Over seas guide

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

10 OF THE WORLD’S MOST DIVERSE WALKING DESTINATIONS

WALK GERMANY!

ADVERTISING FEATURE

MUNICH TO FÜSSEN

Passed over by many walkers drawn by the icy towers of the Alps, Germany offers British walkers much they already love – and more

G

ERMANY, DESPITE BEING the largest country in Europe, is often missed off most walkers’ to-do lists. That leaves a large chunk of country there ripe for exploring on foot, free from the crowds!

Beginning in the Bavarian capital of Munich, this eight-day route weaves its way southward before culminating in the castle-rich town of Füssen, near to the Austrian border, the Alpine skyline becoming larger the further south you venture. It is ideal for the less experienced walker looking to experience a part of Germany you are all too likely to miss when speeding past in a car.

Starting out in Munich provides walkers the chance to experience the bustling urban heart of Bavaria, not to mention feed up on würst and beer at the bierkellers. The entire route seems geared up to quench even the hardiest beer drinker’s thirst, with ample opportunity to experience famous Bavarian brews and cooking at each evening’s rest.

Once free of urban Munich, hikers are led along wide, wellmaintained paths through rolling countryside. The route takes in two of the region’s largest lakes at Ammersee and Forgensee, not to mention the ‘Grand Canyon of Bavaria’ at Ammerleite. Despite that, the real highlight of the walk comes close to the end with a day walking past the Bannwaldsee and Alpsee lakes before visiting the fairytale Neuschwanstein castle. Built by eccentric King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle was to become the eventual basis for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland.

Fact file GETTING THERE Most airlines fly direct into Munich, from where the walk starts. Füssen is connected to Munich via a regular train service.

WHEN TO GO May-September. Summer is good weather-wise, but the route may be busier during school holidays.

WHO TO GO WITH Whereabouts Holidays offers a self-guided eightday trip beginning each Saturday over the summer months. Prices from £539 per person including seven nights’ accommodation, luggage carriage, transfers and route information (excludes flights).

FEES AND REGISTRATION There are no fees or registration necessary.

FITNESS The route is mostly on wide tarmac paths and well-maintained forest trails. Some stretches in the Wiesfilz moorland on wooden boardwalks.

Ascent is minimal and there is the option to cut short some days by hopping on a bus.

MAPS Whereabouts Holidays provide all route details.

For more info, please call 0800 731 1631 or visit www.whereaboutsholidays .com

£40 OFF

ALL WALKING HOLIDAYS OVER £399 PER PERSON OR MORE. QUOTE CW2018G TO CLAIM!

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018 p13

p18

P17

p4

p8

p22 p21 p11

p14

p7

WELCOME A PINCH OF JUNGLE. A dash of desert.

A generous sprinkling of mountains. Throw in some moorland, an aromatic slice of forest and the essence of coast, city and valley – then drape with a bunch of walking trails and bung the whole lot in the freezer. The recipe for the perfect walking holiday? Well, it probably would be a tall order for a single trip, but what if you could come up with a series of destinations that together formed a cross section of the very best that the world could muster in terms of scenery, variety and contrast?

If you’re not into recipes, imagine the Earth was a band – this would be its Greatest Hits. The ultimate collection. Do them all and you'll feel like you’ve walked the whole world.

So if you’re short on time (and aren’t we all?) simply plan these incredible destinations into your life – and prepare to see the very best of this planet.

Trail and Country Walking present The World on Foot 2018: 10 of the World’s Most Diverse Walking Destinations.

Compiled by experts, it's designed for the demanding walker who, quite simply, wants it all.

Simon Ingram, editor

CONTENTS 04 COAST Wild, windswept and rugged, that's Nova Scotia in Canada!

07 RAINFOREST Take a tropical trek in the cloud forests of Costa Rica.

08 ARCTIC FOREST Find solitude on a walk in the pure wilderness of Sweden.

14 HIGH MOUNTAIN Marvel at the mystical mountain kingdom of Nepal.

17 ISLAND Dramatic and unique – The Faroes are in reach!

18 VOLCANIC Glaciers, volcanoes and canyons - Iceland has it all.

11 DESERT

21 HISTORIC TREK

Enjoy a Bedouin banquet under starlit skies in Jordan.

Walk one of the world’s most famous pilgrimages in Spain.

13 POLAR

22 ALPINE

Head to Svalbard for an authentic polar expedition, without the exorbitant cost.

Italy is convenient, affordable and chockfull of challenges for walkers.

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018 3

EXPERIENCE...

COAST

WALK HERE

PHOTO: © PICTURES COLOUR LIBRARY / ALAMY*

A

NYWHERE WITH A name that translates as ‘New Scotland’ has a lot to live up to – and Nova Scotia, on the wild Atlantic coast of Canada, has a vibe and a scenic atmosphere that is as electrifying as it is bracing. Windswept bluffs, ancient forests, lighthouses that stand isolated and wink out at the Atlantic’s roughest seas (there is no cuddly Gulf Stream to keep the coast warm here) and the steely, clapboard charm of Eastern Canada – this is a place which lives and breathes the coast.

The Nova Scotia coast is split into regions, with South Shore, Fundy and Cape Breton Highlands being the best choices for exploration on foot. The lastnamed of these is famously beautiful: a place where forest-clad mountains spill down to the sea, bear and moose roam free and you can gaze east onto the Atlantic coast from an elevated position.

You’ll spot familiar names on the map: Thurso, Cumberland, Liverpool, Oxford, New Glasgow and Halifax – so you may not feel too far from home. There's also a flavourful connection with the many ingredients in this region’s history.

