Tenerife 🏔 Climbing Mount Teide: A Last-Minute Adventure in Socks, Jeans & Determination

In mid-May, my partner and I went on our summer holiday to Tenerife. We’ve got a tradition of taking it in turns to choose where we go. Last year, I picked Albania, a stunning country, but by the end of it, we were utterly wiped out after trying to see the whole country in just 10 days.

This year, it was Ed’s turn. He chose Tenerife and promised it would be all about rest and relaxation. But if you know me, you’ll know I’m not the best at sitting still for long. I love a challenge. So, the day before, on a bit of a whim, we decided to climb Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 meters above sea level.

🏔 The Permits (and the Plan to Wing It)

We quickly discovered that most people book this climb nearly a year in advance, especially if you want to go all the way to the summit, which requires a permit. Classic us, we were totally last-minute. But determined.

Word on the trail was that if you set off early enough and reach the peak before 9am, you might just make it without needing a permit. So that’s exactly what we did.

About an hour into the climb about 5:30am, we thought it was game over. A van was waiting with two officials inside, checking IDs and looking people up and down for suitable footwear. Miraculously, we did have a pass for the lower part of the route, and thankfully, they let us continue (despite Ed’s cords and my makeshift gloves… more on that in a moment).

😅 Looking the Part? Not Quite.

Now, when I say we weren’t prepared, I really mean it. I climbed Mount Teide wearing big blue flared jeans and socks on my hands for gloves. Ed was dressed in cord trousers and a market-stall Egyptian jacket he’d bought in Amsterdam.

We must have looked like we’d taken a wrong turn from Glastonbury. Some people genuinely stared like they were seeing things. But in a way, so were we, the landscape was incredible. At times, it felt like we’d landed on Mars. The air got thinner, the terrain tougher, but the views were breathtaking. It felt surreal. Magical. Exhausting.

The Physical Challenge of Teide

The thin air, steep incline, and constantly changing terrain demanded strength, stamina, and focus. My calves were burning, my quads worked overtime, and my neck and shoulders took a beating from carrying a pack and craning for views (worth it).

Sound familiar? You don’t have to be scaling volcanoes to experience these same kinds of muscular stresses. Long runs, hilly bike rides around Bristol, or even a heavy week at work can leave the body tight and tired.

🏔 How Massage Therapy Helped Me Recover

After the climb, I treated myself to a glorious hot tub some swimming and a sports massage at the glorious hotel Tenerife at H10 Atlantic Sunset Horizon. But when I got back home, it was time for my own tried-and- tested recovery routine, which includes:

 Sports Massage – to reduce soreness, boost circulation, and help release built-up tension in the legs, hips, and back.

 Soft Tissue Therapy – to work deeper into areas like the adductors, glutes, and upper traps that took the most strain.

 Craniosacral Therapy – for grounding and relaxation. After the adrenaline of the climb, I needed stillness. Cranial work helps reset the nervous system and supports sleep and emotional balance.

 Red Light Therapy – especially helpful for reducing inflammation and supporting muscle recovery.

🏔 Why This Matters For You

Whether you’re training for a race, planning a hiking trip, or just dealing with the daily grind, your body deserves care and support. Massage isn’t just about luxury—it's a powerful tool for recovery, performance, and connection to your body. If you’ve been feeling tension, tightness, or burnout, booking a session could be the reset you need.

Even if you’re not climbing volcanoes in socks and jeans, these tools can help you recover, reset, and reconnect with your body—whether you’re training, commuting, parenting, or simply living life with a full schedule.

🏔 Based in Bristol? Let’s Work Together

If you're feeling the strain from your own adventures - big or small—I'd love to help. At Well Health Therapy, I offer:

 Sports Massage

 Soft Tissue Therapy

 Indian head massage

 Deep tissue massage

 Red Light Therapy

 I use also use cranial sacral therapy techniques

Reset your body. Reconnect your mind.

📅 Book your session here