Imagine staying in a villa or apartment on a working winery in the hills of Tuscany. You look out the window and see the workers in the vineyards. As a part of your walk go for a wine tasting, the wines of Chianti will definitely be on your dinner table.
There are two areas for your walking holiday in Tuscany. In the Chianti area stay in the town of Greve, located about mid way between Florence and Siena with frequent bus service. Your walks will take you along country roads passing vineyards, olive groves and stone villages such as Montefioralle and Radda. The small quaint village of Radda, in particular has some great cafes for a lunch or dinner stop.
There are walks are available in both directions from Greve. There are a number of trails and country roads, not always with signs so a map or guide is a must. An excellent reference is Walking and Eating in Tuscany and Umbria:
How far you hike each day will be determined by the number of wineries you visit along the way. At dinner head into Greve and the Coop grocery store, and cook in your villa. There are many restaurants surrounding the town square as well to sample the Italian cuisine.
Another fun area for a walking holiday is nearby and just to the west in San Gimignano. A pedestrian friendly (no cars allowed) mountaintop town with 13 towers remaining from the medieval times it is busy with shoppers during the day, however at night you have the town to yourself. As you explore the town visit the old walls, the cathedral and weekly market.
You will start your walks by heading downhill from San Gimignano to the village of Certaldo in one direction or the Roman town of Volterra in the other direction. The walks in this area will take your 3-4 days. Use the local bus service to get to the start.
Avoid the hot summer months a time your walking holiday in Tuscany for May/June or September/October harvest season.
Great walking routes, wonderful food, the Chianti wines, stone villages and the wonderful scenic hills of Tuscany all make for the best walking holiday ever!
Walking and Eating in Tuscany and Umbria: Revised Edition
Price: $13.6
Pages: 416, Edition: Rev Sub, Paperback, Penguin (Non-Classics)
50 Hikes In & Around Tuscany: Hiking the Mountains, Forests, Coast & Historic Sites of Wild Tuscany & Beyond
Price: $11.53
Pages: 288, Paperback, Countryman
Originally posted 2009-10-14 17:22:59.
Filed under Hiking Trails, Hiking in Europe by on . Comment. 
This list of the best North American destinations for a walking holiday does not include the long distance trails such as the Appalachian Trail, but rather places where you can base yourself during your vacation and take a series of day hikes.
East Coast Trail, Newfoundland
Not well known the East Coast Trail covers 540 km along the Avalon Peninsula on the east coast of Newfoundland. Although parts are still under construction you will see icebergs along the rugged coastline, historic St. John’s and plenty of sea birds and seals. Everyone talks about the local people with their colourful personalities which enrich the experience. Accommodation in bed and breakfasts.
Acadia National Park, Maine
The second busiest park in the U.S. also offers 125 miles trails for hiking. There is 45 miles of the historic carriage trail system of crushed gravel created by John D. Rockefeller Jr. More traditional hiking opportunities exist at every level from simple rambles to rugged climbs. On a recent visit a park ranger was pointing out migrating birds of prey from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. The area offers plenty of hotels, campgrounds and cabins in Bar Harbor.
Adirondacks, New York State
Located in upper New York State this region offers over 2,000 miles of hiking trails over a combination public and private lands. Many of the trails have significant climbs on rugged trails. The area features numerous campgrounds, cabins and resorts.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
A gem in the Canadian Rockies, stay in the resort town of Jasper. The park offers a great variety of hiking such as Sulphur Skyline with its great views, the more gentle Maligne Canyon, glaciers of Edith Cavell Trail or the easy Old Fort Point Trail. You will likely see some bears, big horn sheep and elk during your visit.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite was one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, today offers over 750 miles of hiking trails. While best known for its waterfalls you will also find meadows and ancient giant sequoias. A great reference is The Official Guide to America’s National Parks
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon offers many day hike opportunities. The South and North Rim offer trails with spectacular views of the inner canyon. There are no easy trails into the Canyon itself while the experience will be talked about for years. Guided hikes of various lengths are also available from specialized tour operators
PBS is has a television program the U.S. parks is the book by Ken Burns The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
These six National Parks and one coastline offer some magnificent opportunities for walking holidays in North America.
The Hiking Companion: Getting the most from the trail experience throughout the seasons: where to go, what to bring, basic navigation, and backpacking
Price: $9.95
Pages: 136, Edition: illustrated edition, Paperback, Storey Publishing, LLC
Backpacking and Hiking (EYEWITNESS COMPANION GUIDES)
Price: $13.6
Pages: 256, Paperback, DK ADULT
Originally posted 2009-10-08 17:22:59.
