The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
‘Ascending through the olive groves, we picked strongly scented sage and thyme’
From a remote Greek island to the Tirol, your favourite walking spots in Europe inspired some surprising tales
Our young children – in hiking boots, with backpacks containing bare necessities and teddies – were raring to go. Our destination was Alpe Devero, near Domodossola in northern Italy, overnighting at a refugio in Citta di Arona.
On the well-marked trail, we passed squeaking marmots and spring flowers. At the refuge, we rewarded ourselves with ice creams. After supper came a surprise: a local priest appearing for the annual blessing of the place.
After a good night’s sleep in rickety bunk beds, we headed to Lago delle Streghe – the Witches’ Lake – where beautiful emerald waters reflected the snow-capped mountains and pine trees. It was the perfect family outing. Veronica Bliss, Winchester
BEETHOVEN’S LOCAL
Beethoven’s Symphony No 6 – aka the Pastoral – is among my favourites. And where better to listen to it than in Vienna, on the Beethoven Walk?
My wife and I did just that. We took a tram from the city centre to the suburb of Nussdorf, then strolled along the Beethovengang, listening to the composer’s music on our headphones.
Beethoven himself used to walk here, inspired by the woods, vineyards and open countryside. Walking in his footsteps brought a fresh perspective on his music. We enjoyed a simple meal and a glass of wine in a Heurige (wine tavern) in Heiligenstadt, where Beethoven was a regular. What an ensemble!
Martin Nuttall, Cambridge
BACK TO NATURE
My heart belongs to Lanzarote when it comes to walking. Step outside any of the main resorts and you can instantly be walking solo and at one with nature. The cooling breeze at all times makes for a comfortable temperature.
The Montaña la Cavera hiking trail in La Caleta is perfect for anyone with a basic level of fitness. All you need is a pair of sturdy walking boots and two hours to spare. It starts at the surfing town of Famara, where huge waves roll in. The meandering trail, though uneven, is flat all the way to the caldera, where you can explore the crater.
Cacti, wildlife, the sea in view at all times, a refreshing glass of sangria… it’s the perfect combination.
Rosanne Francis, Essex
ACCESSIBLE AUSTRIA
During the five years that we lived in Austria, we hiked at every opportunity. Our favourite was the Krimml Waterfalls, in the Tirol, one of Europe’s best water features.
Krimml forms a ziggurat, moving upwards. Helpfully, a paved path, with lookout points and benches along the way, makes it accessible to all. At £3.50 per adult, it’s affordable too.
But the best is yet to come. On reaching the summit, you will see a vast and beautiful river valley. Hohe Tauern National Park, complete with cows contentedly grazing, is a wonder to behold.
Walking further, one happens upon charming Alpine huts serving simple food and drink: ice-cold lagers, cheeses, meats, dark bread, strudel… If heaven on earth exists, surely this is it.
Heather Baker, Essex
STAY FOR THE SUNRISE
It was many years ago, but climbing the steel ladders up to the Grand Balcon – upon which Lac Blanc, in France, sits – was a scary moment. However, the fear was worth it for a scene of such incredible beauty. In the clear mountain air, the blue water of Lac Blanc stunned with the reflection of the mountains surrounding it: Aiguille du Midi, Mont Blanc, Mer de Glace, Grandes Jorasses…
Hardly a gentle walk, you say – but I have visited since by a route accessible to less experienced hikers. Take the cablecar on the north side of the Chamonix Valley to La Flégère and, after an hour of walking on easy but rockstrewn terrain, you reach Lac Blanc.
There is a refuge selling refreshments, but your own picnic will be more exciting. Consider camping (permitted 7pm-9am) to experience the sunrise. That, too, is unforgettable.
Janet Wallace, Hampshire
MADEIRA AT ITS PEAK
Vertiginous drops and stupendous views over forested, volcanic peaks might not sound like “a gentle walk” – but the PR10, from Ribeiro Frio to Portela, follows the slow descent of irrigation water in one of Madeira’s famous levadas, albeit over a distance of seven miles.
Whatever the weather (and both times we have walked it, rain has fallen), the scenery is splendid, with views out to the Atlantic and over wooded valleys. Walking past mosses and ferns, through tunnels and by pools, there is a feeling of amazement at the feats of the labourers who constructed the channel and its footpath hundreds of years ago.
The start of the walk is reached by bus or car and, at the end, one can take another bus or a taxi back to one’s car. But first, celebrate with espetadas – succulent fillet steak on giant skewers – at the restaurant.
Robert Moore, Hertfordshire*