Cultures mingle, from the Acadian French settlers of the 17th century, to the native Canadians who have lived here for thousands of years, to those of the old country from which the region takes its name. Many settlers were turfed out of Scotland and Ireland during the Highland Clearances, and the Celtic Colours International Festival at Cape Breton every October is a Gaelicflavoured celebration with ceilidhs, square dances and (of course) whisky.

May-October is when most visitor facilities are open. Winters can be harsh and, while most trails remain open, they aren’t maintained so you’ll have to be self-sufficient.

PHOTO: VISIT NOVA SCOTIA

TOP WALKING DESTINATION: NOVA SCOTIA

CAPE BRETON HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Here 26 walking trails covering every level of difficulty criss-cross the park.

Top pick is the Fishing Cove walk, which descends from the top of Mackenzie Mountain to the park’s only wilderness camp ground at a tiny ocean cove, once the site of a Scottish Fishing community.

"A PLACE WHERE FOREST-CLAD MOUNTAINS SPILL DOWN TO THE SEA, BEAR AND MOOSE ROAM AND YOU CAN GAZE EAST ONTO THE ATLANTIC COAST FROM AN ELEVATED POSITION." 4 THE WORLD ON FOOT

PHOTO: VISIT NOVA SCOTIA

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

1 WEEK 6 HOURS FLIGHTS FROM £370

LIKE THIS? TRY THESE…

A short walk that – on a clear day – offers views of one of Canada’s most famous lighthouses, Peggy’s Cove lighthouse.

This short walk takes in the beaches and coves south-west of Halifax, and the achingly quaint fishing villages hereabouts. Be sure to visit Peggy’s Cove itself while you’re here.

One of the most famous (and dangerous) photo spots in the fiercely spectacular Hardangerfjord region of Norway, the Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue) is only reached by a 10-12 hour trek. Happily though, it’s worth it for the views of one of Norway’s (thus, the world’s) most spectacular places.

PHOTO: © IVAN KMIT / ALAMY

POLLY’S COVE TRAIL

TROLLTUNGA, NORWAY 30KM

PHOTO: © SIMON MARGETSON TRAVEL / ALAMY*

PHOTO: © BEVERLEY LU / ALAMY*

WALK HERE

PHOTO: VISIT NOVA SCOTIA

WALK HERE

CAPE CHIGNECTO COASTAL TRAIL

Pick of the bunch for the adventurous walker (or canoeist!).

Encompassing beaches, wilderness campsites and cabins, this 33-mile backcountry trail slingshots the ‘natural environment’ park of the Chignecto Peninsula in the Fundy region of Nova Scotia. Here ancient forests, spectacular cliffs and the world’s highest tides (some rise at 1 inch per minute) can all be found.

ABEL TASMAN COASTAL TRACK, NEW ZEALAND 51KM World-famous for a reason, this far-flung but worthwhile destination is on many people’s hitlist. More South Pacific than Lord of the Rings, this three-day walk can be linked with the Inland Track to form a circuit that returns to Marahau through the park’s hilly interior.

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018 5

Real Americas Real Adventure

FIND YOUR PERFECT ADVENTURE

Explore the Americas on Foot The Americas offer an incredibly varied landscape of mountains, coastlines, lakes and canyons, and it is best enjoyed on foot. For those with a passion for walking or trekking holidays, or simply those with an extra taste for adventure, our walking holidays in Canada and America are the perfect choice.

Why travel on a walking holiday with us?

9 9 9 9 9

Walking itineraries for all abilities Wide range of tours throughout North America and Canada Highly experienced tour leaders Small group adventures of 13 people or less Authentic experiences

Small group walking tours start from ÂŁ1,599

START PLANNING YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE www.grandamericanadventures.com

CONTACT OUR TEAM 03339 997 963 Image: Odessa, Rocky Mountain NP

2 WEEKS 11 HOURS IF DIRECT WITH TUI AROUND £750 FROM LONDON

EXPERIENCE...

RAINFOREST

LIKE THIS? TRY THESEÉ

the highest concentration of life – plant, insect, bird, mammal, reptile – is found.

This isn’t jungle; jungle by nature is dark, almost impassable and can be rather unpleasant. These are the ‘cloud forests’ – atmospheric, misty places found in the cool uplands of the tropics. There are many places in Costa Rica where you can trek through this balmy environment at a low level or, in areas such as Monteverde, on hoisted walkways through the canopy itself. What you’re sure of in this exciting destination is variety; from mountain forests to soaring volcanoes and coastlines where the tropical-bird filled treeline spills onto white-sand beaches and lagoons tracked with crocodile footprints, this is a magical experience.

CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK

With a forest canopy said to equal that of the Amazon in scale, Corcovado is the ultimate Costa Rican backpacking experience. Fitted out with huts and basic facilities, this park – complete with its jaguars, flying squirrels and the last old-growth forests in central America – requires a guide to explore, but hire one and you’ll have the experience of your life.

MANTADIA RESERVE, MADAGASCAR If you want something completely different, head for this island outpost of East Africa famous for its lemurs and primary growth forest. A guide is needed to explore the network of trails in this rugged rainforest national park, but you’ll be glad of their knowledge – the biodiversity in this part of Madacascar is stunning.

WALK HERE PHOTO: © DAVID SOUTH / ALAMY

PHOTO: © MARTIN SHIELDS / ALAMY*

OSTA RICA IS SERIOUSLY on the rise as an adventure destination.

