Apr 30 2013

England’s Best Hiking Trails

winding trail

Beautiful UK Hikes

4 Of the Most Breath Taking Hikes in the UK

Even though there are many different things which help to make the United Kingdom such an exciting place to live or visit, the quality of walks or hikes is a huge part in what makes Britain great. Whether you prefer to take a walk up mountains, along coastal paths or in a way that helps you get closer to the monumental history of the nation, there are plenty of great trails and hikes for you to choose from.

It is important to bear in mind your own personal preferences when it comes to taking a hike but the fact that there are so many different hokes to choose from should ensure that there is something that will appeal to you. These are 4 of the most breath taking hikes in the UK and are definitely worth considering if you are looking to take a hike.

Glastonbury

When you hear the word ‘Glastonbury’, it is only natural that you think of the popular music festival that takes place most summers but there is a lot more to the area than this. Part of the reason that the festival is so popular is due to the history of the area and the strong connection to paganism, Christianity, wizardry and spirituality. This may be a hike that appeals to your or not depending on your outlook on life but there is no doubt that a hike around Glastonbury can be one of the most rewarding trips you will make in the UK.

From the main village, it is only a leisurely trek of around two and a half miles by path to the highest point of Glastonbury Tor. This is where you will find a medieval tower where you can find beautiful views stretching out across the Quantocks and the Mendips. If you are hiking with your family, having the ability to connect the tour with the wizardry and stories of magic and King Arthur may be just the thing to make it seem a more attractive hike for children. Harry Potter and the Lord of The Rings books and films have helped youngsters to reconnect with magic and stories from ancient times and this hike may bring it home to them while you enjoy the fresh air, exercise and great views.

Dover

If you are looking for dramatic coastline, the UK has plenty on offer but it would be fair to say that the coastal path that trails around the world famous white cliffs in Dover ranks very highly. The trek, taken from Langdon Cliff all the way through to the lighthouse in South Foreland is four miles, which can be achieved at a leisurely pace without too much exertion. However, it is the views and the sense of history that you see when taking this hike that will bring about the great benefits. It is important to be aware that certain sections of the path feature uneven ground and there will be a couple of steep slopes to look out for too. If you remain aware, it is a safe walk for everyone but it is important to stay focused on the path. You will find plenty of localised wildlife and the spider orchids that bloom in the spring are definitely worth looking out for.

Of course, for many people it is the views across the English Channel that are the most important element and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the coast of France.

Buckden Rake, Yorkshire Dales

For those looking for a great hike with the added benefit of a quality pub stop in the middle of it, Buckden Rake in the Yorkshire Dales is worth a mention. Starting in the heart of the Buckden village, this is a strenuous walk so you will feel as though you have earned a drink when you reach one of the many fine pubs on the route. However, if you want to focus on the trek you can take in Roman roads, purple orchids, castle ruins and a wide range of wildlife. For a 7 mile hike, this trek takes in a lot of great views and scenery points.

Hadrian’s Wall

Dating back to 122AD, the original wall was 73 miles long and played host to 16 different Roman forts on its route. Today, there is a 84 mile trail with many different routes and walks for all ages and experience of walker. There are also plenty of other additional walks linking off from the main walk so if you plan on doing a lot of hiking on a week’s break, this is the location for you. This hike is steeped in history and your mind will wonder to earlier times as you view the ruins along your walk.

Phil has worked for the Geneva Airport Transfer company Chamonix first for 3 years. He is an outdoor enthusiast and has always worked in the customer service industry spending the last 5 years based in Chamonix which is in the French Alps.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/04/30/englands-best-hiking-trails/

Apr 27 2013

Best Hiking Trails In Zakynthos, Greece

Hiking trails in Zakynthos

One of the best ways to enjoy a beautiful landscape is by hiking or walking. This allows you to travel at your own pace and take in each and every detail you come across along your way. Not only does it make sight-seeing very easy, it is also a great way to burn calories and stay in shape.

