Inspired by a nomadic “vagabundo” he met decades ago, Mark eschews the fast pace of modern life and sets off on a solo hike 1,225 km across the Iberian Peninsula – from Gibraltar in the far south to Estaca de Bares, Spain’s most northerly tip – carrying just a backpack and a hammock.

Hiking through sleepy siesta-hour plazas, shady cork forests and heat-shimmering plains, the hours would be long, dusty and hot. But, as Mark passes through the many small villages and communities en route, his trek comes to be characterized most of all by the sharing of stories, the true kindness of strangers, and the unbridled freedom of the open road.

Recounting Mark’s fascinating nomadic journey through Spain, including Extremadura, its least-visited region, Vagabond is a homage to the disappearing lifestyle of the vagabundo, as well as a celebration of rural Spain and its forgotten communities. It reminds us of the value of slowing down and finding connection with others, and the beauty that can be found in taking life one step at a time.

My Thoughts:

This is not my usual kind of read but I always like to try a different genre when I can. I am glad I gave this a go as I have huge respect for Mark for doing this epic journey but also for writing about it too. A true story at it’s best, Mark is on a solo hike with just a backpack and hammock, we see him meeting people and how kind some people are too him. It is a long old hike and I cannot believe what he went through, but he is a true inspiration in my eyes. Whilst this is not my usual read there is something that drew me into reading this book and I am so glad I did. Thank you for sharing your story Mark.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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