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Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 10:11 am
by HKCJ
I know we have had a couple of boardies who have done a few .. Guysmiley, DAC, Zappaman, Odval remember saying he did the GR20 and the West Highland Way thread was very useful when I did it again last year and quite a few boardies had done it..

Anyway, has anyone got any experience of the Mont Blanc Route? Am looking at doing it at the beginning of Sep in 6 days but bit worried I'm biting off more than I can chew.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 10:30 am
by Armchair_Superstar
Tour de Mont Blanc? Six days is standard is it not?

Edit - Sorry I forgot you'd injured yourself, are you feeling recovered?

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 10:31 am
by theo
Summit or round the base?

6 days is fine for round the base.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 11:54 am
by happyhooker
theo wrote:Summit or round the base?

6 days is fine for round the base.
This

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 12:38 pm
by blackblackblack
I got lost for an hour in the hills around bethells beach. Does that count.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 12:51 pm
by happyhooker
guy smiley wrote:I may as well blow the trumpet here as well..

I'm planning a return to Nepal later this year, in October. This time we're heading off to do the Three Passes trek in the Khumbu, the area around Everest. If we can manage it all, we'll climb ... oh bugger it, here's a pic of the profile

Image

If we pull this off I reckon we'll have done one of the tougher walks going and I'll be well chuffed.
You're not going to use a scooter are you?

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 12:51 pm
by globus
I came back from Athens once; hitching a lift on a lorry.

Thought I'd just get to Blighty and re-hitch. Turned out he was going to Norwich and he dropped me off just outside the house.

My parents used to give me enough money to get across the Channel and a bit further inland.

There used to be loads of hitchhikers at Dover and Calais so that made sense.

One of the tricks was to go with an attractive girl and hide in the bushes whilst she hitched (ha!) her skirt up and thumbed only to jump in the cab at the last moment when said driver was picking her up.

Rarely see a hitchhiker these days. I managed to do a great deal of Europe in my time.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 12:52 pm
by tabascoboy
happyhooker wrote:
theo wrote:Summit or round the base?

6 days is fine for round the base.
This
I've done parts of the Mont Blanc lower circuit and it isn't at all strenuous (for anyone halfway fit).

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 12:53 pm
by hp18
happyhooker wrote:
guy smiley wrote:I may as well blow the trumpet here as well..

I'm planning a return to Nepal later this year, in October. This time we're heading off to do the Three Passes trek in the Khumbu, the area around Everest. If we can manage it all, we'll climb ... oh bugger it, here's a pic of the profile

Image

If we pull this off I reckon we'll have done one of the tougher walks going and I'll be well chuffed.
You're not going to use a scooter are you?
:lol:

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 12:56 pm
by RuggaBugga
guy smiley wrote:I may as well blow the trumpet here as well..

I'm planning a return to Nepal later this year, in October. This time we're heading off to do the Three Passes trek in the Khumbu, the area around Everest. If we can manage it all, we'll climb ... oh bugger it, here's a pic of the profile

Image

If we pull this off I reckon we'll have done one of the tougher walks going and I'll be well chuffed.
That looks full on :uhoh:

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:03 pm
by Zakar
I live hiking but have done piss all since I've been here. I'd like to do an overnight in August. Any recommendations? Literally anywhere in Europe is fine.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:07 pm
by danny_fitz
HKCJ wrote:I know we have had a couple of boardies who have done a few .. Guysmiley, DAC, Zappaman, Odval remember saying he did the GR20 and the West Highland Way thread was very useful when I did it again last year and quite a few boardies had done it..

Anyway, has anyone got any experience of the Mont Blanc Route? Am looking at doing it at the beginning of Sep in 6 days but bit worried I'm biting off more than I can chew.
If you mean the Tour de Mont Blanc, with reasonable fitness, you will p*ss all over it. You can do it in four days if you are in decent shape and dont mind eight hour plus days and early starts, but you are not leaving yourself much chill time to appreciate your surroundings. Six days is fine although I did in about eight and had a rest day. However, be aware that the refuge huts that you can doss in may be closing during the first/second week of September. Does not mean you cant still do it of course, just that you will need to bring a bivvy bag and stove with you (this may be preferable anyway as sharing a dorm with a bunch of snoring krauts may not be your idea of fun, I dossed outside for both the TdMB and the GR20 but I like being that bit more feral)

Image

Its one of the classic alpine walks, up there with the Chamonix to Zermatt trek.

