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Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 10:34 am
by globus
Got to say there are some impressive tales here. The best I can do is yomping down railway tracks in the Peak District and with my mum in Jersey and Guernsey. She left me for dead!

My brother is the hiker. He's done the East-West trail and has hiked all around England, Wales and Scotland.

He's going to Ireland this year, not sure of the itinerary.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 10:38 am
by slick
Monk Zombie wrote:HKCJ -

What shoes are you wearing on this jaunt?
And are you wearing underwear?

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 12:02 pm
by HKCJ
Monk Zombie wrote:HKCJ -

What shoes are you wearing on this jaunt?
:lol: I presume this is alluding to the Hobbit story when I was hiking in NZ.. I had forgotten about that.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 12:05 pm
by HKCJ
slick wrote:
HKCJ wrote:Well have finished the trail and now sat in Broadford with a breakfast bap. Rest of the trail was pretty easy compared to Trotternish ridge but we had a fair bit of cloud and rain at night but days stayed dry at least. Could have done it in 4 days but we just found a nice spot last night and decided to give ourselves a wee walk out to Broadford through the ruins of the highland clearances.. very brooding and atmospheric. A great hike all in all and would recommend above West Highland Way.
That's interesting, was planning to that next year but I'll have a look at this one.

Ochils for a day was very nice!
WHW is a great hike don’t get me wrong but I thought this was a bit more spectacular but that could have been the weather. A lot of variety too.. ridge walking, valleys, coastal

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 12:26 pm
by globus
I did hitch hike from Greece to Norwich, but not sure if that counts.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 3:33 pm
by ticketlessinseattle
tabascoboy 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
And the Julian Alps of Slovenia.
just came across this thread,,,,,anyone done anything around the above ? I'm looking for something in Europe around September for say 4 days hiking - maybe 20 kms a day type stuff ; cheers

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 1:55 pm
by Mr Mike
HKCJ wrote:
slick wrote:
HKCJ wrote:Well have finished the trail and now sat in Broadford with a breakfast bap. Rest of the trail was pretty easy compared to Trotternish ridge but we had a fair bit of cloud and rain at night but days stayed dry at least. Could have done it in 4 days but we just found a nice spot last night and decided to give ourselves a wee walk out to Broadford through the ruins of the highland clearances.. very brooding and atmospheric. A great hike all in all and would recommend above West Highland Way.
That's interesting, was planning to that next year but I'll have a look at this one.

Ochils for a day was very nice!
WHW is a great hike don’t get me wrong but I thought this was a bit more spectacular but that could have been the weather. A lot of variety too.. ridge walking, valleys, coastal
Keep your eyes open for a lost camera

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... tures.html

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 11:08 pm
by HKCJ
Mr Mike wrote:
HKCJ wrote:
slick wrote:
HKCJ wrote:Well have finished the trail and now sat in Broadford with a breakfast bap. Rest of the trail was pretty easy compared to Trotternish ridge but we had a fair bit of cloud and rain at night but days stayed dry at least. Could have done it in 4 days but we just found a nice spot last night and decided to give ourselves a wee walk out to Broadford through the ruins of the highland clearances.. very brooding and atmospheric. A great hike all in all and would recommend above West Highland Way.
That's interesting, was planning to that next year but I'll have a look at this one.

Ochils for a day was very nice!
WHW is a great hike don’t get me wrong but I thought this was a bit more spectacular but that could have been the weather. A lot of variety too.. ridge walking, valleys, coastal
Keep your eyes open for a lost camera

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... tures.html
:lol: the mate I was hiking with sent me that.. we were laughing cos we did actually have a 21 year old French girl ask to join us for lunch at Sligachan hotel and fair to say she was a very flirtatious young thing we both became very big fans of and he would happily go back to scan for pictures of her. She actually scribbled down where she works in Edinburgh and told me to come for a free drink. I thankfully accepted and surreptitiously put it in a bin. It was a good boost to the ego but explaining to the fiancé the harmless note in the pocket not worth the hassle!

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 11:17 pm
by shabadoo
Hiked the Arctic Circle Trail last summer. Really enjoyed it. Probably won't do anything big this summer but was thinking of maybe a hike in Scotland for a few days. Maybe with the wife...so something easy enough. Any recommendations??

