Walking And Trekking In Zagori

Zagori in Greece's Northern Pindos National Park is among the last relatively undiscovered and unspoilt hiking destinations in Europe. This guide presents a selection of thirty walks and three short treks within the region's captivating scenery, from dramatic gorges to mystical forests, crystal-clear turquoise rivers, rugged alpine peaks and characterful mountain villages. Routes vary from easy walks on clear paths to strenuous ascents and mountain traverses, meaning that there is something to suit most ambitions and abilities. Clear mapping accompanies the route description, and the introduction to the guide covers all the practicalities, including getting to Zagori, accommodation, equipment, maps and safety. There is also a wealth of information about the region's rich history, architecture, geology, plants and wildlife, as well as fascinating notes on points of interest encountered on route. The routes are presented in five chapters, covering Central Zagori, Vikos Gorge and vicinity, Mt Timfi, Konitsa and Mt Smolikas, and Valia Calda National Park and Metsovo, with highlights including Mt Timfi and Mt Smolikas (Greece's second highest mountain), the breathtaking Vikos Gorge, traditional stone arch bridges and the alpine tarns of Drakolimni (Dragonlakes). With so much stunning scenery, this is a region that cries out to be explored.

This guidebook presents four specially devised treks in the mountains of Greece, showcasing its beautiful scenery, rich flora and cultural interest. The Peloponnese Way crosses the Peloponnese peninsula from Dhiakoftó in the north to Pantazí beach in the south, via Trípoli. Taking in alpine meadows, a dramatic gorge and forest-clad slopes, the 220km route can be walked in around a fortnight. The 460km Pindos Way is a south-north traverse of Greece's mountain backbone, and can be walked in a month, or split into sections of around a week. With remote terrain, navigational challenge and fewer facilities on route, it is the toughest of the four treks but offers a unique chance to experience both the country's wilderness and traditional mountain life. A shorter 80km Zagóri trek can be enjoyed in its own right or incorporated into the Pindos Way, and the final route explores Mt Olympus, home of the ancient gods of Greek myth and the highest mountain in Greece. With clear mapping alongside detailed route description for each stage of the treks, as well as background information about the region and a Greek-English glossary.

This walking and trekking guidebook offers a total of 49 of the best day walks and 10 multi-stage treks set right across the magnificent country of Iceland. With three national parks including the mighty Vatnajökull, it is a country of incredible beauty, and its capital, Reykjavík, is an established and easy-to-get-to destination. Including popular, such as the classic Laugavegur Trail from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, as well as lesser-known trails, the guide is split into 12 sections that cover all the best walking and trekking to be had in and around Iceland's amazing and awe-inspiring volcanic, glacial landscapes. The routes range in difficulty from easy walks to challenging treks and give readers all the information they need to experience this wonderfully unique destination on foot. Venturing inland to the remote interior and captivating ice caps, and across glaciers, past lakes and around coastlines and geothermal areas, Paddy Dillon's guide to this 'Land of Ice and Fire' encourages visitors to explore all that Iceland has to offer, and will inspire lovers of the great outdoors to return time and time again. The guide gives lots of tips for travellers on a budget as well as details on public transport and accommodation.

15 day walks, 3 multi-stage treks and 5 cycle routes are described covering the north, central and southern areas of Germany's Black Forest. The walks and cycle routes are evenly distributed across all three areas and comprise both long distance routes and day walks, although each stage of every long distance walk can also be done as individual day tour. The chosen routes include the main Black Forest destinations, such as Feldberg, Belchen Schauinsland, Hornisgrinde and Mummelsee, as well as Allerheiligen Abbey and waterfalls and the source of the Danube, to name but a few. Two of the three long distance routes are certified quality trails: Schluchtensteig (120km), which means gorge trail traverses the Wutachschlucht, one of the last untamed river systems in Germany, and Zweitälersteig (108km) a highly diverse circular route which leads through some of the most beautiful and contrasting parts of the Central Black Forest. Seensteig (71km) partially follows the central ridge of the Black Forest mountain range, offering unsurpassed views along the way. The cycle routes (4 day rides, and the 242km Southern Black Forest Cycle Route) are mostly easy and scenic, and utilise the extensive and well-maintained bicycle trail system that criss-crosses the entire region. The walks and rides are described in detail and basic maps are provided for orientation.

