Beginner's trekking (and 'looking to find a group')
Replies: 5 - Last Post: Aug 11, 2012 2:56 AM Last Post By: Snufwok
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Beginner's trekking (and 'looking to find a group')
Hey folks,Does anyone have good advice for a first splash into cross-country/distance walking (in Europe and/or North America) and how to find groups? I've found that there aren't as many strong web resources in this area as I would have liked; although I have discovered all the 'E' trails through Europe.
I'm looking to find a group planning on a long-distance walk (over a couple/few days), but I'm finding this difficult. As a newbie to this sort of thing the advice 'DON'T TRY THIS ALONE' seems to jump out from every website and guide book... but I'm finding it hard to find groups; when they leave, where from etc.
I'm not a 100% newbie. I like to think I'm a relatively fit and healthy person (27yr), and I used to do a fair bit of hiking with a venture scout group in my mid-to-late teens, so I have some experience of endurance etc...
In particular, I was wanting to start with something small such as the part of the E1 route between Milan and Genoa, or the route across Crete. If anyone has advice on these it would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
1
Snufwok, if finding walking partners is such a difficult thing, why not book a spot on an organized hike or trek. You will be guaranteed to have companions and for your first long-distance hike you can let someone else handle the logistics. Meanwhile you can worry about things like the best perspective for a photo you want to take or whether or trekking poles need to shortened just a tad.There are many reputable adventure travel companies out there who have something like the trip you'd like to do. Here is just one such selection from a dependable company-
http://www.exodus.co.uk/psearch?flights=0&keys=&activity=11&search_type=advanced
Happy trails!
2
HiAlthough there are not too many partner requests for the places you mention, it might be worth checking/posting on trekkingpartners.com.
scoodly
3
@true_north - while I am thankful for any contribution, to answer your question directly - "why not book a spot on an organized trek" - the reason is simple: these 'organized' trips are often extortionately expensive. The idea is to do a long-distance walk, with some sense of freedom, cross-country; not pay someone a shedload of money for nothing...@Scoodly - thanks for the link. I hadn't found that site. Will look into it! :)
4
Snufwok, if paying someone else to organize what you can do on your own is that unpalatable, then obviously you should do it on your own.Scondly's link looks like a great one but if it doesn't work out then start off on your own embracing that "sense of freedom" that being a solo walker will provide. You may well meet a kindred spirit on the way- but even if you don't, it's really all about the journey, right?
If you can't go solo walking in the Euro destinations you mention the world is in rough shape!
