This summer, London-based filmmaker and photographer, Caleb Conde, headed two and a half hours north west of Barcelona to the remote Catalan-Aragon border and the Noguera River. This is his story of kayaking, trekking, and keeping everything dry in one of Spain’s most stunning gorges.
"We drove three hours inland, leaving the coast, phone signal, and any hope of shade behind. By midday, the heat was so intense - the kind that cracks the ground. The hostel owner suggested we wait until sunset. We didn’t. A short wander through ghost villages, a quick swim at Las Fiestera, and a night under more stars than I’d seen in years. But day one was just the warm-up; day two was the real test."
"The mission of this trip was to trek 15km through rugged trails to the far side of the Congost de Mont-rebei, then kayak 15km back through its turquoise waters. Most people go with the flow. We went against it."
"Whilst it's the beauty of this Nature Reserve that draws most here, the Congost de Mont-rebei, carved by the Noguera River, played a crucial role during the medieval period as a strategic route for trade and military movements between Catalonia and Aragon."
"The nearby Mont-roig Monastery, dating back to the 12th century, served as a refuge for travellers and a point of defence against invasions, and the gorge's cliffs also shelter ancient rock formations and remnants from the Iberian and Roman eras."
"Entering the gorge, we immediately saw the spectacular, sheer cliffs rising from deep, glassy water. But as the wind picked up, waves began rolling through the canyon, splashing over the kayaks. Not a problem, we’d packed smart! We’d brought with us all the essential waterproof kit and accessories for kayaking."
"My phone stayed bone-dry inside an Aquapac Waterproof Phone Case, ready for quick GPS checks and photos on the go."
"Our route stayed crisp and readable inside an Aquapac Waterproof Map Case. For comms in the wind, the Aquapac Radio Case kept every call clear. And the Aquapac IPX6 Waterproof Duffel, our adventure-proof kit bag, swallowed spare clothes, snacks, and camera gear without letting in a drop of water."
"Every bend revealed another view, hidden coves, golden light bouncing off the cliffs, and that surreal colour of the water you only see in remote places. We pulled into small inlets for breaks, drifted when we could, and pushed hard when the current fought back."
"By the time we reached the dock, we’d been on the water for hours, with gear that never failed us. One last swim, then a 4x4 ride back to civilisation."
"See more of this adventure on my Instagram: @conde_cale and explore my full portfolio at www.calebconde.com"