Over 50s Travel

Walking in the Alps

If you enjoy walking then read on.

Most keen walkers have at some time walked in the hills and mountains around Britain, but not many have ventured further afield into the Alps.

The majority of us begin walking in the Lake District, the Peak District or in the Highlands of Scotland. We then start dreaming about the vast mountain range of the Alps. So many peaks and trails to explore in a number of different countries. Where do you begin?

A lot will depend on your previous walking experience what you hope to achieve. For general mountain walking, avoiding steep rock faces and glaciers, you won’t need a great deal more than you would when walking back in the UK. So, all you require is the ability to read map and the odd guidebook, thousands of kilometers of footpaths, mostly marked, promise a lifetime’s enjoyment.

The Austrian Alps are an ideal place to start walking for the "Alps novice" The heights are relatively modest and there are many gentle paths to get started on. One such place is the Stubai Alps which are located southeast of Innsbruck. There are a few bases to chose from, Neustift is the most convenient. If you don't fancy having a single base, why not try a hut-to-hut approach. There is a massive network of huts right across the Alps and it's very common for walkers to create a multi-day hike from hut to hut. The Alpine huts are very similar to youth hostels with dormitory style accommodation and are relatively inexpensive. Where ever you chose to start exploring the Alps, make sure you take a few basic precautions.

• To get the most out of your first alpine walking holiday, raise your fitness levels before travelling.
• Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Steadily increase distance and height as you become more accustomed to the alpine enormity.
• Always check the weather forecast. Conditions in the Alps change rapidly
• Always carry sufficient food rations and at least a litre of water to avoid dehydration.
• Always inform someone of your planned route and destination eta.
• Always carry a map of the local area, a compass and first aid kit.
• Be aware of the International Distress Signal – six blows on a whistle (and flashes with a torch in darkness) followed by a minute's silence; then repeat. Always carry a whistle and torch
• The most important thing of all - Always have adequate insurance against accidents. Mountain rescue in the Alpine region is very efficient, but very expensive.