Remote walking holidays make huge strides

Remote walking tours are booming as more travellers seek off-the-beaten-path experiences, one leading travel company is reporting. 

More Australians embracing active travel in Europe than ever before, UTracks has said, saying demand for immersive experiences in remote destinations is among their fastest-growing segments.

These journeys take travellers deep into some of Europe’s most remote landscapes, from Romania's dramatic peaks in Romania to Iceland's Nordic wilderness.

Albania is a trending destination, gaining attention for its rugged terrains and rich cultural history. 

The remote village of Theth, nestled in a stunning valley, provides access to some of the country’s most spectacular trails, including the renowned Peaks of the Balkans Trail. 

This multi-country guided hike weaves through Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo at elevations of up to 2,300 metres. 

“Travellers are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer a sense of discovery,” says Kate Baker, general manager of UTracks (www.utracks.com.au). 

“Places like Albania deliver that in spades, offering pristine nature, deep history, and warm local hospitality.

"With more people seeking out destinations that feel personal and unspoiled, our walks offer the perfect balance of exploration and cultural immersion.” 

UTracks offers a range of hiking experiences in wild and remote destinations, including: 

# Iceland: Footsteps of Thor https://www.utracks.com/Iceland/Guided-Walking/Iceland-Footsteps-of-Thor

# Poland Pieniny and Tatra Mountains Hike https://www.utracks.com/Poland/Alpine-Hiking/Poland-Pieniny-and-Tatra-Mountains-Hike

and 

# Transylvania Castles amd Mountains https://www.utracks.com/Romania/Self-Guided-Walking/Transylvania-Castles-Mountains 

Image: Walking in Albania 

Walk the walk: Nagano wants an all-year reputation

A popular winter sports destination with Australian travellers, the Japanese alpine city of Nagano is looking to build on that popularity by luring outdoor enthusiasts during the warmer months.

Among the major regional attractions is the famous ancient route Nakasendo, which for more than 400 years has cut a path through the mountainous heart of main island Honshu.

As one of five major historic roads - known as Gokaido - to connect corners of Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868), Nakasendo links the imperial capital of Kyoto with Tokyo, passing through the Nagano Prefecture.

It is the longest of the historic links, stretching more than 540 kilometres, although today’s hikers mainly choose to trek sections rather than the entire route.

“We aim to increase tourist interest in Nagano beyond the ski slopes, the hot springs and the bathing snow monkeys,” said Helen Wong, the Australian representative for Nagano Tourism Organization.

“Nakasendo was an important thoroughfare utilised by Daimyo lords, peasants, traders and religious pilgrims,” she said.

“To stretch the legs on a section of the road opens a fascinating insight into what life was like in Japan during the Edo Period. Equally appealing are the many panoramic viewing points and villages visited along the way.”

The move to promote Nagano as a summer destination came with the release of the latest tourism nine-month statistics (January-August) which showed a 25% growth in night stays by Australians compared with the same period last year.

To highlight what Nakasendo has to offer to Australians, a webinar will take place in March, covering the best walks along the winding trails, the mountainous scenery, various inns and bubbling hot springs.

A date for the webinar will be confirmed in the early new year.

Interest will also focus on the food scene, the fresh local ingredients used to create seasonal dishes that are distinct from other areas of Japan.

See Go Nagano (go-nagano.net)

How to take the best walks on Australia's wild side

One piece of advice that is key for anyone planning a holiday: Do your research.

You don't want to end up in a luxury hotel that is next to a major building site, or find that jellyfish make it dangerous to swim at your chosen beach resort.

Making sure you make the right choice is super-important if you are considering splashing out big bucks on one of Australia's famous - and sometimes challenging - multi-day walks.

A new book showcasing the best long-distance walks in Australia is perfect for anyone planning their next multi-day adventure.

Do you you need a tent? How much food will you need?

One of the greatest challenges can be searching through the options to find the right trail for you you and your abilities.

To help with this, editor and writer Wendy Bruere has assembled a team of experienced Australian writer-hikers, to survey and showcase the best multi-day walks Australia has to offer in the new book: Australia's 50 Best Multi-Day Walks.

Descriptions, essential planning information, tips, maps and photography will help inspire, and guide readers towards the right choice for their vacation.

Bruere is a Sydney-based writer and editor, specialising in outdoor adventure and climate change. She has combined with a team including John and Monica Chapman, who have been writing walking guides for Australians for over 40 years.

Australia's 50 Best Multi-Day Walks. Publisher: Woodslane Press. RRP: $39.99. Available at bookstores and at www.woodslanepress.com.au

Hiking in the shadows of active volcanoes

New Zealand is one of the world's best destinations for lovers of walking.

