Because I frequently go on walking holidays in both Europe and North America I have noticed a difference in the way hiking trails are constructed on both continents. There are always exceptions to what I have listed below but these differences do alter the overall hiking experience:
Five ways the European trails are different:
In Europe you will find a network connecting trails while in North America you tend to have long distance trails such as the Appalachian Trail; Pacific Crest Trail; and Trans Canada Trail with a few connectors or side trails
In England you can stop for a cup of tea high on a mountain in the Lake District. In the Alps of Germany or Switzerland there will be a café at the top of the mountain. In North America you rarely have tea rooms or cafés except in a few of the very popular National Parks such as Banff with a lot of day hikers.
Many of the North American trails pass mostly through National, State or Provincial Parks even the long distance trails such as the Appalachian Trail. An therefore these trails tend to be in forested areas. In places such as England public footpaths in use for centuries are not uncommon.
North American trails have blazes on trees with little or no directional signage. While in Europe there are often directional signs are most intersections with blazes on posts or maybe even none as you are just following the trail.
In North American hiking trails usually consist of a dirt path with plenty of wooden bridges, boardwalks and stairs and other support structures along the routes. While frequently this is to stop erosion in areas where there is a high number of hikers other times it is this to make it easier for hiking. On the European continent walking trails are more likely (not always) to be wider and may have a gravel base.
If you need some suggestions for where to hike take a look at Classic Hikes of the World: 23 Breathtaking Treks
These differences in hiking trails just make the experience even more interesting.
Filed under Walking Routes by on . Comment. 
While you can certainly arrange your own walking holidays there are some huge advantages with guided hiking.
First, it makes more trails accessible to you as when you travel with a group a bus is frequently arranged to drop you off at the trail head and pick you up when finished. If you had arranged your own walking holiday you would be restricted to circle hikes or using local transport which can be a time consuming activity. In some destinations this limits the hike you are able to enjoy.
You won’t need to keep flipping through guide books andmaps every time you come to a crossing of the hiking trails. In many countries there is good signage, in others the hiking signs may be lacking or confusing. With a guided hike you are going to walk the most interesting trails as the guide knows where to find the best views, a historic site, a gentle or hard climb as may be desired. Not having to purchase maps and carry them is also convenient.
With guided hiking you are walking with an experienced person who can provide advice on improving your hiking techniques such as how to ascent a hill, navigation skills and other topics.. On a recent walking holiday in the Lake District in England our guides also used their experiences to discuss interesting things about the countryside we were hiking through. Topics included how the stone walls are constructed, history of an ancient stone circle, details on some of the plant life and the different types of sheep.
There is also the safety aspect. Should an injury occur on a guided hike the leader knows whom to call and can provide proper help immediately and something can be said for safety in numbers as well.
On a guided hiking trip you are going to be with other like minded people who can share some of their experiences with you as you walk along, at your lunch stop or a the pub after you are finished and are celebrating your day. Guided hiking is a very sociable activity.
On your next walking holiday consider a guided hike.
Classic Hikes of the World: 23 Breathtaking Treks
Price: $26.37
Pages: 224, Hardcover, W. W. Norton & Company
Filed under Guided Walking Holidays by on . Comment.
