Ermita de las Cañadas in Elda

The starting point for this hike is on Avenida de Monovar, near Calle Arco Iris in Elda (or, if there are no spaces available, on Avenida del Centro Excursionista Eldense in Elda).
To get to this starting point by car, please refer to the ‘Practical Information’ section below.

For information, the rating established by the French Hiking Federation (FFR) is as follows: IBP = 26, length = 8 kilometres and elevation gain = 100 metres. (These figures may differ from those given by Visorando; in this case, always use the higher figures to get an idea of the hike’s difficulty).

(S/E) Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing, take a few steps to the left and find the tunnel leading under the railway line. Then follow the path, heading left.

(1) At the junction, leave the tarmac road and take a small path on the left. A short while later, at the signpost, turn left, following the white and yellow markings.

(2) At the signpost, follow the sign for “Vuelta a Bolon” by going straight on. Then, a short while later, at a junction, take the path on the right, which goes uphill.

(3) At the signpost, follow the sign for “Cantera” by turning right.

(4) At the crossroads, take the path leading off to the left.

(5) Leave the path that runs alongside a fence and turn left, continuing straight on towards a ruined house.

(6) You will arrive at the Ermita de las Cañadas. It is a very simple, rectangular building (approx. 5.8 m x 4.5 m) dating from 1786, featuring a beautiful painted altarpiece.

Turn back. You can quickly follow a path through the countryside, running parallel to the road and more pleasant to walk along.

(7) Turn left towards "Ciudad deportiva".

(8) Turn right towards "Pinada".

(9) At the signpost, follow the signs for "Elda".

(10) Cross the bridge, then follow the path along the right-hand side of Avenida Centro Excursionista Eldense back to the starting point. (S/E)

Driving directions to the start of the hike.

From Alicante city centre, take the A31 motorway (from Calle Mexico) towards Madrid and continue straight on the A31.

Take exit 208 Loma Badá and immediately turn left onto the CV-83.
You will then cross over the motorway.
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (i.e. straight ahead) towards the CV-83 Monovar.
At the signpost, turn towards Elda Oeste Pologono Industrial, then at the roundabout take the first exit for Elda Oeste CV-835.
Continue on the CV-835 towards Elda through the first three roundabouts, then at the fourth roundabout follow the signs for Sax / CV-835 and park immediately on the right after the pedestrian crossing before the petrol station on the right (or go round the fourth roundabout to park in the side street off Avenida del Centro Excursionista Eldense, for example near number 3).

As a guide, the journey from Alicante by car is approximately 40 km and takes around 30 minutes.