Trollheimen Triangle: Hiking in the Heart of Troll Country

The Trollheimen Mountains of central Norway are one of the country’s most diverse mountain ranges. Located in the transition zone between marine and alpine environments, Trollheimen features ancient woodlands, lush river valleys, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and jagged rocky peaks. Complementing Read More …

Books for Hikers and Backpackers (2024 Edition)

The fifth iteration of the “Hiking Books Guide” has been updated and expanded to include more than 90 works divided into eight categories: 1. Educational; 2. Guidebooks; 3. Humour; 4. Inspirational; 5. Literature; 6. Memoirs; 7. Philosophy, and; 8. Ultralight. Read More …

A Quick & Dirty Guide to the Peaks of the Balkans Trail

For hikers of a superstitious bent, the prospect of trekking through the Balkan’s Accursed mountains may evoke more than a little trepidation. And up until fairly recently, this nervousness would have been wholly justified due to the fact that the Read More …

A Quick & Dirty Guide to the Arctic Circle Trail

Approximately 80 percent of Greenland is covered by a vast ice sheet. The remaining 20 percent of this ironically named island is a coastal corridor that is mostly ice-free during the summer months. It is here, among the sparsely populated Read More …

A Quick & Dirty Guide to the Stubai High Trail

The Stubai High Trail (“Stubaier Höhenweg” in German) is one of the most beautiful treks in the Austrian Alps. Linking together eight characterful mountain huts, this horseshoe-shaped route around the Stubai Valley oscillates between breathtaking passes and enchanting valleys, while Read More …

A Quick & Dirty Guide to Italy’s Alta Via 1

Located in northeastern Italy, the Dolomites are one of Europe’s most dramatic mountain ranges. A combination of serrated limestone peaks, sheer cliffs, shimmering alpine lakes and deep, narrow valleys, they have long been a magnet for geologists, travellers and outdoor Read More …

Books for Hikers and Backpackers (2019 Edition)

This year’s book list has been revised and significantly expanded, and to make things easier on the sorting front, I’ve divided the works into eight different categories: Educational, Guidebooks, Humour, Inspirational, Literature, Memoirs, Philosophy and Ultralight. All of the more Read More …

A Quick and Dirty Guide to the Alta Via 2

Located in northeastern Italy, the Dolomites are one of Europe’s most dramatic mountain ranges. A combination of serrated limestone peaks, sheer cliffs, shimmering alpine lakes and deep, narrow valleys, they have long been a magnet for geologists, travellers and outdoor Read More …

Cape Wrath Trail Backpacking Guide

The Cape Wrath Trail is often referred to as Britain’s toughest long distance walk. Stretching approximately 230 miles (370 km) from the Highland hub of Fort William to the remote lighthouse of Cape Wrath, it is an unmarked and sometimes Read More …

The Skye Trail – Trip Report & Backpacking Guide

Scotland’s Isle of Skye is a place steeped in myth, legend and natural beauty. Tales of giants and shape-shifting water horses are woven together with stories of dramatic mountain ranges and coastlines. It is an island that engages and inspires Read More …

A Quick & Dirty Guide to the Pyrenean Haute Route

The Pyrenean Haute Route (or HRP for Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne) is an approximately 800 km (497 mi) traverse of one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain ranges. Stretching from the Atlantic ocean to the Mediterranean sea, it crisscrosses the natural boundary Read More …

Books for Hikers and Backpackers (Revised & Updated)

All of the works listed below have a place in my library at home. They represent a mixture of educational and philosophical texts; with a sprinkling of humour, poetry and social commentary thrown into the literary mix. The books are Read More …

Chamonix to Zermatt: The Walker’s Haute Route

The Walker’s Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt takes the hiker on a visually stunning journey between Europe’s two most iconic mountains – Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Along the way, the trail passes by 10 of the 12 highest Read More …

A Quick & Dirty Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a spectacular multi-day trek around Western Europe’s highest peak (4807 m / 15,771 ft). Passing through France, Italy and Switzerland, it takes the hiker on an alpine tour de force of snow-capped peaks, Read More …

Coast-to-Coast Walk | England

Note:  Unfortunately all of my photos from this hike, which I did over seven days in May 2009, were accidentally deleted.  Distance:  192 miles (309 km) approx. Avg.Time:  10 – 13 days. Start / Finish: St. Bees – Robin Hood’s Read More …