This guide describes 10 shorter hut-to-hut treks showcasing southern Norway's wild natural beauty, with highlights including Galdhøpiggen - Norway's highest peak at 2469m - and the iconic Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten on the Lysefjord. The routes range from 3 to 8 days (although many can be adapted or combined to create longer or shorter routes) and cover Jotunheimen, Rondane, Dovrefjell, Trollheimen and Ryfylke. They are suitable for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness and can be walked from mid-July to the end of September. Clear route description and mapping are provided for each hike. Stages are graded according to difficulty: although all of the routes follow waymarked trails, some cross remote and challenging terrain which may include exposed sections calling for a sure foot and a good head for heights. However, in many instances, alternatives are provided avoiding the most demanding sections. The guide also offers comprehensive advice on public transport access and accommodation options, and background notes on each of the featured mountain regions. From narrow ridges to wide glacial valleys and from shimmering fjords to striking alpine peaks, Norway is home to many awe-inspiring landscapes. Throw in the warmth and hospitality of the Norwegian Trekking Association's extensive hut network and you have all the ingredients of a fantastic adventure. This guide is an ideal companion to discovering some of Norway's classic shorter hikes and best-loved mountain landscapes.

Two of the southernmost départements of France, the Pyrénées-Orientales and Ariège are inextricably linked with the history of the Cathars, a heretical Christian sect who were subjected to a crusade in the thirteenth century. Striking castles built on jagged rocky precipices are a highlight of the region and a reminder of those turbulent times. This guidebook describes the 260km Cathar Way (Sentier Cathare or GR367), a long-distance trail from Port-la-Nouvelle on the Mediterranean coast to Ariége's departmental capital Foix linking several of the impressive Cathar castles. The route follows ancient footpaths, jeep tracks and country lanes and calls for a moderate level of fitness as it sweeps from sea level to 1300m across the rugged hill ranges of the Corbières and Fenouillèdes. The guide describes the main route in 13 stages and also includes the slightly more direct north variant, as well as suggestions for shorter itineraries. Summary statistics introduce each day's walking and are followed by step-by-step route description illustrated with clear mapping. There are also details of facilities available en route and accommodation listings. An introduction covers all the practicalities, with comprehensive advice for planning your trip - including when to go, how to get there and what to take - in addition to a wealth of information about the region's fascinating history and the intriguing Cathars themselves. The trail traverses rocky hills and meanders through woodland, vineyards, ancient villages, gorges and plateaus. As well as the rich Cathar heritage, there are also historic wine-producing towns, sites associated with the French Resistance of WWII and mysterious places steeped in ancient legend. The guide is a perfect companion to discovering the Cathar Way and the captivating stories of this distinctive region.

Guidebook describing Alta Via 2, a challenging hut-to-hut trek through the Italian Dolomites. Stretching 174km from Bressanone (Brixen) to Feltre, the route involves some aided and exposed sections (although several can be bypassed) calling for a sure foot and a good head for heights. It can be walked in under a fortnight - although it is also possible to walk shorter chunks should you only have limited time, and the guide highlights potential exit routes and transport options. Also included are summaries of Alte Vie 3-6, which are more demanding and include remote terrain and stretches of via ferrata for which climbing experience is essential. On Alte Vie 3-6 some nights will be spent in unmanned bivouac huts, meaning trekkers must carry their own kit, although it is possible to walk shorter hut-to-hut sections. The easiest of the Alta Via routes, Alta Via 1, is covered in a separate Cicerone guide. An overview diagram is provided for each trek, showing times between huts. Alta Via 2 is presented in 13 stages, each with clear route description illustrated with 1:75,000 mapping. There are overview statistics for each stage and contact details and notes about mountain huts encountered en route. The guide also includes a wealth of information about the region's geology, plants and wildlife to enhance your appreciation of the landscapes traversed. Useful contacts and an Italian-English glossary can be found in the appendices. A handy pocket-sized map booklet showing the full route of Alta Via 2 on 1:25,000 Kompass maps is included with the guide. Alta Via 2 visits the Plose massif, the jagged Puez-Odle, fortress-like Sella, the majestic Marmolada, spectacular Pale di San Martino and the rugged Alpi Feltrine group as it journeys from the baroque town of Bressanone to Renaissance-style Feltre. On all of the Alta Via routes you can expect breathtaking mountain vistas and a truly memorable trekking experience.

This guidebook contains in-depth route description and mapping for both the classic 11 day anti-clockwise circuit and an alternative 10 day clockwise TMB circuit. This well-signed but demanding 170km route, starting from Les Houches or Champex, is suitable for fit walkers. The guidebook comes with a map booklet containing official 1:25,000 IGN mapping for the TMB route, and urban maps for the major centres of Chamonix, Courmayeur, Les Contamines, Les Houches and Champex. Complete with a French-English glossary, comprehensive notes about accommodation, facilities and transport, this guide provides all the information needed for planning and completing your trek. The Tour of Mont Blanc is one of the world's classic treks. Visiting France, Italy and Switzerland, the TMB passes through some of Europe's most spectacular mountain scenery, with views of the peaks and glaciers of the magnificent Mont Blanc massif.