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Three things you’ll see on a hiking holiday in Spain

Guest post by Harry Mariano.


Spain is a truly beautiful country known for its breathtaking scenery and mix of beginner and adventurous hikes. You don’t have to know much about the trails to know this is the place to go if you’re seeking stunning views – that’s a given.

But, when it comes to planning your hiking holiday, it can be helpful to know which part of the country you want to explore.

Picos de Europa

In the north of the country, you’ll get to see the Picos de Europa, a mountain range spanning 12 miles across Asturias, Cantabria, and Castille and León.

With dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges, and a number of scenic trails that wind through the rugged landscape, you’ll find awe-inspiring views around every corner.

There’s a hike to suit every ability here. Consider the Covadonga Lakes circular route for an easier walk, or the Pica el Jierru for a challenging adventure up to the peak.

Caminito del Rey, Andalusia

For a unique hiking experience, the Caminito del Rey in Andalusia is a trail not to be missed. This famous walkway is suspended 100 meters up a sheer cliff face, with stunning views of the Guadalhorse River below – a great option if you’re seeking a thrill, but best avoided if you’re afraid of heights.

With towering cliffs and glistening turquoise water, the views you’ll get to see here are truly breathtaking. Thanks to the strategically placed suspension bridges and occasional glass walkways, you won’t miss a single sight here – plus, you may even see some eagles and vultures along the route, thanks to the high elevation.

Serra Gelada National Park in Benidorm

If you’re looking for a great hike in Benidorm, consider exploring the Serra Gelada National Park. Here you’ll find seaside trails with views of the Mediterranean and its hidden coastal coves, fossil dunes, and even flora micro reserves.

The best part about choosing to hike here is that all this spectacular scenery is accessible for abilities, from beginners through to more experienced hikers. For example, the Albir Lighthouse trail is a popular and well-maintained route, ideal if you don’t want anything too demanding, while the Alt del Governador loop trail is a moderate hike that takes you to the highest point in the park.

Ready to set off? With so much to see, it’s worth planning your trip well in advance, so that you can make the most of each spot.

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Mt Everest Base Camp Trek for Those Battling Type 1 Diabetes

Guest post by Sophia Ruggieri Memorial Foundation:

Today the Sophia Ruggieri Memorial Foundation announced that fundraising efforts are reaching new heights.

Beginning October 27, Foundation friend and Highlands Park, Colorado search and rescue volunteer Gary Fraser will be undertaking an arduous journey to the base camp of Mount Everest in honor of Sophia Ruggieri, who tragically died from complications due to Type 1 Diabetes.

After a series of flights that will culminate in a white-knuckle landing into Lukla, Nepal, one of the world’s most dangerous airports, “Fraser’s Trek for Type 1” will cover 15 days of grueling climbs, with stops in multiple Sherpa villages as Mr. Fraser acclimates to the thinning atmosphere on his way to the Everest base camp at 17,600 feet.

“I am so happy to be able to honor Sophia and bring attention to this great cause by my expedition to the Everest base camp,” stated Mr. Fraser. “Sophia loved hiking, and I know that her spirit will help inspire me during this demanding journey.”

Proceeds from Fraser’s Trek for Type 1 will be used to support children and young adults battling Type 1 Diabetes, including by providing college scholarships and paid attendance at a specialized T1D camp. 

To support Gary’s climb and help those with T1D, please click on the Give Lively link here:

Support Fraser’s Trek for Type 1

Those who donate $100 or more will receive a commemorative “Fraser’s Trek for Type 1” t-shirt. To see updates of Mr. Fraser’s journey, please visit the Foundation website at www.sophiaruggierifoundation.org.

THE SOPHIA RUGGIERI MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

The mission of the Sophia Ruggieri Memorial Foundation Serving Those with Type 1 Diabetes Inc., a 100% volunteer public charity, is to identify cost-effective ways to help T1D youth, and to provide such aid directly, such as through college scholarships, or indirectly through other 501(c)3 organizations.

The Foundation was established to honor Sophia Ruggieri, a Dacula, Georgia resident, loving daughter, sister and friend, who passed away from Type 1 Diabetes.

The organization’s inaugural and ongoing fundraising event, Sophia’s Stroll, is a testament to Sophia’s love for hiking the forests and trails of North Carolina, travel and exploration.

Each summer, the Foundation sends children to Camp Kudzu, a Georgia-based camp that for 25 years has brightened the summer for children ages 8 to 18 who have Type 1 Diabetes, where Sophia enjoyed volunteering.

At Camp Kudzu kids not only have fun, but they also get to learn important steps in dealing with this silent disease.

