A good sized party from the Torrevieja U3A (University of the Third Age) Walking Group recently descended on the Tia Pepa Restaurant near Elche before embarking on its monthly walk. On this particular walk the group encountered and enjoyed the sight of a magnificent reservoir and dam (panta d’eix) which is set amid stunning mountain views.

After a short photo stop, they carried on to their designated lunch stop which was taken at the site of the murals, known as the ”Grabados de Mariano Ros” in the Sierra del Ferriol.

At this site there are in the region of seventy painted stone carvings which in actual fact appear to be more like frescoes than carvings. These murals have acquired significant cultural importance in recent years and are really fascinating to see. They are well worth the effort to visit but unfortunately are only approachable on foot.

After a stop to explore the carvings and take lunch, the group continued its walk, taking in

more of the magnificent countryside that makes up this part of inland Costa Blanca before finally returning to the Tia Pepa Restaurant some thirteen kilometres and four and a half hours after starting out.

This walk is just one of many opportuunities that the group provides over the year for its members allowing them to participate in a healthy, lifestyle whilst appreciating parts of the Costa Blanca at its best and also to gain a different perspective of the region, its countryside, wildlife and coast.

Membership of the Torrevieja U3A is inexpensive and enables members to participate in many group activities. To find out more, visit our website torreviejau3a.org where you will find details on how to join the group and details of all the other groups available.

Barry Weston