WALK TALL - Informal Walking Group

WalkTallSpain is an informal walking group, made up of friends who explore the beautiful landscapes of our local area together. We provide a safe, social, and supportive way to enjoy the outdoors - without the intensity of a "heads down, charge ahead" fitness group. Whether you want to make new friends, or simply appreciate nature, our walks offer a welcoming and relaxed environment. The name "WalkTallSpain" comes from my love of walking, my height, and my home in Spain. It also symbolises confidence and bravery - something many of us need when adapting to life in a new country.

Who can join this informal walking group?

To join, you must enjoy walking and be able to comfortably walk 5 miles (8 km) or more. You need to be fit and healthy (if undergoing treatment, ensure you have your doctor's consent) and have agreed and signed the disclaimer before your first walk.

When and Where are the walk routes?

Our walks take place mainly in Almanzora, Albox, and Cantoria, with occasional routes in Mojácar, Oria, Somontín, Purchena, Fines, Olula del Río, Macael, and more. Walks are typically scheduled for Monday Mornings and Wednesday Evenings. You pick and choose the walks you want to attend, based on the route information provided and your ability.

What is the difference between the Monday and Wednesday walking groups?

Both are meant to be at a comfortable pace. I strongly encourage stopping to take in the views, after all, the areas we walk are stunning! And keep the same spirit of togetherness. To reiterate - we are not a fitness / power walking / high intensity walking group. Monday Morning Walks are great for newbies to the group. A relaxed, stress-free accomplished start to the week. There’s no rush to beat fading light, just good company and a chance to stretch your legs and your spirits. A collection of shorter, less demanding hikes. Wednesday Evening Walks on the whole, tend to be longer and more demanding.

How much does it cost to join the walks?

I offer this for FREE because I love bringing people together in beautiful surroundings. Walking and talking help create connections, and support friendships, making a new life in Spain more enjoyable. 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 walking guide?

This is NOT a commercial activity - It's an informal walking group. I am not a trained guide. I do not hold public liability, group rescue, or medical insurance. ALL participants walk at their own risk and are SOLELY responsible for their own safety, belongings, and wellbeing. I strongly recommend that anyone walking with me, whether on a group walk or route scouting (recce) walk, takes out personal rescue insurance, medical insurance, and any other insurance required for peace of mind.

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

Can I take photos?

Images are taken by myself and others. To avoid any issues, I ask that you PLEASE DO NOT JOIN this walking group if you do NOT want any image/s used online. I ask that any of MY images shared within the Private Facebook group are NOT shared outside the group, out of respect for the people in the images.

What is needed for each walk?

a signed disclaimer for the first walk and a positive attitude
appropriate clothing & footwear for the weather and route
torch for evening walks
hi-vis for roads and visibility
whistle (in case of emergency)
food and drink appropriate for the route duration, energy levels required, and weather
basic first aid kit - plasters / electrolytes etc
charged mobile phone and emergency contact number/s

How do I join the walking group?

Due to high demand, new members will be added via a waiting list. If you're interested, please email using the email link provided on this page. When a spot becomes available, I'll contact you about joining the private Facebook group. Please provide your name and how many people are interested. Please let me know how you heard about the walking group.

I periodically remove people who have not attended a walk since joining the Facebook group.
(It is a Private and hidden Facebook group)

If you currently walk with me - please feel free to leave a short review below

Previous comments

Vanessa Gibson

"What a fantastic way to walk , meeting lovely new friends and getting fitter . Seeing the sun rising and setting in places we haven't ventured since living here , thakyou tracey ."

Louisa Stallworthy

"Before moving to Spain I was advised about Tracey’s walking group. I started following Walk Tall Spain on Insta and joined the group on FB. Looking at all the walks it just added to my excitement for our move to Spain. We arrived here 3 months ago and I have loved every walk. This is a great way to exercise and to meet people. I have learnt so much from the individuals in the group as well as Tracey’s vast knowledge of the area. My friends back home love hearing about my walks with the group. Moving to a new country and finding a way to socialise and exercise this is the group for you. Thankyou Tracey for all your research and organisation for our walks. I highly recommend this walking group. "

Vicki Kress

"Two years ago, while visiting our holiday home in Spain, I joined Tracey’s walking group — and what a wonderful adventure it’s been ever since. Her walks opened up a completely new layer of this idyllic corner of Almería, revealing stunning scenery I’d never have discovered on my own and not felt confident to do Now that we’ve made the move to live full-time in what was once our second home, this little walking group has become one of the best parts of our new life. It’s not just about the walks — though they are always beautiful — it’s about the like-minded friends and fellow adventurers I’ve met along the way. Truly, it’s been the best thing I could have done. Vicki Kress ??"

Anne Goodwin

"I’ve recently joined this group after having lived here for a year . It’s been wonderful for meeting lovely new people and getting out to see what a beautiful place we live in! Tracey has found some wonderful walks and we walk along chatting to each other and taking in the beautiful scenery. A true tonic ! Thank you Tracey x"

Ged Downes

"So glad I joined this walking group. Was a bit apprehensive about what to expect when I started walking. But Tracy was very welcoming and put my mind at ease straight away. I enjoyed meeting and talking with my fellow walkers. Everyone has a different story to tell. Will look forward to enjoying future walks with them again. I joined the group to discover walks in my new environment, to keep fit, and to make new friends. This group provides it all."

