Hit the North has been out country. The Alentejo region of Portugal, since you ask, on assignment for Wanderlust magazine.

The feature, combining wildlife spotting in the Vale do Guadiana Natural Park and hiking the Rota Vicentina, will be out probably in the autumn.

It wasn’t the smoothest assignment at times but I think I found a good angle in the end. Let’s just say that, after much searching, I found the quintessential example of rural village life.

Look out for the full story but, by way of a preview, here are some images from the trip.