Lanzarote Relocation

This was the first of my Lanzarote walks… and one that although I was excited about – I also approached with a sense of trepidation. It has been many years since I did any form of exercise… mainly due to laziness and lack of motivation – there you have it, and at least I’m honest!

So anyway… thanks to the lovely John B  that we met via our forum on Canary Nightlife (they’re a very friendly bunch… so do pop in and join the chat), I found myself armed with shorts, tshirt and trainers… as well as a water bottle and a sick feeling in my stomach – ready to climb a mountain. Who were these other people walking with us? Would they be friendly? Would there be anyone who I had even a remote connection with? I needn’t have worried…. everyone was lovely – and I even spotted a couple of familiar faces. This is not a formal walking group, and I am not going to plug them or even post contact details. This is simply a group of people that happen to like walking and that happen to get together now and again to go walking.

Right – we set off from just outside the catacombs in yaiza, and trekked around the edge of the hill runnning parallel to the main road. It was a little steep in parts – but that may just have been me being unfit. As we reached almost the top you could see right across Timanfaya in one direction, and across to Femes in the other.

Coming down the other side was a little tricky in places, and I learned that uphill I find easy… but downhill my nerves of loose ground and heights makes it a little dodgy for me. Luckily John was extremely patient and kept me chatting and safe right at the back of the group. As we came down a little lower, I couldn’t believe how many wild flowers there were… as well as oodles of poppies! Apparently “Amapola” is Spanish for poppy.

The path brought us down the the stone staircase right opposite “L Campo” on the main road in Yaiza… so in we all trekked for some refreshments before heading home.

So… after my first stint at walking in Lanzarote – how am I feeling about the whole experience? Simply put… I’m chomping at the bit to get out and see far more of the island. I love seeing new places, and am really relishing getting to know this stunning piece of rock a lot more intimately – though not at great speed down the side of a mountain, I have to say!

My apologies for the poor quality of images – they were taken on my mobile phone. Also… they are not in order. “Must try harder!” And yes, the girl in the pink cropped trousers is me.

I would say that this is a moderate walk – and perhaps not for anyone who has trouble with slopes. Make sure you consult a proper walking guide, and don’t rely on my maps… as they are meant merely as a general guide. Also ensure you have sensible footwear and plenty of water

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