3 of the best walks to go on in Europe
January 3, 2014Walking holidays have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Many holiday goers are swapping sun-soaked beaches and flip flops for rugged country trails and walking boots. It’s easy to see why; Europe is far too beautiful to enjoy from the comfort of a sun bed. With that in mind, here are just three walks we think you’ll enjoy:
The Challenging – England
For those looking to push their walking abilities to the limit, the Hadrian’s Wall trail will certainly scratch that itch. Originally built by the mighty Roman Empire to defend against the wild scots; the wall is now home to one of the most challenging and satisfying walks in the country. The 84-mile trail will take you across rolling green hills, arduous tracks and varied moorland.
Make no mistake, this is a walk for the hardcore. We’d suggest that you practice walking long distance before you go and book your accommodation in advance, so that you have places to rest along the way. You should also make sure that you have appropriate hiking boots for the job. Brantano has a diverse selection, so pick something that provides suitable support as you navigate difficult terrain.
The Cultured – Paris
City breaks are an excellent way of incorporating sightseeing and exercise. It is for this reason that we have chosen Paris – the city of light – as our top ‘cultured’ walking destination.
There’s plenty to see and do in this capital city: grab yourself a map and make a plan of all the local landmarks, gardens, churches and museums you want to visit. Even if you’re only there for a couple of days, you’ll cover a lot of ground as you make your way from the Eiffel Tower, to Invalides, to Notre Dame and even further.
Even the museums provide a decent walking challenge. The Louvre alone occupies 60,600 square metres of space, so make sure you pack some comfortable shoes! It’s possible to spend a whole day walking here as you make your way between the world famous art exhibits. This floor plan should help you plan your route.
The Serene – Tuscany
For something a bit more laid back, Tuscany in Italy has some fantastic trails that can be enjoyed at a gentle pace. There are a number of gorgeous hilltop villages to visit; all of which can be seen whilst strolling around in the scorching sun. Temperatures do peak during the summer, so make sure you stay hydrated and apply appropriate UV protection.
Walk About Tuscany has some tailor made routes that will show you what the country has to offer. The beautiful sights of Monteriggioni, San Gimignano and Colle Val d’Elsa can all be enjoyed at a leisurely pace in a single day.