The name for this blog says it all. It’s all about rambling, walking, hiking, trekking… Call it what you will. I’ve always been a big fan of slow travel as a way of truly exploring this amazing world of ours. From long-distance treks lasting several weeks to walks in the woods of just a few… Continue reading Why Footsteps?
The Moselsteig – Winningen to Koblenz
And so, one year on, I come to my final day on the Moselsteig. Again, this will be a fairly easy hike with a distance of around 15 kilometres to cover to the point where the Moselle meets the Rhine, just over 200 metres to climb and one very flat final section along the riverbank… Continue reading The Moselsteig – Winningen to Koblenz
The Moselsteig – Niederfell to Winningen
After yesterday’s 27 kilometres, this fourth day of hiking will be much easier, with around 15 kilometres to cover and “only” 550 metres to climb (and descend) to reach the wine-making village of Winningen. I’m woken fairly early by the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread, croissants and cakes wafting up from the bakery on… Continue reading The Moselsteig – Niederfell to Winningen
The Moselsteig – Moselkern to Niederfell
On this third day, from Moselkern, I’ll be combining two relatively short stages of the trail (13 km and 14 km) to the village of Niederfell, just across the river from the town of Kobern-Gondorf. There will be around 1000 metres to climb in the course of the day, with 1000 to descend too as… Continue reading The Moselsteig – Moselkern to Niederfell
The Moselsteig – Treis-Karden to Moselkern
After the 28 km that I hiked yesterday, this second day will be a lot easier with just half that distance to cover. There will be climbs, of course. After all, they are constant feature of the Moselle trail as it alternates between the valley villages and the higher ground. Today, there will just be… Continue reading The Moselsteig – Treis-Karden to Moselkern
Back to the Moselsteig – Cochem to Treis-Karden
Regular readers of this blog may remember that I tore a calf muscle last year after 16 days on the Moselsteig, forcing me to abandon the trail at Cochem. Those 16 days had been an absolute delight with the discovery of an enchanting river valley, spectacular viewpoints, great wines, excellent food and very friendly people… Continue reading Back to the Moselsteig – Cochem to Treis-Karden
Andalusia – Day 7 – Acebuchal to Frigiliana
Our final day on the trail before a few days’ rest in Nerja, then in Barcelona to split up the train journey home, see a dear friend and stock up on the world’s best sausages from the Botifarrería de Santa María. And, after the previous day left Odile totally wiped out, a day when we… Continue reading Andalusia – Day 7 – Acebuchal to Frigiliana
Andalusia – Day 6 – Canillas de Albaida to Acebuchal
This proves to be a memorable day and in more ways than one, the most spectacular on the trail so far as we cross the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, but also one that leaves Odile totally exhausted, swearing that she will never follow me blindly on a hike ever again! As… Continue reading Andalusia – Day 6 – Canillas de Albaida to Acebuchal
Andalusia – Day 5 – Canillas de Aceituno to Canillas de Albaida
Rain is forecast for the first time since arriving in Spain and the day isn’t likely to be sunny. We wake to grey, cloudy skies and there’s already a hint of the coming rain in the air. The breakfast served by Peter and Sandor is a grand affair, a fine blend of Spanish and Dutch… Continue reading Andalusia – Day 5 – Canillas de Aceituno to Canillas de Albaida
Andalusia – Day 4 – Alcaucín to Canillas de Aceituno
For this second day of hiking, the trail described in the Recto-Verso guide would take us to the top of La Maroma, the highest peak in Malaga province at 2069 metres. This would mean climbing up 1400 metres from Alcaucín and then descending 1300 to Canillas de Aceituno, our next stop. After talking it over,… Continue reading Andalusia – Day 4 – Alcaucín to Canillas de Aceituno
Andalusia – Day 3 – Periana to Alcaucín
There won’t be many early starts on this hike. It’s often difficult getting breakfast in Spain before 9. Robert, used to having hikers stay, prepares ours for 8 this morning, but it isn’t even daylight then at this time of year. We find he has left us a terrific spread in the kitchen with everything… Continue reading Andalusia – Day 3 – Periana to Alcaucín
Footsteps 