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Top Ten Midsummer Walks
The Serene Hardangerfjord, Norway, offers a temperate climate where fruit orchards blossom in early summer at the base of steep mountains plunging into the fjord's glassy waters. The week offers a flexible mix of walking, boat and bus exploration, and an incomparable blend of blue-green vistas: from paths high above the indigo waters of the great fjord, or meandering forest ways close to bright streams, opening on thundering waterfalls. You stay at venerable hotels, one where Grieg himself stayed, absorbing the beauty of landscapes that inspired his music. Grade 1-2 The Leutasch Valley, Austria, lies below the high peaks of the Wetterstein mountains, their slopes swathed in Tyrolean pastures, the grass powdered with gentians, orchids, campanula – a myriad species of flowers to discover in early summer. You walk amidst glorious scenery along a necklace of delightful villages, resting at hotels offering varied refreshment – pools, saunas, and of course, tasty Austrian meals. Grade 2
The Tarn Valley, deep in southern rural France, takes you east from exquisite Albi, home of Toulouse-Lautrec, along the green banks and hills cradling the winding river to the beautiful village of Brousse-le-Château, clinging to a rocky outcrop crowned by its medieval castle. Then you return for time to make a full exploration of Albi, its ancient rose-coloured buildings, the Toulouse-Lautrec museum and fine medieval cathedral. A fine blend of unspoiled countryside and cultural interest. Grade 2 Hidden Italy and Slovenia – this richly satisfying trail, linking the quiet corners of two countries, follows high paths from Italy up to the crest of the Matajur, with wonderful panoramas of the Julian Alps. The path descends to join the aquamarine waters of the Soca river valley, flowing through gorges, lush green meadows and past quiet hamlets. Savour mountain fare – freshwater fish and mountain game – and relax in delightful hotels with calming views and shady gardens. Grade 2-3. Madeira's Wild North mountainside trails and levadas (water channels) cut through the island's famous, deep laurisilva forests which clothe the steep ravines and plunging valleys of Madeira's north-east corner – a UNESCO world heritage site. Valleys and terraces brim with luxuriant vegetation and rare species, while productive vineyards surround the elegant Quinta do Furão, where your route begins. Grade2-3 The Mountains of the Auvergne lie in the heart of France – craggy, cone-shaped volcanic hills (puys) clothed with moorland, fascinating to the geologist, rich in flora and fauna – and full of varied challenge for the serious walker. After a day of strenuous ascents, the satisfaction of walking high ridges and through deep woodland, absorb the local atmosphere at friendly, traditional inns, enjoying the local cheeses and other cuisine. Grade 3 Lake Geneva to Lake Neuchatel – The wooded mountains of the Jura curve north-east of Lake Geneva to Lake Neuchâtel. Your route meanders between Switzerland and France as you traverse broad ridges bordering both countries, through forests, meadows and farmland, along high ridges, and below towering crags. At the highest point you enjoy unforgettable vistas right across the Alps to the snowy peaks of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Each mountain inn offers a fresh taste of the region’s warm hospitality – tasty cheeses, smoked meats, fresh trout and vin jaune. Grade 2
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It’s a pleasure just to dream about this fresh summer selection of walks, which wander close to rivers or lakes, wind through wooded valleys, or benefit from the pure air of high mountain pastures – but to actually walk them is far better! Our top ten midsummer walks offer you a choice of contrasting landscapes from Norway to the Azores – and in each case offer varied options of shade, the fresh air of higher altitudes or somewhere cool and handy to bathe your feet. In some cases you get all three at once...