You will need these maps:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chamonix-Mont- ... monixnet0c

https://www.amazon.co.uk/St-Gervais-Bai ... monixnet0c

In other news I did the first leg of the South Downs Way last weekend!

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:10 pm
by happyhooker
Zakar wrote:I live hiking but have done piss all since I've been here. I'd like to do an overnight in August. Any recommendations? Literally anywhere in Europe is fine.
Just in the uk there are loads. Pennine, coast to coast, West Highland way, Pembrokeshire coastal. Depends on your time/level.

The most spectacular I've done was more climbing orientated and included les dents du midi and mont blanc. Unbelievable. There's some decent stuff in the dolomites and the pyrenees outside the alps.

The 'pilgrimage' to santiaga De compostella was notable as much for the food as the hiking

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:14 pm
by Zakar
happyhooker wrote:
Zakar wrote:I live hiking but have done piss all since I've been here. I'd like to do an overnight in August. Any recommendations? Literally anywhere in Europe is fine.
Just in the uk there are loads. Pennine, coast to coast, West Highland way, Pembrokeshire coastal. Depends on your time/level.

The most spectacular I've done was more climbing orientated and included les dents du midi and mont blanc. Unbelievable. There's some decent stuff in the dolomites and the pyrenees outside the alps.

The 'pilgrimage' to santiaga De compostella was notable as much for the food as the hiking
Would probably want to limit it to about 25kms a day, assuming moderate terrain.

Did one near Lewes a couple of weeks ago that was ok. Think I'd get bored hiking through paddocks though.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:24 pm
by tabascoboy
happyhooker wrote:
Zakar wrote:I live hiking but have done piss all since I've been here. I'd like to do an overnight in August. Any recommendations? Literally anywhere in Europe is fine.
Just in the uk there are loads. Pennine, coast to coast, West Highland way, Pembrokeshire coastal. Depends on your time/level.

The most spectacular I've done was more climbing orientated and included les dents du midi and mont blanc. Unbelievable. There's some decent stuff in the dolomites and the pyrenees outside the alps.

The 'pilgrimage' to santiaga De compostella was notable as much for the food as the hiking
And the Julian Alps of Slovenia.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:25 pm
by globus
What's wrong with a serviceable car? You are all nuts.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:26 pm
by happyhooker
Zakar wrote:
happyhooker wrote:
Zakar wrote:I live hiking but have done piss all since I've been here. I'd like to do an overnight in August. Any recommendations? Literally anywhere in Europe is fine.
Just in the uk there are loads. Pennine, coast to coast, West Highland way, Pembrokeshire coastal. Depends on your time/level.

The most spectacular I've done was more climbing orientated and included les dents du midi and mont blanc. Unbelievable. There's some decent stuff in the dolomites and the pyrenees outside the alps.

The 'pilgrimage' to santiaga De compostella was notable as much for the food as the hiking
Would probably want to limit it to about 25kms a day, assuming moderate terrain.

Did one near Lewes a couple of weeks ago that was ok. Think I'd get bored hiking through paddocks though.
The Pembrokeshire Coast is stunning and not particlar arduous. It's bloody long though, so maybe a part of it.

Closer to home and you can split it up and do a day here and there, have a look at the London loop. Also some gentle day trips in the Chiltern and the bluebells are just stunning this time of year

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:28 pm
by Fangle
Do you have to keep dodging cyclists?

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:28 pm
by happyhooker
globus wrote:What's wrong with a serviceable car? You are all nuts.
Globby, you'd love hiking. You can buy loads of expensive kit and then go for a stroll for 5ks round the county side whilst suitably equipped for the himalayas.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:30 pm
by happyhooker
Fangle wrote:Do you have to keep dodging cyclists?

Nah. Just string a bit of barbed wire across the paths at regular intervals and you'll be golden

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:34 pm
by danny_fitz
happyhooker wrote:
globus wrote:What's wrong with a serviceable car? You are all nuts.
Globby, you'd love hiking. You can buy loads of expensive kit and then go for a stroll for 5ks round the county side whilst suitably equipped for the himalayas.
I was a bit disappointed, I was awaiting some whimsical anecdote about trekking the alps with Brian Blessed, Reinhold Messner, Walter Bonatti and David Breashears

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:38 pm
by globus
happyhooker wrote:
globus wrote:What's wrong with a serviceable car? You are all nuts.
Globby, you'd love hiking. You can buy loads of expensive kit and then go for a stroll for 5ks round the county side whilst suitably equipped for the himalayas.
Rather go sailing really. The wind is free, as long as it's there.