Filed under Best Walking Holidays, Hiking in the North America by on . Comment.
Hiking safety is to be considered on every walk. On a day hike recently we had to stop as one of our group had a blister. It was uncomfortable for the hiker as we were only about 5 kilometers into our 16 km hike and it would not have been enjoyable for the individual. Fortunately I always carry a first aid kit.
Hiking is usually a pretty safe activity, provides great exercise, and is fun and very socialable. You do need to follow some basic hiking safety tips:
1. Always carry Adventure Medical Kits
many hikers do not even carry the basic minimum which should
include:
– Moleskin, band aids (plasters), blister treatment
- Tensor bandage, gauze pads
– Tweezers and needl
– Pain medication
– Disinfectant or antibiotic cream (such as Polysporin)
2. Hydration & food – Carry plenty of water or sports drinks and
snacks such as energy bars, nuts, and bananas. Lack of energy
leads to making poor decisions and frankly you will not have a good
time.
3. Map & compass – carry a map of the route and understand how the
trail is blazed. For example the colours in Switzerland indicate the
level of the trail, understand that prior to starting. Also carry and
know how to use a compass or GPS. A great resource is The Essential Wilderness Navigator: How to Find Your Way in the Great Outdoors
4. Cellular phone – to have in case of an emergency is another hiking
safety tip. While hiking in the Lake Como area of Italy one of our
group slipped on a rock and could not walk. A quick call on the
cell phone meant a car was waiting when we arrived at the
nearby road to take the person to hospital.
5. Always tell someone where you are hiking. If for some unforeseen
reason you do not return they know where to start looking. It is
not a good idea to hike alone. If you do keep to popular hiking
trails with lots of people in case you run into problems.
6. Hiking clothes – good hiking boots and socks to prevent scrapes
and blisters. Hike for the weather; in layers if it is cold, sun
protection if required. Always at least a windbreaker as weather
can change quickly, particularly in mountains. Also hiking poles can
help.
7. Whistle to signal to others if in trouble, particularly when hiking in
a group.
Destination specific items may include bear spray, flashlight, rope.
Follow these seven hiking safety tips and have an enjoyable walk.
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The Essential Wilderness Navigator: How to Find Your Way in the Great Outdoors, Second Edition
Price: $13.22
Pages: 173, Edition: 2, Paperback, International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
Originally posted 2009-10-27 12:56:59.
Filed under Hike Safety by on . Comment.
These are seven of the top European Walking Holidays. All offer the mandatory excellent hiking trails and scenery, great accommodation with plenty of other attractions for an very active vacation.Join a guided tour such as HF Holidays or Ramblers or plan your own walking holiday.
Northern Lake District, England
Looking for hills such as Haystacks made famous by authors such as Wainwright then base yourself in the bustling resort town of Keswick. There is plenty of hiking opportunities right from the town itself or using the ferry across Derwentwater. Climbs of up 2,000 to 3,000 feet are rocky trails are common although gently slopes are also available. Stop at a tea room in the hills during while walking and it seems there is always a pub at the finish. Take a good map as trail signs are limited such as The Lake District (Regional Guide)
Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
Take the mountain railway from Griendelwald where there are plenty of alpine inns for your walking holiday. With cable cars and mountain trains heading in every direction you can make your hike on the wide and well signed hiking trails as easy or difficult as you want. The two most popular trails depart from First and Kleine Scheidegg to the famous Eiger although the trail to Mannlichen is very gentle with incredible views of the Alps. For additional information see Walking Easy in the Italian & French Alps (Walking Guides)
Dordogne, France
This region is southern France is a great holiday destination with walking trails, wonderful cuisine, excellent wines and stone walled villages along the picturesque Dordogne River. Walk along the river and stop at the imposing hilltop Chateau de Castelnaud or Castle Breynac from the 100 years war. Walk on a trail on the valley floor with majestic Rocamadour hanging from the side of the cliffs. The trails are well marked and easy to follow in this region.
Schwangau, Germany
In a list of the top European Walking Holidays Bavaria may not be top of mind, however it should be. Located near Fussen in Bavaria this town is best known as the site of King Ludwig’s legendary castle, Neuschwanstein. Take a walk up to the two castles for a tour and nearby Tegelberg for some excellent hiking trails. Hiking is on good and well signed trail system throughout this section of the Alps. You walking holiday can also include some walking in nearby Austria and pedestrian friendly Munich. There are plenty in Bavarian inns for your accommodation.