Popular with Americans looking for a sultry (and vaguely handy) holiday, this extraordinary Central American country has coastlines on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, as well as a generous helping of volcanoes, inland lakes and a tourist infrastructure that is just the right side of basic. Come here for a holiday and you will guarantee an eyebrow raise from an adventure-savvy acquaintance, but without any associated hardships. What Costa Rica does really well is rainforests and wildlife, and usually hand-in-hand. The country has one of the highest biodiversities in the world, and it’s in the rainforests where

PHOTO: © FRANCESCO PUNTIROLI / ALAMY

C

PHOTO: © BLICKWINKEL / ALAMY

TOP WALKING DESTINATION: COSTA RICA

WALK HERE

PHOTO: © MATHEW BROWN

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

CERRO CHIRRIPO

The highest mountain in Costa Rica is a magnificent trek through thick rainforest onto a high, close-cropped landscape known as the Paramo (named for its similarity to the Andean Paramo, from which the British clothing brand takes its name) then up to the 3819m summit. The trek takes two days, and there's plenty of potential to extend your walk into the rest of the Cordillera Talamanca.

TABIN, BORNEO Borneo is one of the wildest places on Earth. A huge choice of trails run through this park, which boasts a full complement of rainforest lodges and an emphasis on wildlife conservation. You can find everything from orangutans to elephants here in Borneo’s northernmost country, Sabah.

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018 7

EXPERIENCE...

ARCTIC FOREST

TOP WALKING DESTINATION: SWEDEN

W

ERE IT NOT for the seas cutting into it, an almost unbroken swathe of forest would run from Scandinavia to Japan, into Alaska and across the northern reaches of America. This is the boreal forest, named after the Greek god of the north wind and winter. In Russia it's called the taiga.

A land of ancient coniferous forests and rivers, the boreal is to many the essence of pure wilderness: the home of the Saami people, bushcraft expert Ray Mears considers it his favourite of all environments due to the bounty of resources and the purity of the solitude found there. And the place that many choose to experience it is in the northern reaches of Sweden.

8 THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

Deep in Swedish Lapland is Muddus National Park, a 500 square-kilometre wilderness area near the border with Finland and Norway. Here a number of trails can be walked into prime boreal forests, ones that are accessible to novice walkers and have unmanned cabins.

The park – like much of this area of Sweden – is home to bears, lynx, hares, elk and reindeer. Then there is Hamra National Park which – while not quite Arctic – boasts many of the hallmarks of the boreal in a slightly more accessible setting.

Wherever you choose to experience it, this unique forest – the world’s most extensive biome – is a part of the planet you just have to experience. And it’s far closer than you think...

WALK HERE

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018 1 WEEK 3 HOURS FROM LONDON £250+

WALK HERE

MUDDUS NATIONAL PARK

PHOTO: © LOLA AKINMADE ÅKERSTRÖM/IMAGEBANK.SWEDEN.SE

TÖFSINGDALEN NATIONAL PARK

WALK HERE

One for the adventurers, this national park is mostly wilderness and is roamed by wolverine and bear... but very few visitors. It is the least-visited National Park in Sweden. You’ll be breaking your own trail but it’ll be well worth it.

LIKE THIS? TRY THESE…

NORTHERN ONTARIO, CANADA

PHOTO: © SOURCENEXT / ALAMY* PHOTO: © JOHNER IMAGES / ALAMY

EAST HOKKAIDO, JAPAN A left-field choice in a seriously beautiful place, the northern island of Japan is home to a wild landscape a world away from the bustling cities of the south. Forested mountains, deep gorges and abundant wildlife brave temperate summers and hard winters here.

PHOTO: © JIM VARLEY PHOTOGRAPHY / ALAMY*

Colossal in scale and covered in forest, northern Ontario is home to Algonquin Provincial Park, where you can disappear for weeks without seeing another soul. A canoe is probably the clever way to explore it, while the walks into the forest from the navigationally-critical rivers will be wild, immersive and stunning.

HAMRA NATIONAL PARK

‘Experience the forest as it once was – in hiking boots or from a sled behind a dog team’ is the pitch for Hamra National Park, and it gives you a flavourful idea of what to expect here. The Virgin Forest Loop near the park’s main entrance is a short, easy way to experience the boreal environment.

PHOTO: © SARA INGMAN/IMAGEBANK.SWEDEN.SE

PHOTO: © TOP-PICS TBK / ALAMY

There are several exceptional trails in this small national park which can be extended to several days, beginning and ending at Skaite; cabins are open April-September.

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018 9

WALK MAJORCA!

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TRANS TRAMUNTANA If it’s slighted by its sun-seeking tourist image, it’s also protected: far fewer people visit Majorca’s wonderful trails than they deserve

M

AJORCA IS POSSIBLY bestknown as a package tour destination for Brits trying to get a bit of Balearic sunshine. For the walker, though, the stunning coastline and undiscovered Tramuntana mountains offer some stunning rewards for those willing to put a few miles in. Instead of sun-baked beaches, this walking tour offers sun-dappled olive groves, stunning coastline, mountain passes and tranquillity far from the holiday-making hordes.

Taking in some of the best that Majorca has to offer the walker, this tour starts out at the port town of Port d’Alcudia hugging the coastline, offering views over the Mediterranean and smaller Balearic islands on the horizon. From there the route sticks to the Tramuntana mountains on the northern side of the island. Weaving along rocky paths, passing oaks and olive groves, the trail heads through whitewashed villages, manor houses and castles. Those looking to get a bit of a mountain fix are also in luck. Up at the summit of Es Cornador at 934m, there is a stunning 360˚ panorama of the Tramuntana range and the Mediterranean far down below.

