The campsite is near to Guardamar but there is a small problem, it is the other side of the river! Once more we discussed this dilemma with locals and were advised to turn right out of the site, along the river towards the road bridge, then across the river.
Off we set complete with sandwiches and water. The walk along the river was OK with tall reeds obscuring much of the view. However, we could see the tower blocks that line the route to the marina on the other side. Eventually we reached the road bridge, no pedestrian access, what to do? After some exploration we spotted a rickety wooden sign towards a paved crossing amongst the reeds. Thank goodness we thought, nearly there. Wrong again, we now had to walk even further, back in the same direction but on the other side of the river!
Not to be beaten we plodded on towards our goal and eventually reached the marina that we had previously admired from the other side of the harbour entrance. We gratefully sank onto seats on the marina restaurant terrace and ordered a beer each. At least it was not cold or wet.
Having revived ourselves, we sat on a bench and ate our sandwiches whilst deciding what to do next. As our plan was to visit the promenade we made our way around the marina and onto the walkway through the palms and sand dunes. It was another long walk and when we arrived at the prom it was siesta and nothing except eateries was open. However, we found a town plan on a board and photographed it so we could use it to get back to base.
Our route back was via the park and the main street of the town. All very pleasant but the Tourist Office was closed until 1700 and we were there at 1600! We noted the layout of the town and park area and declared that we would bring the van next time! We had to walk back the same way, which had not become any shorter, and were greatly relieved to arrive “home” before darkness fell. We had walked 9.5 miles. Our advisors were amazed to hear that we had WALKED to Guardamar. They all go by bike – arghhhhh