In case you love holidays and you like strolling you then’re going to like these 5 strolling vacation concepts for Europe.
I’m new to the world of strolling holidays. I’ve at all times beloved mountaineering but it surely wasn’t till I spent a weekend strolling alongside The Sandstone Path in Cheshire that I realised what a superb vacation it may be. I got here residence feeling exhausted however refreshed and invigorated in a means {that a} ‘flop n drop’ seaside vacation may by no means do. I’m now on the hunt for extra strolling vacation concepts and I’ve put collectively 5 of my favourites that I’m placing on my strolling vacation bucket record. Let’s begin with a number of ideas for strolling holidays…
Suggestions for lengthy strolling holidays
In case you’re planning a strolling vacation, listed here are my 10 tricks to make it as gratifying as doable.
- Break in your strolling boots with loads of hikes earlier than your journey!
- In case you really feel overwhelmed with the planning and reserving, use an organization resembling Orbis Methods to assist. You might must pre-book lodging and meals and it’s at all times good to have an skilled present the route.
- Prepare as a lot as doable beforehand and don’t overlook energy coaching in addition to cardio and mountaineering. I are likely to do HIT lessons, spin lessons and full physique energy lessons utilizing Peloton.
- Pack as little as doable – I are likely to put on the identical garments each day and wash my underwear and base layers in a single day.
- You may by no means drink an excessive amount of water.
- Be sure to’re carrying the load of your backpack in your hips in addition to your shoulders.
- Get to know what meals gas your physique finest. You’ll wish to be consuming excessive power meals however some will work higher than others for you and your physique. I wish to snack on eggs and bananas however porridge doesn’t agree with me in any respect.
- All the time carry an influence financial institution on your units. All the time.
- Use moleskin plasters to stop blisters. I wrap my ankles in them earlier than an extended hike, even when I don’t have any niggles from my boots. They’re comfortable and stop blisters.
- Don’t overlook solar safety, even for cloudy days. Dehydration and sunburn will rapidly spoil your stroll so keep hydrated, put on a hat and at all times put on SPF.
1. Camino de Santiago, Spain
Greatest for: The final word bucket record hike
One of the vital well-known walks in all of Europe is the Camino de Santiago in Spain. That is an iconic, 500 mile pilgrimage throughout northern Spain, from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela. The route is wealthy in historical past, tradition, and spirituality, with picturesque cities and vibrant pilgrim camaraderie.
There are numerous routes obtainable however most individuals will take 4-6 weeks to hike the whole distance. If that’s not an possibility then you’ll be able to hike smaller sections of it to get a really feel for this unbelievable stroll.
2. Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland
Greatest for: One of the best views
For my part, that is Europe’s most spectacular long-distance path as you circumnavigate Mont Blanc. This 105 mile hike takes you thru three nations with beautiful Alpine views, quaint mountain villages, glaciers, and luxurious valleys. In case you’re searching for dramatic surroundings and numerous landscapes then that is the hike for you. It’s a troublesome hike with steep sections.
Most individuals will hike this in 7-10 days so you may realistically make it into an gratifying 2 week vacation.
3. West Highland Manner, Scotland
Greatest for: In case you’re UK based mostly and don’t wish to fly or get a ferry
Scotland’s most well-known hike is the West Highland Manner and takes you all the best way from Milngavie to Fort William. It’s a 96 mile hike and takes most individuals round one week to finish.
You’ll cross beautiful Scottish surroundings together with lochs, moors, and rugged mountains in addition to iconic websites like Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor, ending on the base of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak.
4. Cinque Terre Coastal Path, Italy
Greatest for: A one-day hike
Whereas this won’t be an extended hike, it’s extremely lovely so it needed to make the record!
This 7.5 mile hike takes you from Monterosso to Riomaggiore and is named being considered one of Italy’s most lovely coastal walks. With unbelievable views of the Mediterranean Sea and pastel-coloured villages clinging to the cliffs, you’ll be able to simply do that in a day after which get on with the remainder of your enjoyable vacation.
5. Kerry Manner, Eire
Greatest for: Charming villages alongside the best way
We’re again to the British Isles for the fifth unbelievable strolling vacation.
This 133 mile loop takes you throughout the Iveragh Peninsula and often takes about 10 days. The surroundings is gorgeous and quintessentially Irish with inexperienced rolling hills, dramatic coastal cliffs, historical stone circles, and charming villages like Killarney.
You’ll have heard of the Ring of Kerry as a preferred stroll in Eire however the Kerry Manner is a much less crowded possibility so this might be my desire.