This tour also manages to capture some cultural highlights too, with side trips to visit (and stay in) the monastery at Lluc, the secluded artists’ village of Deja and the historic old town of Palma.

Packages include a detailed itinerary of the week’s walk, which includes images helping to pinpoint different places along the way.

£40 OFF

ALL WALKING HOLIDAYS OVER £399 PER PERSON OR MORE. QUOTE CW2018G TO CLAIM!

Fact file GETTING THERE Budget, charter and regular airlines all fly into Palma de Majorca. Transfers are available from the airport to the start of the walk at Port d’Alcudia.

WHEN TO GO Tours run throughout the year from the end of February to the end of September. The weather is pleasant most of the year. Temperatures and visitor numbers are greater during the height of summer.

WHO TO GO WITH Whereabouts Holidays offer a self-guided eightday trip. It’s £619 per person including seven nights’ half board accommodation, luggage carriage, transfers and route information (excludes flights).

FEES AND REGISTRATION There are no fees or registration necessary.

FITNESS Good walking fitness is needed, along with confidence on stony paths. The walk follows undulating coastal and mountain paths.

MAPS Whereabouts Holidays provide all route details.

For more info, please call 0800 731 1631 or visit www.whereaboutsholidays.com

10 DAYS 5 HOURS AROUND £500 FROM LONDON

EXPERIENCE...

DESERT

LIKE THIS? TRY THESEÉ

western edge of the Arabian Desert, and is home to some of the grandest ruins of the ancient Middle East, including Wadi Rum and the desert city of Petra, with its famous Treasury. The region has one of the longest human histories on Earth – running from the earliest Palaeolithic period, through the Assyrian and Byzantine Empires, to the first Christian churches.

When travelling in Jordan you're likely to meet the ancient and nomadic Bedouin who wander the desert, and many companies run trips that include a night in a Bedouin camp as part of a desert trek.

If you like the idea of camels, traditional Bedouin food cooked up in terrifying quantity, and campfires under starlight, then this is for you. Of course this will be as part of a bigger adventure, the only limit to which is your own imagination.

THE JORDAN TRAIL

36 days of walking, the Jordan Trail is a new route crossing the entire country – 650km – from Umm Quais near the Israel border to Aqaba in the south, where Jordan meets Saudi Arabia. Sections of the walk can be taken too, if the whole thing is beyond your will or means.

WALK HERE

WADI RUM

A protected desert area with impressive natural assets, it may well be familiar due to its iconic visage: Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here. There are many routes on old Spice Trails walked by Nabatean traders that weave among the canyons and bluffs of Wadi Rum.

SIMPSON DESERT, AUSTRALIA Not quite the deserts of the Middle East, but certainly mystical. The Aboriginal ‘songlines’ ring loudly in the Outback, and the culture of ancient peoples who have lived here for millennia runs deep.

Awesomely barren, but definitely an uplifting experience.

PHOTO: © PETER M. WILSON / ALAMY

PHOTO: © JOHN MARTIN DAVIES / ALAMY

TRICTLY BY DEFINITION, a desert could be anywhere with poor soil, low vegetation cover and little rainfall. It could be hot or cold, high or low. But when most of us think of desert we go with the romantic image: cloaked figures hunched amid steepled tents, anchoring up camels and cooking aromatic food while a huge sun slides behind dunes and arid mountains.

This is of course classic, cinematic middle-eastern desert: atmospheric, adventurous and a complete cultural departure. You can spend a night in a yurt in the Gobi, or a mud hut in the Atacama of Chile. Given the current dangerous climate in the Middle East, this may be a temptation, but there is still a place where you can have an authentic – the most authentic – desert experience, with no compromise. Jordan lies on the

PHOTO: © ROBERTHARDING / ALAMY

S

PHOTO: © COLIN MONTEATH/ HEDGEHOG*

TOP WALKING DESTINATION: JORDAN

WALK HERE

PHOTO: © IMAGEBROKER / ALAMY

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

ATACAMA DESERT, CHILE Chile’s landscape is one of the most varied on the planet due to the huge latitude that this skinny, northsouth oriented country spans. But while the south is battered by subAntarctic ocean, the north is occupied by the highest, driest desert in the world. The landscapes this offers are utterly stunning – more Martian than Earthly!

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018 11

ADVERTISING FEATURE

WALK ITALY!

MERAN TO LAKE GARDA Sun-blessed, soaring, and with over 10,000 miles of trails it’s no wonder more and more walkers are making a bee-line to South Tryol.

T

HE SOUTH TYROL is rapidly becoming one of the most popular locations for active holidays and it is easy to see why. 80% of the terrain is classed as mountainous and because of its south-facing location on the Italian/Austrian borderlands, South Tyrol and Trentino receives an incredible 300 sunny days per year! This makes the region one of the greenest, most picturesque and fertile in Europe. The best way to explore the South Tyrol is on foot following the wellmaintained walking paths, forest trails and some steep paths.

You will see turquoise lakes, mountain plateaus and river valleys. In fact, there are over 17,000km of walking and hiking trails to cover in the South Tyrol!

The section between the South Tyrolean town of Meran and the shores of Lake Garda is one of the finest you can walk along in Europe. On this self-guided walking tour with Whereabouts Holidays, you’ll follow the ancient Waal paths constructed for water irrigation that now form the artery to many of the hiking paths and trails in the region.

