Enjoy the best of Cyprus' stunning Akamas Peninsula during the winter months. Winter in Cyprus is generally mild, especially the western part where the walks on this hiking holiday are concentrated. The walks are mostly in the Akamas Peninsula National Park and in the adjacent “Laona” plateau area, at around 600m, with its small traditional villages. some of the walks end at the coast. In late winter and early spring, from February onwards, peaking in March, the Akamas blooms with a profusion of wildflowers. You can find many types of orchids and there are indigenous species of tulip that you may discover near the coast. Bird life can also be interesting as migrants start to return to mainland Europe.
Cyprus is an island of natural beauty in a region with an abundance of ancient and modern civilisations and cultures. Its mineral wealth was well known in ancient times: the island gave its name to the element copper (Cu). Away from the cosmopolitan towns and beach resorts you will walk through large areas of natural, unspoilt countryside. Woodland, orange orchards and vineyards are interspersed with tranquil, timeless villages on this hiking holiday. The Cypriot people extend a warm and friendly welcome and their hospitality will add greatly to the enjoyment of this winter walking tour.
Hotel was quirky but very good. Exceptionally clean, friendly and helpful staff, excellent food. The apps provided were extremely detailed and helpful and there was no chance of getting lost. Basing our stay in one location and giving us the flexibility to easily modify our plans worked really well for us.
Experience superb walking through the spectacular Irish countryside near Dublin. The Wicklow Way is Ireland's oldest waymarked trail, pioneered by a famous hill walker, J.B Malone over 40 years ago and reveals some of Irelands finest views. Think Powerscourt Waterfall, Luggala, Loch Dan, Glenmalure Valley and historical Glendalough. The trail extends from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal on the borders of Wicklow and Carlow covering a distance of approx 127 kilometres (79 miles). This 9-day trip covers the full Wicklow Way. The advantage of walking south to north means you will finish your walk in Dublin. For those a little shorter on time, there is a 7-day option that starts in Tinahely and takes you to Dublin.
The way winds through the Wicklow Mountains, one of Ireland's most spectacular upland areas. The Wicklow Way explores unspoilt trails, remote scenery, lakes, glacial valleys, forests and gentle farmland. Starting in southwest County Wicklow, the route passes through rural communities, old market towns and grand estates on its way to the bright lights of Dublin. Hiking near Dublin means a straightforward connection to the start of your trip, which is the small typical 'one street' village of Clonegal. An apt starting place for this walk into the remote and beautiful Wicklow Mountains. It is a route that remains mainly in the countryside making the short detours necessary to find a comfortable bed for the night.
A couple of fairly long but gentle days introduce you to the Newry Forest and over high points of Moylisha and Stookeen Hill to the 17th century village of Shillelagh and then on to the beautiful village of Tinahely. Quiet roads, forest trails and open mountainsides, with views back towards Clonegal and across the neighbouring counties of Carlow and Wexford, lead to Moyne and on to the most dramatic stages of the walk. A magnificent day's walk includes the spectacular Ow valley that passes below Wicklow's highest mountain, Lugnaquilla (925m), and along the 16km long glaciated Glenmalure Valley. This walk ends at the scattering of houses and splendid inn that make up Glenmalure hamlet. If climbing out of the Glenmalure Valley doesn't literally take your breath away then the fantastic views and the Glenmalure Waterfall probably will. Cross Mullacor Mountain and walk into Glendalough, 'the valley of two lakes' and site of a monastic settlement (from the 6th to the 13th century) for a little sightseeing. A short vehicle transfer gets you on the road to Oldbridge near Roundwood, which claims to be Ireland's highest village. The Penultimate day's walk is to the charming area around the village of Enniskerry. It is a mini classic with views of Lough Dan and Lough Tay. At the head of the valley is the Guinness family estate and later in the day enjoy views of Powerscourt Waterfall, the longest in the country. The last walk goes over Prince William's Seat for views across the city of Dublin, now in striking distance for some afternoon sightseeing and a lively evening in the city centre or one of its many fine restaurants.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Guest House
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dublin, Bunclody, Shillelagh, Ti
Dublin, Bunclody, Shillelagh, Tinahely, Moyne, Glenmalure, Glendalough, Enniskerry, Marlay Park
The Great Glen Way was a beautiful trail to do as a first time solo hiker. The first couple of days fairly easy going before getting into steeper longer sections in the second half. Spectacular views of Loch Ness. Take the high route options whenever you can. The guesthouses were a highlight - cosy rooms and welcoming hosts always up for a chat. Luggage transfer worked seamlessly. Maps easy to follow and the trail was well signposted.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Fort William, Inverness, Gairloc
Fort William, Inverness, Gairlochy, South Laggan, Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, Drumnadrochit
Walking from inn to inn was epic and it was really nice to end in Dublin. The logistics were seamless. My only criticism is that one of the days was spent walking through a large clear cut area, which was interesting but not especially beautiful.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Guest House
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dublin, Rathdrum, Tinahely, Moyn
Dublin, Rathdrum, Tinahely, Moyne, Glenmalure, Glendalough, Enniskerry, Marlay Park
We hiked The Alpine Pass Route in Switzerland, and it was wonderful. It was more beautiful than anything I could have imagined. Everything worked out perfectly.
