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Grand Routes of Europe
by Lucy Hannah
Walking is one of the activities that make us human. Around 4 million years BC human beings began to walk on two legs which made life easier by freeing up the hands, but it also enabled people to discover that walking had more benefits than just getting them about.
In 100 AD Emperor Hadrian felt it was a good idea to tour his whole empire on foot marching twenty one miles a day in full armour, in the 1600s King Charles II of England race walked from Whitehall to Hampton Court and in 1969 man walked on the moon. For many, walking is a source of inspiration and writers and poets over the years have used it as a tool to hone their meditations. Pablo Neruda was an avid walker. "I stroll along serenely, with my eyes, my shoes, my rage, forgetting everything," he said. Nietzsche felt that, "all truly great thoughts are conceived by walking," and even J K Rowling believes in "a night time stroll" to give her ideas.
Nothing beats the rhythm of a good walk. Social activists do it, pilgrims do it; today, walking is one of Europe's most popular outdoor activities. Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to climb Mount Everest and a walking guide, says, "Your sense of well being goes off the scale when you find that rhythm. There's nothing more complete than stretching you on some of the most awe inspiring walks in Europe. I won't be climbing when I'm eighty, but I have no doubt I'll be walking."
According to many, a brisk walk is close to the perfect exercise - it can halve your risk of heart disease, it's been known to help relieve back pain, and some say, it can slows the ageing process; it also burns calories and produces endorphins, leaving you feeling upbeat. Whether your walk is hours long, or more of a hike over several days or weeks, always make sure you have the appropriate clothing, equipment, water and food for your chosen route.
Before setting out, Rebecca Stephens says it's important to remember, "To be prepared for all weathers even in the height of summer. Carry as little as possible but enough food and water and look after your feet! Make sure you have boots that fit properly." Rebecca always takes clean socks for each day and recommends checking your feet regularly and tends to any blisters or other injury immediately.
Across Europe there are walks to suit all needs - you don't have to carry a rucksack or stay in a tent. The European Ramblers Association (www.era-ewv-ferp.org) has been set up to offer guidance on walking both short and longer trails. It also has guidance on walking codes in different countries and where to find maps and guides.
In Europe, you don't have to go far to find a walk to suit you. The following are a sample of the variety of great routes to choose from.
ENGLAND: Hadrian's Wall
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian's Wall is a great feat of Roman engineering stretching across the narrowest part of England from the banks of the Tyne in the east to the Solway Firth in the west. This walk follows the line of the wall across the Pennines, an eighty four mile signed trail from coast to coast with outstanding views of the hills of northern England. You'll walk past Thirlwall Castle where Edward 1 stayed in 1306 during his campaign against the Scots and near Sewingshields where King Arthur is said to have hidden Queen Guinevere. It should take about six days or longer if you decide to pause for a day or two. It's a challenging walk, with a lot of up and down, but accommodation is available on the way to rest your feet and to change your socks.
www.nationaltrail.co.uk/hadrianswall/
FRANCE/SPAIN: Santiago de Compostela
In the Middle Ages all roads led to Santiago de Compostela. In 1987 the 800 km route from Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees across northern Spain via Burgos and Leon to Santiago was declared the First European Cultural Route by the council of Europe. Recently this pilgrim's trail has had even more of a revival and many thousands of people walk it each year - in order to be counted as a pilgrim (and receive your certificate) you must walk at least 100 km. Be prepared for a walk of contrasts in baking sunshine and pouring rain, as you follow the well marked route of yellow signs. As it is a traditional pilgrim's route it avoids tough walking, and takes you through towns and villages where you can stay in pilgrim's refuges but in parts this now means walking alongside fairly major roads. The Confraternity of St. James' was established in 1983 by a group of six pilgrims who give help and advice to new walkers and they can be found at: www.csj.org.uk
SWITZERLAND/ITALY/FRANCE: The Tour du Mont Blanc
Remember to pack your waterproofs and thermals for this one and prepare to switch between three languages on the walk around Western Europe's highest peak at 15,771. The route crosses glaciers, and peaks to absorb the splendid views of the Alps including Mont Blanc, Aiguille Verte, and Les Drus. You cross three borders, from France into Switzerland then into Italy and back to France. The Mont Blanc circuit takes around ten days and you can stay en route. It's well within the capabilities of a fit hill walker but it's always advisable to check the best time to go given the unpredictable weather in the mountains.
GREECE, the Peloponnese: The Neda river gorge in Elis
The Peloponnese region of Greece where the mountains meet the sea has been called the Land of the Gods. It's unspoilt and sparsely populated landscape is an ideal place for peaceful walking and at the right time of year, among the biggest range of wild flowers in Europe. In high summer you can literally walk down The Neda, one of the loveliest waterways in Greece. You can either take three days to walk to the source of the river or you can cheat and do certain stretches. In ancient times Neda was part of Arcadia and along the way you can cool down in the grottos and green rock pools.
CORSICA: GR 20
The GR 20 is Corsica's most famous footpath and arguably the toughest long distance trail in Europe through pine forests, granite rock formations, mountain torrents, and glacial lakes. It's 173 km long and traverses the island from Calenzana near Calvi, to Conca in the neighbourhood of Porto Vecchio going through National Park. 'GR' is short for Grand Randonnee, which means a big walking tour, and you'll need about 15-20 days with 4-8 hours walking time each, but you don't have to walk the whole thing in one go. It's mountainous throughout so whether camping or staying in refuges, travel light, but remember to carry enough food and water. The French Hiking Federation can help on when's best to go and how to book refuges.
http://www.ffrandonnee.fr/Default.aspx (French) www.gr-infos.com (English)
IRELAND: The Dingle Way Highlight, Dingle Peninsula
South west Ireland has the country's highest peaks and offers months of walking. The Dingle Way Highlight is arguably the best part of the Dingle Way walk, one of Ireland's most scenic long distance routes. It's three days over 67km rather than eight days and 153km. As well as stone circles, promontory forts, mounds and cairns, the Dingle Way Highlight takes you along country roads, sandy beaches and open mountainside as it explores the tip of the Dingle Peninsula. The third day takes you up Mount Brandon. It's an area that often has changeable weather so look at the forecast before setting out and take waterproofs and warm clothing.
These are just some examples of walks to inspire, but there are hundreds more routes to choose from. As Rebecca Stephens says, "Walking through these stunning landscapes is a wonderful way to explore different cultures without any ropes or special equipment."
Further links
Oranginas walking pages - "Walking and hiking in Europe, long distance trails".
This site, created by a group of Dutch hikers, offers you suggestions, ideas, information and some advice about more-days walking routes in about 18 European countries. Find inspiration and organize your own trail!
Our view is: chose an area, prepare yourself and discover the possibilities and chances at location. You will be amazed about hospitality, kindness and knowledge of local residents...and your own flexibility. Do-it-yourself! We did it for 28 years, mostly at Easter and still enjoy every moment!
You can find ideas and suggestions about walking and hiking in: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Tuscany, France, Spain, Sardinia, Corsica, Basque Country, Denmark, Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland.
Meet the local residents of the uplands of Marisel, the Irish man at Bangor, the postman in Videm, the private taxi-driver in the Stara Planina or Pierot in the mountains of Corsica or ....
© Lucy Hannah. All views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to the European Commission.