Hiking

Practical tips and useful info before you take up hiking

You can walk in unspoiled nature. Or on ancient trails where hikers have left their footprints for ages. Or in the wilderness where no trails ever have been marked. Or in properly groomed trails where you can come close to nature even in a wheelchair or with your walker.

Walking is one of our most simple and cheap leisure activities. You can walk silently for meditation. You can walk with your friends and be talking all the time. You can walk for religious reasons, to meet with your God or your inner feelings. For simple short time hikes you don’t need any special equipment - good shoes, rain cover, durable clothing and something to drink goes a long way.

More advanced exercises for several days and perhaps in a rougher terrain requires equipment designed to facilitate you walk.

You may need a tent or at least shelter. Sleeping bag is a must. Some equipment for cooking, the food itself, of course, insect repellent, facilities for personal hygiene are examples of necessary things. Check out our tips on equipment!

You can do a walk anywhere. At home or far away. In London, in the Andes, on the trails of Lake District, in the Pyrenees, Inca Trail, in Killarney, Ireland. As pilgrim in northwest Spain, everywhere there are scenic hiking trails.

Hiking is very popular in many countries throughout the world. In Europe trekking belongs to ancient traditions. The interest for trekking is particularly widespread in the Alpine countries, Great Britain and Northern Spain.

Almost everyone has an area near his or her own hometown or city where they can find great hiking. Maybe spend the night in a shelter, drinking water from natural sources, and cook dinner over an open fire. And enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of nature. Peace and quiet, contemplation, reflection, relaxation, inner peace – everybody have their own description of experiences and joy during a walking tour of the countryside. Or trekking as many people calls it.

And the feeling can be the same, whether you are walking in your nearby little recreation area, or you are walking the Camino Primitivo on the road to Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.

No trails are really used to take visitors from start to finish. There are easier ways to travel if you merely are interested to coming to another place. To walk meet with other needs. Maybe spending time with loved ones who walk beside and share both joys and troubles.

Maybe it's a good time for reflection, without having a deadline to meet. Or just breathe. Or just go and let the thoughts swirl around for free. Sure you can have a goal, but it is the journey in itself, which is the experience and content of the activity.

We give tips on trekking - practical tips, useful info, what to consider before you walk away, where you'll find a trail that suits you.

• Ten exciting trails in Europe. • Ten Tips before the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. • Getting ready. • What you bring. • And other things that may be helpful to know before embarking the trail.

Check out:

WALKING TRAILS IN EUROPE: Tips on ten European routes.

GOOD TO HAVE: What you should bring for your trekking.

TIPS for your Camino adventure.