Hiking, Islay

Overlooking the road between Otley and Harrogate, Almscliffe Crag is a millstone grit outcrop which is popular with rock climbers. From Almscliffe Crag there are extensive views over the lower end of Wharfedale and eastwards across to the plains of the Vale of York. The crag is one of the best climbing locations in the area. Some classic climbs include Parsons' Chimney, Black Wall Eliminate, and Wall of Horrors. https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/things-to-do/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=2195248&easi=true&groupid=7&miles=4&feature=1

Penllergare Valley Woods is a picturesque landscape hidden away in a steep valley just a stone's throw, yet a world away, from the M4 in north Swansea. With its lakes and waterfalls, terraces, panoramic views, and exotic trees and shrubs, this forgotten Victorian paradise is being slowly restored and brought back to life by The Penllergare Trust. The car park and visitor centre are located just off J47 of the M4. Visitors can enjoy a drink at our Woodland Coffee Shop, with views from the terrace over our Woodland Garden and towards the Upper Lake. From here, visitors can enjoy over 12km of walks, including a stroll along the old Carriage Drive, and also down into the Llan valley where the Dillwyn Llewlyn family, who lived on the estate in the 19th century, created the Upper Lake and the stunning man-made waterfall. Paths and tracks lead on down alongside the afon Llan as it meanders its way to Fforestfach. https://www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/penllergare-valley-woods/

Dartmoor National Park is one of the last great wildernesses in the UK with an inspirational landscape of heather-clad moors and rugged tors. Dartmoor was designated as a National Park in 1951, a vast tract of the largely untamed countryside of huge richness and diversity stretching across 368 square miles. It's a landscape quite unlike any other, populated by lofty granite tors, mysterious hut circles and standing stones, ancient woodlands, sturdy clapper bridges, rushing streams, Dartmoor ponies, bustling stannary towns and secluded villages. This unique area has so much to see and do, but first of all, you must experience Dartmoor by actually getting out onto it, the National Park is most easily accessed by car, although there are options by bus if it’s a particular village you would like to see in general there is little public transport on to the moors. Walk, ride, cycle, canoe or even fish once you are on Dartmoor so that you can soak up its very special atmosphere. Another Dartmoor activity that has become very popular with families is letterboxing - you can find out more about this unique activity at the High Moorland Visitor Centre at Princetown. Dartmoor is also a wonderful landscape for you to enjoy Geocaching, https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/dartmoor-national-park-p234193

Brownsea Island is a wildlife sanctuary that’s easy to reach but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore. There is wildlife to spot and woodland to explore; outdoor activities to try and beaches to picnic on; birds to watch and trails to wander. Sample the scouting life at the Outdoor Centre; spend a night under the stars on our Eco Adventure Camping experience, or learn about intriguing tales of survival and adventure at the Trading Post. Wildlife spotters can follow waymarked routes through a wealth of different habitats from the sheltered lagoon and sweeping shorelines, to woodlands and heathland. As you wander, keep an eye out for the famous red squirrel. https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/brownsea-island-national-trust-p2360813

The Doornpanne, together with De Hoge Blekker and De Schipgatduinen, forms a 240-hectare dune massif. The area comprises various types of dune, from drift dunes and dune grasslands to densely grown pans and fixed inner dunes. A belt of drifting dunes is situated around it, including the highest dune top on the Flemish coast (Hoge Blekker 33 m). The Doornpanne has been a protected landscape since 1975 and was therefore included in the list of nature areas with European protection The central walking and cycling path connects the Witte Burg with the Hoge Blekker. Part of this path is part of the signposted Kustfietsroute and was laid out in shell clay. Following on from this path, the IWVA constructed a hiking trail in chopping wood, to allow the southeastern part of the nature reserve to be explored. A nature trail (3 km) was also laid out along which the walker is invited to appeal to all the senses and in this way discover the Doornpanne. There is also the Doornpannewandelpad (8 km) from the province of West Flanders. https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebied/doornpanne-en-hoge-blekker

Grene Sande and Gyttegård Plantation are unique natural areas and cultural history! Gyttegård Plantation is a so-called "Copenhagen plantation", which has only existed for well over 100 years. In the past, it was an area of ​​hard-working heathen peasants who struggled with sand escape. Today, you can see traces of both the "Copenhagen plantation" and the sand escape, as the area consists of woodland, dry heathland with cranberries and heather, as well as many larger and less humid meadows and marsh areas. There are large dunes, of the finest light sand, which you can run and play in as much as you like. https://www.visitbillund.dk/billund/service-information/grene-sande-gdk611741