As you follow the route, you will pass through idyllic villages situated in apple orchards and vineyards whilst cable cars will take you to the higher mountain areas. Don’t forget to stop off at the sparkling lakes and the impressive waterfalls as you get closer and closer to Lake Garda each day!

Wake up on the final day of your 8-day holiday for the final stretch to Lake Garda. On the way you will pass untouched meadows, olive groves and castles giving you a complete contrast to the opening days.

£40 OFF

ALL WALKING HOLIDAYS OVER £399 PER PERSON OR MORE. QUOTE CW2018G TO CLAIM!

Fact file GETTING THERE Fly to Verona from various UK airports. Then catch a train or bus to Meran (approx. 2 hours).

WHEN TO GO May to October. The weather in the area is generally sunny, but not guaranteed!

WHO TO GO WITH Whereabouts Holidays offer a self-guided 8-day tour from Meran to Lake Garda. Prices are from £639 per person including 7 nights B&B accommodation, luggage transfers and route info.

FEES AND REGISTRATION This self-guided tour starts on Saturdays and Sundays only.

FITNESS Walking on well-maintained routes means that minimal technical experience is required.

Some steep paths and forest trails mean that a good level of fitness is required.

MAPS Whereabouts Holidays provide all route details.

For more info, please call 0800 731 1631 or visit www.whereaboutsholidays.com

1 WEEK 7 HOURS FROM LONDON AROUND £500

EXPERIENCE...

POLAR

LIKE THIS? TRY THESEÉ

tearing through black skies over firelit cabins, boundless ice, and glaciers still doing their tinkering work among raw mountains. In winter Svalbard is perhaps too extreme for walking with any notion of civility, though trips do run. Average temperatures are 6 deg C in summer and -16 deg C in winter, so if you’re after T-shirt weather, this place isn’t for you, but there's no shortage of routes and treks made possible by the long daylight hours.

And then there is the prospect of polar bears, the presence of which is felt constantly throughout the island: they’re on the flag, on all the tours, and the many warning signs. There's one polar bear for every two people on Svalbard, so if you’re walking, do so with a guide!

WALK HERE

PHOTO: © IMAGEBROKER / ALAMY

WALK HERE

An incredibly distinctive mountain, and the top block of this peak is what gives it its name – troll stone. A 7-hour walk over glacial terrain onto an arctic plateau then up to the summit of the peak should provide incredible views of the landscape and wildlife above the town of Longyearbyen.

ARCTIC NATURE CAMP

A 5-day basecamping experience provided by spitsbergenguideservice.no (there really is no responsible way to camp in Svalbard without a guide). The camp is based in the northwestern part of Spitsbergen, and explores the peaks and glaciers within striking distance of a magnificent natural harbour.

AUYUITTUQ NATIONAL PARK, BAFFIN ISLAND For a muscular taste of life above 66 degrees north, visit this Canadian outpost, where giant mountain walls such as Mount Asgard and Mount Thor guard a mythically beautiful realm. Many trek options, lasting from five days to two weeks, can be enjoyed in the park.

PHOTO: © RGB VENTURES / SUPERSTOCK / ALAMY*

F IT’S EXTREME you want, Svalbard has got it. There are plenty of 'polarlite' destinations out there, but if you want authentic, without the stratospheric costs, icebreaker ships and – in the case of the North Pole – the unsettling experience of spending your on-land existence floating on ice, you won’t get any better than Svalbard. Territorially part of Norway, this huge archipelago is adrift in the Arctic Ocean, between the mainland and the North Pole. Formerly known as Spitzbergen, its population is tiny – 2,600, the same as Ambleside – but this is a far cry from the Lakes. Svalbard has every polar hallmark: crushing darkness and cold in winter, permanent sunlight in summer, aurora borealis

PHOTO: © VLADIMIR SELIVERSTOV / ALAMY

I

PHOTO: © NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CREATIVE / ALAMY

TOP WALKING DESTINATION: SVALBARD

TROLLSTEINEN PEAK

PHOTO: © IMAGEBROKER / ALAMY

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

ANTARCTICA PENINSULA A bit of a cheat, but anyone who likes strange, intrepid adventure can do worse than an Antarctic cruise, which takes you into the domain of icebergs, whales, rough seas and penguins. Ensure that you book with a company that's rubber-stamped by IAATO.

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018 13

2-3 WEEKS 16 HOURS WITH A STOP FROM LONDON AROUND £500

EXPERIENCE...

HIGH MOUNTAIN

LIKE THIS? TRY THESEÉ

TOP WALKING DESTINATION: NEPAL

PHOTO: © BLICKWINKEL / ALAMY* PHOTO: © XINHUA / ALAMY

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY CHANDRAGIRI HILL

14 THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

With dramatic flutings and razorsharp white mountains every bit as striking as the Himalayas, this high-altitude mountain range deep in the Andes has long been a magnet for adventurous mountaineers – and trekkers who like to gaze up in wonder from the trails below.

WALK HERE

PHOTO: © COLSTRAVEL / ALAMY *

WALK HERE

CORDILLERA BLANCA, PERU

PHOTO: © SEAN BURKE / ALAMY*

W

The Himalayas in all their grandeur are here, and treks are available for anyone who wants to get up close and personal with Earth’s loftiest mountains.

In order to feel that you’ve ‘done’ Nepal, there's certain sights and sounds you should look to take in, such as mooching through Kathmandu’s buzzing Thamel district, or staying in a traditional tea house lodge along a high mountain trail, where hospitable locals offer a window into Himalayan life. And no trip would be complete without a visit to a Buddhist temple. And the walking? Spellbinding.

