This last weekend we experienced something that changed the perspective of many of us. What began as a simple trail restoration activity turned into something much deeper: community, connection, nature, resilience… and friendship.

Transpirenaica Social Solidaria (TSS), the Wikiloc route platform, and the Kilian Jornet Foundation joined forces to organize a weekend stage with young people in vulnerable situations. The goal? To turn the Restore the Trails project into a transformative experience, where we not only restore trails, but also restore ourselves and strengthen our connection with nature.

The meeting point was the Cap de Rec mountain hut, in the Protected Natural Area of Tossa Plana de Lles – Puigpedrós, where the Kilian Jornet Foundation is carrying out a conservation project. There, we were greeted by Jordi, a trail maintenance specialist:

“All trails need to be restored. They’ve been here long before roads; we must preserve them as part of our historical and natural heritage.”

The TSS method is based on giving young people real responsibilities, empowering them through action. Each participant took on a role. Mahamadou, whom we called Baldeh, a gardening student, quickly joined Jordi as his assistant. He had also worked with dry stone before:

“All stones are useful, but not everywhere. You have to find the right place for each one.”

With effort and laughter, we cleaned the trail, built water breaks, and set dry stone steps. Three hours flew by. In the end, we looked back and saw the work done: three water breaks, two stepped sections… and a deep sense of collective pride.

In the afternoon, Eudald, a biologist from the Catalan Society of Herpetology, joined us on our way back to the hut, showing us the traces we could find in the mountains. Even if we didn’t see animals, we were surrounded by them: marmots, foxes, martens… and we even learned how to tell which rodents lived there based on how the pinecones had been eaten. 

Isma was the young route coordinator, guiding us thanks to Wikiloc. Salah and Sonita walked at the back of the group, making sure no one was left behind. Wikiloc, besides providing the route-tracking technology, also sponsored the activity:

“It’s a privilege to be part of an action with a double positive impact. Listening to these young people’s stories and seeing how, in just one weekend, nature becomes a place of welcome and transformation is deeply moving. With actions like this, Wikiloc not only restores trails, it helps restore lives.”

The day went by quickly. At dusk, we were already at the hut, about to have dinner. The sky full of stars was breathtaking; many of us came from Barcelona, where you rarely see this. The peace and stillness of the mountains invited reflection. Before going to sleep, we gathered for a closing circle. Maria, who studies education and social integration, led the conversation:

“What have we learned today? What surprised us?”

You have to be with different people to learn, I thought. And in just one day, I had heard so many stories: tough ones, yes, but also full of strength and hope.

Sunday dawned as bright as the day before. After breakfast, we hiked to Lake Orri, a glacial lake surrounded by forest. In a clearing, Núria Burgada, educator at the Kilian Jornet Foundation, guided us through an outdoor meditation session:

“We are part of the forest. Without its resources, we couldn’t survive. It feeds us, gives us water, we breathe thanks to it. We are not something external to nature; we are nature. And only if we know it, can we love and protect it.”

Each person chose a being that represented them. Maria chose the lotus flower: “It grows from the mud, but when it blooms, it’s white and strong.” Imelda chose the cat, Malena the tiger. As we walked back, we talked about everything: where they came from, their dreams, their goals. Everyone carried different backpacks… yet no one complained about the weight. It was part of the journey. And I thought: how different our backpacks are, and how easy it is to forget that.

Back at the hut, after lunch, we held the weekend’s closing circle. Once again, Maria asked:

“What are we taking away from these days? What do I commit to?”

Vaina, Lesy, and Fátima spoke about nature, about getting to know it, appreciating it, and protecting it:

“Learning to care for nature.”

“Not giving up.”

“Keep walking.”

And what do I take with me? I take their stories, their resilience, their way of looking at the world with hope. I take the awareness of our privileges and the certainty that we are all vulnerable at some point. We all have to remove the stones that no longer serve us to move forward. I also take a commitment: to make their stories visible and to create more spaces where we can share backpacks and paths.

The weekend’s motto was Restore to Transform, and now I understand its meaning. It wasn’t just about transforming the young people, it was about transforming all of us: as individuals, as a community, as a society.

Thanks to Irene, Eulàlia, and Ramon from Transpirenaica Social Solidaria for opening their community to us; and to Wikiloc team for making this experience possible. And to all the young people: Salah, Fátima, Isma, Imelda, Maria, Malena, Sonita, Vania, Lesy, Mahamadou, and Oslay, for the strength they transmit. We left with our hands full of mud… and our hearts full of learning.

Construction of three breakwaters and two stair sections.

Photos by @_avisuals