Randbøl Hede, southwest of Randbøl, is one of the few remaining heathland landscapes and with its 750 hectares one of Denmark's largest inland units. Randbøl Hede was already protected in 1932. At that time it was the largest landscape peace in Denmark. The conservation area covers 750 hectares, of which the state currently owns approx. 650 hectares. The purpose was to preserve the open heather-covered plains and ensure the heat against cultivation and planting. It has since been found that heatherness is an unstable natural state. There will be forest if man's influences on the heath cease. Randbøl State Forest District has therefore been allowed to care for the heath so that it is preserved for posterity. Randbøl Hede used to be much bigger than it is today. It was inconvenient, deserted and feared by everyone, especially travelers, because robbers housed here. The trail from Vorbasse stud road, where cattle have been brought to market in Vorbasse or even further south for centuries, continues to meander across the moor. https://www.visitbillund.dk/billund/service-information/randboel-hede-og-frederikshaab-plantage-gdk607894

Nestled at the heart of the forests near Spa, by the Fagne de Malchamps, this estate opens its spaces to the public: a panoramic tower, a tree planted park with a pond and picnic area. It is also home to the Musée de la Forêt et des Eaux and to the CRIE. Le Domaine de Bérinzenne, with its tree-shaded alleys and exceptional views of the region, is a pure invite to relax and dream. From the top of the tower, visitors can see the Fagne, sometimes all the way to the horizon, bathed in sunshine or quite mysterious partly wrapped in mist. The pleasant Maison de la Nature et de la Forêt (open weekdays) provides information on the region, documentation on the local hikes and features: a nature shop, temporary exhibitions and cafeteria. http://walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/domaine-de-berinzenne-maison-de-la-nature-ardennes-belges

The High Fens-Eifel Nature Park in eastern Belgium is doubtless one of the most beautiful regions in the country. At 72,000 hectares it is also one of the largest and most emblematic nature parks in Wallonia. With its moorlands and peat bogs, forests and streams, man-made reservoirs, and picturesque villages, the High Fens-Eifel Nature Park offers an amazing palette of landscapes worthy of the most beautiful picture postcards less than an hour from Liège. http://www.parcsnaturelsdewallonie.be/en/parcs/hautes-fagnes-eifel/

Nationalpark Mols Bjerge offers a great variety of nature. Mols Bjerge is especially known for its extraordinary landscape, which was shaped during the Ice Age. Tall peaks, deep dead ice holes, and rare sand lizards – and maybe you will meet a national park guide on your trip in the 180 km2 Mols Bjerge national park. The landscape in the Mols Bjerge national park was created by gigantic ice tongues and tons of water over millions of years. In the national park, you will find about 40 of the 200 nature types worthy of preserving, called habitat areas. You can practically feel the cultural history at Kalø castle ruins, in front of the large bronze age burial mounds of Mols Bjerge and in the small cobbled streets of Ebeltoft. Adventure awaits you at the Mols Bjerge national park. Here, you will find plenty of room for exploration, which is what makes a holiday memorable. Furthermore, you can always find help and inspiration right around the corner. https://www.visitdjursland.org/djursland/explore/national-park-mols-bjerge-gdk935587

D as 521 hectares of moorland is the largest contiguous raised mire rest of Schleswig-Holstein hills. Together with the neighboring Einfelder See, the canned moor, as nine square kilometers of Lake Dosensee, was formed by the last ice age in a hollow between Sander and Jungmoräne and later turned from a flat moor to a raised bog. http://www.nms-einfeld.de/index.php?page=873

When making a trip to Iceland, it is hard not to pay special attention to the country's namesake—namely, its 4,500 square miles of glacier. Ice climbing on the glaciers is practiced year-round and takes place mainly on the Sólheimajökull and Svínafellsjökull glaciers in the south of Iceland, to which day trips are offered from Reykjavík (and Skaftafell). Hiking trips are also available onto the Snæfellsjökull glacier in the west and the Vatnajökull glacier in the east. Without exception, glacier walking or climbing should not be done without the accompaniment of a trained guide. Glacier walking tours can often be combined with other tours such as jeep safaris and boating on a glacier lagoon. https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/things-to-do/activities/ice-climbing/

