After a busy few weeks in France & London working on campaigns, we were happy to be back on home ground in Spain as the autumn crisp descended. In need of some countryside air, we felt compelled to return to one of our favourite hideaways in the Guadalest valley, for some rejuvenation amongst nature.
A 6:00 am alarm sounding is rarely well received, but the glow of the moon and prospect of the rising sun over the lake had us jumping straight into our boots. We packed our backpacks weighted with essentials for our climb; coffee, cameras, extra layers, and a celebratory bottle.
“You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.”
Dr. Seuss
Forever wanting to dress the part, we turned to Free People for our hiking get up. A brand for the life well-lived, the Free People Movement range not only includes their performance-ready activewear but also rugged yet stylish hiking boots. And we can confirm they are a practical & comfortable choice when it comes to actually scaling a mountain or trekking through trails this fall, adding just the right amount of stylish grit.
On the horizon ahead lay the white bell tower of Penon de la Alcala, softly illuminated by the glow of the rising sun.. The day begins to break further and so we press on downwards, rough terrain underfoot
As our trail joins flatter grounds we are welcomed by the vibrancy of the turquoise reservoir.
The stillness provides a glass-like sheet for reflection, mesmerised by this meeting point of nature, we go in search of a spot down by the water to rest and enjoy the views.
We take the next few hours weaving around the reservoir until we encounter a break in the path.
Un-phased by the sheer drop, we scramble down a rocky vertical resulting in a chalk covering.
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
Beverly Sills
We felt rather smug with our own little corner of the world, not a soul in sight, but also with our 6am selves for having the forward-thinking of packing a bottle of Gullivers Whiskey and two glasses in our backpack.
The bottle seemed apt, as Gulliver’s 47 is a celebration of its heroic creator, Samuel Gulliver’s adventures back in 1747.
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