Before you go and rent a car for your next trip in Zakynthos, consider taking a hiking tour. The region of Zante is filled with all kinds of beauties that range from gorgeous architecture, majestic mountains and beautiful sandy beaches.

beautiful Greek beach

Greek trails & beaches

The good thing is that a lot of the attractions in this region are all nearby, making hiking a very good option of visiting the many sites. Let’s talk about some of the best walking/hiking spots within Zakynthos and how you can make the most out of your trip.

Navagio Shipwreck to Blue Cave

One of the most popular attractions in the region is the Navagio Shipwreck. Here you will find a beautiful sandy beach that is home to a charming shipwrecked boat. The crystal clear water and golden sand are certain to offer many hours of relaxation and entertainment. The good news is that there is a very beautiful nearby attraction that makes for a perfect hiking trip. The nearby Blue Cave is a beautiful little spot that is filled with many breathtaking sights. You will love the natural rock formations that create passageways through stunningly clear water. It certainly is a treat to visit this region, especially with the wonderful climate of the area. You can make your way from the Navagio Shipwreck to the Blue Cave by hiking and not miss any of the beauties in between. On your trip to and from you can expect to see a lot of gorgeous vegetation as well as beautiful mountainous regions.

Kalamaki Beach to Mount Skopos

Mount Skopos, Zante

hiking in Greece

Kalamaki beach is a stunningly beautiful area that is filled with many natural attractions as well as a host of bars and shop. You can spend your time relaxing in the wonderful climate or you can enjoy the crystal clear waters of the nearby beach. It’s certainly a beautiful and exciting place to spend your afternoon. Within a close proximity you can find Zakynthos town. This is the capital city of the island, and it is filled with much in the way of fun and entertainment. You will have access to many bars, restaurants and shop that are filled with great wine as well as great foods. You can reach Mount Skopos from Kalamaki beach by a route that is located near the end of the beach region. This is a great way to enjoy an evening or afternoon with your significant other.

Zakynthos is a very stunning place for beauty as well as entertainment, so it’s naturally easy to see why people would prefer a hike throughout the region. Rather than going on a driving tour, just put on a comfortable pair of shoes and dive into the many beauties that the region has to offer.

Attached Images:

John Ramirez has worked in Louis Zante Hotel for over 12 years. He is known for his work in numerous hotels in Zakynthos.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/04/27/best-hiking-trails-in-zakynthos-greece/

Apr 12 2013

5 Tips for an Exciting and Safe Trails Running Experience

Running on the trails can be a thrilling outdoor activity, and an effective fitness exercise at the same time. It offers lots of challenging tasks, and helps bring out determination in participants.

Trail running may be a pleasant activity, but might turn into a dreadful adventure if carried out without proper planning.

The following are tips to make your trails running a safe and an enjoyable one.

1. Don’t overlook your safety           

Trails running is not like running on the field or track. Because of its curvy nature, and lack of proper direction, running on the trails can be difficult. For safety reasons, it’s crucial that you tell someone about your trailing plan. Give the person the direction that you’re heading to, and the time you intend to return. Should you lose direction of the trails, or in case something happens to you, the person will be able to trace you up and come to your rescue.

2. Arm yourself with relevant information

The first and most crucial step to embarking on a trail running program is to seek information about your target trails. Get information such as the weather, the nature of the trails, places to avoid, the possibilities of coming across wild animals, and other relevant info that will guarantee your safety. This will also help you select appropriate tools, gears, and equipment for the adventure.

3. Dress for the occasion            

Feeling comfortable in your running gears can be a great motivation to having an amazing trailing experience. Consider the weather before you embark on your outdoor adventure, and dress accordingly. This will help protect you against adverse weather conditions while you’re enjoying the running.

Wearing appropriate trailing shoes is also another way to have an amazing trail running experience. Ensure that your chosen shoes have enough stable base with large tread. When you’re considering a particular pair of shoes, it’s essential that you try them on. This will help you determine how fit and comfortable they are on your legs.

4. Join a group

There’s nothing more exciting than exploring an outdoor adventure in group. The group may consist of two or more persons. It doesn’t have to be a huge number of individuals. Running together with like-minded people will motivate you to keep going even when you feel like giving up. Also, you’ll feel encouraged to push yourselves to the maximum. The most important thing about going in group is the safety reason. In case something happens to someone, members of the group will be able to assist the person immediately.