Fardagafoss is a waterfall located just outside of Egilsstaðir on the route towards Seyðisfjörður town. It winds its way up the mountainside of Fjarðarheiði heath. The ascent from the parking area (located only 6 km from Egilsstaðir) to the waterfall takes about half an hour and on the way you will see another waterfall in a beautiful gorge and great views over the surrounding area. There used to be a cave behind the waterfall and legend said that if you entered the cave and made a wish it would come true. Now that the cave has collapsed it is well worth the try to just make a wish by the waterfall. http://www.visitegilsstadir.is/en/things-to-see/fardagafoss

One of East Iceland's most illustrious spots is the Stórurð ("The Giant Boulders"). Stórurð lies below the small glacier west of Dyrfjöll mountains. It consists of gigantic tuff boulders, charming meadows and attractive ponds. This wonderful scene can be reached in 2.5 hours on foot from Vatnsskarð pass. To enjoy Dyrfjöll and Stórurð a whole day plan is highly recommended. Hikers start from the facilities cabin in Vatnsskarð to crossroads south of Mjóadalsvarp. Hikers are always advised to go by the staked trails. In Stórurð you will find the box with visitors’ logbook and stamp. Few other trails lead back from Stórurð. You can walk towards Vatnsskarðsvegur or you can go to Njarðvík. The best time of year to hike to Stórurð is from the middle of July to the middle of September. http://www.visitegilsstadir.is/en/things-to-see/storurd

As regards surface, Danska Fall is a large nature reserve. Visitors come here in both winter and summer. They are particularly attracted by the waterfall itself, its beautiful surroundings and historic associations. There is a 36-metre drop from the top of the falls to the river’s mouth. The river has several rapids and beautiful waterfalls. A walking trail passes through the scenic beech forest. The nature reserve is also crossed by the Halland trail. If you take the trail from the car park out to the waterfall, there are several benches and picnic tables where you can rest your legs and enjoy the contents of the basket you so wisely brought along! Beech forests with some oaks dominate the nature reserve. Pine bog, mixed forest, wetland forest, lakes, watercourses and open land (e.g. at the Eriksköp farm estate) complete the picture. The beech and oak forest type is over 100 years old and, thanks to their age, its trees are becoming interesting as hosts for lichens and mosses. There is water on three sides of the nature reserve, the Brearedssjön lake on the north , the Assman watercourse on the east and the Skällåsasjön lake on the west. https://www.destinationhalmstad.se/en/experience/nature-and-the-outdoor-life/danska-fall-nature-reserve

In the last few decades, research has made it clear that Þingvellir is a natural wonder on a international scale, with the geologic history and the biosystem of Lake Þingvallavatn forming a unique entity, a magnificent showcase. Being able to witness the evolution and formation of new species in a place like Lake Þingvallavatn is of immense value. The Þingvellir area is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland, being situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The faults and fissures of the area make evident the rifting of the earth's crust. https://www.thingvellir.is/en/nature/

Go on a delightful hike on planked trails in southern Sweden’s last wilderness. The air here is filled with the scent of marsh Labrador tea, and animal and plant life abound. From the south, the Dumme Mosse trail is accessible for both wheelchairs and prams. Dumme Mosse is classified as a nature reserve, and it is one of the county’s largest, most varied swamp areas, with many different types of wetland. The area lies 7 kilometres west of Jönköping. If you are travelling by car, take highway 40 from Jönköping towards Göteborg. Turn off towards the airport. Right next to the airport, there is a sign for Dumme Moss as well as parking. You also can get to Dumme Mosse by taking bus 27 from central Jönköping to the airport. Dumme Mosse has hiking trails for both summer and winter. The planked trail that is suitable for the period from March to October is called the Dumme Mosse Trail. You will find it in the southern part of the nature area. The choice of how far you want to go is up to you. The various trails range in length from 4 to 9 kilometres. For 2 kilometres the trail has been adapted for prams and wheelchairs. Next to the old embankment, there is a BBQ site with wood already chopped, perfect for a splendid pause. https://jkpg.com/en/jonkoping-huskvarna/dumme-mosse/

