Writing a book

Writing the Book: Why I Did It, What I Learned, and What I Hope It Gives You

It took eight months, hundreds of hours, too many coffees, and more re-reads than I care to count. But in the end, A Beginner’s Guide to Overlanding the Iberian Peninsula became something more than just a book about 4x4s and GPS files. It became a way to share what I’ve learned through years of real-world travel. To give something back to the community that helped shape the way I now approach overlanding. And, I hope, to inspire you to stop watching, start building, and just go.

Why Write a Book at All?

The short answer? Because when I started, there wasn’t one. Not like this, anyway. I found loads of overland content online, most of it scattered across forums, YouTube channels, and the odd gear-heavy blog post. But there wasn’t a single, clear, no-fluff guide to overlanding through Spain and Portugal. Certainly not one written for someone who wanted to start with a real vehicle, a realistic budget, and limited time off work.

That gap bugged me. So, I filled it.

I’ve done this trip many times now — both North to South and South to North. I’ve jumped into different routes, tweaked my setup, and tested gear on terrain that most brochures don’t mention. Through it all, I kept thinking: this would be so much easier for someone starting out if they had a guide written by someone who’s actually done it.

So I wrote that guide.

What It’s Actually About

Yes, it’s about Spain and Portugal. Yes, it’s about building your 4x4, choosing gear that won’t let you down, planning routes that won’t break your spirit (or your axles), and understanding where you can wild camp legally. But really, the book is about mindset.

It’s about what happens when you prepare properly, plan realistically, and give yourself permission to not have everything figured out. It’s about adapting on the trail. Changing plans with the weather. Laughing when your GPS shows a trail that no longer exists. It’s about giving yourself the confidence to get out there and stay out there.

I included my own build story — a 14-year-old Range Rover L322 that’s been modified, tested, broken, and improved over the years. Not because I think it’s the best setup in the world, but because it’s real. It’s relatable. And it shows that you don’t need a shiny new Defender or a six-figure budget to travel well.

I talk about packing. Navigation. Fuel planning. Breakdowns. Safety. Weather. Food. Water. Routes. And all the little decisions that make the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth one.

And I do it with honesty. No hype. No ego. Just what’s worked for me (and what hasn’t).

The Iberian Peninsula: Why Here?

Spain and Portugal are the perfect place to start your overlanding journey. They offer wild diversity in terrain, culture, and climate — without the need for international shipping or a second passport.

In a week, you can go from sandy Atlantic beaches to pine-covered highlands, from dusty farm tracks to lush valleys filled with cork trees. You can camp under the stars in Galicia, drive forgotten Roman roads near Salamanca, or follow shepherd trails through the Picos de Europa. The food is phenomenal, the roads are mostly empty, and the people (when you try to speak their language) are welcoming.

And crucially: you can do it in your own vehicle. From the UK, the ferry gets you into the north of Spain in 24 hours. From there, everything is within reach.

This book is my way of showing that this type of travel isn’t just possible. It’s brilliant. And it’s waiting.

What Writing Taught Me

Writing this book was harder than expected. Not because the words didn’t come — they did. But because capturing the balance between practicality and inspiration takes time.

I didn’t want a textbook. I didn’t want another vague travel memoir. I wanted this book to feel like advice from a mate who’s done the trip, knows what’s worth packing, and isn’t afraid to tell you when you’re carrying too much junk on your roof rack.

So I rewrote. A lot. I stripped out waffle, added checklists, clarified laws, simplified jargon, and even explained why carrying too much water can be a bad thing if you haven’t thought through weight distribution.

It made me better at what I do. More aware of what I’ve learned. More critical of my own setup. And more motivated to keep exploring.

What I Hope It Does for You

I hope this book gives you permission.

Permission to start with what you’ve got. To stop waiting for the perfect build. To get out there before your rig is "done."

I hope it makes you curious about new routes, open to wild camping, and more confident with your tools. I hope it makes you feel less alone on those solo drives. And I hope it shows you that sometimes, all the gear in the world won’t matter if your mindset is right.

Most of all, I hope it helps you discover that the Iberian Peninsula isn’t just a place on the map. It’s a proving ground. A slow road. A reminder that the best journeys aren’t always the hardest — they’re just the ones you actually do.

So if you’ve been thinking about it? This is your nudge.

Build it. Pack it. Turn the key, or in my case, press the start button, and, Go!