Patagonia Walks

Top walking trails in Patagonia

If your idea of an unforgettable walking holiday involves spectacular scenery, a highly remote location and a whole new culture to get to grips with, Patagonia is the place to go.

You’ll feel as if you’re walking to the ends of the earth when you travel here, thanks to the region’s position at the southernmost tip of South America and its huge expanses of unspoilt natural beauty.

Here are some great walking trails to consider if you want to go trekking in Patagonia.

And for closer to home…

For free days out why not visit Walks And Walking, a website that offers free UK walking routes. They also provides walking tips and advice with reviews and offers for walking clothes,walking accessories and walking boots. Visit their shop for latest offers from leading outdoor retailers – Cotswold Outdoor, Go Outdoors, Craghoppers, Blacks, Millets, Timberland and more.

Walking Kilimanjaro

What makes the Mount Kilimanjaro trek one of the world’s best?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a dream for many dedicated hikers the world over, but just what is it about this Tanzanian summit that attracts so much attention? Here are a few reasons why I think the Kilimanjaro trek is one of the best on the planet for mountain lovers.

What makes the Mount Kilimanjaro trek one of the worlds best

It’s accessible

As the tallest walkable peak on the globe, it’s not hard to see why hiking enthusiasts are keen to have a go at reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. Uhuru Peak (the highest point) stands at 5,895 m, presenting quite a challenge to experienced walkers.

The fact that you don’t need any specialist equipment – just good walking gear – means that anyone with a moderate level of fitness has a good chance of reaching the top, especially if they attempt to climb Kilimanjaro with a reputable and experienced tour operator

It’s varied

There are actually two facets to this point – the diverse landscapes you pass during a trek and the fact that there are six trails leading to the top.

From the point of view of scenery, you’ll experience everything from forests and moorland to alpine desert and snow-covered wilderness, so each day you can look forward to seeing something new.

As there is a selection of trails to follow to the top of Kilimanjaro, you can easily climb the mountain more than once without feeling as though you’re covering old ground – and this also gives you the option of choosing a route that is a bit quieter.

The busiest paths (generally) are Marangu and Machame, while the Rongai, Shira and Lemosho tracks are usually less frequented. The Umbwe route also doesn’t tend to get crowded, but it is considered to be one of the toughest trails to take due to the quick ascent you make on this path.

What makes the Mount Kilimanjaro trek one of the worlds best – Colobus monkey

It’s full of wildlife

Mount Kilimanjaro sits within the Kilimanjaro National Park and is home to a range of creatures that you would usually associate with Africa – leopards, elephants, buffaloes and various species of antelope all inhabit the reserve.

As you walk, you’ll have the chance to spot some of these fascinating animals, particularly in the early stages of your ascent when you’re walking through the forest. Colobus monkeys are often seen in the trees, while antelopes and buffaloes are sometimes found just above the timberline.

Having a host of interesting animals to look out for as you wander adds another dimension to this amazing trek.

It’s challenging

One of the main reasons to attempt to climb a mountain is for the challenge and, although Kilimanjaro is walkable, that does not mean it’s easy. Due to the significant height you’ll reach on your ascent, none of the routes are a walk in the park – they all present their difficulties.

Acclimatisation is the key to successfully reaching the top of the peak, so if you are worried about this, pick a route that takes a bit longer and ascends a bit more slowly.

All this means that you’ll need to be moderately fit and have some experience of hill and mountain walking if you not only want to succeed on the trek, but also to enjoy it. It’s well worth taking the time to prepare properly before you jet off to Tanzania, as this will ensure you can appreciate the scenery and wildlife as you walk.

If you’ve climbed Kilimanjaro, what do you think makes it so special?

Siblyback Lake Country Park

A new path around Siblyback Lake means an even bigger variety of activities on offer for people of all ages and abilities.

South West Lakes Trust have developed the footpath at Siblyback into an attractive cycle path following the shorelines of the lake, meandering through woodland in places. The new path enables wheelchair access around the entire lake. For a more ambitious walk, the path also links in to public footpaths which may be identified on Ordnance Survey map LR201. There’s also a wealth of wildlife to watch and discover, with a bird hide for observation.

There’s plenty more to do at this scenic lake, including miles of walks, excellent bird watching, children’s play areas and a cafe overlooking the water, a tempting retreat offering delicious cakes and a variety of light lunches from Easter to October at Siblyback Lake Country Park, near Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 6ER.

For more Cornwall walks that are close to the Siblyback Lake walking route click on the links below:

Bodmin Moor Cheesewring Walk

Liskeard to Looe Walk

The Hurlers Bodmin Moor Walk

Bodmin Moor Rough Tor And Brown Willy Walking Route

Bodmin Moor Caradon Hill Walking Route

Spring Walks In Epping Forest

Best New Spring Walks In Epping Forest For 2013
Epping Forest receives nearly 5 million visits each year and Spring is a great time to visit these ancient woodlands. Here is a round up of what is new in Epping Forest for 2013 which make great Spring walks.

Epping Forest – The best place to start your walks
One of the best places to start your walk in Epping Forest is Chingford, Essex, where there are plenty of trains from Liverpool Street Station in central London or Loughton, Essex, which is situated on the London Underground Central Line and only a short walk is required before entering the forest near Loughton Camp and High Beach.

Although High Beach has just redeveloped its areas for car parking it gets extremely busy at the weekends so I find that Chingford is better for parking. There is also a new Forest Gateway complex in Chingford, at Dannet’s Hill, including its new and very impressive visitors centre at Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and Butler’s Retreat Cafe, where you can sit for refreshments and check out the view over Chingford Plain and surrounding Epping Forest.

Gifford Wood
The Gifford Wood Appeal aims to plant 4,500 trees on a new 5 acre site recently acquired by the City of London in Upshire, extending the forest by planting new trees and creating new woodlands for the benefit of both wildlife and walkers. You can see the full walk here Gifford Wood walking route where I spent an enjoyable few hours in Epping Forest in an area well known for seeing the Epping Forest Fallow Deer.

Connaught Water
There is now a new accessible path around the margins of the lake which is suitable for the whole family to spend a very leisurely hour walking around Connaught Water and not get muddy! Connaught Water is also the start of the Willow Trail walking route which is a fully waymarked easy 3 mile walk.

Epping Forest websites and events for Spring 2013
The Epping Forest District Tourism Partnership launched a new website developed to provide information on places to visit, eat and stay and how to get to the different attractions within the area with a regularly updated ‘What’s On’ section. You can also visit the official City of London website here.

For the full list of best new Spring walks and events in Epping Forest for 2013 click here and visit here for over 30 walks in Epping Forest .