Tag Archive | hiking

Rhodes – beaches, history and walking

At the time of writing, travel restrictions to Greece have disappeared, making it easy to visit. If you are into islands, sunshine, great beaches, ancient history, beautiful countryside and flora, and white villages clinging to hillsides, you’ll be in seventh heaven.

Lindos, Rhodes (photo by Dimitris Kiriakakis on Unsplash)

The best way to experience this island (79.7 km x 38 km) is to walk. There are so many lovely trails, some ideal for a short relaxed stroll, others ideal for a half day or full day out.

An island full of history, Rhodes (photo by L A Khai-way on Unsplash)

Spring is the best time to visit Rhodes, especially if you plan to walk. The island is green and the temperatures perfect.

Your adventures on Rhodes will be most rewarding with the aid of a really good map for planning your walks. Discovery Walking Guides’ Rhodes Tour & Trail Super-Durable Map is clear, up to date and highly detailed.

Rhodes, Greece (photo by Andrew Vedenski on Unsplash)

Perhaps you’ve never considered the island of Rhodes for a walking holiday destination, so you might be surprised to know that there are almost one hundred (actually, 98) walking routes, with descriptions and a map for each walk, in the Rhodes Compendium of Walking Adventures.

The Rhodes Compendium of Walking Adventures is available as a digital edition which means you can carry it with you on your phone to guide you when you’re out and about on the island.

Rhodes, Greece (photo by Sipan Hamed on Unsplash)

El Hierro? Where’s That?

Las Playas, El Hierro (photo by Jan Kostura)

El Hierro is small, unique and unforgettable. It’s the most westerly of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, for centuries thought to be the westernmost point of the known world – until Columbus went further west to the Americas. He stopped off here to gather supplies before making his second voyage to the Americas.

El Hierro – Las Playas (photo by Jan Kostura)

El Hierro’s Punta de Orchilla was the original prime meridian of 0º established by Egyptian astronomer, mathematician and scientist Ptolemy (born c. 100 ce—died c. 170 ce). It remained earth’s prime meridian for over 200 years until 1884 when an international conference voted to move it to Greenwich, England.

Las Puntas, El Hierro (photo by Jan Kostura)

El Hierro has only around 10,000 inhabitants and modest numbers of visitors. It’s small but offers a wide variety of landscapes from rocky cliffs to green meadows, hamlets and farms to ancient gnarled forests. You can hire a car, walk, bike or hire a taxista or explore by public bus at pocket-money prices. For all the travel information once you’re on the island see http://www.transhierro.com/

One of the world’s smallest hotels, Hotel Puntagrande, El Hierro (photo by Jan Kostura)

If you have already travelled to Tenerife you can either fly to the tiny capital of Valverde in 40 minutes, or ferry in about 2-3 hours. There are also flights from Gran Canaria (approx. 55 minutes).

EL Sabinar, El Hierro (photo b Jan Kostura)

El Hierro may be a small island, yet it has developed its own character and cuisine. They make excellent cheeses, wines and local specialties.

San Salvador, El Hierro (photo by Jan Kostura)

The island is in the forefront of using renewable energy sources. obtained from inexhaustible natural resources such as wind or waterfalls. A combination of hydro and wind energy at the Gorona del Viento Power Plant supplies a sizeable proportion of the island’s energy needs.

Camino Jinama, El Hierro (photo by Jan Kostura)

There’s a good website with plenty of useful and inspiring information:

https://elhierro.travel/en/information/

If you’re tempted to visit, we suggest a really detailed and up to date map from Discovery Walking Guides

https://www.dwgwalking.co.uk/lagdcmap.htm

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival

The coastal path, Isle of Wight

This wonderful festival had to be cancelled in 2020. The 2021 date was postponed – and now, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival is back! Held later than usual (from 09 October to 22 October 2021) it should make for an interesting experience for walkers. If you’ve been before, when the festival has typically been held in May, then you’ll enjoy your favourite walks and views in the glow of autumn colours this year.

The Pepperpot, Isle of WIght

Find all the information you need on the official website HERE.

Isle of Wight Walkers’ Map

Make sure you get the most out of your visit with a really good walking map. This one from Discovery Walking Guides is ideal; large scale, clear and waterproof tto. All routes are clearly marked and easy to follow. See the details HERE.

Looking back from Barnes High, Isle of Wight
Near Luccombe Farm, Isle of Wight

Malta, Gozo (and Comino) get the green light!