I can do G&Ts whilst on autopilot.

I did a backpack exercise in Derbyshire a while back. Stayed in Winster. Ate a ludicrous 18oz steak for a bet at The Bowling Green I think.

Most of the hike was on disused railway track.

It was blooming competitive. Yomping is not my idea of a good day out these days.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:39 pm
by globus
danny_fitz wrote:
happyhooker wrote:
globus wrote:What's wrong with a serviceable car? You are all nuts.
Globby, you'd love hiking. You can buy loads of expensive kit and then go for a stroll for 5ks round the county side whilst suitably equipped for the himalayas.
I was a bit disappointed, I was awaiting some whimsical anecdote about trekking the alps with Brian Blessed, Reinhold Messner, Walter Bonatti and David Breashears
I hate to disappoint. Sheesh.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:41 pm
by happyhooker
globus wrote:
happyhooker wrote:
globus wrote:What's wrong with a serviceable car? You are all nuts.
Globby, you'd love hiking. You can buy loads of expensive kit and then go for a stroll for 5ks round the county side whilst suitably equipped for the himalayas.
Rather go sailing really. The wind is free, as long as it's there.

I can do G&Ts whilst on autopilot.

I did a backpack exercise in Derbyshire a while back. Stayed in Winster. Ate a ludicrous 18oz steak for a bet at The Bowling Green I think.

Most of the hike was on disused railway track.

It was blooming competitive. Yomping is not my idea of a good day out these days.
Are you genuinely telling me that sailing is free. FFS you might as well fuel an aga with £50 notes

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:43 pm
by theo
guy smiley wrote:I may as well blow the trumpet here as well..

I'm planning a return to Nepal later this year, in October. This time we're heading off to do the Three Passes trek in the Khumbu, the area around Everest. If we can manage it all, we'll climb ... oh bugger it, here's a pic of the profile

Image

If we pull this off I reckon we'll have done one of the tougher walks going and I'll be well chuffed.
When the kids are older and wife loves me no more I am buggering off and doing that.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:45 pm
by Zakar
happyhooker wrote:
Zakar wrote:
happyhooker wrote:
Zakar wrote:I live hiking but have done piss all since I've been here. I'd like to do an overnight in August. Any recommendations? Literally anywhere in Europe is fine.
Just in the uk there are loads. Pennine, coast to coast, West Highland way, Pembrokeshire coastal. Depends on your time/level.

The most spectacular I've done was more climbing orientated and included les dents du midi and mont blanc. Unbelievable. There's some decent stuff in the dolomites and the pyrenees outside the alps.

The 'pilgrimage' to santiaga De compostella was notable as much for the food as the hiking
Would probably want to limit it to about 25kms a day, assuming moderate terrain.

Did one near Lewes a couple of weeks ago that was ok. Think I'd get bored hiking through paddocks though.
The Pembrokeshire Coast is stunning and not particlar arduous. It's bloody long though, so maybe a part of it.

Closer to home and you can split it up and do a day here and there, have a look at the London loop. Also some gentle day trips in the Chiltern and the bluebells are just stunning this time of year
Cheers HH

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:45 pm
by theo
Zakar wrote:
happyhooker wrote:
Zakar wrote:I live hiking but have done piss all since I've been here. I'd like to do an overnight in August. Any recommendations? Literally anywhere in Europe is fine.
Just in the uk there are loads. Pennine, coast to coast, West Highland way, Pembrokeshire coastal. Depends on your time/level.

The most spectacular I've done was more climbing orientated and included les dents du midi and mont blanc. Unbelievable. There's some decent stuff in the dolomites and the pyrenees outside the alps.

The 'pilgrimage' to santiaga De compostella was notable as much for the food as the hiking
Would probably want to limit it to about 25kms a day, assuming moderate terrain.


Did one near Lewes a couple of weeks ago that was ok. Think I'd get bored hiking through paddocks though.
Bernese Oberland is very worth doing. Great scenery, challenging but not ridiculous and you end up at the Eiger.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:48 pm
by happyhooker
Seneca of the Night wrote:
happyhooker wrote:
Zakar wrote:
happyhooker wrote:
Zakar wrote:I live hiking but have done piss all since I've been here. I'd like to do an overnight in August. Any recommendations? Literally anywhere in Europe is fine.
Just in the uk there are loads. Pennine, coast to coast, West Highland way, Pembrokeshire coastal. Depends on your time/level.