Great Walks of New Zealand has just announced two new self-guided hiking trips exploring the dramatic Tongariro National Park.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing Self-Guided Hike and the Tongariro Northern Circuit Self-Guided Hike traverse the heart of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO dual World Heritage area celebrated for its spiritual significance, cultural heritage and volcanoes.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing Self-Guided Hike is a three-day experience structured around a 19km day trek that is widely regarded as New Zealand’s best - and among the top 10 single-day treks in the world.Hikers are surrounded by three active volcanic mountains: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu.

Despite their active status, these volcanoes have proven safe and popular during the summer months, with the last eruptions occurring in 1996 and 1975.

For those seeking a more testing expedition, the Tongariro Northern Circuit Self-Guided Hike is a five-day trip encompassing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, along with two additional trekking days.

“We are thrilled to introduce these two self-guided hikes to our portfolio, showcasing the incredible natural wonder that is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing," says Natalie Tambolash, general manager of Great Walks of New Zealand.

"Both trips offer a challenging yet rewarding adventure through a unique and unpredictable alpine environment. From crystal blue waters to ancient volcanoes, these journeys promise adventure, diversity and once-in-a-lifetime scenery.

"Whether they are a first-time visitor to the Tongariro region or a seasoned regular, these journeys offer visitors the chance to experience the true natural and rugged beauty that defines New Zealand.”

Both hiking options are offered as daily departures until April 30.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing Self-Guided Hike is priced from $450 NZD per person and the Tongariro Northern Circuit Self-Guided Hike from $890 NZD per person.

All About Great Walks of New Zealand.

A new book to inspire walkers of all abilities

Here's a new book that is equally appealing for armchair travellers and avid adventurers.

Greatest Walks of the World is an ideal gift for anyone who ,loves to connect with nature, or for a Father's Day gift for any Dad who dreams of walking some of the most inspiring landscapes on earth.

From Tasmania's epic Three Capes Track track and the Larapinta Trail in central Australia to the Camino de Santiago in Europe and South Africa's Table Mountain, hiking routes are explored with photographs, route guides and maps.

The locations have been chosen for their outstanding natural beauty and their popularity with a selection of 'bucket-list' treks combined with 'locals-only' knowledge.

The book, from Exisle Pubishing, features 50 walks from around the world, and is lavishsly illustrated and enticing enough to make even this confirmed coach potato put his walking boots back on.

Greatest Walks of The World by Stuart Butler and Mary Caperton Morton, Hardcover | 320 pages | Exisle Publishing | RRP $49.99

See www.exislepublishing.com 

How to get away from it all in the Grampians

There seems to be an ever-increasing level of interest in getting off the beaten track.

From the wilds of Tasmania to wilderness areas in Victoria, to the remote outback, Australians are keen to turn their backs on city hustle and bustle and get away from it all.

The latest in the popular Woodslane Walking Guides will be released this month: The Grampians Peaks Trail will be the first independent guide dedicated to the region, complementing the official maps.

It is described as an indispensable resource for those seeking to plan and undertake the hike across rural Victoria, either in one go, or in sections.

The multi-day Grampians Peaks Trail covers 164km of spectacular scenery and challenging hiking from Mt Zero in the north to Dunkeld in the south, traversing three major mountain ranges along the way.

Over 13 days, the GPT apparently takes in almost the same amount of elevation and descent as it would be to climb Mt Everest.

The book is illustrated with full-colour photographs and detailed maps for each section.

As well as extensive planning notes, there are detailed walk notes for each of the 13 official days walks, with flexible ‘build your own walk’ options for those seeking to do the GPT as a series of day or sectional walks.

The book also contains much Information on transport, food drops, camping and water, as well as local history, the environment and wildlife.

Authors Deb Heyes and Julie Mundy have been keen walkers their whole lives, and have been walking together for over 15 years.

This is Julie’s seventh and Deb’s fourth walking guidebook for Woodslane Press.

RRP: $29.99 Available from bookstores and online. See www.woodslane.com.au

Exploring Tasmania's wilder side

From remote hiking trails to absurdly picturesque waterfalls, Australia's island state of Tasmania has plenty to please anyone who wants to get off the beaten track.

If you are more a tent person than a luxury resort person; a picnic personality rather than a fine dining fan, the a new book from Woodslane Press might be right up your alley.

Written by Gillian Souter, Discovering Natural Tasmania is a really nifty guide for anyone looking to take some roads, tracks or mountain trails less travelled on the Apple Isle.

While Tasmania may be well known for its gourmet restaurants and fine cool-climate wines, many visitors come simply to get away from it all.

Tasmania really is an outdoor lover's paradise - over half of island consists of national parks, reserves and state forests.

These abound with walks and treks, sights of interest, lookouts, activities, wildlife encounters, adventures, beaches and remote places to stay.

I live in Tasmania and made a whole lot of discoveries about places that I had either not heard or, or added to my "to do" list.

The book is well set out, illustrated with over 200 full-colour photographs and dozens of detailed maps.

Discovering Natural Tasmania by Gillian Souter is published byWoodslane Press and is available at bookstores and online. RRP: $34.99