With a bit of research on the Internet about trails running enthusiasts, it’s easy to find likeminded individuals with the same passion for outdoor activities – trails running. Also, there are different online forums dedicated to discussing various outdoor adventures, including running on the trails. Scour the Internet properly and you’ll find a bunch of them.

woman running on trail

trail runner

5. Reap the full benefit of the adventure

Stretching after exercising helps the body reap the full benefit of the workout, and trail running is no exception. Incorporate stretching in your running plan. Stretch your joints after trailing. This will help decrease pains, and prevent injuries. It will also help strengthen your muscles, and facilitate the circulation of blood in your body.

Your stretching should be easy and slow to avoid pains and muscle damage. Hold each stretch for about 10-20 seconds to make it effective. If you feel pain while stretching, stop immediately and stretch other parts.

Running on the trails can be adventurous and thrilling at the same time. But the key to making it a memorable and an exciting activity is proper planning. Following the above tips will not only make your trail running program enjoyable but will also help ensure your safety.

About the Author:

Saeed Sikiru is an outdoor activities explorer, and the editor of an outdoor adventure blog dedicated to great outdoor gears. The blog also offers rockcreek coupon code and moosejaw free shipping in addition to outdoor tips and advice.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/04/12/5-tips-for-an-exciting-and-safe-trails-running-experience/

Apr 09 2013

Ditch The Car – Discover The UK On Foot

Exmoor Park in the UK

Hike in Exmoor National Park

Walking nourishes body and mind. Whether alone or in a group, setting a steady pace gets the blood pumping and the thoughts flowing. It’s rare to find a hobby that can be simultaneously sociable or solitary, and is just as enjoyable either way. Best of all walking is free, accessible to every budget and an effective form of exercise.

Visitors to the UK will find this list of walking tours a wonderful way to explore this fair island without having to their empty out their wallet. You won’t need a lot of money to get the most out of your next trip to the UK, all you’ll need is a good pair of shoes and a sense of adventure.

Exmoor

The Exmoor National Park encompasses over 1000km of footpaths and bridleways, including woodland, waterways, and moorland covered in vibrant heather. The varied terrain makes the area ideal for walkers from the novice to the expert, with good routes for both families and wheelchair users.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall in England

hike Hadrian’s Wall for history & scenery

For a walk with a majestic sense of history, you can’t beat Hadrian’s Wall. Wiggling its way back and forth between the Scottish and Northumbrian borders, the Roman walled route takes in all manner of historic sites.

Constable country

Discover the old stomping ground of artist John Constable, perhaps best known for his painting ‘The Haywain’. The going is easy across this broad, flat area, and a long, leisurely ramble is just the ticket for proving there’s more to Essex than TOWIE. Big skies, quaint villages and flower meadows housing an abundance of wildlife abound in this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

South Downs way

The South Downs way is unique to Britain in being the only trail to lie entirely within a National Park. There are a full 160km to discover, whether you feel like trekking round the towering white chalk cliffs at Beachy Head or wandering the ancient city of Winchester, where you’re as likely to amble by a iron-age fort or military site as you are to circle the vast Devil’s Dyke.

New Forest

193,000 acres of ancient woodland and expansive heathland offers 143 miles of track and delivers enough distance for even the most energetic, taking in a range of habitats and landscapes en route. Riddled with homely inns, the New Forest offers a plethora of places to refuel and rest up before resuming exploration of this beautiful part of England.

Brecon Beacons

Brecon Beacons in the United Kingdom

enjoy a waterfall hike at Brecon Beacons

The Beacons are Welsh wonders, boasting a mix of historic features from Neolithic standing stones to Norman castles and a World Heritage ironworks, via Roman bases and Iron Age hill forts. You can even wander a section of Offa’s Dyke – a 150-mile earth boundary constructed in the Dark Ages.

Wainwright’s Lake District

The walker and writer Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides provide a comprehensive overview of the Lake District. ‘The Wainwrights’ collectively refers to 214 different peaks – more than enough to keep you moving.

