Caminito Del Rey, Malaga | World's Most Dangerous Walkway?

"Risk taker" and "thrill seeker" aren't two words that would describe me. It's not that I haven't done some cool and slightly hairy things in the past, but on my recent trip to Malaga with AC Hotels I'd say I certainly ticked one of the boxes off properly - with a 8k walk along the "World's Most Dangerous Walkway". Well, that's what Google likes to label it anyway...

When Hollie saw that I might have the opportunity to explore one of Spain's more dangerous pursuits, it was a firm no...No way, no how. And I must admit, the articles and stories which I'd seen online didn't install me with the greatest of confidence either. But then, a little further digging suggested that the whole cliffside walkway - which cuts through one of Malaga's most beautiful regions, along with the early 1900s hillside railway - was actually fully renovated in 2015, taking on extensive repairs to tired parts of the hike, while also creating a whole new modern walkway which now sees thousands of visitor's feet each day. Sounded pretty resonable to me.

Sure, it could be very silly if you messed about or stay glued to your phone screen a little too long, but it would be wrong to label "The King's Little Path" as dangerous. It was definately high up, and and some points the pathway does become narrow, but to called it dangerous would be sensationalism.

That's not to say it wasn't a sensational experience. In fact, the hike through Caminito del Rey in 32 degrees heat was one of most amazing experiences of my life, and I'm so pleased I said yes to the opportunity. Scary at points, almost unbearable heat throughout, and some of the most stunning views I've ever seen in person. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.

Mat.

Ontour A/W 2012

Ontour, not a brand I have ever heard of but their lookbook for this coming A/W (sheesh I know, we are still in the last one) had some pretty cool ideas going on. Their garb seems pretty cool but it wasn't that in particular that I wanted to share, it was the accompanying tied up images.

I really like the way they have used an entire outfit and well..... tied it all up. For me this is more exciting that the outfit shots but purely from a visual point of view. Obviously you don't get a feel for how stuff fits when it's all restricted but it made me curious about the brand, which made me want to know more. Their plan worked!

The brand was founded in The Neverlands, 2005. Each season they base their collection on a particular journey (hence Ontour ay). A/W's effort is entitled "On the Rocks" and from the images I'm guessing it's a nod to rambling and camping out, which is where the rope motif comes in. Their previous collection was based on protesters and activists, which again has some really cool images too.

For more on the brand visit their site. Image source

Trekking Part 2

Topman "Matias" Hiking Boots

I know, it's totally the wrong weather for boots like this but I couldn't miss the opportunity to get them. I've been after a pair of hiking boots (I got this pair a couple of months back) for quite a while but all the ones I liked were clearly way over my budget. I've had my eye on these Topman hiking boots for a few months but didn't really want to take the plunge at full price but when they dropped to £15 in the sale it would have been rude not to buy them. They aren't as well made at the Fracap's or as high quality of material but I can sacrifice that for the budget I'm currently on.

I know, they're a proper marmite item, you love them or hate them. I'm going for the first, they're going to be great for protecting me against the British elements once it's cooled down a bit.

This is how happy they make me - 

So come on, be honest. What do you think?

If anyone fancies a pair they still have plenty of stock in this colour and a dark green at Topman

Trekking

Wearing - Gap work jacket, Topman orange cord shirt, Dexter Wong for Topman baggy trousers, 2nd hand hiking boots, ASOS "Life Aquatic" hat, Topman socks.

If you have been following my last few posts and tweets you will know the headache I've been having about finding some new boots. I saved up for ages to buy some Redwing boots and when they arrived they were as hard as rock inside so it was back to square one. Then all of a sudden I bought two pairs in the space of a week. Above it the second pair, dark brown leather hiking boots, from a vintage shop in Manchester, priced at only £20(which is a surprise, as I'm sure everyone is aware of the rising prices in some vintage shops). I'm pretty chuffed with them I must say, they are in pretty good condition, a few scuffs and still decent inside. They're heavy but they is to be expected from a purpose built boot.

My attempt of a outfit post is always a bit hit or miss, this one is somewhere in between, I haven't got a tripod so I have to balance my camera on whatever I can find, and because I'm tall most of the time my head gets lobbed off. I'm liking the looser trousers at the moment, regular high street chinos are mega tight and will make these boots look like moon boots. 

Anyways, you liking my nod to the rambling scene?

This Week I'm Mostly Liking....

Clockwise from l-r Penfield Parka, YMC Hunting sweater both - My Wardrobe, Carolyn Massey Beige Chinos - Topman Lens, Grey Suede Brogues - ASOS, Turquiose Socks - Tabio, Hobo Daypack - Oki-Ni

I've told myself I'm not going to buy anything for the rest of the month, so these items are strictly out of bounds(and also because I clearly can't afford them, socks and shoes excluded). I reckon with this outfit I would be fit to do my daily errands, go for a pint and even go for a leisurely hike in the country side, I'd change my shoes before I started the climb of course!

Something else I'm looking forward to is Carolyn Massey's collaboration with sock experts, Tabio. Thanks to Style Salvage for sharing the good news. On the last count I own 60ish pairs of socks, they are my vice.

What tickles your fancy this week?