Maybe a 2/3 day hike doable? Preferably with somewhere to stay on the way rather than camping. She will do a night in the tent but more that that is a hard sell...

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Sun May 26, 2019 3:12 am
by frillage
HKCJ wrote:
Mr Mike wrote:
HKCJ wrote:
slick wrote:
HKCJ wrote:Well have finished the trail and now sat in Broadford with a breakfast bap. Rest of the trail was pretty easy compared to Trotternish ridge but we had a fair bit of cloud and rain at night but days stayed dry at least. Could have done it in 4 days but we just found a nice spot last night and decided to give ourselves a wee walk out to Broadford through the ruins of the highland clearances.. very brooding and atmospheric. A great hike all in all and would recommend above West Highland Way.
That's interesting, was planning to that next year but I'll have a look at this one.

Ochils for a day was very nice!
WHW is a great hike don’t get me wrong but I thought this was a bit more spectacular but that could have been the weather. A lot of variety too.. ridge walking, valleys, coastal
Keep your eyes open for a lost camera

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... tures.html
:lol: the mate I was hiking with sent me that.. we were laughing cos we did actually have a 21 year old French girl ask to join us for lunch at Sligachan hotel and fair to say she was a very flirtatious young thing we both became very big fans of and he would happily go back to scan for pictures of her. She actually scribbled down where she works in Edinburgh and told me to come for a free drink. I thankfully accepted and surreptitiously put it in a bin. It was a good boost to the ego but explaining to the fiancé the harmless note in the pocket not worth the hassle!
Not out north Berwick way is it by any chance?

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Sun May 26, 2019 8:33 pm
by HKCJ
Nah pub in the grass market

Shabadoo - plenty of great day hikes from Glencoe

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Sun May 26, 2019 8:37 pm
by Floppykid
Any Irish hikers out there?
Going to start doing it myself, or at least I intend to, and could do with some decent trails where I wont end up snapping both my ankles alone on some blustery mountain.
I'm a total beginner.

I intend to do some of the more "intermediate" trails around Glendalough, but that's it.
I love the landscape around Wicklow and for now that's the realisitic furthest out I can get from Dublin.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Sun May 26, 2019 8:38 pm
by frillage
HKCJ wrote:Nah pub in the grass market

Shabadoo - plenty of great day hikes from Glencoe
Burke and Hare it is then!!

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 3:39 am
by booji boy
These hiking trips you guys do. Just wondering if you have to carry your food or if there are places to stay along the journey, pubs etc that provide accommodation and food. Most of my hiking has been in NZ bush where you have to lug in your own food and cooking gear. Not having to carry that would be convenient. I trekked in the Anapurna region in Nepal where eating and staying in teahouses was very convenient. Just curious about these walks in Europe and the UK.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 3:48 am
by Zakar
booji boy wrote:These hiking trips you guys do. Just wondering if you have to carry your food or if there are places to stay along the journey, pubs etc that provide accommodation and food. Most of my hiking has been in NZ bush where you have to lug in your own food and cooking gear. Not having to carry that would be convenient. I trekked in the Anapurna region in Nepal where eating and staying in teahouses was very convenient. Just curious about these walks in Europe and the UK.
In my experience in the UK and Europe you don't really need to carry anything food wise beyond snacks for lots of hikes. Naturally, it depends on the hike, as some will end in a hut etc, or need full camping equipment.

It's less 'hard core' but still deeply satisfying having a Pint and pub feed after a full days walk, compared to setting up a fire/stove to cook. Both have their merits. :thumbup:

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 3:52 am
by booji boy
Zakar wrote:
booji boy wrote:These hiking trips you guys do. Just wondering if you have to carry your food or if there are places to stay along the journey, pubs etc that provide accommodation and food. Most of my hiking has been in NZ bush where you have to lug in your own food and cooking gear. Not having to carry that would be convenient. I trekked in the Anapurna region in Nepal where eating and staying in teahouses was very convenient. Just curious about these walks in Europe and the UK.
In my experience in the UK and Europe you don't really need to carry anything food wise beyond snacks for lots of hikes. Naturally, it depends on the hike, as some will end in a hut etc, or need full camping equipment.

