28th of October
This time we are going to the Northern side of Sierra Espadán to hike from Argelita to the remains of the Buey Negro fortress through the lush forests of this natural park.
“When the troops of Jaume I threatened the town, the able-bodied men from all over the region took refuge in Buey Negro. Once the fortress was besieged, attempts at forcing were useful until, on a dark night, more than a thousand mountain goats were rounded up and stuffed with oakum and resin, compelling them to go in a certain direction. The refugees who saw so many lights climbing up the cliffs and slopes believed themselves lost; some sought a heroic death, while others fell through the cuts.”
Within the heritage of the town of Argelita, we can find, as an Asset of Cultural Interest, the Castle of Buey Negro.
The enclosure of this mediaeval work, surrounded by defensive structures, is one of the largest in the province. Along with these structures, large escarpments made the site an impassable fortress. Within its construction, we can find a tower in the highest part. This slightly rectangular fortification was built with large stones. The walls, dating from the Muslim period and made of mortar formwork, defended an area of 15 hectares. It can be seen that some of the points that make them up had battlements on their crowns and a series of towers with small, flared arrow slits. Lastly, the fact that there were cisterns and wells inside the enclosure suggests that it was a place with clear strategic value for defending against enemy attacks.
Castillo de buey negro | Argelita.es
Difficulty: medium (12km with 400m of elevation gain).
Technical level: medium (single-track trails)
Meeting point: Mestalla, parking lot on av. Aragón, 9:30 (return to Valencia ~18:00)
Price: 35 euros (31 euros signing up before Friday, 27.10) / 14 euros coming to Argelita.
The price includes professional guide, transportation, accident and public liability insurances.
Bring at least 1.5l of water, lunch, cap and hiking shoes.
Become a member and get a 6-euros discount for every hike.