Malta coastline (image by Ferenc Horvath on Unsplash)

Great news! Last night (24 June 2021) the UK Government moved Malta to the green list for travellers from England. You’re free to go! Malta and sister island Gozo offer a wealth of experiences. The tiny limestone islet & bird sanctuary of Comino sits between them and is home to Blue Lagoon bay; there’s also a 17th century tower & chapel. The climate is kind and there’s plenty of walking adventures to explore.

The islands are rich in history (there are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites), having been inhabited since around 5900 BC.

Valletta, Malta. (image by Micaela Parente on Unsplash)

Many of the powers that ruled the islands, from the Phoenicians to the British, have left their marks, making the islands a living museum.

The Citadel, Gozo (image by Reuben Farrugia on Unsplash)

With unique flora, architecture and beaches, a visit to the islands (25 minutes ferry connection between Malta and Gozo) offers plenty to interest and fascinate.

Discovery Walking Guides have published their Malta & Gozo Tour & Trail Super-Durable Map, ideal for walkers, bikers, adventurers and visitors. The map is also available for use on some GPS devices; click here for details.

The Azores Islands – good to visit now!

The Azores are on the UK’s Green Travel List!

The Azores (a region of Portugal) are a group of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, offering a gentle climate and unforgettable landscapes. If you are a walker or simply a visitor who wants to drink in the sights, these unique islands will not disappoint.

The Azores, photo by Natanael Vieira on Unsplash

The islands are divided into three groups:-

The Eastern Group (Grupo Oriental) of São Miguel, Santa Maria and Formigas Islets
The Central Group (Grupo Central) of Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial
The Western Group (Grupo Ocidental) of Flores and Corvo.

Ponta Delgado, The Azores, photo by André Mendonça on Unsplash

For mountain lovers, you’ll find Mount Pico, on the island of Pico, the highest point in Portugal, at 2,351 m There are many other impressive peaks to be discovered.

Mount Pico, The Azores, photo by Pablo Sievert

There’s a wealth of walking trails to be followed, enhanced by wonderful views and flourishing unique endemic plant life.

Ribeira Grande, Flores, Azores. Photo by Vdugrain

The largest of the islands is São Miguel, where ancient laurel forests and a wealth of endemic flora thrive. The landscape on all the islands is rugged, with extreme peaks; lakes hide in volcanic craters and hot springs confirm the islands’ volcanic geology.

Sete Cidades, The Azores. Photo by Chris Slupski on Unsplash

Tempted to visit? Before you go, why not plan your adventures. You will need a detailed, up to date map. If you want to do any walking on the islands, you need a map that clearly shows the walking trails.

We recommend Azores Tour & Trail Super-Durable Map, from Discovery Walking Guides Ltd.

Madeira – good to go from May 17 2021!

It’s been a long wait but at last, people may travel from England to green-list Portugal from May 17. This includes the beautiful island of Madeira (and its little sister Porto Santo).

Here’s the link to the British government’s official website detailing coutries on each of the lists and what this means for English travellers.

The harbour at Paúl do Mar, Madeira

Madeira is a classic destination for keen walkers, though you don’t need to be an expert. There are plenty of lovely strolls as well as high end challenges for experts, with a wealth of variety in between. Or, why not explore by bus, a pocket-money way to experience the island. For plenty more information on discovering Madeira, take a look HERE.

Levada Nova, Madeira

There’s useful information for visitors to the Garden Island of Madeira regarding arriving on the island and the safety measures that are in place HERE.

Achada do Teixera, Madeira

Late Spring and early Summer are perfect times to visit Madeira. The rugged terrain is graced with an abundance of native trees and unique endemic flowers, easily enjoyed on many of the levada walks which also lead you into Madeira’s heart from village to hamlet.

Orchis maderensis
Aloe aborescens clinging to Madeiran cliffs

Our thanks go to walking researcher and author-in residence, Shirley Whitehead, for her beautiful photos of Madeira.

Canary Islands – Here We Come!

At last the Canary Islands are back on the British Government’s unrestricted travel list. The Canaries offer so much variety, each island unique and unforgettable, and with a warm, welcoming climate, the perfect choice as northern hemispheres feel the first shivers of winter.

Gran Canaria (photo by Joel Rohland on Unsplash)

Gran Canaria – the miniature continent, a roughly circular island of ravines and 60 kilometres of beaches, winding forest roads and criss-crossed with walking routes. Plenty to discover, day and night.

Wooden balconies, Gran Canaria (photo by Joel Rohland on Unsplash)

For more information click here.

Want the Gran Canaria Tour & Trail Super-Durable Map? Look here.

La Gomera, just west of Tenerife and easily reached via a short ferry crossing – plunging barrancos and soaring forest-topped mountains sprinkled with hamlets and farmsteads clinging to the slopes. Walk, bike, swim, explore – enjoy.

