Five-minute read: Rita Page reckons the best way to enjoy a walking holiday is to start early and finish early.
Many would beg to differ that a walking holiday could possibly include any periods of relaxation!
Having walked through many beautiful areas of a few different countries, John and I have spent time lounging by a pool with an incredible vista, sat outside by a bar in a small village, enjoying a cool beer, and even partaking of a local wine in a hillside vineyard. All following 5-6 hours of walking up and down trails.
Perhaps “The Art of” is not the exact term. Our realisation to achieve an enjoyable walking holiday all lay in the organisation of a comfortable number of kilometres walked per day. We had experienced 28km-34km days which totally left us feeling exhausted at the end of a very long walk. When these distances were repeatedly covered over a few days, the only thought on my part was “when is this ever going to end!”
All I could manage at the end of the day was a shower and a snooze on the bed. Forget what adventures still waited to be explored in the town or village we were in. Or what local beer was on offer!
Of course we always book through a walking company who arrange our accommodation and luggage transfers making our self-guided trip a comfortable one by only needing to carry our day packs. Choosing to walk between 16km-22km a day is an enjoyable day.
We generally set off around 8am to experience most of the new day, stopping for a tea break after 2hr of trails, drinking a hot cuppa from our thermos and a treat from a local bakery. Talking to other walkers from different countries as they passby, and to locals who always have an interesting story to tell.
Lunch is also a relaxing break. Time to tear apart a baggette and top it with freshly sliced tomato with a sprinkle of pepper. And of course another cuppa. Arriving in a village around 3.30pm is ideal. Time for a shower, visit the local sites, and partake of a local ale or two. We enjoy eating regional specialities, marvelling of the different tastes and food combinations. Of course the benefit is that we are not cooking!
Planning our walks with our desired daily distance in mind has been easy our walking tour company. Using guide books with additional maps is a must. At times we have also had the added tips from other walkers and locals, but to know where you are on your own map is ideal. John still uses his trusty compass, but I'm sure a move to GPS may be eminent. Walking is a pilgrimage for us to discover new places, experience different cultures and food, and mostly maintain our fitness and minds as we head into our 60's.