The most spectacular I've done was more climbing orientated and included les dents du midi and mont blanc. Unbelievable. There's some decent stuff in the dolomites and the pyrenees outside the alps.

The 'pilgrimage' to santiaga De compostella was notable as much for the food as the hiking
Would probably want to limit it to about 25kms a day, assuming moderate terrain.

Did one near Lewes a couple of weeks ago that was ok. Think I'd get bored hiking through paddocks though.
The Pembrokeshire Coast is stunning and not particlar arduous. It's bloody long though, so maybe a part of it.

Closer to home and you can split it up and do a day here and there, have a look at the London loop. Also some gentle day trips in the Chiltern and the bluebells are just stunning this time of year
Yep train out of Paddington to the Chilterns would be perfect this time of year.
Took the train from Marylebone out to Wendover the other day. Twas glorious

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:48 pm
by happyhooker
.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:50 pm
by mikeyboy123
theo wrote:
guy smiley wrote:I may as well blow the trumpet here as well..

I'm planning a return to Nepal later this year, in October. This time we're heading off to do the Three Passes trek in the Khumbu, the area around Everest. If we can manage it all, we'll climb ... oh bugger it, here's a pic of the profile

Image

If we pull this off I reckon we'll have done one of the tougher walks going and I'll be well chuffed.
When the kids are older and wife loves me no more I am buggering off and doing that.
In some ways I would love to do something like that, but it's the mental side of things that I think I'd struggle with more than anything else. I like trekking, but I think after the 7th day or so, I think it might wear a bit thin.

Done the Kili climb and the Inca trail plus some trekking in Borneo, Austria and around the UK. The longest continuous one I've done is the Kili climb at 6 days up and down. Not sure I'd want to do much more than that.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:56 pm
by danny_fitz
mikeyboy123 wrote:
theo wrote:
guy smiley wrote:I may as well blow the trumpet here as well..

I'm planning a return to Nepal later this year, in October. This time we're heading off to do the Three Passes trek in the Khumbu, the area around Everest. If we can manage it all, we'll climb ... oh bugger it, here's a pic of the profile

Image

If we pull this off I reckon we'll have done one of the tougher walks going and I'll be well chuffed.
When the kids are older and wife loves me no more I am buggering off and doing that.
In some ways I would love to do something like that, but it's the mental side of things that I think I'd struggle with more than anything else. I like trekking, but I think after the 7th day or so, I think it might wear a bit thin.

Done the Kili climb and the Inca trail plus some trekking in Borneo, Austria and around the UK. The longest continuous one I've done is the Kili climb at 6 days up and down. Not sure I'd want to do much more than that.
In fairness as mountains go Kili is a shite climb, and I dont mean technical difficulty

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:56 pm
by globus
happyhooker wrote:
globus wrote:
happyhooker wrote:
globus wrote:What's wrong with a serviceable car? You are all nuts.
Globby, you'd love hiking. You can buy loads of expensive kit and then go for a stroll for 5ks round the county side whilst suitably equipped for the himalayas.
Rather go sailing really. The wind is free, as long as it's there.

I can do G&Ts whilst on autopilot.

I did a backpack exercise in Derbyshire a while back. Stayed in Winster. Ate a ludicrous 18oz steak for a bet at The Bowling Green I think.

Most of the hike was on disused railway track.

It was blooming competitive. Yomping is not my idea of a good day out these days.
Are you genuinely telling me that sailing is free. FFS you might as well fuel an aga with £50 notes
It's just the fuel is free. You are right. I sold my yacht, Mimosa, a while back. The cost of mooring it in the Hamble became a tad pricey. If I'm right it was up to £5.500 for a berth and taking it out of the water in the winter.

I also got fed up with the Solent. I could sail it with my eyes shut. Decided I'd rather sail in the Caribbean and other warm places.

No tides to worry about there and if anyone fell overboard (nobody did) they wouldn't freeze to death in two minutes.

I'm too old to haul halyards anymore. If any of you youngsters want a trip, I'll navigate but let you do all the hard graft!