On La Gomera – Tenerife’s Teide visible

El Hierro, small, fascinating, the most remote and westerly Canary Island promises rugged terrain, narrow winding roads and great walking. A world-class marine reserve, free island-wide wifi and electric car charge ports contrast with the traditional feel of the island. Yet, there are very few tourists – for now.

El Hierro

There’s more information on La Gomera and El Hierro here.

La Gomera and El Hierro Tour & Trail Super-Durable Maps can be bought onlime including HERE.

Lanzarote – the Fire Island; volcanic, mysterious and mesmerising terrain, lava seas and alpine meadows. Other-worldly. Once visited, never forgotten.

Montaňa Corona, Lanzarote
Lanzarote coastal adventure

Find out more about Lanzarote here.

Buys the map from online selllers including HERE.

Fuerteventura, known for beautiful beaches and great water sports, also offers a surprising variety of fascinating walking adventures. Wild coastlines contrast with traditional towns and views across pristine seas.

Established in 1405, Fuerteventura’s original capital of Betancuria is a step back in time.
Aloe Vera thriving in Fuerteventura’s desert conditions.

See more information about Fuerteventura here.

Maps can be foundfrom online sellers including here.

La Palma – La Isla Bonita; dramatic landscapes; a breathtaking mountain spine splits this volcanic island. Black beaches, Lush vegetation and 1080 kilometres of waymarked walking paths.

La Palma – walking on volcanoes

There’s more information about walking on La Palma here.

Buy La Palma maps online including here.

Tenerife – a Walker’s Island There’s so much to Tenerife. 2034 square kilometres offer coastal adventures, mountain hikes, pine and laurel forest trails, strolls and strenuous challenges including Spain’s highest peak (Mount Teide).The choice is almost endless.

Tajinastes – wonderful endemic flora in Tenerife.
Tenerife – unspoilt rugged coastline in the island’s north-east (Walk 41)

See all the information here.

You can buy the walking guide, walking maps and bus map online.

Take a Walk around Fuerteventura

Is Fuerteventura a good choice for a walking holiday? While it may lack the mountains or forests of some more conventional walkers’ favourites, it offers a unique experience for those discovering the island on foot.

Looking across to Corralejo, Fuerteventura

Located in the Atlantic Ocean in the eastern Canary Islands, Fuerteventura may be Spanish, yet it owes its geology and geography to Africa’s west coast, the closest significant land mass.

If you want perfect beaches and water sports, it’s an ideal choice. But there’s far more to the island, best discovered on foot.

Established in 1405, Fuerteventura’s original capital of Betancuria is a step back in time.
High above the resorts

The key to a walking adventure is setting out with the right kit, and that includes a detailed, up to date map such as Discovery Walking Guides’ Fuerteventura Tour & Trail Super-Durable Map.

Take a virtual walk and get inspired by watching this video:

The Amazing Island of La Palma

La Palma is the most north-westerly and the steepest of the Canary Islands; arguably it’s the steepest island in the world.

Walk la Palma Walk 10 The Southern Volcanoes ascending Teneguia

La Palma – walking on volcanoes

If you’re looking for a walking destination that’s wild, beautiful and unforgettable, La Palma will not disappoint.

07 [03] Views from Pico Birigoyo (Wp.9) EDITED

Views from Pico Birigoyo

The steepest island in the world, the deepest crater, the clearest skies: volcanoes you can climb without being shot into orbit; a subtropical forest ; black beaches, blue seas, high mountains, vegetation that is literally flamboyant, everything linked by 1080 kilometres of waymarked paths; and all virtually untouched by tourism.

31 La Cumbrecita landscape mode EDITED

La Cumbrecita

Discover this remarkable place on foot or by bike. Take a look at more information including Walk! La Palma guidebook and the newly-published 7th edition of La Palma Tour & Trail Super-Durable Map.

 

 

Another Challenge?

Challenge No.2 The Yorkshire 3 Peaks

Great Britain offers many opportunities for discovering the outdoors, from gentle strolls to big challenges. Here’s one of the big ones. You could plan to tackle the Yorkshire 3 Peaks yourself, or simply lose yourself in the experiences of others who’ve planned and completed the climbs and descents, following them step by step from your own armchair.

On the way to Whernside from Ribblehead

Key to success in completing the Challenge Routes in good time is planning, down to the finest details. It’s fascinating to find out how it’s done.

Ingelborough; the half-way point

A good large scale map, rip-proof and waterproof is an essential tool. Find out about the most helpful ‘how to’ guide and the best map for the job here.

Heading towards Whernside

 

Pen y Ghent in the early morning

 

Our last peak – Pen y Ghent crags

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