Lake District, Austria
Start your walking holiday in Salzburg, a great city to tour on foot for a few days. Then head to nearby Lake Wolfgang which offers excellent bed & breakfast or hotel accommodation and wonderful scenery. There are plenty of hiking opportunities ranging from the picture postcard village of Hallstadt to historic St. Gilgen and the surrounding summits.
Lake Garda, Italy
Stay in one of the many hotels in Riva or any of the towns on the north end of the lake for the best hiking. Use the local ferry to journey to other nearby towns such as Limone for your daily hiking. The extensive trail network in the mountains climbing to 2,500 feet and can be steep at times, and although signed, can get confusing so be sure to carry a good map. Afterwards relax in a local café, lakeside for some excellent wines and Italian food. Walking in Italy
Cinque Terre, Italy
This is a famous walking holidays that everybody wants to do. Picturesque villages such as Vernazza cling to the rocky cliffs. he trails are rocky rising up to 2,700 feet along a dramatic coastline with terraced vineyards.
For a great European Walking Holidays choose one of these seven destinations on your next vacation.
Walking Easy: in the Swiss and Austrian Alps
Price: $17.05
Pages: 223, Edition: 0, Paperback, iUniverse, Inc.
Walking in the Alps: A Comprehensive Guide to Walking and Trekking Throughout the Alps
Price: $32.7
Pages: 495, Edition: 2nd, Paperback, Cicerone Press
Originally posted 2009-10-01 13:27:59.
Filed under Best Walking Holidays, Hiking in Europe by on . Comment.
A walking holiday does not need to be a major expedition of a week or so. Some of the best walking holidays can be only 2 or 3 days in length, a weekend getaway.
The walking holiday will need to be a short train ride or car drive of 3- 5 hours away from home.
Why go on a walking holiday just for a weekend?
· It provides great exercise and can help with your training for a major hiking trip later in the year
· Going away, even for a short distance adds excitement to your life and provides a change of pace by exploring a new area. After the weekend when you talk to your work colleagues they will be amazed at what an exciting life you lead. Most of them do not even do simple trips like this
· Hiking reduces work stress
· A weekend away can be very social
You can make the arrangements on your own. Many hiking clubs offer inexpensive weekend getaway trips which also are also very sociable.
Whatever way you choose find a location that interests you and book the accommodation. For a weekend a great B & B can be fun, camping can be an inexpensive option or for a real treat stay at a resort hotel and do some day hiking. You might even include some local attractions and country restaurants to a more fun experience.
Weekend getaways can have a theme as well. For example our local hiking club goes to Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario every spring just as the flowers start to bloom; to the Adirondacks in June for some steeper climbs; some cabins in the autumn to see the fall colours; and a resort lodge in the winter for some snow shoe hiking. There are plenty of guides to provide destination ideas such as New England Trips
The distances you hike and the terrain can be as challenging as you and your friends wish, after all your weekend getaway is a mini vacation.
Now is the time to start planning your next hiking weekend getaway
Outdoor Research Luna Gore-Tex(R) PacLite(R) Jacket – Waterproof (For Women)
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Outdoor Research Furio Gore-Tex(R) PacLite(R) Jacket – Waterproof (For Men)
Price: $149.5
CLOSEOUTS . The Furio jacket from Outdoor research is a serious alpine performance shell, featuring Gore-Tex(R) PacLite(R) waterproof breathable construction reinforced by Gore-Tex(R) Pro Shell fabric for ultimate weather resistance and packability. Gore-Tex(R) two-layer, waterproof breathable protection stands up to furious alpine weather Gore-Tex(R) Pro Shell reinforcements for extreme durability Fully seam sealed Helmet-compatible hood Welded zips throughout Full-zip front Right zipper pull Pit zips Hand pockets Verticle zip chest pocket Interior zip mesh pocket Length: 32? Weight: 1 lb. 6 oz. Fabric: Nylon Care: Machine wash/dry CLOSEOUTS . China. Size: XS (34-35) S (36-37) M (38-40) L (41-43) XL (44-46) 2XL (47-49)
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Originally posted 2009-11-05 12:55:59.
Filed under Best Walking Holidays by on . 1 Comment.