From jungly lowlands where tigers still roam, to the high-altitude base camps of the greater Himalaya, Nepal has it all.

HEN THE best is this accessible, why settle for the rest? Nepal has had a tough few years following the huge earthquake in 2015 that caused massive damage to the capital Kathmandu and devastated high mountain villages with poor transport links. But this country is indomitable in spirit, and today Nepal is as welcoming to (and in need of) tourism as it's ever been.

It's every bit the mystical high mountain kingdom you'd expect it to be: prayer flags, shining temples, the sound of gongs echoing around the peaks from high-tucked villages. Nepal is a true feather in the cap of anyone who wants to experience the world's highest country.

Another popular route for trekkers looking for a slice of the true high mountains, the Annapurna Sanctuary – a glacial basin steeped with legends of gods and treasures – is a discerning, tranquil place. Numbers are restricted and the area holds great importance for the diverse ecosystems it supports.

PHOTO: © BLICKWINKEL / ALAMY*

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

A small hill that takes around half an hour to climb, the view from the top of unassuming Chandragiri Hill is one of the most spectacular in the world. There aren’t many cities that offer a panorama of the world’s highest mountains from their doorstep – but this Kathmandu Valley location is one of them.

HIGH ATLAS, MOROCCO 4000m peaks, Berber culture, a mystical atmosphere and firelit nights beneath snowy mountains against starlit skies? Check on all counts, and it’s also accessible via budget airlines and is as cheap as chips once you’re there.

Celebrating

30 years Walking, Trekking & Adventure

New 2018/19 Brochure Now Available

Walking & Trekking Holidays • Trekking Peaks • Wildlife & Cultural Tours • Small group & tailor made adventure • Over 100 walking and trekking holidays worldwide • Classic & pioneering treks

Visit our website for full details or call us today 01453 844400 www.mountainkingdoms.com

5090

Seniors Trek to

Mt. Everest Join seniors trek to Everest Base Camp

From October 2017 to May 2018

Men’s Alta III Jacket £295 Mountain walking jacket with intelligent ventilation • Rucksack-friendly and designed for maps or GPS • Women’s Alta III Jacket also available

Visite us: tripnepal.com Contact UK Tel: +44 1778 218628 Email: info@tripnepal.com

ESCAPE TO THE WINTER SUN

SUPERB VIEWS, NO SWEAT. The most rewarding mountain views demand steep climbs - and generate plenty of perspiration. The Páramo Men’s and Women’s Alta III Jackets use uniquely directional Nikwax Analogy fabric to remove moisture more effectively from your clothing system, so you can take in the view without feeling clammy and chilled.

Hiking adventures in Southern Spain.

• Weekend or week long holidays • Explore Malaga & Granada provinces

The Alta III shrugs off the wildest weather. It is rucksack-friendly, handles navigation equipment efficiently and provides ventilation options that allow you to control your temperature without taking layers on and off. The Alta III achieves all this in a streamlined design which functions flawlessly on the hill.

Engineered for, and tested on, challenging mountain treks, the Alta III’s place in the Páramo range has been earned - just like your mountain view!

• Varied walking routes

Discover more at www.paramo.co.uk/alta

• Booking for 2018

EXTEND YOUR COMFORT ZONE

www.activeandalus.com WA L K

•

C L I M B

•

D I V E

•

E X P L O R E

PFC-free

Fairly produced

Recyclable

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

PHOTO: © ADAM BURTON / ALAMY*

1 WEEK 5 HOURS, VIA COPENHAGEN FROM LONDON AROUND £250

EXPERIENCE...

ISLAND

LIKE THIS? TRY THESE…

L

PHOTO: © REALIMAGE / ALAMY*

TOP WALKING DESTINATION: THE FAROES well as an array of rare environments for wildlife. Hikers are truly spoiled, and you'll struggle to find anywhere else with such an astonishing variety of excellent walks in such a dramatic setting.

There's also great online resources (via www.visitfaroeislands.com) where you can download route guides for walks of every level of difficulty, as well as lots of practical information about the Islands.

YING BETWEEN SCOTLAND, Norway and Iceland, the Faroe Islands could be described as being a blend of all three countries – but they have their own unique aesthetic that can only be described as, well, unbelievable!

Comprising a series of 18 volcanic outcrops, the Faroes are home to dizzyingly steep mountains and cliffs poised above the wild North Atlantic, as

WALK HERE

CAPE VERDE ISLANDS A bit of an off-the-wall destination, the Cape Verde Islands lie in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and represent a sort of warmer version of Iceland, only off the northwest coast of Africa. Their highest point, Pico de Fogo, is an active 2829m volcano that is popular with trekkers. As you might imagine with a mountain of such height, the views from the top are stunning.

WALK HERE

SLÆTTARATINDUR

A short walk to the 880m summit of this mountain – the highest point in the Faroes – is essential. Translating as ‘flat top’, it offers a great view of all 18 islands and, on a clear day, even the highest points of eastern Iceland too.

SUÐUROY TRAVERSE

A 16-hour traverse of the southernmost island in the Faroe archipelago, north to south. It’s challenging and a very long day, so make sure you’re suitably equipped. That said, you will pass some stores along the route!

PHOTO: © WEAD / ALAMY*

PHOTO: © ALESSIO MESIANO / ALAMY

PHOTO: © ADAM BURTON / VISIT FAROE ISLANDS

Can't find free pic MB

NAXOS, GREECE One of the most interesting (and quiet) of the Cyclades, this Greek island is gently mountainous and was once an important source of marble. It takes some getting to (via a ferry from nearby Samos) but the seclusion and Mediterranean culture make this off-the-beatentrack island a fabulous destination.

