Although the UK offers some stunning trail running options, winter can often get in the way of exploring the great outdoors. The Lake District, for example, is full of tales of seasoned runners being defeated by endless ran and punishing winds.
Sure, you can battle the elements in the name of all-weather training. Or, you can head to somewhere with over 300 days of annual sunshine, an abundance of challenging trails and beautiful sandy beaches for all-important rest – all while staying in a UNESCO-designated “creative city of gastronomy”.
The Montgó Massif Natural Park is a protected nature reserve on the coast of Alicante, Spain, just a two hour flight from most major UK airports. The jewel of the park is Montgó itself, a 753 metre mountain which offers hikers and trail runners spectacular ocean views, reached through winding forest paths and scrublands. With a diverse range of routes from accessible to advanced, and situated among two beautiful coastal towns, Dénia and Jávea, it’s a trail runner’s paradise. Here’s what you can expect.
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Day 1: Easy 5k through the park
The Camí de la Colònia – Cova del Gamell route begins at the Ermita del Pare Pere hermitage. This easy 5.5km route – well-maintained and well-signed, as is the case throughout the park – takes us up the north mountainside on a dirt path with low to moderate difficulty, ascending 104m. It’s a great way to experience Mongo’s biodiversity – there are more than 650 plant species in the park, which is also home to birds of prey including eagles and falcons. After an initial climb, you’ll be rewarded with a flat trail offering incredible views of Dénia and the Gulf of Valencia.
Day 2: Into the water cave
Racó del Bou – Cova de l’Aigua is a medium difficulty trail combining a good 5km training opportunity with some lessons in ancient history. It begins at the Racó del Bou, which translates to the Bull’s Corner, named for its unusual shape. After a comfortable stretch through the forest, a narrow path takes you up the foot of the shady, north side of the mountain. Then, a set of steep steps take you up to the Cueva del Agua (Water Cave). Again, the name is pretty literal – if it’s rained recently, drops of water will fall from the roof. The cave was used in Iberian times, and was a place of worship for the Romans (keep an eye out for a Roman inscription at the entrance). A circular route takes you back to the start via more caves.
Day 3: Up the mountain
A test of both fitness and fortitude, the Campo de Tiro – Cima del (summit of) Montgó route is the shortest route up the mountain, at 3.8km, but has a difficult final stretch. It begins with a trail through forest which leads to the foot of the mountain. From here, a zig-zagging path ascends part way up. You’ll need to slow down around 400m before the summit, where a steep limestone ridge means having to dust off your climbing skills. Have your phone camera at the ready once you reach the top, where on a clear day you can see as far as Ibiza.
Day 4: Rest
A good running holiday can’t be all work, no play. Montgó is surrounded by two beautiful coastal towns. Stay in Dénia, designated a “creative city of gastronomy” by UNESCO for its commitment to food quality and sustainability. Naturally, seafood is a speciality here, in particular red prawns, which are caught in the sea channel between Dénia and Ibiza, and have a sweet, lobster-like flavour. Take a stroll through the charming old town, filled with historical architecture, and be sure to visit neighbouring Jávea too, home to some of the region’s most beautiful beaches and coves.
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