This is a circular route which is 9 km long.

The hike starts on the path known as Camí del Calvari and you have to walk up the slope until you reach the section that goes around a closed estate where the Sant Joaquim hermitage and the Sala pantheon are located. From here, continue along the path known as Camí de les Coves.

Pass through an urban area that is characterised by small houses and crop fields where the inhabitants of Pego spend their weekends. Soon there is a fork where, instead of turning, you have to continue straight on and further on there is another fork where you have to take the path on the right that leads to the Xical mountain.

Advance along this road that goes uphill and soon you go from being on an asphalt road to being on forest land. As your hike gains in altitude, you can enjoy wonderful views of the valley where Pego is located. At a certain point you come across a path on the left, which you have to take.

This path leads you to the Xical peak, where there is a plain with the remains of a corral and a well that were both in use in ancient times. This is a good place along the route to take a break and enjoy the views.

Continue along the path that lies on the western side of the mountain. Further on, you come across the path that leads to the cave known as Cova Blanca and the Pla del Miserà plain. At this point, it is necessary to go in the opposite direction even though it is not indicated, so as to reach La Figuereta, where you can see the mountain shelter which belongs to the Pego Excursionist Centre. From this point there are spectacular views of Pego and its surroundings.

Return to Pego along the same path that you used to ascend and turn off towards the ravine known as Barranc de les Coves. Once inside the ravine, you can quickly notice that the slope becomes considerably more pronounced on the way down. Keep going along the path, following the signals, and you arrive at the trough of the caves, where you can also see a well and a small dam.

From here, go along the Camí de les Coves path that leads you back to Pego.

PLACES OF INTEREST

• Escola d’Escalada.
• Barranc de les Coves.
• Refugi de la Figuereta.
• Cim del Xical.