It's less 'hard core' but still deeply satisfying having a Pint and pub feed after a full days walk, compared to setting up a fire/stove to cook. Both have their merits. :thumbup:
Absolutely agree. It's actually very appealing. :thumbup:

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 4:17 am
by massive_field_goal
Depends on where you go. Personally I prefer to avoid hut/refuge meals and the like and have a good feed at the end to celebrate!

Typically breakfast is something like oats, watered down condensed milk and a cuppa. Lunch and dinner are one of dehydrated meal and cuppa, or bread wrap and dried meat and cheese. Supplement with dried fruits and Studentenfutter/trailmix/scroggin. Also, Kool-aid type powder drinks can be a good break from water/tea and boost moral/electrolytes when needed. Powder soups also.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 4:47 am
by Pat the Ex Mat
Not strictly hiking related but my mate is doing 7 weeks kayaking around Svalbard.

He's dehydrating his arse off to make enough food for 2 people

:lol:

I am looking at getting back into hiking now my Ankle is fixed.

Tassie and NZ first - but definitely, a pub at the end kind of hike

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 4:49 am
by kiwigreg369
Mini-KG is walking part of Annapurna (Nepal) national park in December this year.

Any ‘Gotcha’s’ from anyone that has done (things to know - do or avoid).

Thanks, greg

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 5:14 am
by Turbogoat
kiwigreg369 wrote:Mini-KG is walking part of Annapurna (Nepal) national park in December this year.

Any ‘Gotcha’s’ from anyone that has done (things to know - do or avoid).

Thanks, greg

The Annapurna circuit gets most of the press, but Annapurna Base Camp is one of the best treks you can do, you end up inside the basin, surrounded 360 by these massive mountains. You need to be there to see the sunrise, it's awe-inspiring. Go up the valley on the western side, cross to the east as high up as you can to avoid a flat walk then near vertical climb - it's a lot more gradual on the west. Above the tree line it's a serious avalanche risk, cross the danger zones before 10am. It's pretty well advertised, but there have been tragedies there.
There is a short trek to Poon hill for some good views of the mountains as well, but the trek is a bit meh, it's much better taking the time to get to base camp if possible.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 6:13 am
by kiwigreg369
Thank you both - noted both sets of comments and will use to ask him more.

He's going with these guys - https://antipodeans.com.au/nepal

ABC is target i believe - +4000m.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 6:23 am
by Caley_Red
kiwigreg369 wrote:Mini-KG is walking part of Annapurna (Nepal) national park in December this year.

Any ‘Gotcha’s’ from anyone that has done (things to know - do or avoid).

Thanks, greg
Did it a few years ago, a couple of quick tips: I would get the jeep to Tal and not start at Bette Sahar (sp?) as you'll spend 2 days hiking up a dirt road as vehicles fly past- pretty unpleasant. To absolutely avoid altitude sickness, my guide book specifically advised staying a night at Ngawal as well as the standard 2 in Manang. A personal one, spend the last night at high camp and not at Throng La as the opening part of the walk i pretty unpleasant and it's better to get it out of the way as you finish the last day.

Other few tips: never pay for a room, always say you'll eat there and they'll give you it for free; make sure to check out the mountain themed movies in Manang; stay at the Bob Marley hotel once you're over the top; spend a night in Tato Pani (sp?) and check out the hot springs (although night time as the village use them as a communal bath during the day); and, do not accept a fellow travelers' joint above 3000m!

I would also chuck Poon Hill on the end of the trek if he's feeling up to it!

Also, for about $70 USD, spend a couple of nights at Temple Tree, Pokhara after- just the recovery ticket!

One of the best things I've done in my life (though it will, at times, not feel like that), he'll enjoy it!

