1. Walking on Gran Canaria
The Canary Islands offer some fantastic walking. On Gran Canaria, the second largest of the eight main islands, the terrain is rugged and varied; there’s everything from two lofty peaks - Pico de las Nieves (1,949m) and Roque Nublo (1,813m) – to an area of arid sand dunes in the south - yet there are also many green valleys. And the island’s location in the Atlantic around 100 kilometres off the coast of Morocco means a guarantee of fine weather virtually all year round.
2. Land of Dracula
This fabulous trekking adventure takes us to discover Transylvania, whose spectacular landscapes remain untouched by mass tourism. Challenging walks take us through a Carpathian landscape of soaring peaks, swathes of wild forest, ancient fortresses, forbidding castles and timeless villages where fact and fantasy become inextricably entwined. Here, some of Europe’s last remaining and most spectacular wilderness areas retain their typical flora and fauna. And no trip to Transylvania would be complete without a visit to Bran Castle, Count Dracula’s Castle.
3. Raiders of the Lost Kasbah
Inspired by Gavin Maxwell’s Lords of the Atlas tale about the rise and fall of the region’s most powerful tribe, this is a unique trek through Morocco’s rich history. Following an ancient caravan route across the flanks of the Atlas Mountains, we discover fertile valleys with tiny unspoilt Berber villages, lunar landscapes, crumbling kasbahs and the magnificent fortified ksar of Ait Benhaddou, used as a backdrop in films like Gladiator and The Prince of Persia. Back in imperial Marrakech, there’s time to explore the souks and experience the evening spectacle of the Djemma el-Fna.
4. Austria’s Alpine Splendour
This trek through Austria’s famed Lake District leads over mountain passes, across alpine meadows and high plateaux, and along spectacular alleys with the region’s legendary scenic lakesides. Way-marked trails link traditional alpine towns and villages, the hotels and guesthouses are charming, and the local cuisine in the remote mountain restaurants along the way - invariably in a scenic setting - is wonderful. Walking days are longer than on other moderate trips, but this simply allows more time to savour the region’s incomparable beauty.
5. Ancient Trails of Japan
Setting off from Tokyo, we explore the mountains along the spine of Honshu island, with a hike up Mount Kintoki for classic views of Mount Fuji in the distance. After crossing the sacred Togakushi Mountains and exploring picture-perfect Kamikochi, we follow the ancient Kumanokodo Pilgrimage Route and visit Matsumoto Castle en route to the former capital of Kyoto, one of Japan’s most beautiful cities. Travelling by train and bus and staying in ryokans provides an opportunity to sample local food and learn Japanese customs as we experience the traditional way of life.
6. Walking the Rhodope Mountains
The Rhodope Mountains - home of the legendary musician and singer Orpheus - are the least known of Bulgaria’s three principal ranges. This, the oldest land in the Balkans, is one of magical landscapes with dense conifer forests, vast alpine meadows, high exposed ridges, together with deep valleys and river basins - that make for testing walking. Many species of flora and fauna that are extinct elsewhere in Europe are still found here, along with 70% of the world’s minerals and more than 600 caves.
7. Nature Trails in Southern Costa Rica
Immersing ourselves in the country’s remarkable natural beauty, we follow trails while on constant lookout for its highly distinctive wildlife. From the current capital, San José, we head south to the original capital, Cartago, en route to Volcán Irazú for spectacular views plus an idea of the country’s incredible biodiversity. We then head to the pristine cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota to walk and for a chance to see the magnificent quetzal. After a visit to Corcovado National Park, our trip ends on the stunning Osa Peninsula.
8. The Classic GR10
This stunning section of the long distance GR10 footpath reveals the beauty of the French Pyrenees in all its splendour. Starting from the spa town of Cauterets, you cross the Col de Riou en route to Luz Saint Sauveur, with a chance to spot Pyrenean chamois and marmots as you pass mountain lakes and ski resorts before ending on a high by summiting the Hourquette des Hounts (2,275 metres). Although the walking is on decent trails, the terrain is rugged and varied with constant ascents and descents, taking from five to seven hours per day.
9. Highlights of Jordan on Foot
After exploring Amman, our first stop is at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. We float in its saline waters before following part of a classic walking route from Dana to Petra, passing through dramatic mountain gorges and canyons and camping beneath the stars in true Bedouin style. Our visit to Petra offers an opportunity to learn about the region’s fascinating history, before we explore the famous desert of Wadi Rum. Our trip ends with a leisurely afternoon on the Red Sea and a chance to go snorkelling.
10. Best of the Western Lycian Way
This twin-centre trip uses small family-run hotels as a base for exploring the coastal trails of the Lycian Way at your own pace, with transfers as and where needed. The first is in Patara, the location of one of Turkey’s most stunning ancient cities as well as its longest beach, complete with huge sand dunes. Your second base is the lovely village of Faralya, perched high in the foothills of Baba Dag (Father Mountain), overlooking the famed Butterfly Valley. Here you follow paths that weave along the clifftop and visit the stunning lagoon at Oludeniz.
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