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018 17

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

PHOTO: © GARETH MCCORMACK / ALAMY*

10 DAYS 3 HOURS FROM LONDON FROM AROUND £180

EXPERIENCE...

VOLCANIC

LIKE THIS? TRY THESEÉ

TOP WALKING DESTINATION: ICELAND

PHOTO: © RGB VENTURES / SUPERSTOCK / ALAMY

KILAUEA, HAWAII Hawaii – which may be described as Iceland's tropical soulmate – has the biggest volcanoes in the world, and there is nowhere better on Earth to see the raw power of lava being erupted so dramatically. It’s a long way, mind. But it’s warm.

WALK HERE

PHOTO: © DAVID FORSTER / ALAMY*

WALK HERE

glaciers, moon-like volcanic deserts and you-would-never-believe-it mountains that put even Tolkein’s wildest notions to shame.

Easily-accessible and not quite as financially crippling as it once was (although the falling pound doesn’t help), Iceland’s cool culture and curious climate – in common with Scandinavia it has white nights in summer and eternal darkness in winter – ensures there is plenty here to write home about. But it’s the scenic delights Iceland offers that will win it a notch on your boot grips. As a volcanic environment, there are few places more dramatic and dynamic. Just pray it doesn’t affect your flight home...

HVALFJORDUR

Famous for the Glymur waterfall, one of the highest and most spectacular in the country, Hvalfjordur is one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords (a geographical asset it shares with Norway). Caverns, steep-sided canyons and the vivid green verdancy of Iceland’s volcanic soil are some of the visual delights walkers can enjoy on the 3-hour trek to the waterfall.

18 THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

LAUGAVEGUR AND FIMMVORDUHALS TREK

This 6-8 day, multi-terrain expedition was selected as one of the world's best walks by National Geographic. Among other things, you'll visit the site of the infamous 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption and one of Iceland’s many geothermal zones at Landmannalaugar, not to mention some of its highest mountains.

PHOTO: © BANANA PANCAKE / ALAMY*

I

CELAND IS A HOT destination in more ways than one. Pulled slowly apart by the mid-Atlantic ridge and seeping lava from the wound in its middle, this huge island is growing by around 5cm a year. It also has an abundance of both dormant and active (and extremely disruptive) volcanoes.

The result is an enormous wasteland, where the two most dramatic geological architects – fire and ice – work together on a landscape that’s comparatively new.

Some parts of Iceland resemble another planet, whereas others mirror the more dramatic parts of the Rockies or Alps. But all of it feels like a kind of northern Lost World: a place of canyons, waterfalls,

TEIDE, TENERIFE Teide is a dramatic national park that plays host to the highest mountain in territorial Spain – and one of the biggest volcanoes in the world – Mt Teide, at 3,718m. The way up is incredibly Martian in its higher reaches, but very jungly lower down, and it’s a fine place to spot wildlife.

OVERSEAS TRAVEL All-inclusive guided gourmet walking holidays in Italy and beyond…

Holidays for Walkers Created by Walkers ✈ Now featuring 29 countries within Europe and further afield ✈ Self-guided and guided walking ✈ Holidays for all abilities ✈ Hotel-to-hotel treks and centred walking

Enjoy challenging hiking with exceptional food, wine and hotels.

ITALY • SLOVENIA • FRANCE • AUSTRIA

01858 565148 info@hedonistichiking.com

www.hedonistichiking.com

✈ Established for 20 years with specialised knowledge in creating personalised walking holidays from the Caribbean to China

Contact us for our 2018 brochure: www.newex.co.uk/cw 01824 710320

CICERONE NEW GUIDES for overseas adventures

350 award-winning guides over 170 overseas titles used by outdoor professionals and mountain leaders E-books, GPX tracks updates and inspiration

Order online

www.cicerone.co.uk

Please mention Trail & Country Walking magazines when responding to adverts

OVERSEAS TRAVEL Stay here & experience the Picos Europa Mountains!

Self catering in picturesque Guernsey T: 01481 237491 E: info@selfcatering.gg W: selfcatering.gg Quote ‘CW’ for 10%

Stay in our well-equipped 3 bedroom 15thC house Find out more at:

www.empedrado.co.uk

Stunning Mountains, Lakes, MONTENEGRO Discover Coast & Heritage with Vista Trails Point2Point, Single Centre & Bespoke Walking Holidays for all abilities.

Personal service with expert local knowledge MAY/JUNE SPECIAL OFFER All inclusive coastal walking 7 nights £595 In private luxury villa inc all transfers

www.vistatrails.com Tel: 07791517873

Experience beautiful scenery Fantastic walking and lots of winter sunshine with Walk Andalucia.

Solo travellers welcome & no single supplement!

www.walk-andalucia.com We also offer Cultural & Walking holidays in Cuba.

www.walk-cuba.com 08081349913

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

PHOTO: © BANANA PANCAKE / ALAMY

4 WEEKS 2 HOURS FROM LONDON AROUND £120

EXPERIENCE...

HISTORICAL TREK

TOP WALKING DESTINATION: SPAIN

E

l Camino de Santiago de Compostela – the Way of Saint James – is a network of holy pilgrimage routes criss-crossing northern Europe. Pilgrimages as a rule generally started from wherever you lived, so historically the route is quite impressionistic and there are many variations. But the most famous section runs from the town of Saint-Jean-Piedde-Port on the French side of the Pyrenees, to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, western Spain. Despite most of the route being in Spain, this is known as the French Way, or Camino Frances.

