Jun 17 2013

Camino Santiago De Compostela & 3 Other Pilgrimage Trails

Pilgrimages are particularly long journeys that have been around for centuries and have brought people together from all over the globe with the same moral or spiritual purpose in mind. This is still a common practice today, although the reasons people have for embarking on one is now widely vary and include everything from being faith based to looking for a fitness challenge. Whether you set out on Spains Camino Santiago de Compostela, the Shikoku path in Japan or any other international pilgrimage trail, you are sure to gain a rewarding experience that will stay with you for years to come.

Camino Santiago de Compostela, Spain

The Camino Santiago de Compostela is one of the most popular and known Christian pilgrimage expeditions in the world. Traditionally, travelers walk the 500 miles over approximately 30 days to reach their final destination, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. However, bikes and horseback are also known for getting pilgrims to the site believed to be the burial grounds for the Apostle James. Over the course of your time on the Camino, you will have the opportunity to see some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes and architecture, be captivated by history and culture and, hopefully, find some inner peace.

Shikoku, Japan

It is the Buddhist faith that first brought people on the pilgrimage to the 88 Sacred Places of Shikoku in Japan. A few thousand visitors a year attempt the 670-mile walk around the island, completing it in about 40 days. Walking in a clockwise direction around Shikoku, pilgrims customarily visit the 88 main temples that were built to serve the common people (fishermen, carpenters, housewives, etc). The spiritual belief behind this pilgrimage is that you are passing through four different stages, beginning in the Dojo of Awakening Faith, moving into the Dojo of Religious Discipline, then the Dojo of Enlightenment, and finally, the Dojo of Nirvana

Cammino di Assisi, Italy

Pilgrims who travel on the Cammino di Assisi are following in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Anthony. The trek is roughly 185 miles and is typically done in just about two weeks. The journey begins in Dovadola and passes through some of the greatest views and countryside of Italy before ending in Assisi where you will have the chance to visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. The trail can be difficult in areas, winding through the Apennine mountains, and walkers are suggested to be physically and mentally prepared.

St. Paul’s Trail, Turkey

St. Paul’s Trail in Turkey is about 310 miles and follows the path said to be taken by the Apostle Paul in an effort to spread the Christian faith. This is a fairly new pilgrimage, in terms of being developed, and is still considered remote and untainted by tourists. Visitors will walk through preserved villages, wander around Roman ruins, facilitate deep canyons and happen upon picturesque waterfalls and peaceful lakes. If you’re looking for a challenge, St. Paul’s Trail certainly offers one since it begins at sea level and ascends as high as 7,200 feet.

Departing on a pilgrimage may not sound like the ideal relaxing vacation you had in mind, but it’s really meant to be a change from the norm and challenge those who make the effort to step outside of their physical and mental comfort zone. As people conquer miles and miles of trails like Camino Santiago de Compostela and Cammino di Assisi each year, they gain the ultimate sense of achievement and may even find a strength they didn’t know they had within.

My name is Tiffany Olson and I absolutely love all things travel related. I have plans to trek Camino Santiago de Compostela next summer and I can’t wait for the adventure. When I’m not blogging or dreaming of foreign lands you will usually find me cooking, reading, or hanging out with good friends.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/06/17/camino-santiago-de-compostela-3-other-pilgrimage-trails/

Jun 15 2013

Hiking Italy II: The Isle of Capri

Hiking Near Positano Italy

Positano is one of the most beautiful towns of the coast, with itsHiking Italy
pristine bay surrounded by pastel-painted houses rising up the steep
hillside, anchored by its church’s incredible yellow and green tiled
dome. It’s a strenuous hike to Monte Pertuso, a natural arch shading
a tiny mountain village. For a mellow day, head to lovely Nocelle,
which was not accessible by road until this decade, and back down to
Positano for lunch on the beach. For a longer hike with well-marked
paths and gorgeous views of both mountains and sea, continue through
the forest to the church of Santa Maria del Castello, then wind back
down to Positano.

