Written for Monarch airline's Explorer magazine: http://www.monarchexplorer.co.uk/1V4dfa22707d3c1012.cde
Extract:
...In search of wilderness,
I choose a section of the Cami de Cavalls from Cala del Pilar to Algaiarens, an 8km/5 mile ramble which reveals a stunning range of habitats. It begins and ends in peaceful picture-postcard coves with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters lapping gently against the shore; the only other sound comes from the breeze caressing the pine and the occasional cry of a tern. An invigorating climb to the cliff-tops, past red and black rock, accompanied by the regular booming of the waves, reveals stunning views out to sea.
It's easy to imagine Neptune rising from the wildly frothing waters; yet today it is only a lighthouse guiding the ships safely home looking strangely vulnerable on the tip of the cliff edge, its white-washed wood standing out against the deep blue Mediterranean sky. The path climbs up and down the coastal gorge, where low hedges hunch like old men, cowering close to the cliff-face in an attempt to avoid the bracing tramuntana wind which snatches my breath, flinging it out to sea. Clusters of daisy, springy moss and bright yellow chamomile draw the eye, as do stones marked with honeycomb erosion. Red kites, kestrel and eagle wheel overhead, adding to the impression of wilderness...
From the cool of the woods, the path leads to another scene change: wildflower meadows. A riot of colour, the fields are waist-high with incredible displays of orchids, gladioli, sainfoin and ragwort, creating a sumptuous visual portrait - and the sudden urge to tumble and frolic through the overwhelming reds, yellows and purples. Butterfly dance from plant to plant, the sunlight highlighting their fragile wings...
read more: http://www.monarchexplorer.co.uk/1V4dfa22707d3c1012.cde