In addition, the Sophia Ruggieri Memorial Foundation awards college scholarships to students with Type 1 Diabetes and helps fund the provision of needed medical supplies and devices.

For more information about the Sophia Ruggieri Memorial Foundation, please call 470-389-2931, email info@sophiaruggierifoundation.org, or visit www.sophiaruggierifoundation.org.

Sophia Ruggieri Memorial Foundation

+1 470-389-2931

info@sophiaruggierifoundation.org

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Agent Orange in Vietnam

While hiking in Vietnam, I was wondering about possible health effects for me — even decades later.

Agent Orange is a chemical herbicide and defoliant …

It was used by the U.S. military … during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

… the Vietnamese Red Cross estimates that up to one million people were disabled or have health problems as a result of exposure to Agent Orange …

… documented cases of leukemia, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and various kinds of cancer in exposed U.S. military veterans. …

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Ice Road: Vengeance – DUMB Movie 😀

I watched Ice Road: Vengeance (2025) because it follows an ice-road truck driver ( Liam Neeson ) who travels to the Nepal to scatter his brother’s ashes where he must fend off mercenaries.

Hiking related, I was hoping.

Rotten Tomatoes, 14% of 22 critics’ reviews are positive.

BUT the movie is hilariously bad and inaccurate in describing Nepal.

It was filmed in Victoria, Australia, with the town of Walhalla serving as a double for a Nepalese village.

The production also utilized real footage from Nepal for scenes shot on LED screens at the studios.

Arriving in Kathmandu, Mike hires Dhani, a skilled local Everest guide. They join a group of passengers aboard the “Kiwi Express”, a tour bus navigating the perilous “Road to the Sky,” a narrow, high-altitude mountain pass.

They are literally taking a BUS to Everest Base Camp.

Skip this movie.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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BestHike loves Chamonix, France

I spent a couple of weeks hiking out of the mountain town in 2009, astonished at how down to earth and welcoming it is for outdoor sportsmen from around the world.

It’s one of our Top 10 Hiking Towns in the World.


photo – ptpotts

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or, more commonly, Chamonix … was the site of the 1924 Winter Olympics. The commune’s population … around 9800 …

… Mont Blanc, at a height of 4810 metres, is the third most visited natural site in the world …

… well known and loved by skiers and by mountain enthusiasts of all types. …

Chamonix is located 80 km southeast of Geneva, Switzerland …

Chamonix Place Balmat

More interesting photos tagged Chamonix.

You can hike out of town in any direction. And be blown away by wonderful mountain vistas. Here I am just above town on a trail run.

fit hiker in the Alps

The most famous “best hikes” in the region are:

• Chamonix to Zermatt – Walkers’ Haute Route <my trip report> (top 10)
• Tour of Mont Blanc

More best hikes in the Alps.

Best time to hike is late June to early October.

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2025 Film – The Long Walk

I saw The Long Walk in a theatre, thinking it might be hiking related.

BUT it’s simply a horror film where young people are killed for the entertainment of an audience.

The Long Walk is a 2025 American dystopian survival thriller film …

… based on the 1979 novel of the same name by Stephen King (under his pseudonym Richard Bachman).

Set in a dystopian 1970s, the film follows fifty boys (one from each state) in an annually televised competition, meant to inspire viewers.

Each boy must maintain a pace of 3 miles per hour.

Failure to do so after three warnings results in death. The boy who lasts the longest wins riches and the fulfillment of a wish of his choice. …

Cooper Hoffman as Raymond “Ray” Garraty.. An excellent role. He’s the son of actor  Philip Seymour Hoffman, and I can see similarities.

But the best performance is David Jonsson as Peter “Pete” McVries.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Of course it’s not believable that anyone walked 5 days continually, well over 300 miles. One in socks at the end.

Not recommended unless you like horror.

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BestHike – Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey

 Hiking out of the small town of Göreme is one of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

Why?

Every traveller dreams of getting to  the the “fairy chimney” rock formations of Cappadocia. Göreme makes an ideal base. 

  • weird and wonderful geology
  • walk out of your Göreme accommodation directly to a trail … or take a taxi to the Rose Valley Panoramic viewpoint (15 minute drive uphill from town). There is a small entry fee.
  • most of these trails will be crowded with walkers
  • see all of the main attractions in one day: Rose Valley Panoramic viewpoint > Rose Valley > Çavuşin > Love Valley > Uchisar Castle > Pigeon Valley > Göreme

World → Asia → Turkey → Göreme

For details click over to our Göreme, Cappadocia information page.