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 6:40 am
by HKCJ
Good advice about the Jeep to Tal from Caley Red. Definitely second that.contrary to Turbo I thought Poon Hill was better views than ABC base camp. Sunrise trek definitely worth it. Just shows everyone has a different take. I see he already has a company which probably gives you better peace of mind as it’s Ozzie I Guess but the trekking companies in Kathmandu are a fraction of the price and it’s the same porters and guides ultimately. If he is offered to drink millet with the locals it’s a fun thing to do but can give you a pretty decent hangover which at altitude is never great. Always ask before taking any pictures of the locals.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 6:45 am
by kiwigreg369
HKCJ wrote:Good advice about the Jeep to Tal from Caley Red. Definitely second that.contrary to Turbo I thought Poon Hill was better views than ABC base camp. Sunrise trek definitely worth it. Just shows everyone has a different take. I see he already has a company which probably gives you better peace of mind as it’s Ozzie I Guess but the trekking companies in Kathmandu are a fraction of the price and it’s the same porters and guides ultimately. If he is offered to drink millet with the locals it’s a fun thing to do but can give you a pretty decent hangover which at altitude is never great. Always ask before taking any pictures of the locals.
Thank you both - just to confirm he'll be 16 in Dec.
Good reads.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 6:50 am
by HKCJ
kiwigreg369 wrote:
HKCJ wrote:Good advice about the Jeep to Tal from Caley Red. Definitely second that.contrary to Turbo I thought Poon Hill was better views than ABC base camp. Sunrise trek definitely worth it. Just shows everyone has a different take. I see he already has a company which probably gives you better peace of mind as it’s Ozzie I Guess but the trekking companies in Kathmandu are a fraction of the price and it’s the same porters and guides ultimately. If he is offered to drink millet with the locals it’s a fun thing to do but can give you a pretty decent hangover which at altitude is never great. Always ask before taking any pictures of the locals.
Thank you both - just to confirm he'll be 16 in Dec.
Good reads.
Ah ok then the hangovers probably don’t apply. Masturbating at altitude is highly tiring and there’s a distinct lack of Kleenex over 3500m

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 6:53 am
by Caley_Red
HKCJ wrote:
kiwigreg369 wrote:
HKCJ wrote:Good advice about the Jeep to Tal from Caley Red. Definitely second that.contrary to Turbo I thought Poon Hill was better views than ABC base camp. Sunrise trek definitely worth it. Just shows everyone has a different take. I see he already has a company which probably gives you better peace of mind as it’s Ozzie I Guess but the trekking companies in Kathmandu are a fraction of the price and it’s the same porters and guides ultimately. If he is offered to drink millet with the locals it’s a fun thing to do but can give you a pretty decent hangover which at altitude is never great. Always ask before taking any pictures of the locals.
Thank you both - just to confirm he'll be 16 in Dec.
Good reads.
Ah ok then the hangovers probably don’t apply. Masturbating at altitude is highly tiring and there’s a distinct lack of Kleenex over 3500m
I'd give the hash a miss in that case as well :lol:

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 7:10 am
by booji boy
kiwigreg369 wrote:
HKCJ wrote:Good advice about the Jeep to Tal from Caley Red. Definitely second that.contrary to Turbo I thought Poon Hill was better views than ABC base camp. Sunrise trek definitely worth it. Just shows everyone has a different take. I see he already has a company which probably gives you better peace of mind as it’s Ozzie I Guess but the trekking companies in Kathmandu are a fraction of the price and it’s the same porters and guides ultimately. If he is offered to drink millet with the locals it’s a fun thing to do but can give you a pretty decent hangover which at altitude is never great. Always ask before taking any pictures of the locals.
Thank you both - just to confirm he'll be 16 in Dec.
Good reads.
And avoid drinking the local water at all costs. I was pretty careful and fine whilst trekking but once back in Pokhara I got careless, not sure how, maybe just brushing my teeth using tap water instead of bottled water. Anyway it resulted in a bout of giardia. x( Pretty unpleasant! :thumbdown:

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 8:26 am
by J Man
I missed my stop on the train once when drunk and had to walk from Otahuhu to Mt Wellington.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 2:18 pm
by danny_fitz
Okay, not quite long distance but doing the Snowdon horseshoe this weekend and for a change the weather looks like I might be able to see something from the summit.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 4:02 pm
by HKCJ
Seneca of the Night wrote:Ultralight gear list. Anyone is takes more stuff than this is ghey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-coZM7 ... ySZ4AaABAg

Try getting away with that in mid June in Scotland when it starts snowing. I always carry way too much stuff (am usually around 13-15kg for a week away) but I'd much rather have it than not. A kindle for example is a necessity for me. I have made a few concessions over the years.. I've gone from a Trangia to a Jetboil which has made quite a difference.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 4:15 pm
by SaintK
danny_fitz wrote:Okay, not quite long distance but doing the Snowdon horseshoe this weekend and for a change the weather looks like I might be able to see something from the summit.
About 12k and between 5 and 6 hours if I remember correctly.
The views if clear are spectacular. Wouldn't want to do it in icy or windy conditions mind you