South West Coast Path

South West Coast Path in Great Britain

South West Coast Path in UK

630 miles of pathway make up the South West Coast Path, ensures something for everyone. Comprehensive way marking from Minehead to Poole along its entire length makes for easy navigation and distance planning.

Yorkshire Dales

Yorkshire Dales

Yorkshire Dales countryside

The ‘Yorkshire Dales ’ refers to a vast expanse of 1,762 square kilometres, awarded National Park status in 1954. Remote, simultaneously wild and peaceful, with areas both low and high, the Dales are rich in scenery, wildlife, and excellent walking opportunities

Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight in great britain

seaside view from the Isle of Wight

The entire tiny Isle is a bucolic place, offering visitors the quintessential experience of an England of a bygone era. Zig-zagged by over 500 miles of walker-friendly, well-signposted footpaths, the only part you need stress over if whether you’d prefer to pace through shady forestry, discover delightful villages, or toddle along the pretty coastline world-renowned as prime fossil-hunting country.

Stick to the budget

You can purchase books and trails to help you navigate any of these walks, but you can also find free maps online to download. Alternatively, locate the main points on the trail and key them into your smart phone.

To help you travel lighter, prepaid cards are ideal for keeping your funds in one place, and save you from thinking about money on the run. A prepaid card will help you to stick to your budget, and you can be assured knowing that whatever you spend is the amount you have allocated to the trip. Being affiliated with MasterCard, prepaid cards are accepted as widely as credit cards and can be used to pay for meals and accommodation.

Attached Images:
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://photodune.net/licenses/regular
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://photodune.net/licenses/regular
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://photodune.net/licenses/regular
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://photodune.net/licenses/regular
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://photodune.net/licenses/regular
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://photodune.net/licenses/regular

Gavin Whittaker is a respected finance journalist with years of experience across many topics. Gavin recommends Tuxedo, a leader in the field of currency cards and prepaid technologies. You can find more of Gavin’s insight on these issues at a wide variety of blogs, online- and print-magazines, where he occasionally also shares his thoughts on topics like food, travelling and music.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/04/09/ditch-the-car-discover-the-uk-on-foot/

Apr 06 2013

Alderfer Trail Ride from Strava

I’m trying out Strava to see how the embed code looks on the Trailsnet website/blog. So here’s the results of pasting one of my mountain bike codes from a Denver Bicycle Touring Club mountain bike ride I went on last summer:

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/04/06/alderfer-trail-ride-from-strava/

Apr 03 2013

Volunteer Trail Work

trail volunteers

volunteer trail builders

Trail Work – It Does a Body Good

Pawnee Buttes Trail was in need of some good trail volunteers to help connect the beautiful new trailhead to the existing trail. And who better for the job than those fearless folks from the Great Plains Trail Alliance?

Beautiful Day on the Pawnee Grasslands Trail

A group of Forest Service employees along with volunteers from the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers and Great Plains Trail Alliance gathered on a cool Saturday morning on March 30 to help spread piles of gravel onto the new plains trail. The weather was perfect for trail maintenance with moderate temperatures and a light breeze. Although the task looked daunting, with piles of gravel stretching out as far as the eye could see, it turned out that “Many hands

trail volunteers in eastern colorado

trail workers in Pawnee Grasslands

make a light load.”  Within a few hours, the linear piles of dirt became a gorgeous trail. And before the work was even done, numerous families were already enjoying the trail and the scenery.

Become a Trail Volunteer

As our day of trail work came to an end, I pondered what I would say to the Trailsnet readers about our experience as trail volunteers. As you can imagine, I decided to encourage you all to lend a helping hand in the creation of new trails and the maintenance of old. With dwindling budgets and heavy use, it’s tough to keep up with the demand for new trails and the repair of existing trails. So if you get a chance, contact one of the many trail agencies and see if they need volunteers. It’s great exercise, wonderful camaraderie and excellent karma. For

rainbow on the plains of eastern colorado

rainbow over buttes

example, as soon as we finished our trail work, we were rewarded with one of the most beautiful rainbows ever to grace this big green planet. And of course, there was a treasure at the end of the rainbow. And what treasure is greater than a beautiful new trail.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/04/03/volunteer-trail-work/