Cornwall is famous for its warm welcome, its laid back approach to life, its wonderful scenery and for mile after mile of empty golden soft sanded beaches. Cornwall is also full of history - much of it a little off beat - and the best way to delve into all of this is, of course, by walking.
Ship wrecks, pirates, witches, goblins and latter day earth magic. The towns, hamlets and villages of Cornwall date back hundreds and hundreds of years. You can feel the weight of legend on your back as your walking route takes you over the crest of a cliff top hill where bonfires burned of old, down towards the seaside village with its inn where smugglers and ship looters planned their next adventure.
Even the major towns of Cornwall have maintained their ancient feel and atmosphere.
But, in summer when it's warm and the breeze is only enough to ripple the sea, there is no better place in the world to walk than by the sea. Cornwall has seaside walking a plenty and the Cornish coast is world renowned for its long distance walking paths. The granite based cliffs of the western region of Cornwall provide challenging walks but the rewards more than make up for the hard work you will need to put in. You\'ll find dazzling views of open gleaming sea, wild flowers and wild fuscia bushes and a true sense of stepping out of the busy world into an all together different place.
Hamlets with unique features will break up your route. Small towns with inns and quaint shops abound to refresh you when the going gets tough or the weather gets colder.
Try walking in Cornwall - it's a very special place to be.
Cornwall is one of the worlds special places. Full of history, warm with new age spirit and yet alive with the ghosts of an exotic past. Spend part of your European vacation on a walking trip and you won't regret it. Get more information regarding walking in Cornwall.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Garleton
Friday, 16 October 2009
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Monday, 5 October 2009
Walking in Scotland
Hillwalking in Scotland attracts visitors from all over the world. While many prefer to walk in popular areas such as Glencoe, the Grampians or Arrocher Alps, some discerning hillwalkers will tell you that the Oban and Argyll area offers some classic climbs with equally classic views. Situated on Scotland's West Coast and a two hour drive from Glasgow, climbing here is not only exciting and varied, but much less quiet than the more popular climbs.
All of the hills and mountains here lie close to the sea so summit views are spectacular and varied. In one direction lies the island-dotted Firth of Lorne and Sound of Jura with the Atlantic beyond. Turn around and the rolling Scottish Highlands stretch into the distance, peppered with mountain peaks. The short list below describes some celebrated walks in the area.
Ben Lora
A few miles north of Oban at the village of Benderloch is Ben Lora. At only 308m, this hill may not be tall, but the views from the top are among one of the best in Scotland. Take the forest path from the carpark just south of the petrol station in Benderloch. The waymarked path splits in a couple of places with one (the left) giving a gentler start to the walk which becomes steeper further up. Most of the route is through deciduous then coniferous forest where the path is steep but solid underfoot. As it nears the top it becomes boggier, but with perseverance, the walker is rewarded with a magnificent vista over sandy-beached Tralee Bay, past Connel Bridge, all the way to Oban with the Firth of Lorne and Mull in the distance. Turning around there is another fine view up Loch Etive to the Ben Cruachan range. There are wooden benches at key points on the route to rest tired legs or admire the view. Walking time is 1.5 to 2.5 hours and the distance is 3.75 miles.
Pulpit Hill and Gallanach
This varied walk starts in Oban's town centre and ends on a moorland hill behind the town. From Albany Road follow the sign marked "Gallanach and the Kerrera ferry." After the library, a sign "Pulpit Hill" points up the steep Haggart's Brae. Take this path to the top, all the while following the Scottish Rights of Way Society signs. At the top is a fine viewpoint overlooking Oban and its harbour as well as the "Priest's Stone" which once served as a pulpit. Take the lane out of the carpark and follow the road to a signed "Kerrera Ferry." Continue along this muddy woodland path past the mill pond, some deciduous woodland and on into open moorland. After some boggy ground, the path clears, so continue on to reach the viewpoint. From here, the track meets a minor road. At this fork, turning right leads back to Oban while turning left leads to Gallanach. This is a good 4 mile walk and should take around 2 hours.
Beinn Fhionnlaidh (Ben Fee-on-lay)
This mountain is the closest Munro to Oban and its summit views give interesting views of Glencoe and Glen Etive. Start at the end of the public road in Glen Creran. Following the signs for Glen Etive and Glenure Lodge continue on past the bridge, turning left towards the white cottage. Take a left turn immediately after the farm and follow the rough track behind the second cottage. This leads through ancient pine forest and when it splits, take the right fork which leads onto the Fhionnlaidh ridge. The ridge undulates for a while and although the summit is not visible there are good views of Beinn Sgulaird across Glen Ure. Where the ridge levels out there are a few lochans. Continue eastwards up the steepening ridge to the summit which has a large cairn and trig point. From here, there are fine views of Loch Etive stretching down to the Firth of Lorne and Glen Coe. At 9 miles, this is for the more serious walker and should take around 5-6 hours.
Many routes have been signposted by the Scottish Rights of Way Society and the Argyll Forestry Commission which makes navigation easy. In addition, a good local hotel or shop, or the Tourist Information Centre in Oban's Albany Street can provide leaflets on walks and routes.