Hiking the Island of Capri

The island of Capri is home to a wonderful stairclimb hike that will
get you away from the crowds. Until the road was built in the 19th
century, the 995 steps of the Scala Fenice were the only way to travel
from the upper town of the island, Anacapri, to the marina. The way is
obvious and steep, but there are frequent landings to take in the
view. After the steps it’s a gentle walk to the lovely Villa San
Michele, former home of the doctor Axel Munthe; his autobiography The
Story of San Michele describes his life on the island. The gardens
house his collection of antiquities and boast views of the entire Bay
of Naples, and the surrounding land is a bird sanctuary. If the stairs
didn’t provide you with enough exercise, head back to Capri piazza
and pick up a caprese sandwich (fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and
olive oil–delicious!), then walk up to explore the Villa Jovis, the
ruins of the villa of Roman emperor Tiberius.

Hiking the Amalfi Coast allows you to explore the natural beauty of
this UNESCO World Heritage Site up close and at leisure, making for an
unforgettable trip.

For complete directions for these hikes and others, I highly recommend
the walking guide Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast from Sunflower Books,
sunflowerbooks.co.uk.

Audrey Sheridan is a food-lover and doctor who is passionate about
helping people take charge of their health and happiness by making
positive lifestyle choices. She blogs at eattothrive.blogspot.com.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/06/15/hiking-italy-ii-the-isle-of-capri/

Jun 13 2013

Hiking Italy: Coastal Trails & Mountainous Paths

Amalfi Hiking Adventures

Italy’s Amalfi coast — La Costiera Amalfitana — has everything you’ditalian trail
expect from a Mediterranean paradise: turquoise water, sunny beaches,
jaw-dropping vistas, gorgeous architecture & incredible food. Burn off
your gelato with day hikes that take you from coast to mountains and
back again, with stops in picturesque towns along the way; this
destination is a hiker’s dream.

My favorite day: wake up in a pleasant hotel in Minori and start the
day with cappuccino and pastries. Fill a water bottle and head up the
hill, winding through terraced vineyards and gardens on
well-maintained paths and staircases. You might pass a
highly-contested game of bocce, or sunning cats to pet along the way.
The views only improve as you climb higher. Take a few minutes to
visit the quiet pink chapel in Torello, and then continue climbing to
scenic Ravello. The comedy ‘Beat the Devil’, starring Humphrey
Bogart and Gina Lollobrigida, was filmed here; imagine the story
unfolding in the town’s piazza. Ravello is a lovely place to just
wander, with surprise coastal views and tiny parks, and to pick up a
light lunch.

I love the Villa Cimbrone, where the garden paths provide
shady walking to the incomparable view from the Belvedere of Infinity.
When you’re ready, head down the other side of the hill past the
Church of Santa Cosma that is carved into the hillside and through
olive groves to tiny Atrani, on the coast. From Atrani it’s a short
stroll to Amalfi, once one of the richest towns in Italy. Grab an
outdoor table at the piazza’s Art Nouveau bar, and pause to take in
the square with its sparkling cathedral. After seeing the sights in
Amalfi, you can make the gentle walk through lemon trees back to
Minori, or catch a bus up the winding coastal road. By now it’s time
for a gelato and a walk along the beach before dinner: Naples-style
pizza or freshly-caught fish and of course a glass of wine, followed
by the delicious local limoncello liqueur. Total hiking time around
four to five hours, with time to wander this circuit takes all day.You’ll sleep well tonight!

Hiking Italy’s Hill Country

For a longer, more mountainous hike, climb the hill to the south of Minori to the tiny convent of San Nicola; it’s typically closed, but you may be lucky to find the caretaker there cleaning the chapel and preparing a lunch of porcini mushrooms he’d collected on the way up. Take in the view as the trail continues through the chestnut forest to the village of Sambuco, then back down to Minori.

This is the first in a two-part series about hiking the trails of Italy written by Audrey Sheridan, a food-lover and doctor who is passionate about helping people take charge of their health and happiness by making positive lifestyle choices. She blogs at eattothrive.blogspot.com.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/06/13/hiking-italy-coastal-trails-mountainous-paths/

May 29 2013

Hiking on Australian Trails

Great Hikes in the Great Outback

Written by: Dennis Aimes, health insurance specialist with HBF

Australia is home to thousands of destinations for countless adventures.  The island continent is home to a variety of options for the hiking enthusiast as well.  With hikes ranging from a quick morning walk to those taking a month or more, there are options for hikers of any skill level.

Before taking on any trek, especially one in unfamiliar territory, you should always be prepared.  Having the proper gear for safety and travel are a good start in Australia, and because outdoor tourism is one of the biggest draws for vacationers in Australia, there are usually guided or assisted tour options available for nearly every trek, trail, and walk available.

australia hiking

Hiking in Australia

When you’re all set and ready to go, strap on your boots and take a look at some of the many hiking trails in Australia.

