Talking Walking With Toby Clarke

Toby Clarke was born in Ibiza to hippy parents, in his own words, “the best thing that could have happened to him”. Circumstances led him to the hustle and bustle of the UK but the dream of a return to the island and returning to nature was never far away. Fast forward to today and he is a driving force in one of the island’s most popular homegrown concepts, Walking Ibiza. Encouraging people to get in touch with nature, to enjoy varying tests of fitness and see and experience the beauty that exists on their doorstep, it also offers interesting food tours and sunset kayak experiences in the summer.

We meet Toby aptly in the now pedestrianised Vara de Rey to catch up on what has been one of his busiest seasons to date. What began life as an idea inspired by an initial island walk, where he set off with one euro in his pocket, his dog and a sleeping bag, has become a multi-faceted concept that offers a range of activities throughout the year. With a selection of walks geared to varying levels of fitness as well as a more relaxed selection of food tours, kayaking and collaborations with other fitness related concepts on the island, Toby and Walking Ibiza is on a mission to introduce the island he loves to those interested in getting beneath the surface as well as offering a chance to feel better about yourself, physically and mentally.

Tell us about your first walk…
It was on Playa D’en Bossa and it was me and my dog and 1 euro. Funnily enough when I completed my walk it had accumulated to 11 euros thanks to a very drunk Scotsman who took pity on me when his daughter wanted to stroke my dog and decided to “sponsor” me with €10.

What has been your longest walk?
That would be the round-the-island challenge that took 11 days the first time I completed it. The next one is coming up on October 9 for anyone who fancies a stroll.

What are the main benefits of the walks?
Well apart from the obvious getting fit benefit – these walks are a form of therapy. They are designed to clear your mind and are very spiritual, a form of meditation really.

What do you consider your most dangerous walk?
I decided to fast whilst completing a walk around Formentera – 80kms in very difficult terrain. All that I had to keep me going was water infused with herbs such as rosemary and lavender that I collected on my trek. On Formentera you have lots of ravines so you really have to watch your step. The other occasion I took a very well know Russian figures daughter on a walk accompanied by five security guards carrying guns. If she’d had an accident – that would have been dangerous to say the least not just for her but for me too…

What has been the best discovery?
La Cueva de la Luz – the Cave of light, won’t tell you where it is however!

Walking works well with other wellness acitivites, you offer a combined yoga/ walking experience; tell us more about that…
Once a year I team up with yoga guru and friend Kirsty Gallagher and run a 6-day yoga retreat in a villa for 14 people. Yoga and walks have been a very good combination and places are in high demand

It’s not just about walking, your sunset Kayak tours have proved hugely popular?
Yes – very popular and run on Sundays from the Port of San Miguel in the sunset for 2-3 hours via the mystical bongo beach of Benirras. This is also suitable for children and a great way to round up the week and experience the island at sea. The last one runs on September 24 so book your place soon.

How often do you offer your food tour?
Three times a week so Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings or evenings we set off to discover different foods or drinks in Ibiza town, like a sophisticated pub crawl really. We have done the history and different varieties of coffee in Ibiza, the selection of fantastic jamons on the island as well as rum tours.

You don’t stop for the winter, what have you got planned for out-of-season?
The ultimate is the 4-day challenge where we team up with the likes of the VELO Club cycling club and do a combination of walking, cycling and kayaking. Every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday we do walks in various locations. I am also planning a 3-day walk to the fourth highest mountain in San Juan where I am setting up accommodation to sleep 9 people for that well-deserved break. Easter is a time when we can entice children to join in a walk combined with an Easter Egg hunt that’s 5 kilometres long, energy provided by chocolate eggs on the way!

Information & Booking:
e: toby@walkingibiza.com
w: walkingibiza.com
f: www.facebook.com/WalkingIbiza/