Walking its 769km length takes around four weeks, during which you'll traverse along a route drenched in historical vibe.

Legend has it that Saint James’s remains were carried along it, before being interred in the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela, where the Camino ends. The Black Death was rumoured to have spread to the far corners of Europe (of

which this is most certainly one) borne by walkers using old pilgrimage trails such as this, and years of unrest and political upheaval in Spain caused the route to fall silent for many decades, populated only by the occasional committed walker in search of penance or spiritual enlightenment.

Scenery-wise, this isn’t a sensory blizzard – it’s a long walk on a mainly flat, well-marked route. Your pack can be light, you can sleep in a bed every night if you choose, and there are plenty of places to take on supplies. It’s for this reason it makes our top ten this year: there's never been a better time to make a longdistance trek in the company of others excited about doing the same thing for their wellbeing, spiritual reasons, or just for the heck of it. And if you want a starter trail that has all of the positives and almost none of the negatives of a longdistance walk, this is a great place to start. What's more, it’s easy to get to.

LIKE THIS? TRY THESEÉ THE INCA TRAIL, PERU The ultimate route for many walkers. Climbing through the sort of scenery that burns itself on your brain forever, the classic 4-day Inca Trail climaxes in the ‘lost’ city of Machu Picchu. Most combine the experience with tours of Cusco and the Scared Valley, thereby perfectly rounding off their immersion in one of history’s most mystical and secretive civilisations.

KAILASH CIRCUIT, TIBET Tibet’s forbidden peak – nobody has ever climbed it, or been allowed to – Kailash is said to have been the battleground for two Buddhist deities. The pilgrimage around the mountain, which takes you close to the sources of the Indus, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra rivers, is called the Kora Kailash and takes up to three days to complete – though many prostrate themselves on the circuit, touching their head to the floor with each movement.

This takes up to 10 days!

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018 21

1 WEEK 3 HOURS FLIGHTS TO TURIN, MILAN OR TREVISO CAN BE HAD FOR AS LITTLE AS £30

EXPERIENCE...

ALPINE

LIKE THIS? TRY THESEÉ

TOP WALKING DESTINATION: ITALY

T

AOSTA VALLEY

A stunning valley encompassing the Italian slopes of both Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn (Monte Bianco and Monte Cervino), as well as Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso. It's studded with medieval castles, and the Tour du Monte Rosa is a superb long-distance route that takes in a series of high passes into Switzerland.

22 THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND Legendary among climbers and gawpers alike, the town in the sway of the Eiger is the perfect Swiss chocolate box town – and an epic base for walks of all levels in some very long mountain shadows.

PHOTO: © FREEARTIST / ALAMY*

WALK HERE

PHOTO: © AGF SRL / ALAMY*

WALK HERE

PHOTO: © ROBERTHARDING / ALAMY*

north (The Eiger and Swiss Alps), the Pennine Alps to the south (Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa), the Limestone Alps of the Dolomites and the Bavarian and Slovenian ranges. Alpine, on the other hand, means an environment defined by the presence of alpine plants (those growing above the treeline in a high-altitude climate).

Italy simply has the biggest range of Alpine environments, but also happens to be in the true Alps. Plus it is mighty convenient, affordable and offers a wide spectrum of challenges to suit anyone, from the exploratory mountaineer to the valley saunterer.

And if you get bored of all the rocky stuff, it’s just a short distance to Tuscany.

HERE ARE SEVERAL countries you could quite happily immerse yourself in if it’s a bona fide Alpine experience you want; France, Switzerland and Austria each have territorial investments in Europe’s most spectacular mountain range. But none of them straddle the range quite as completely as Italy – and this incredibly varied country offers a myriad of environments in which the walker can preoccupy themselves and not have an even vaguely similar day twice.

It does, of course, depend on what you mean by ‘Alps’ and ‘Alpine’; the former is the name for the huge arc of mountains stretching from France to Slovenia, encompassing the Bernese Alps in the

LAKE GARDA

The hills above Lake Garda are latticed with Via Ferrata, the former wartime troop pathways that are now adrenaline junkies’ routes of choice. Using lanyards and karabiners, you clip on to cables and stemples to get yourself into climbers’ territory, without the associated skill.

Wide variety of routes to choose from.

ARGENTIERE, FRANCE At the head of the Chamonix Valley, Argentiere is the perfect base – and a rather quieter one compared to the valley’s buzzing namesake – for exploring peaks such as the Aiguille du Tour and the magnificent Balcon Sud, with panoramic views of Mont Blanc.

PHOTO: © JAN WLODARCZYK / ALAMY*

THE WORLD ON FOOT 2018

YOUR ALPINE

ESCAPE SUMMER 2018

½⊂½║şČ½¹ tČ⊕ℜ♥⊂σ ^½⊕║σ✔♥¹♥⊂σ dČ♥⊕ tČ⊕ℜ♥⊂σ ,✔  ,✔

/Č⊕♥Č⊂ ⊕⊄♥½ ✔♥Č⊂ ⊕ W✦½⊂½½ W♥Þ ¹½ ✔Č ⊂¹Č⊕✔Þ♥Č Č⊄♥⊂ ¹½ ^Č⊂Čσ

www.colletts.co.uk Ϯϭ ✦½Č Č ′½ h<Ŀ σ½⊂✔♥⊂½ ✠Č⊕ℜ♥⊂σ ′⊕♥¹Č✦ ½Þ♥Č⊕♥

$%7$ 1R :