Overview
Length: 9.3km
Elevation: 390m
Type: Loop
Time: 1hrs 30mins
Introduction
Markus and I were on the lookout for an epic trail run in the Marina Alta.
That’s when we stumbled across the legendary Barranc de l’Infern which in English means The Ravine of Hell.
Apparently, it’s called The Cathedral of Hiking. And as soon as we heard that, we knew we had to do it. I mean, how could we resist a name like that?
The route promised us a mix of steep ascents, descents, breathtaking views and thousands (6 thousand to be precise) of ancient stone steps. Given our love of a challenge we laced up our trail shoes, packed extra water and headed to La Vall de Laguar to take on this iconic route.
Spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint!
About the Barranc de l’Infern
The Barranc de l’Infern is an impressive gorge carved over thousands of years by the Girona River.
It winds its way between the Sierra de la Carrasca and Serra del Cavall, creating a deep and narrow canyon of sheer limestone walls and rugged beauty.
The trail is part of the PR-CV 147 route and is famous for its 6,800 ancient stone steps. They were built using the dry stone technique which is an age-old craft declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. These terraces, walls and paths were originally constructed by Moorish settlers who cultivated the land here centuries ago.
This trail run was therefore an adventure through both nature and history.
What I love about trail running is that it’s an immersion in the landscape and cultural heritage of the Marina Alta. If you’re looking for real “wow” factor then I can’t recommend the route enough.
But here’s a tip: avoid the summer months.
It’s hot and difficult (and dangerous). It’s also not for kids.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with blooming almond trees in February and cherry blossoms in March adding a stunning touch to the rugged scenery.
The Trail Running Route
We started our adventure in the charming village of Fleix. It’s one of three tiny villages in La Vall de Laguar.
We parked just outside the village and set off following the well-marked PR-CV 147 trail. The first section took us past the old village laundry site and the Font Grossa (a historic water source).
Then came the legendary steps.
Oh, the steps.
They start almost immediately and zigzagg steeply down into the ravine. And just when you think you’re done?
Nope.
More steps.
But the descent offers stunning views over the gorge with sheer cliffs rising on either side and the dry riverbed snaking below.
(Admittedly, many sections of the Barranc de l’Infern force you to walk or hike, or stumble…)
We crossed the Girona River’s dried-up bed feeling quite like tiny ants surrounded by towering rock walls.
Then came the real challenge: climbing out of the ravine.
The stone steps wind their way up in a relentless series of switchbacks until we reached Les Juvees d’Enmig, an old cluster of farmhouses with a well where we stopped for a breather and water refill.
Then another descent led us deeper into the gorge to the Font de Reinós, where we paused to enjoy the tranquillity of the valley before preparing for the next climb. The second ascent was tough but rewarded us with breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and coastline.
We could see all the way to the Serra del Cavall Verd and beyond to the distant Mediterranean!
At the top, we reached Benimaurell, the highest village in the Vall de Laguar, known as “The Village Above.”
From here it was a gentle descent back to Fleix, our legs feeling every one of the 6,800 steps but our hearts full of awe at the beauty of the landscape.
AllTrails route. “Fleix – Barranc de l’Infern – Benimaurell”
The dreaded steps!