We recently completed the Tour, having waited a few years after a ‘covid cancellation’ and whilst being fortunate with the weather (there were high temperatures before our trip and heavy rain afterwards), we enjoyed it immensely. The physical challenge was huge, perhaps not unexpectedly and the scenery utterly beautiful. If I could sum up our experience I’d say that our previous two major treks were in the Himalayas amongst mountains almost twice the height but this did nothing to lessen the majesty and sheer beauty of the Mont Blanc region. Any disappointments such as too much shopping for lunch and a poor hotel experience in St Gervais were minor niggles.
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.
David Handcock Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek
Julian Pomery Everest Base Camp TrekI’m 70. I had a yearning to see Everest since I was quite young. As I grew older, I hoped to do the trip with my sons but the length of the trip was not conducive. I wasn’t particularly fit but trained for a few months beforehand, not knowing if I could manage the amount of walking , let alone the unknown element of altitude.
Arriving in Kathmandu, the hotel was excellent and we had time to visit the old city of Thamel.
The flight to Lukla was a great experience in a small plane, next the start of the trek.
The ‘Teahouses’ along the way offered a warm convivial welcome, with varying numbers of other trekkers present. Suspension-bridge crossings, some several hundred metres long were great! We were lucky to have clear visibility and sunshine nearly every day as we progressed ever higher amid awe-inspiring scenery, expertly led by our leader Valerie Parkinson, and Nepalese guide Saroje. Our yakman Nawang took care of all our luggage except for our light daysacks.
We gazed up at Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Macalu, Pumori, to name but a few peaks. From various vantage points including the aptly named Everest View Hotel, we had excellent views of Everest with the South Summit and South Col.
We experienced at first hand the logistical marvel of how everything is transported up here; by yak, mule, dzo or porter.
Bird-life included Vultures and Golden Eagles soaring overhead, plus Tibetan Snow birds that took a fancy to my lemon drizzle cake on Kala Patthar during our final acclimatisation trek.
After taking in the Kumbhu Glacier, we reached Gorak Shep before the final push to Everest Base Camp itself. Unlike most other treks, we had ample time at Base Camp rock before the short walk to one of the expedition camps where we stayed overnight, amongst an array of camps looking like something out of a Bond movie. We witnessed a massive avalanche, and spent time on the ice shelf, truly surreal amongst the surrounding peaks.
Overall, it was tough but an utterly amazing experience, in the competent hands of our leader Valerie, a lifetime goal achieved.
Alison Buckley Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek14 day trip with 10 days of walking
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