Enya W-B

"I love joining the Walk Tall group when I visit Mum in Spain! It's so lovely to visit new areas I've never been to and meeting other members of the group :) x"

Simone James

"(2025) I've been walking with Tracey for 2 years and joined shortly after moving to Spain. It's such a brilliant way to get to know the area but also ticks so many other boxes - getting fitter, meeting like-minded people, learning about your environment. I'm so glad I found this group and can highly recommend it. "

Tanya Buskell

"(2025) I have been visiting the Arboleas area from Canada for the past 3 months. This group of active welcoming and friendly people have been a wonderful addition to my trip. Tracey has introduced me to some amazing placing that I would never have seen if it wasn't for these fun walks. Highly recommend WalkTall informal walking group!"

Jono Molsey

"(2025) So pleased I joined this group. Tracey is an experienced walker and leads us through some beautiful countryside. The members of the group are very welcoming and good company. Always looking forward to my next walk."

Pam Meade

"2024 - Tracey has a passion for walking which she has branched out and shares with a lovely group of people and still growing. Safely is of utmost importance and she asks that you complete a form on joining the group to be aware and adhere to certain conditions eg high viz jacket on roads. Each walk unique and interesting. They are at varying times depending on season and weather."

Julie Tese

"2024 - Really enjoyed my first walk with Tracey in a friendly and sociable group of 16 walking out in a circular route from Almanzora along some of the Via Verde a disused railway line, which meant the route was nearly all flat! I am just visiting rather than resident but was made welcome and really enjoyed having a local Spaniard for mutual language practice as we walked. It was a lovely walk with great views, interesting history, some beautifully scented blossom and even a family of ibex watching us from a crest. Really enjoyed the beer and chat afterwards with most of the group. If I lived locally I would be joining this group regularly because Tracey obviously knows her routes, and there's safety and companionship in numbers. "

Gilli Evans

"2024 - Living at the base of the Clwydian Range of mountains, my weekly walk up Moel Famau after moving to Spain was missed. It's always great to have company walking, so I joined this group on the advice of a friend Debs, Tracey the organiser has been a great guide on some lovely walks, so looking forward to many more. Great friendly people with like minds to walk with too."

Geoff Murrell

"I am interested in getting fitter, losing some weight, improving my health and enjoying the beautiful Spanish countryside, so I joined the group with the intention of joining some of the less strenuous walks, certainly to begin with. Thank you Tracey for taking me on some lovely local walks. If you are thinking of joining a walk, but aren't sure if you are fit enough, can I recommend talking to Tracey about 1-2-1 walking, as preparation for the group walks "

Melanie Rayner

"This group has been the tonic l needed, walking with like-minded people who love walking. The walks l have done have been fantastic, truly amazing scenery. What a fabulous group l have joined. Great chats along our walks. Thank you, Tracey."

Victoria Battman

"I love being outside and walked a lot when I lived in the UK, finding this group and feeling safe in a yet unknown area has been brilliant. Tracey has been a very knowledgeable and helpful guide, she really knows her stuff, I really look forward to walk days!!"

Deborah Parker

"I have always fancied joining a walking group so when this came up on my FB last year I was so excited. I have not been disappointed. Tracey is so thorough & organised and covers everything we need to know to be safe. All the walks are done previously & carefully planned! The walks are so interesting, and I would never have explored so much of our beautiful area if it wasn't for this walking group. Everyone I have met is really friendly and considerate to others needs. It really is something that I wake up to think hooray it's my walking day. So I'm buzzing!!! Gracias Tracey xx"

Christine Ross-Harper

"This walking group has just been the tonic I need... as walking on my own was not much fun... walking with Tracey and seeing sights you would never see from the road are just incredible... and meeting new people ... highly recommend if you are an avid walker "

Tina Holloway

"I've never been naturally sporty or particularly active & can struggle to find exercise that I actually enjoy. I have always liked walking but unfortunately my husband doesn't! I can walk into town from where I live but would not feel confident to go off track by myself. This group is perfect for me. I pick the walks to suit me. I am going to progress to the more challenging ones during 2023."

Dan Daniels

"The group explores different areas around Albox (and sometimes further afield). The participants are friendly and welcoming making each walk enjoyable. Tracey has shown me parts of the Spanish countryside I would not have found by myself. Thanks for arranging the walks - its a great way of having a healthy body, mind and soul. "

Rik De Gruytere

"I have joined the group recently. I met a group of very friendly people. Tracey knows her way around, the walks are diverse and interesting. I can recommend Walk Tall to everyone that likes walking or wants to start to walk."

Cora Unk

"You don't go for walking alone in the mountains. It's very nice Tracey started this group with all kind of people who are interested in walking. Whether it's for fun, your health or to meet new people. Short walks or longer one's, Tracey knows some very nice routes to go. I will certainly join more walks. Thanks Tracey! "

Paul Hyde

"Tracey and I chatted one day about improving my health, after I'd recently decided to lose some weight and get a bit fitter. Not only did she inspire me to make the first step by agreeing to walk regularly, but also to accommodate my 'awkward' need to start early in the morning as I do still need to go to work. Absolutely love the experience and seeing the area we live in with such a different view and perspective. Thank you and well done Tracey Bartlett "

Linda Noel

"A really healthy & interesting way to get to know the area. By walking together and sharing our ideas and thoughts, we all benefit from each other. The group which I'm lucky to be part of is informal, fun and friendly. Tracey our coordinator and inspiration, is very good at finding fascinating walks.I would fully recommend giving it a go. "

Tracy Clarke

"This is a very Friendly group & a great way to meet your neighbours & enjoy our beautiful surroundings. "

Barbara Taor

"The walking group has given me a happy way to keep fit and to see more of the beautiful Almanzora Valley. I have also met some lovely new friends to walk and talk with. Its just win win. Thanks Tracey Bartlett ."