As far back as the Middle Ages, it was prescribed by law that the Crown had the sole right to make use of the country’s oak trees. Oak wood is excellent for shipbuilding, and to ensure access to oak timber for the Swedish fleet, major plantings of oak took place on Visingsö in the 1830s. Today the oak trees are ready for logging, but since the fleet uses other materials, the timber is used for other things. To ensure access to good timber for the Swedish fleet after the oak forests in Swedish Pomerania were inundated following the Napoleonic Wars, the Crown had several hundred hectares of oak trees planted on Visingsö. Up until the middle of the 19th century, about 300,000 oak trees had been planted, many of which remain today, occupying an area of about 360 hectares. Today the oak forest is administered by Sweden's National Property Board. The oak trees are currently available for shipbuilding, but technological development has long made them more valuable as oak veneers for floors, whisky barrels, furnishing details for boats and many applications requiring the hard and compact oak material. https://jkpg.com/en/visingso/the-oak-forest-on-visingso/

Chasseral, observation deck of the Swiss Jura, has many faces. Vineyards, meadows and plateaus alternate with gorges and valleys. Its proud inhabitants are still leaders in the cutting-edge world-famous watch industry as well as cheese production. Reliable values, too. Here you can discover the true joy of life. Chasseral Nature Park is spread over a triangle between La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel and Bienne. It was named after the 1606.2 metre highest peak of the Bernese Jura. The top of the mountain is easily accessible, even with public transport. https://www.parks.swiss/en/the_swiss_parks/parkportraits/chasseral_nature_park.php

"When I get to the top, I feel like Napoleon Bonaparte. Yes, the man who said: “From the top of these pyramids, 40 centuries gaze upon you”. Except, for me, it’s not pyramids but a Tower, the Tour des Prisons. It’s not 40 centuries either, but 10, which isn’t bad either. Because the town of Neuchâtel, spread before my eyes, celebrated its 1000th birthday in 2011. http://www.neuchateltourisme.ch/en/decouvertes/town-heritage/prison-tower-neuchatel.4712.html

Standing an impressive 2,858 feet above sea level, Uetliberg Mountain offers some of the best views of Zurich and the surrounding Alps. Once at the top, travelers will find multiple trails for hiking, biking and sledding. Paragliding at the mountain's peak is another popular pastime here. Though traveling to and from this local attraction will set you back about an hour, visitors rave about Uetliberg Mountain's stunning views and superb hiking paths. For an educational twist on your average hike, take the mountain's Path of the Planets, which is designed to mimic the sizes of and distances between the solar system's planets. The trail stretches between Uetliberg and Felsenegg mountains and takes about two hours to complete. https://travel.usnews.com/Zurich_Switzerland/Things_To_Do/Uetliberg_Mountain_64027/

In Glottern forest you can wander through the beautiful old-growth forests or swim in lakes Glottern clear waters. If it is cold, you can warm up in the sauna! Here you are treated to a mixture of spruce forests, rock outcrops, twigs bogs and damp depressions. The forest provides a wild impression with mossy boulders and old lowes. The reserve has almost twenty kilometres trailhead. There is also a shelter and a forest hut. An adventure for many tastes! https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/glotternskogen

Geological formations, woods, flowers, lakes and water streams. This ravine was created as a fracture for 200 million years ago. You can easily, on a small path, follow Getå stream from its start in Bråviken and up through a small and deep ravine. In the lower part of the ravine, you will find lots of broad-leaf trees and in the upper part, there is a beautiful spruce forest. Here you have a great variety of flowers. It is an oasis for all flower lovers. https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/getaravinen

Lake Constance is a classic year-round European destination. Boundless, refreshing, high quality, traditional, nostalgic — all that fits us. The mobility holiday experience is truly an experience around Lake Constance: boats and ferries, cable railways and airships, buses and trains all offer a range of options to discover the area around Lake Constance from a number of different perspectives. The most beautiful connection between the German and the Swiss shore of Lake Constance is the ferry that runs between Friedrichshafen and Romanshorn. The 41-minute crossing is always a special experience: Over a­ cup­ of­ coffee­ or­ tea­ in­ the­ on-board­ bistro, the passengers can enjoy the view over the wintry lake. Furthermore, the­ “floating­ bridge”­ saves­ many­ kilometres by car around the lake and is therefore the ideal shortcut. Both Friedrichshafen and Romanshorn are the starting points for many tourist destinations. http://www.bodensee.eu/en

The Picos de Europa National Park was the first one to be awarded that designation in Spain. Its history goes back to 1918, when don Pedro Pidal, Marquis of Villaviciosa, promoted the law to create the Montaña de Covadonga National Park, which was named Picos de Europa National Park on 30 May 1995. This natural area was awarded the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation in 2002. http://www.spain.info/en_IN/que-quieres/naturaleza/espacios-naturales/parque_nacional_de_los_picos_de_europa.html

