIFICATIONS:

For private use.

For jet skies of 110HP and over, a Jet Ski Skipper certificate A is required and for a Jet Ski between 55 and 110HP, a certificate B is required. Certificate C is for Jet Skis below 55HP.

For use of a hired Jet Ski on a circuit, no qualifications are required.

For group excursions, monitors must have at least a C certificate and, for all other modes of use, the relevant certificate for the power of Jet Ski is required.

DOCUMENTS:

The Sailing permit, issued by the Harbour Master’s Office, or Registration, must be carried aboard the Jet Ski, along with relevant insurance documents.

USE:

Jet skis must not be used to tow other floating objects, unless in special cases of emergency.

Do not ride under the effects of alcohol or drugs.

Maintain a minimum distance of 50m from other Jet Skis, floating objects, diver marker buoys, ships or boats.

Do not use a Jet Ski alone, and always let someone know the route and return time.

Use brightly coloured protection against the cold.

Carry a back pack with luminous signal devices, high energy food, drinking water etc.

In case of breakdown, do not attempt to swim to shore. Attempt to contact shore users for support.

Riding Jet Skis in commercial harbours is not permitted, apart from going straight to sea or returning at a speed of less than 3 knots.

Avoid using a Jet Ski in access channels to ports, in anchoring areas or in areas of heavy boat traffic.

Always give way to sail.

Recreational races or pursuits are not permitted, unless within a competition organised by a recognised sports federation.

In the case of hired Jet Skis, the hire agent must have an operating license issued by the Maritime Authorities.

This newsletter is intended as a guide and to be informative and helpful in the process of searching for and purchasing a property in Spain. Total accuracy cannot be guaranteed and in all legal, fiscal and other matters a fully qualified professional should be consulted. Reproduction of any part of this newsletter is not permitted without written permission.