Vagabond

Vagabond by Mark Eveleigh is a spellbinding journey through the heart of Spain, offering readers an immersive experience of rural beauty, rich heritage, and the uncharted paths less travelled. Embarking on a solo 1,225-kilometre hike from the southern tip of Gibraltar to Spain's northernmost point at Estaca de Bares, Eveleigh's adventure is not merely a physical challenge but a profound exploration of a disappearing lifestyle.

Inspired by a nomadic vagabundo he encountered decades earlier, Mark rejects the frenetic pace of modern life, choosing instead the slow, deliberate journey on foot. With nothing but a backpack and a hammock, he traverses picturesque but often gruelling terrains: sleepy siesta-hour plazas, ancient cork forests, and shimmering arid plains. Through this arduous trek, the blistering heat and the dusty roads, Mark discovers that the true essence of his journey lies in the people he meets along the way.

As he ventures through the lesser-known regions of Spain, including the scarcely visited Extremadura, Eveleigh's path is marked by encounters with the inhabitants of small, forgotten villages. These interactions reveal a Spain rich with stories, kindness, and a way of life that harks back to simpler times. Each step of his journey uncovers the resilient spirit of these communities, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring human connections that thrive in the most unexpected places.

This incredible true story of one man's 1,225-km hike across the Iberian Peninsula is a celebration of rural Spain along the road less travelled.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes encapsulates the magical essence of Eveleigh's endeavour: "Vagabond is classic travel writing at its finest... Mark takes you on a journey through the heart of Spain which is rich in detail and bursting with life."

In recounting his fascinating nomadic journey, Vagabond is both a homage to the ephemeral existence of the vagabundo and a tribute to rural Spain and its overlooked communities. The book underscores the profound value of slowing down, seeking genuine connections, and appreciating the journey as much as the destination. Mark Eveleigh's adventure invites readers to find beauty and contentment in taking life one step at a time.