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By gandalfs
11 June 2009 05:12
I'm planning to do three long distance walks between my 49th and 51st birthdays to celebrate! Between 2 to 4 weeks on each one in UK, Europe and 'the world'. Probably starting with a Coast to Coast walk in October this year - any advice on guides, preparation, boots (are 3 season sufficient)? And ideas for Eurpoean and world trails to begin researching please??
By Country Walking magazine
Many happy returns and what a great way to celebrate! The Coast to Coast is a top hike to kick things off, nearly 200 miles across the Lakes, the Yorkshire dales and moors. Cicerone and Trailblazer publish good guidebooks, or go with the man who dreamt it all up, Wainwright and his pictorial guide. You don’t say what miles you’re doing now, but the best preparation is to build up gradually until you can comfortably hike consecutive days. Try long walks too – some days on the C2C nudge 20 miles – and carry a pack to get your shoulders used to a load. Three-season boots are fine – you only need four-season ones if you’re trekking in winter. Break them in by wearing them on practice hikes, and check they’re comfy with a backpack – the extra weight makes a difference. I asked around the CW offices about European treks and the debate was fierce. Eventual winners were the 105-mile Alpine Adventure, the Tour du Mont Blanc; the 273-mile Kungsleden through the wilds of northern Sweden; and the 318-mile Lycian Way beside the azure seas of Turkey’s coast. As for the world, well, it’s literally your oyster. We reckon California’s John Muir Trail fits the bill – 211 miles from Yosemite to Mt Whitney, through Sequoia and King’s Canyon national parks, with lots of sunshine to boot. Otherwise, New Zealand is a trekker’s playground; routes are generally a few days but they combine easily for a month’s walk. Other short gems include the Inca Trail, Kilimanjaro, or Everest Basecamp. And don’t forget to send us a postcard…
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Any suggestions for great long distance hikes?
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researchtermpapers says
RE: I'm planning to do three long distance walks between my 49th and 51st birthdays to celebrate! Between 2 to 4 weeks on each one in UK, Europe and 'the world'. Probably starting with a Coast to Coast walk in October this year - any advice on guides, preparation, boots (are 3 season sufficient)? And ideas for Eurpoean and world trails to begin researching please??
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26 April 2010 08:35
ennism says
Re: Any suggestions for great long distance hikes?
Sure, Sweden in August or September. Ryanair to Stockholm from 3-4 locations in the UK and Swedish public transport to Sörmlandsledem (lowland) or a Norwegian Air flight (as cheap as Ryanair) to Kungsleden (highland). Two very different long distance walks but with excellent facilities and communication. http://www.sormlandsleden.se/Default.aspx?langID=1033 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kungsleden
Sure, Sweden in August or September. Ryanair to Stockholm from 3-4 locations in the UK and Swedish public transport to Sörmlandsledem (lowland) or a Norwegian Air flight (as cheap as Ryanair) to Kungsleden (highland). Two very different long distance walks but with excellent facilities and communication.
http://www.sormlandsleden.se/Default.aspx?langID=1033
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kungsleden
14 January 2010 13:53
tallman says
I would like to mention the Cape Wrath Trail - not a set route as such but starting around Fort William and ending at the Cape. I did this three years ago in April-May and it's still the best thing I have done. Starting from Glenfinnan and using a mixture of Bothys, B&Bs, bunkhouses and wild camping. The route we took was somewhat longer than some take as we took a detour through Assynt to take in Suilven and Quinag. Around 270 miles in total taking about 23 days. Very varied terrain but the first leg through Knoydart was especially challenging, principally due to the weather and some very long days. Camping two nights on Sandwood Bay in perfect weather was a great reward. I would reiterate the advice above about taking regular breaks - we rested with packs off for 10-15 mins after each hour's walking, whether we needed it or not, with about 30 mins for lunch. Also, if you don't already, using two poles helps with the weight on the legs.
I would like to mention the Cape Wrath Trail - not a set route as such but starting around Fort William and ending at the Cape.
I did this three years ago in April-May and it's still the best thing I have done. Starting from Glenfinnan and using a mixture of Bothys, B&Bs, bunkhouses and wild camping. The route we took was somewhat longer than some take as we took a detour through Assynt to take in Suilven and Quinag. Around 270 miles in total taking about 23 days.
Very varied terrain but the first leg through Knoydart was especially challenging, principally due to the weather and some very long days. Camping two nights on Sandwood Bay in perfect weather was a great reward.
I would reiterate the advice above about taking regular breaks - we rested with packs off for 10-15 mins after each hour's walking, whether we needed it or not, with about 30 mins for lunch. Also, if you don't already, using two poles helps with the weight on the legs.
04 January 2010 13:32
SBroomfield says
Hello, There are six long-distance national hiking routes in Switzerland that are well documented and signposted. There are also over 50 regional routes. You can find all the info here: http://wanderland.myswitzerland.com/en/routen.cfm Your goal is inspiring! If you come to Switzerland let me know and maybe we can meet up for at least part of your treck!
Hello,
There are six long-distance national hiking routes in Switzerland that are well documented and signposted. There are also over 50 regional routes.
You can find all the info here: http://wanderland.myswitzerland.com/en/routen.cfm
Your goal is inspiring! If you come to Switzerland let me know and maybe we can meet up for at least part of your treck!
08 December 2009 21:54
ptarmigan says
The GR20 in Corsica is unforgettable - it is very populer but you don't notice once you get on the trail and meeting up with others at the end of the day is nice anyway. Don't let the scrambling put you off - firend who was scared of heights managed fine.
18 October 2009 14:16
andyyouart
31 December 2009
20:15
I''m looking for a decent flask. I've tried several but they're not keeping warm for long even after pre-warming. I'm going om MT winter skills course in 5 weeks so need to get something good for then.
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