Posts

Posted on

Hiking in ‘Salvage Logging’ Forest

Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles

In the temperate rain forest of Vancouver Island you can hike almost anywhere, year round.

It’s fantastic.

One local hike I’d avoided is Roosevelt – Chinook – Channels – Clay Banks near the excellent Englishman River Provincial Park.

I’d heard it was mainly used for mountain biking.

Home made mountain biking trails tend to be rugged, muddy — and not all that hiker friendly.

Turned out that wasn’t the BIG problem.

Very close to the Provincial Park, logging companies have been Thinning.

In this area, they claim to be removing about half the trees so the other half will grow faster.

It’s a kind of salvage logging.

Not clearcut — but still ugly and muddy.

There were a few good moments — but I won’t again be hiking in any area that has been thinned.

Posted on

TOP 10 day hikes ➙ Reinebringen, Lofoten, Norway

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world

Why?

Reopened in 2019 with sherpa-built steps.

Now much safer and easier.

  • Reinebringen is on the island of Moskenesøya , one of the Lofoten islands in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle
  • infamous for wind and rainy weather
  • famed for dramatic scenery,  rugged peaks, open sea vistas past sheltered bays
  • about 448 meters (1470 feet) above sea level
  • over 1500 stone steps
  • about 2 hours up
  • It’s crowded. Over a thousand people a day in high season if the weather is good.
  • permits not required

World → Europe → Norway → Reinebringen, Lofoten

For details click over to our Reinebringen, Lofoten, Norway information page.

Of course BestHike editor Rick McCharles HAD to make a hero video of himself atop the famous vista. 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Posted on

Peru ➙ Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

Update for 2024.

I’ve hiked to and from Choquequirao independently. Excellent.

I’ve hiked Salcantay (or Salkantay) to Aguas Calientes independently. Then made the day hike early morning up to Machu Picchu.

BUT always wished I’d done the BIG adventure:

Trek Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, via Salcantay.

By 2024 organizing that is getting more complicated. And to do it independently, you should bring a tent.

Do your research and book Machu Picchu tickets long in advance.

Start with Meg’s trip report. 80 miles. 9 days.

On my trips I suffered biting ants in my tent on the way to Choquequirao. And terrible biting flies on Salcantay. Be warned.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek in 9 Days | A Real Expedition & Rewarding Journey

Posted on

180km Torres Del Paine, Patagonia – SOLO

Harmen Hoek captured the best video I’ve seen of the famed O-trek (including the W-trek).

It’s wonderful. And yet provides clear warning of the drastic, quickly changing weather.

Expect some of the heaviest rains and strongest winds of your life. Even if the first few days are sunny.

Getting bookings for this adventure is super challenging. Check our Paine Information page for details.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (27min)

0:00 Puerto Natales
0:50 Mirador Base Las Torres (1st time)
3:40 Day 1 – Glacier and Camp Dickson
10:06 Day 2 – Glacier and Camp Los Perros
13:46 Exploring the Puma Glacier
15:45 Day 3 – Glacier Grey and Paso John Garner
21:08 Day 4 – Storm to Mirador Británico
24:35 Day 5 – Sunrise at Mirador Base Las Torres
26:38 Outro with photos

Posted on

Scotland – Isle of Skye – 10 Walks

Having grown up on the Isle of Skye, Alastair Jackson brings us his top ten walks.

  1. Ben Aslak (5km – 2.5hrs)
  2. Ord to Dun Scaith Castle (6km – 1.5hrs)
  3. Dalavil and Gillean (9km -5hrs)
  4. Glamaig (6.5km – 4.5hrs)
  5. Talisker Bay (3.5km – 1hr)
  6. Oronsay Tidal Island (5km – 2hr)
  7. Waterstein Head and optional: South Duirinish Cliff walk (5km – 2hrs )
  8. Uiginish Point (4km -2hrs)
  9. Waternish Point (13.5km – 3.5-4hrs)
  10. Quirang Car Park to Beinn Edra Summit (14.5 km – 4.5hrs)
  11. Rubha Huinish (8km -3hrs) … bonus walk !

Details on The Great Outdoors Mag:

Ten of the Best Isle of Skye Walks: Exploring Scotland’s Natural Wonders

Waterstein Head and Neist Point
Posted on

Running Stairs for Fitness

For me the best physical preparation for multi-day hiking is … hiking. 😀

On arrival at the trailhead, start with shorter, easier days. Work up to your normal pace. Progressively.

Off-season I cycle and run. 

BEST of all for me, however, is running stairs. I have done sets of 10 with a day pack in the past, as well.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

In Calgary, I often ran the stairs at nearby Glenmore Park.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Posted on

TOP 10 ➙ Overland Track, Tasmania

The Overland Track in Tasmania is one of our top 10 hikes in the world.

Click PLAY or watch a 1 minute introduction on YouTube.

Overland Track

The best & most famous walk in Australia.

Overland

AT A GLANCE

  • surreal, unique Tasmanian vistas
  • pretty lakes, tarns and waterfalls
  • exiting by ferry it’s minimum 62km (38.5mi) carrying a pack plus many possible sidetrips without a pack.
    • Elevation Gain: +4,793 ft / 1,461 m
      Elevation Loss: -5,160 ft / 1,573 m
  • 8000-9000 walkers / year in the past
    • 60 walkers start / day 2018 in high season
    • Oct 1 – May 31 Overland Track Pass reservations online
  • access by public transportation
  • easy-moderate hiking IF the weather cooperates
  • add challenging sidetrip peak scrambles if the weather is good
  • Nov – early May best months
  • possible to hike year round (snow travel during the winter)
  • 7-nights recommended. Start Ronny Creek. Finish Cynthia Bay.

Read more on our Overland Information page.

Posted on

Leigh McAdam’s 25 Best Treks in the World

One of my favourite sites is Hike Bike Travel.

Editor Leigh McAdam posted her favourite multi-day hikes:

Leigh:

This is a subjective list but there is still a lot of thought that goes into choosing the 25 best treks in the world. 

Some places speak to you – whether its on account of their fabulous setting and landscape or because they have a storied history. Everest Base Camp comes immediately to mind here.

I certainly like treks that aren’t crazy busy. Doing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has no appeal whereas the Choquequiaro Trail – which is longer and more remote is far more tempting to me.

Treks that are truly off the beaten path like the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland immediately pique my interest. Those that are beautiful or culturally interesting for most of their length also go to the top of the best treks in the world list. …

25 Best Treks in the World

Click through for details on each.

I’ve done many — but not all — of Leigh’s list. 

BUT the one triggered for me today is the Alta Via 2 in the Italian Dolomites. 

I hiked the Dolomites last year. Fantastic. And would certainly appreciate a much longer adventure ➙ 10 – 14 days including Via Ferrata.

I’ll download her recommended hiking guidebook and start planning. 🙂