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Northern Territory

If you’re relatively new to hiking or want a very light warm-up before tackling something tougher, then the Kings Canyon Rim is the place to start.  The trail starts with a steep climb to the rim of Kings Canyon.  From there the walk is mostly flatland as you make your way along the nearly 4 mile loop takes you around and back again in around four hours, making this a perfect little day trip.

If you’re looking for a little relaxation after such a busy day, there are plenty of nearby resorts offering lavish comforts and a place to hang your boots for the night.

The Kosciuszko Walk, New South Wales

For a bit of a longer trek the Kosciuszko Walk offers beautiful scenery that can be experienced in a day.  A chairlift takes you to the starting point at Thredbo where you engage on a roughly nine mile loop that takes you over the Snowy River, through Rawson Pass, to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko and back again.  The whole journey takes about five hours from start to finish, but you may want to add on a little bit more for resting and sightseeing.

The Great Ocean Walk, Victoria

hiking near the ocean in australia

beach trails in Australia

This is the perfect place when you’re ready to add a little bit more challenge and test your hiking mettle.  The hiker’s answer to the Great Ocean Road, the Great Ocean Walk runs closer to the coast than the freeway and offers some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the country.  It is one of the most popular choices for hiking in Australia as the trail passes nearby to natural homes of koalas and many historic sites.

Stretching 65 miles from Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead, the whole journey takes just a little bit more than one week to complete.  However, the trail is divided into three distinct difficulty levels, with the length from Apollo Bay to Cape Otway seen as the easiest, the path to Ryans Den increasing the challenge, and the stretch to the end meant for the hardiest of hikers.

With campsites spaced around every ten miles and transportation available to and from the trail at most of these checkpoints, the Great Ocean Walk is ideal for the pick-and-choose hiker to customize their journey.  Check the reports before you take on some of the later parts of the trail, as weather conditions such as high tide can make certain parts all but completely impassable.

The Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

If getting ready for your own personal Australian walkabout is your goal then the Larapinta Trail is how you go big or go home.  This lengthy 135 mile quest starts from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and runs to Redbank Gorge.  It is one of Australia’s newer trails but that doesn’t make it any easier as it can take roughly twenty days to complete.

Pamphlets and signs help travelers find camp-sites and nearby water sources.  This brutal summer sun makes this an ideal winter journey, as summer temperatures along the trail can easily reach more than 110° Fahrenheit.

The journey offers its own rewards by way of passing through many sacred Aboriginal sites, which the Aranda people have permitted visitors to pass through.  It traverses a variety of landscapes along ridge lines, plains, and riverbeds.

However you choose to walk is up to you and when touch ground, you’ll soon find that no matter what kind of adventure you’re seeking, Australia has it.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/05/29/australian-trail-hiking/

May 10 2013

Save California Recreational Trails Program

Urge California Governor Brown NOT to Opt Out of the Recreational Trails Program

 
(If you reside outside of California, please notify family and  friends in California.)

 

California Governor Jerry Brown may be ready to recommend opting out of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). This would be a huge setback to recreational trails in California & eventually throughout the country.

The Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT) has developed the California Campaign to Save Recreational Trails and is seeking your support. The first step is to make sure that the Governor understands that a huge number of people support RTP. Then he will be much less likely to opt out of the program.

 

It is important that you and your organizations undertake a campaign to urge as many Californians as possible to ask the Governor not to opt out of the program. Also, talk to your State Senator and Assembly representative about supporting trails.

 Speak Up for Trail Programs

Here is a sampling of ways you can make a difference:

  • Contact Governor Jerry Brown
    Phone: 916-445-2841
    Fax: 916-558-3160
    Email: Access the online email form on the Governor’s website: http://gov.ca.gov/m_contact.php
  • Request a meeting with your State Senator, Assembly member, or Governor Brown. Promote the benefits of trails on National Trails Day June 1st.
  • Spread the word through your social media networks and ask your family and friends to make calls and send emails!
  • Sign on to California letters in support of the Governor NOT opting out of the RTP.
    Here is a good link to the “California Campaign to Save Recreational Trails” that IMBA, our partner on the Coalition for Recreational Trails, has developed for this issue:http://www.imba.com/form/rtp-california-organizational-sign-letter. 

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/05/10/save-california-recreational-trails-program/

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/