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Tuesday January 29, 2019

Those boots are made for walking


Get your boots on & try a walk on the wild side in Fornalutx!

During this cool and bracing winter weather in Mallorca, I like nothing better than to pull on some warm layers and a good windproof jacket and head up into the hills for a hike. In my book there are two different sorts: the relaxing and the challenging!

If I’m looking for a challenge, I go mountain climbing with my terrifyingly fit friend, Alison, who pops back and forth between the Soller valley and London each month. We are currently attempting to climb all 54 peaks over 1000m on the island and are almost halfway there. It’s great fun, physically rewarding, and a wonderful way to shut off from the world around us. Often we are seven hours or more in the mountains and once we hit a 1000m peak, we celebrate with a pack lunch. Both of us are mega greedy and pack a lot of food – our reward for such hard work ;-)

The relaxing variety of hiking is equally enjoyable and far less taxing. One can amble along beautiful mountain paths and drink in the incredible views under searing blue skies, usually with hardly a sound save for the mumbling breeze and bird chatter.

If you do go hiking, even on a relatively easy route here in the Tramuntanas, do remember to bring about 1.5-2 litres of water, a small torch, whistle, map and compass as well as change of socks (in case of rain), waterproof jacket, and maybe waterproof trousers if the forecast looks dodgy. Energy bars and a yummy pack lunch are de rigueur. Although it’s winter time it’s worth bringing suncream and sunglasses as it can get very sunny en route when the sun’s up, and of course a mobile phone and battery charger are essential, even if it’s just to record your amazing day on the wild side!



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