If you want to get away from the crowds on the coast of the Costa Calida or southern Costa Blanca, a picnic or just a nice walk in the "Parque Natural de Sierra Espuna" can't be beaten. I have lived just south of Torrevieja (in Villamartin) for six years and this is one of my favourite excursions, it takes about an hour to drive there from the coast and is approximately twenty minutes from Murcia.

The drive into the Parque Natural de Sierra Espuna is breathtaking with fantastic views, as the road rises steeply up from the coastal plain. With hairpin bends and sheer drops, sometimes on either side of the road, it is not a drive for the faint hearted. I always take food and drink with me as the only restaurant that I have found is always closed or packed. There are a few purpose built picnic areas and some have barbeque facilities and toilets. On my last picnic, in one of the main areas, we were the only people there and were visited by a family of wild boar much to my grandson's delight. He then spent the next half hour feeding the piglets from the safety of the picnic table!

I am told there are many other examples of interesting birds and wildlife here in the Parque Natural de Sierra Espuna including wildcats and eagles, although I haven't seen any myself. There are marked walks and trails through the pine woods so make sure you have some sensible shoes on. Due to the height and the inevitable breeze the daytime temperatures here are not as stifling as that on the coast, so it is a welcome respite. On bank holiday weekends the parking can be difficult as hundreds of Spanish families visit for family get-togethers and feasts.

Although I would not dare myself, cyclists and climbers make full use of the parks tracks and cliffs. The easiest way to get to the Parque Natural de Sierra Espuna is to follow the motorway ( A - 7, E - 15) southwest from Murcia to Alhama de Murcia and follow the signs. You will see the mountain from miles away with its covering of pine forests and you will be amazed you can drive up there. There are no fees or charges to use the park so go and see it for your self and have a great day out away from the crowds and the beach.