Walking Women Winter Warmth.
This ad arrived in my inbox last October when I was in the depths of dealing with the aftermath of my brother’s sudden and very tragic death 3 months earlier. Add in the prospect of sea swimming and a 4 star hotel – and I saw an irresistible beacon to help me get through the bleak prospect of winter.
Fast forward to Jan 31st and I’m arriving in a sunny and warm La Gomera – one of the smaller Canary Islands – having been met by the ever cheerful Rene – our guide for the week.
The hotel didn’t disappoint. Our superior sea view rooms had private balconies and offered the delicious prospect of falling asleep to the sound of the waves below.
Breakfast every day on a large terrace offered a view of the sunrise beyond date palms and the ocean. After collecting massive packed lunches we were off on the transport to the start of each day’s walk. The island is volcanic in origin and incredibly mountainous with peaks and deep ravines, around which wind the roads and stunningly beautiful walking trails. Many of us welcomed the offer of hiking poles from our guide – ‘I feel like a gecko’ said one woman – ‘gives me something to do with my hands.’
Along with the winter sun, the island has surprising microclimates. Two of our walking days took us high into the national park of Garajonay – densely forested with laurel trees and extraordinary plants, some unique to La Gomera. This area has a cloud forest climate – cool, damp and misty. We needed our wet weather gear as we hiked the forest trails, learning about local culture from our guide and marvelling at the ancient trees. One hike finished with the chance to try local wine and cheese at a family winery run by a multitalented woman, who had not only grown and made the wine but also serenaded us with traditional songs.
At the end of each walking day, the relaxation options were abundant – including several swimming pools, those private balconies and the nearby beach of volcanic black sand and pebbles, where the Atlantic Ocean felt almost balmy.
Our group ranged in age from 29 to an inspirational 89.
It’s a tribute to the inclusive spirit of Walking Women
that the days were organised to accommodate all. I returned home immensely rejuvenated, horizons widened, with a small black sea-washed pebble of lava in memory of my brother. Not much can beat the healing power of walking in beautiful places with like minded people.
Heather – WalkingWomen Winter Warmth La Gomera January 2025
If you would like to join us we have holidays every month throughout the winter season starting in December 2025 La Gomera Winter Warmth
