Hiking

Sunset - time to relax in our camp

There are several trails around this lake which is a provincial park.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/6218752

Sorry for the wall of text, but as we put it all down, we realised that we had to add more and more criteria.

We are planning our last trip for this year and are based in Germany. Our plans/funds unfortunately don't allow something as far away as Scotland/Sweden/... so we are looking in Germany, Denmark, BeNeLux, Western France, Austria or Switzerland.

Ideally, this trail is not too much of a misery in autumn. We are fine with lots of ups and down, but not equipped for mountains or very alpine terrain in this time of the year. We would be fine with huts or shelters, but could also wild camp (if it's no too much of a hassle). Doing just a certain section (5days max) would be fine for us as well.

Bonus points for remoteness and beautiful nature. Walking along roads, forestry roads or villages all day is a bit monotone after a while.

Might be that this does not exist; we enjoyed e.g. the West Highland Way very much and are looking forward for Sweden/Norway.

The water is usually crystal clear turquoise, but had just recently had monsoon storms there the week before we arrived.

This was one of the most terrifying hikes I’ve ever done in my life and I doubt I will ever do it again. Absolutely stunning, though.

For me, it was to always bring a big water bottle (or two smaller ones).

I just got back from a hike on one of the hottest days of the year where I ended up walking around 3 hours and several kilometers after running out of water during the hottest part of the day before I could get to a churchyard with an outdoor tap to fill up on. Not fun!

It rained last night, and they were everywhere.

This photo was taken from the summit of Chiefs Head Peak looking east towards Longs Peak. In frame is Storm Peak, Longs Peak, Keyboard of the winds, Pagoda, and Mt. Meeker.

From Sandbeach TH in Wild Basin to the summit was 15.97 miles, 5.2K of elevation gain. Stats might be off a bit due to Garmin going Garmin, but it was a ass kicking hike and the payoff was so worth it.

A beautiful day for a hike. It was getting warm, but the canopy kept all of us cool.

Camped overnight at Alder Flats, took the West Canyon Trail there and East Canyon Trail back.

This was the first overnight hike I’ve gone on in years. Planning on doing Garibaldi next!

Pictures really can't do this hike justice. It follows the Bow River, which is a gorgeous blue-green this time of year. Very few people along the trail, which surprised me given how busy Banff is.

You can see Dillon Reservoir below and Torreys and Grays 14ers in the background.

I'm in NJ so all we have is black bear, but I was able to scare it off easily. However, I was lost in thought when I spotted it. I am just glad it wasn't closer when I did.

Either way, itnwas a reminder that I am just a guest in the woods.

[Image description: a trail winding through a forest of thin trees, with the ground covered in bright green blueberry bushes. Four hikers are seen further down the trail]

A photo of the sunset from Shi Shi beach. It’s not a tough hike but absolutely worth it. We backpacked there for two nights just last week and really enjoyed it!

I wrote a little more about the experience here.

All,

I come to you with a request. Though I enjoy hiking and the outdoors, I am plagued with incredibly flat feet that get painfully sore after only a few miles of walking.

I'd like to enjoy the outdoors more, but the pain builds and builds until it's no longer enjoyable for me to walk and explore. Part of the issue is that I don't own shoes suitable for such activities -- I mostly wear Vans and other similar flat, wide shoes.

Does anyone here have a similar issue? If so, what are your recommendations for good hiking shoes for a person in my situation?

I would call myself a beginner when it comes to hiking, so they don't need to be anything too fancy, but I'm willing to spend a decent amount to mitigate my stupid feet.

Thank you!

Alpine National Park, Victoria, Australia

One of the most memorable hikes I've ever done, trudging along the ridge and through patches of dwarf pine as these rain clouds zip past.