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 4:17 pm
by happyhooker
danny_fitz wrote:Okay, not quite long distance but doing the Snowdon horseshoe this weekend and for a change the weather looks like I might be able to see something from the summit.
Crib goch's no fun if you can see and it's not snowing.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 4:20 pm
by HKCJ
I'm doing the Yorkshire three peaks on Saturday. On my stag do so likely dressed as a gimp after a Friday night out in Blackpool. I'm feckin terrified.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 4:24 pm
by Rossco
Off for a stroll down the Speyside way in a couple of weeks. Good excuse to work through the Whiskies in the Craigellachie Hotel and pop into as many distillery’s as we can muster.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 4:36 pm
by happyhooker
HKCJ wrote:I'm doing the Yorkshire three peaks on Saturday. On my stag do so likely dressed as a gimp after a Friday night out in Blackpool. I'm feckin terrified.
Jesus, your poor head.

That's a decent day's walk when sober

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 4:38 pm
by Salix
Walked from Dinas to Corwen across the Aran and Berwyn mountains. Great walk.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 4:43 pm
by frillage
HKCJ wrote:I'm doing the Yorkshire three peaks on Saturday. On my stag do so likely dressed as a gimp after a Friday night out in Blackpool. I'm feckin terrified.
which way walking?

if can time it right get the train. It feels and sounds like a cheat, in reality you just miss out a boring flat slog.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 4:47 pm
by danny_fitz
SaintK wrote:
danny_fitz wrote:Okay, not quite long distance but doing the Snowdon horseshoe this weekend and for a change the weather looks like I might be able to see something from the summit.
About 12k and between 5 and 6 hours if I remember correctly.
The views if clear are spectacular. Wouldn't want to do it in icy or windy conditions mind you
I was at school in that neck of the woods so have spent years scrambling all over Snowdonia in all conditions, character building and all that! Will have the wife in tow so hopefully conditions will stay nice. Will try and sneak Tryfan on Sunday morning if I am not too hungover.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 6:46 pm
by HKCJ
frillage wrote:
HKCJ wrote:I'm doing the Yorkshire three peaks on Saturday. On my stag do so likely dressed as a gimp after a Friday night out in Blackpool. I'm feckin terrified.
which way walking?

if can time it right get the train. It feels and sounds like a cheat, in reality you just miss out a boring flat slog.
HH - and I have a feeling a mutual Friend of ours will very much want to take his revenge after his stag in Thailand a few years back. :(

I have no idea to be honest.. best man is in charge of it all. Half the group will probably stay in the pub. I think we have a coach so maybe we are missing out the slog by taking he coach.

Re: Long distance hiking thread

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 10:04 pm
by frillage
HKCJ wrote:
frillage wrote:
HKCJ wrote:I'm doing the Yorkshire three peaks on Saturday. On my stag do so likely dressed as a gimp after a Friday night out in Blackpool. I'm feckin terrified.
which way walking?

if can time it right get the train. It feels and sounds like a cheat, in reality you just miss out a boring flat slog.
HH - and I have a feeling a mutual Friend of ours will very much want to take his revenge after his stag in Thailand a few years back. :(

I have no idea to be honest.. best man is in charge of it all. Half the group will probably stay in the pub. I think we have a coach so maybe we are missing out the slog by taking he coach.
Would advise missing it, unless the distance walked and time do it in is relevant to the group. Would really say pull a cramp just after pen-y-Ghent with best man, send the rest ahead saying you will catch up on the road to Whernside you just need to stretch it. Jump a train and be sitting at the foot of Whernside smoking a fag and drinking a beer by time the rest get there (You would need to confirm traintimes they don’t run all time, think it is a spur off the settle Carlisle railway iirc, but think peak summer they run)

There are 2 ways, but Pen-y-Gent, Whernside, Ingleborough definitely the better way.
The short sharp bounce up P-y-G will blow cobwebs away and gets the slog between there and Whernside out way early in day if you do walk it.
If you Start up ingleborough and it’s a long slow tramp up the first peak, but that is a nice gentle descent to finish with to take in scenery the other way.