5 of the Best
Words: Emma Juhasz Take a walk on the wild side… A new year is a great time for breathing in the great outdoors as you broaden your horizons A river runs through it Gasp at the grandeur of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona – a 45-minute chopper ride from Las Vegas – by taking a classic hike from the [...]
Words: Emma Juhasz
Take a walk on the wild side…
A new year is a great time for breathing in the
great outdoors as you broaden your horizons
A river runs through it
Gasp at the grandeur of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona – a 45-minute chopper ride from Las
Vegas – by taking a classic hike from the north to the south rim. It’s tough going, as you descend 8,000 feet to
the base and cross the roaring Colorado River before ascending back up.
www.grandcanyon.com
Head for heights
England’s largest National Park, the Lake District – an hour from Manchester – contains
the country’s deepest lake, Wast Water, and highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Push yourself to
the limit by scrabbling up it or its other famous mountain, Helvellyn, via the hair-raising Striding
Edge route (pictured).www.lake-district.gov.uk
Giant steps
Discover Northern Ireland’s breathtaking Co Antrim coastline while walking in the
footsteps of giants. The Giant’s Causeway – two hours from Belfast – is a magnifi cent
natural phenomenon, surrounded by legend.The polygonal basalt columns can be explored
via various routes.Visit www.walkni.com
for further information.
Highland peaks
The mountains and valleys of the Scottish Highlands make it one of the most scenic regions
in Europe. A wealth of walking opportunities are on offer and Glen Coe – 1½ hours from
Inverness – caters for all levels of fi tness, with Buachaille Etive More (pictured) being a gentle
but rewarding route. www.visitscotland.com/walking
Flat lands
Take a hike with a difference across the Wadden Sea – an hour from Amsterdam. At low tide, huge mud flats are
left exposed, letting you walk, or wade rather, across this impressive landscape which teems
with wildlife. Make sure you take a guide with you, as it’s surprisingly easy to lose your way.
Visit www.hollandexploringtours.nl
for details.