The Villages of Bönigen and Iseltwald are only a few minutes by car from Interlaken, nestling between two mountain ranges on the lower middle and end of Lake Brienz. Many oft he picturesque houses date backa s far as the 16th century. http://www.interlaken.ch/en/holiday-in-boenigen.html

A premier holiday destination and conference venue of international renown. Situated in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is the ideal starting point for any number of excursions. The town is famous for its delightful location and the sites of natural beauty that surround it. http://www.interlaken.ch/en/holiday-in-interlaken-matten-unterseen.html

Departing from Chamonix, this famous rack and pinion railway brings you to the Montenvers site at 1913 m. An imposing panorama of the Mer de Glace glacier, the Drus and the Grands Jorasses. https://www.chamonix.com/montenvers-mer-de-glace,81,en.html

Territorially located between France and Switzerland, this needle is characterized by the presence of Saleina glacier on its northeast side, a 6 km glacier , and the glacier du Milieu, on its southwest side, a large ice extent between two high ridges. https://www.chamonix.com/aiguille-d-argentiere,47-53678,en.html

Hiking, skiing, tobogganing, snowshoe trekking or simply soaking up the sun – everything is possible here. https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/sport/chaeserrugg

Wonderful hiking routes, beautiful view of the Rhine Valley – including in the evening, when the sea of lights sparkles far below. The Karren is a popular meeting point in the region. For one thing, beautiful hiking routes have their starting point here; for another, life is easy at the panoramic restaurant at 976 metres above sea level. Whether you want to go for something to eat or simply want to enjoy some high-altitude air, the cable car brings you high above the city rooftops in five minutes, giving you a wonderful view: the entire border triangle by day, the sea of lights by night. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/planning-a-trip/trip-destinations/karren-dornbirn-cable-car/

The mountain at the heart of Innsbruck. The Nordkette is part of Austria’s largest nature park, the Karwendel Nature Park, and can be reached directly from Innsbruck city centre in just a few minutes! The breathtaking 360° view leaves a lasting impression, with the capital of the Alps on one side and Tyrol’s most extensive conservation area on the other. The Hungerburg funicular enables visitors to reach the Hungerburg in just 8 minutes. There are several stops along the way including the Alpine Zoo, which is a favorite among families. After reaching the Hungerburg station, a short walk across Hermann Buhl Square, named after the world-famous Austrian mountaineer, leads visitors to the cable car station. The Hafelekar Run is one of the steepest ski runs in Europe. With an incline of 70%, this ski run is reserved for extremely good riders. When the powder is at its best, it is more likely for some locals to be at the Hafelekar than at the workplace. The run for all those who like the extreme! The location of the Nordkette Single Trail in high-alpine terrain directly above the rooftops of Innsbruck, make it unique worldwide. Riders experience an interplay of steep curves, rock jumps and root passages integrated with northshores and drops. It takes about 20 minutes to get from the Seegrube Station to the Nordkette Climbing Arena. There are approximately 40 tours which are mainly single-rope routes at the UIAA difficulty levels 4 – 9, which means they are suitable for both beginner and advanced-level climbers. Also experience the Innsbruck Fixed Rope Climbing Route.The best of the best have climbed on these rocks including mountain legend Hermann Buhl and also Hannes Gasser, who this route is named after. Climb in the footsteps of these climbing greats and experience unique mountain adventure. https://nordkette.com/en/

The Gaisberg is a popular local mountain just a few kilometers from the city center of Salzburg itself. With an elevation of 1287 m above sea level, it is an absolute Eldorado for recreational sports, hiking and nature. Readily accessible year-round, for the most part it is also suitable for children, with all kinds of opportunities for outdoor exercise, games and a bite to eat. In summer, the Gaisberg is an inviting destination for road cycling, mountain biking and hiking. “High-flyers” love to launch themselves from the top of the Gaisberg by paraglider – while spectators still summoning the courage to emulate them look on admiringly and allow themselves to be inspired. Yet another summer highlight is the Gaisberg Race for vintage automobiles. In winter, the outdoor program includes ski touring and cross-country skiing: hiking paths and touring routes are kept nicely maintained, while the XC trails are freshly tracked almost every day. https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/excursions/gaisberg