WALK TALL - Informal Walking Group
WalkTallSpain is an Informal walking group of friends exploring the beautiful open areas around where we live, without the vulnerability of walking alone. Together we enjoy walking, exploring, socialising and improving our overall fitness. I love to Walk, I am Tall and I live in Spain - hence the nameWalkTallSpain - A positive term for one's confidence and bravery, which is something I feel we need when living abroad. We come together to share a love of walking, with a positivity to help uplift and encourage those with the aim to get fitter, or who may be struggling to settle here in Spain
Who can join this informal walking group?
You must be someone who enjoys walking, and be able to walk a minimum distance of 5 miles (ca. 8 km) comfortably. I ask that you attend only if you're fit and healthy and have the consent of your doctor if undergoing any treatment. Everyone is to provide a signed disclaimer prior to their first walk
When and Where are the walk routes?
The walks are focused mostly around Almanzora, Albox, Cantoria. With a sprinkling of routes in Mojacar, Oria, Somontin, Purchena, Fines, Olula del Rio, Macael and more. They're typically organised for Monday Mornings and Wednesday Evenings (mid-afternoon to the late evening, depending on the time of year). You pick and choose the walks you want to attend, based on the route information provided.
What is the difference between the Monday and Wednesday walking groups?
Monday Morning Walks are specifically for those starting a fitness routine or wanting a relaxed start to the week. Think of it as a stress-free stroll where you can chat, soak up some nature, and still feel accomplished before the week takes off. There’s no rush, no pressure, just good company and a chance to stretch your legs and your spirits. They can often be the same routes as the Wednesday group, but from a collection of shorter ones. They can and will have hills, because, after all, there aren't many flat areas around here - Sorry! lol
Wednesday Evening Walks tend to attract the faster walkers. Either because they don't have a torch or are looking forward to the pub at the end!
But there's still plenty of chatting and laughs. There's not so much stopping to take in the views, although I do encourage that, after all, the areas we walk are stunning! Wednesdays have a quicker rhythm, but I ask for the same spirit of inclusivity and togetherness, please.
How much does this cost?
A small donation of 2.50 euro per person per walk to help cover walking-related expenses (incl apps, software and website). Please note that on some routes, we may stop at a tourist attraction or a local bar. This is known about in advance, and everyone is responsible for ordering and paying for their own refreshments or tickets.
Are you a trained guide?
This is an INFORMAL walking group. I am NOT formally trained. I organise these walk sessions because I want to share the routes I have found with like-minded people. I DO NOT have public liability insurance or group rescue or medical insurance.
We ALL walk at our own risk; and are all personally/individually responsible for ourselves and our belongings and I strongly recommend that anyone walking with me, be that on a solo walk, recce walk, or group walk, take out their own rescue and personal medical insurance in case of an accident on a walk.
If you're visiting the area for a holiday, you should check that your travel insurance cover is sufficient. If you find that it doesn't then please ensure that you take out extra cover for the sport of walking and hiking.
You should discuss your needs for insurance with your insurance advisor.
To reiterate - each member is solely responsible for their safety, well-being, insurance, and belongings on the walks. Tracey will not be held liable for any injuries, accidents, or losses that may occur.
Are dogs welcome?
I ask that dogs are not included out of respect for group members who are not comfortable around them, have allergies or have fears.
Are children welcome?
Due to the social nature of the group walks, the group is not open to children
Images are taken by myself and others. These are shared within our closed Facebook walking group. Some are shared on personal social media. I may also use photos on this website. PLEASE DO NOT JOIN this walking group if you do NOT want any image/s used online. By coming on the walks, it will be taken that permission has been given.
How do I join?
You can request to join the
Walking Group on Facebook to learn about future walks.
Please note that I periodically remove people who have not attended a walk since joining the Facebook group. (It is a PRIVATE Facebook group which is searchable, but unless someone is a member, they will not be able to see who is in the group, or the contents shared on the group. New Facebook group members are required to answer a few questions before being allowed admittance)What is needed for each walk?
- a signed disclaimer for the first walk
- positive attitude
- appropriate clothing & footwear for the weather and route
- torch
- hi-vis
- whistle
- food and drink appropriate for the route duration, energy levels required, and weather
- first aid kit
- charged mobile phone
- emergency contact number
What are the guidelines when attending a walk?
- Everyone must have signed a disclaimer and handed this to me at the start of their first walk (Please see the RELATED DOCUMENTS link on this page) It acknowledges that you understand that outdoor activities such as walking can be hazardous, and you're voluntarily participating in these walks with knowledge of the risks involved.
- Everyone is responsible for arriving BEFORE the start time. The group will start on time and will not wait, even if you have said you're coming
- Everyone is responsible to walk as a group and not break away, if they do so, it's at their own risk.
- Everyone is responsible for deciding if they can personally walk the chosen route based on their current fitness, ability, health, and weather conditions. No one is to participate if under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Everyone is responsible for wearing hi vis on roads, and to walk on the left-hand side in the direction of oncoming traffic, in single file.
If you attend our walks and would like to leave a few words below, please do so in the comments and I will make it live when I am online next.