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:58 pm
by happyhooker
A simple 'agreed' would have sufficed

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:59 pm
by theo
:lol:

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:59 pm
by globus
happyhooker wrote:A simple 'agreed' would have sufficed
Agreed.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 2:37 pm
by 4Bags
Well that makes my walking the last bit of the Camino de Santiago for my 60th this year, pale into insignificance.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 3:00 pm
by LandOTurk
happyhooker wrote:
Zakar wrote:I live hiking but have done piss all since I've been here. I'd like to do an overnight in August. Any recommendations? Literally anywhere in Europe is fine.
Just in the uk there are loads. Pennine, coast to coast, West Highland way, Pembrokeshire coastal. Depends on your time/level.

The most spectacular I've done was more climbing orientated and included les dents du midi and mont blanc. Unbelievable. There's some decent stuff in the dolomites and the pyrenees outside the alps.

The 'pilgrimage' to santiaga De compostella was notable as much for the food as the hiking
St James' Way is something I would like to do for sure. Been planning to go for 30 years. Better get to it.

Also, sitting right next to the Appalachian Trail, I am going to hit parts of it this summer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_Trail

Apparently very serious walkers do this: The Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail form what is known as the Triple Crown of long–distance hiking in the US.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 4:01 pm
by slick
Zakar wrote:
happyhooker wrote:
Zakar wrote:
happyhooker wrote:
Zakar wrote:I live hiking but have done piss all since I've been here. I'd like to do an overnight in August. Any recommendations? Literally anywhere in Europe is fine.
Just in the uk there are loads. Pennine, coast to coast, West Highland way, Pembrokeshire coastal. Depends on your time/level.

The most spectacular I've done was more climbing orientated and included les dents du midi and mont blanc. Unbelievable. There's some decent stuff in the dolomites and the pyrenees outside the alps.

The 'pilgrimage' to santiaga De compostella was notable as much for the food as the hiking
Would probably want to limit it to about 25kms a day, assuming moderate terrain.

Did one near Lewes a couple of weeks ago that was ok. Think I'd get bored hiking through paddocks though.
The Pembrokeshire Coast is stunning and not particlar arduous. It's bloody long though, so maybe a part of it.

Closer to home and you can split it up and do a day here and there, have a look at the London loop. Also some gentle day trips in the Chiltern and the bluebells are just stunning this time of year
Cheers HH
I do a lot in the Chilterns and can confirm the Bluebells are out and its stunning

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 4:04 pm
by slick
Seneca of the Night wrote:

Took the train from Marylebone out to Wendover the other day. Twas glorious
Yep, might go out this weekend (I meant Marylebone too, not Paddington). Go out of that station normally a dozen times over summer.
That's my neck of the woods. If either fancy a chum sometime i'll even buy you a beer at the end.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 4:32 pm
by LandOTurk
Seneca of the Night wrote:
LandOTurk wrote:
happyhooker wrote:
Zakar wrote:I live hiking but have done piss all since I've been here. I'd like to do an overnight in August. Any recommendations? Literally anywhere in Europe is fine.
Just in the uk there are loads. Pennine, coast to coast, West Highland way, Pembrokeshire coastal. Depends on your time/level.

The most spectacular I've done was more climbing orientated and included les dents du midi and mont blanc. Unbelievable. There's some decent stuff in the dolomites and the pyrenees outside the alps.

The 'pilgrimage' to santiaga De compostella was notable as much for the food as the hiking
St James' Way is something I would like to do for sure. Been planning to go for 30 years. Better get to it.

Also, sitting right next to the Appalachian Trail, I am going to hit parts of it this summer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_Trail

Apparently very serious walkers do this: The Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail form what is known as the Triple Crown of long–distance hiking in the US.
There is a 6,800 mile path called the Great Western Loop that only one person has ever completed.
Hell of an adventure. You are right.

The Great Western Loop is a hiking route that loops around the western United States.

It links together five long-distance hiking trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail and Arizona Trail. It passes through the Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert, 12 National Parks and 75 wilderness areas.

Andrew Skurka, a professional backpacker, was the first to attempt the entire hike. On April 9, 2007, Skurka began the route from the Grand Canyon. Averaging 33 miles per day, Skurka arrived back at the Grand Canyon on November 7, 2007, 208 days since he began. He remains the only known person to complete the hike.


http://andrewskurka.com/adventures/grea ... /overview/