DAY 7 - MONTEALEGRE DEL CASTILLO TO PÉTROLA - 29KM

When we were planning this walk we used a guide published in 2007, the most up to date available for this route. We have found that on a number of occasions the distances quoted are less than the actual ones, possibly because there have been modifications to the route etc. Today was a good case in point. It should have been 23km and it turned out to be over 29. An extra 6 km doesn't sound much but coming as it does at the end of your walking day, when your pace has slowed it means an extra hour and a half walking!

Now that I've had my little moan let me tell you about today! As usual we set off at 6:30. We witnessed a beautiful sunrise as we left Montealegre behind. The path soon turned into a very stoney one and climbed relentlessly. It then opened out into very colourful fields with hues of dark and light green and red earth, reminiscent of Ana Maria's homeland, Misiones in Argentina. From here we carried on past a number of brackish water lakes (!) and then continued to climb to the top of the mountain again on very loose stoney ground until we reached a wind turbine park. From there it was downhill all the way to Petrola for 7.5km on a completely straight road which completely sapped our strength. We ended up completely knackered and are still recovering after a few beers and a tapas lunch.

This is a small village. The Albergue is comfortable but has no shower or hot water. Guess we have no option but to return to the bar! Tomorrow we leave for Chinchilla.