Harry Young works for Toltech Internet Solutions and writes on behalf of Loch Melfort Hotel. A family run, comfortable and friendly 3-star hotel on the romantic coast of Argyll in the Scottish Highlands with the finest views on the West coast. Offering the very best in service, tranquil accommodation, tasteful decor and a gourmet dining experience made with fresh local seafood and produce (the restaurant has been awarded two Rosettes by the AA every year since 2000).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Young
All of the hills and mountains here lie close to the sea so summit views are spectacular and varied. In one direction lies the island-dotted Firth of Lorne and Sound of Jura with the Atlantic beyond. Turn around and the rolling Scottish Highlands stretch into the distance, peppered with mountain peaks. The short list below describes some celebrated walks in the area.
Ben Lora
A few miles north of Oban at the village of Benderloch is Ben Lora. At only 308m, this hill may not be tall, but the views from the top are among one of the best in Scotland. Take the forest path from the carpark just south of the petrol station in Benderloch. The waymarked path splits in a couple of places with one (the left) giving a gentler start to the walk which becomes steeper further up. Most of the route is through deciduous then coniferous forest where the path is steep but solid underfoot. As it nears the top it becomes boggier, but with perseverance, the walker is rewarded with a magnificent vista over sandy-beached Tralee Bay, past Connel Bridge, all the way to Oban with the Firth of Lorne and Mull in the distance. Turning around there is another fine view up Loch Etive to the Ben Cruachan range. There are wooden benches at key points on the route to rest tired legs or admire the view. Walking time is 1.5 to 2.5 hours and the distance is 3.75 miles.
Pulpit Hill and Gallanach
This varied walk starts in Oban's town centre and ends on a moorland hill behind the town. From Albany Road follow the sign marked "Gallanach and the Kerrera ferry." After the library, a sign "Pulpit Hill" points up the steep Haggart's Brae. Take this path to the top, all the while following the Scottish Rights of Way Society signs. At the top is a fine viewpoint overlooking Oban and its harbour as well as the "Priest's Stone" which once served as a pulpit. Take the lane out of the carpark and follow the road to a signed "Kerrera Ferry." Continue along this muddy woodland path past the mill pond, some deciduous woodland and on into open moorland. After some boggy ground, the path clears, so continue on to reach the viewpoint. From here, the track meets a minor road. At this fork, turning right leads back to Oban while turning left leads to Gallanach. This is a good 4 mile walk and should take around 2 hours.
Beinn Fhionnlaidh (Ben Fee-on-lay)
This mountain is the closest Munro to Oban and its summit views give interesting views of Glencoe and Glen Etive. Start at the end of the public road in Glen Creran. Following the signs for Glen Etive and Glenure Lodge continue on past the bridge, turning left towards the white cottage. Take a left turn immediately after the farm and follow the rough track behind the second cottage. This leads through ancient pine forest and when it splits, take the right fork which leads onto the Fhionnlaidh ridge. The ridge undulates for a while and although the summit is not visible there are good views of Beinn Sgulaird across Glen Ure. Where the ridge levels out there are a few lochans. Continue eastwards up the steepening ridge to the summit which has a large cairn and trig point. From here, there are fine views of Loch Etive stretching down to the Firth of Lorne and Glen Coe. At 9 miles, this is for the more serious walker and should take around 5-6 hours.
Many routes have been signposted by the Scottish Rights of Way Society and the Argyll Forestry Commission which makes navigation easy. In addition, a good local hotel or shop, or the Tourist Information Centre in Oban's Albany Street can provide leaflets on walks and routes.
Harry Young works for Toltech Internet Solutions and writes on behalf of Loch Melfort Hotel. A family run, comfortable and friendly 3-star hotel on the romantic coast of Argyll in the Scottish Highlands with the finest views on the West coast. Offering the very best in service, tranquil accommodation, tasteful decor and a gourmet dining experience made with fresh local seafood and produce (the restaurant has been awarded two Rosettes by the AA every year since 2000).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Young
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Walking and Treking
by Bea Metcalfe
Watching walkers strapping their multi-socked feet into well worn walking boots, calibrating their GPS with their compass and maps knowingly and folding their technologically advanced wet weather garb into a tiny pack, you may be forgiven for thinking, "What's all the fuss about - can't some toddlers do it? Is it not as simple as putting one foot in front of the other?" The truth is that these are the tools of the serious walker; you don't need to have them to go walking in the park but if you're going to attempt serious walking holidays you need to become familiar with them.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Walking-Holidays---Experience-Walking-in-Every-Landscape&id=2370673 - May 26, 2009
Watching walkers strapping their multi-socked feet into well worn walking boots, calibrating their GPS with their compass and maps knowingly and folding their technologically advanced wet weather garb into a tiny pack, you may be forgiven for thinking, "What's all the fuss about - can't some toddlers do it? Is it not as simple as putting one foot in front of the other?" The truth is that these are the tools of the serious walker; you don't need to have them to go walking in the park but if you're going to attempt serious walking holidays you need to become familiar with them.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Walking-Holidays---Experience-Walking-in-Every-Landscape&id=2370673 - May 26, 2009
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