This was an excellent week of walking. The paths are steep in some places but well defined and Jose guided us with care and attention on the challenging ascents and descents of the Sierra Aitana. The walks were well-paced by Jose but the days are long so you do need to be fit. We trekked through a number of landscapes illustrating the historic and current use of the area and Jose with his local knowledge enhanced our understanding of how this area has evolved over the centuries as well as the current challenges. The views from the walks were amazing – one way you could see the coast from Alicante to Benidorm and beyond and the other the folding valleys and mountains of the interior. The skies were blue and the days sunny and warm and we experienced very little wind even on the summits. We were based at the Hostel Rincon de Pepe where we had a wonderful week being looked after by Raquel. The food was amazing and hearty (three courses plus wine). The terrace was also great place to have breakfast every morning as the sun rose out of the Med, as well as a beer or two after the walk as the sun disappeared behind the mountains.
Walking Holidays in Germany
Bavaria Walking Holidays
Top Four Most Beautiful Places to Explore on Walking Holidays in Germany
Oberammergau: Nestled in the quiet foothills of the Alps in Southern Bavaria, Oberammergau is a quintessential chocolate-box village, which is the starting point for many picturesque walking trails. The well-marked walking routes lead you on wonderful journeys of discovery as you embark on gentle strolls through flower-strewn meadows and more challenging hikes up into the mountains. Imagine walking through undulating landscapes interrupted only by emerald-green lakes and cascading waterfalls, where you can totally switch off from day-to-day life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Along many of the routes, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore ancient monasteries and churches, majestic palaces and pretty houses adorned with colourful frescoes.
Bavaria: Famed for its still lakes, snow-dusted mountains and fairytale castles that cling to the hillsides, Bavaria is a magical place that dreams are made of. When you enjoy Bavaria walking holidays, you’ll think you’ve just stepped into a wonderland that exists only in children’s story books. But when you pinch yourself, you’ll realise that such a place really does exist. Our guided walking tour of Bavaria lets you follow winding mountain paths and explore verdant pastures at your leisure, stopping off for a cool German beer at one of the alpine huts along the way. Visit iconic lakes such as Tegernsee andSchliersee and swim beneath immense mountain peaks.
Altmühltal Nature Park: Also located in the heart of Bavaria is Altmuhltal Nature Park where its natural landscapes present perfect walking trails for exploring on foot. The park is the second largest in Germany and is filled with interesting historical sites. Walking along river valleys and sprawling forests, you’ll uncover an ancient landscape where restored forts and ramparts pay testament to the region’s Roman and Celtic past. Later years saw the construction of ornate palaces, churches and monasteries built by nobility and princely archbishops. En route there’s also plenty of tasty Bavarian delights on offer – try one of the famous speciality sausages or a stein of Bavarian beer.
Altmuhltal Panorama Trail: Setting off from the spa town of Treuchtlingen to the town of Kelheim, the Altmuhltal Panorama Trail is an extremely varied route that meanders among the rich habitats of Germany’s flora and fauna. As you walk above river valleys and juniper heaths, you’ll come across ancient monuments, fossils and limestone rocks, not to mention the outstanding views over the River Altmuhl. Discover natural wonders such as the rock towers of the Twelve Apostles and keep your eyes peeled for the Archaeopteryx fossils. Throughout your journey, stay at medieval villages and delve into the local history and traditions of Bavaria.
Jane Hallett Sierra de Aitana Trek
Michael Dunford Sierra de Aitana TrekThis is a great week’s walking in a little-known (and underrated) part of Spain. The Aitana range is a compact set of mountains so you get to tick off almost all of it, and there are great views from the top of all the peaks, out to the coast and across to the surrounding peaks. Most of the walks are reasonably demanding, but also rewarding.
Being based in one location, with very short transfers (or none) for each walk makes for a very relaxing week aside from the walking. It’s also a fairly short transfer to/from Alicante Airport.
The vast majority of meals are included which makes it much better value than some other (apparently similarly priced) holidays.
Jose the guide is exceptional: hard-working, helpful, supportive and deeply knowledgeable about the area.
Sally James Sierra de Aitana TrekThank you to our leader, Chandra, guides Prasan, Sagar and Mingma and helpful group of porters for an amazing trek. Our group was also amazing, great company and full of interesting travel stories!
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