Hiking is an activity that’s easy to get into. It’s so low-intensity, in fact, that you can easily spend an entire day on a single walk. And doing so can afford you access to outdoor sights and experiences that might not be accessible through other means. There’s nothing quite like achieving a challenging summit and taking the time to marvel at the view. Not to mention the health benefits of hiking – both physical and mental.

But if you’re going to go on a day hike, you’ll need to approach it in the right way.

Preparation

To begin with, you’ll want to pick out a hiking route that’s appropriate to your level of experience and skill, and to the time of year, too. If you don’t want to be hiking under the cover of darkness, that means paying attention to the time of sunrise and sunset, and planning your hike accordingly.

You’ll need to take a few essential items with you. This tends to mean a backpack stocked with non-perishable snacks, a canteen filled with water, a map, a compass, and a good pair of walking boots. Pick out boots that are appropriate to your sex and size. Hiking boots for women are different to those designed with men in mind.

Finally, you’ll want to dress for the weather you expect. Check the forecast, and take a few extra layers that you can shed as you go on.

Safety considerations

If you’re going to get the best from your hike, you’ll need to be able to understand all of the signs and markings you come upon. These might provide you with valuable information that will keep you safe. You might also carry a first aid kit that’s packed with essential items, and a charger for your mobile phone so that you can signal for help in the event of an emergency.

Time management

We’ve already touched upon the importance of managing your time such that your trip finishes before the sun sets. This might mean breaking down the entire trip into hourly checkpoints, so that you know when you’re making good time, and when it might be a good idea to pick up the pace (or turn around).

As part of your itinerary, you might incorporate rest breaks. If you’re going to be coming close to a point of interest, like a clifftop or a waterfall, then you might take the opportunity to stop for lunch.

Nutrition and hydration

Speaking of lunch: it’s essential that you keep your body supplied with water and essential nutrients. Dehydration is a problem that’s particularly worth considering on sunny days, but it can strike at any time of year. Make sure that you’re stocking up on nutrient-dense snacks, like fig bars, nuts, and bananas. The more miles you’re putting in, the more energy you’ll need.

Environmental awareness

Being a responsible hiker means passing through the environment without leaving any trace of your presence in it. That means not littering – even biodegradable things like fruit peels can be disastrous for the environment you’re passing through. You’ll also want to be respectful of animals, including wildlife and livestock.

Tips for enjoyment

Getting the most from your hike might mean taking a moment every now and again to simply pause and reflect on your surroundings. For some, this might mean taking a journal or a camera along; for others, simply stopping for breath every now and again might be all that’s required.

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The post The health benefits of hiking, and how to do it right appeared first on Silver Magazine.

The new Pekoe Trail tea plantations trail is a 22-day, 200-mile network of hiking trails through the Sri Lanka tea country. The route has been ten years in the making, and follows the original track used to transport tea to the factories by horse and cart. It varies considerably in terrain, making it suitable for any age.

Trails to suit everyone

Funded by the EU and USAID, in the new age of sustainable travel it is good to know that not only is this an extraordinary travel experience; this trail is a social enterprise design. This project was conceived and designed to increase the flow of responsible travellers to some of the most remote communities in the Sri Lankan tea country. This in turn will bring much needed prosperity and opportunity to the local people.

Authentic beginnings

To ensure that this tourism gives back to the communities, rather than ruining them, the trail starts and ends, where possible, in a local village or town. They are hives of commerce and culture, and here hikers can rest and replenish by buying food and necessities from local vendors.

One of the goals of the trail is to be an economic corridor where tourist dollars reach as many people as possible. This is both a guiding principle of the trail, and an established standard of sustainable travel in Sri Lanka generally.

Traders along the tea traders route, Sri Lanka Pekoe Trails

Starting in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s spiritual heart, the trail then crosses over seven valleys, through roughly 80 villages, across the eastern hills, and over some of Sri Lanka’s most dramatic and challenging mountain terrain. It l can be done in any direction and with a multitude of entry and exit points and has been purposefully designed to connect important towns and villages, train stations and interesting sites, so that walkers can easily enter and exit the trail.

History: pilgrims and planters

Perhaps the first reference of a trail of significance in the hills of Sri Lanka relates to the Sri Pada pilgrimage. In the 5th century chronicle, the Mahawamsa, it is stated that the Buddha visited the mountain peak, now known as Adam’s Peak.

Buddhist tradition holds that a sacred footprint rock formation near the summit is the footprint of the Buddha. Marco Polo noted the importance of Adam’s Peak in his travel of 1298; and the Arab traveller, Ibn Battuta, climbed to its summit in 1344.

Yet, the overwhelming majority of the paths were developed by tea plantation companies. The story of these tea trails begins over two hundred years ago, when the country was still a British colony.

In 1824 a tea plant was brought to what was then called Ceylon, by the British, from China. And was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. As the tea industry grew, British planters developed and expanded the network of trails within their own estates and between the various settlements across the tea country, creating this vast network of trails and paths.

The physical network of trails replicates the woven fabric of its stories: those of pilgrims and planters, naturalists, birders, gardeners, and landed gentry. They take you through pilgrimage sites, past great lakes and spectacular waterfalls, up stunning peaks and deep into bird and wildlife-rich rain forest. Hikers will see the great tea industry at work – the tea factories, tea sheds and warehouses and step back in time at the old planters’ clubs and visit the lovely plantation homesteads.

Read: the food-lover’s guide to Italian travel

Trail routing and design principles

The Tea Country Trail is foremost a heritage trail, and the trailblazers want the experience to be immersive, insightful and inclusive. One of the key goals of the project is to protect and preserve the heritage of the Sri Lankan tea country; both the physical heritage, and the cultural heritage.

The trail focuses on routing to expose the walker to the tea industry’s culture and heritage; the tea factories, the warehouses and sheds, the magnificent tea plantations bungalows, the planters clubs, the old post offices, the tea trails and tea roads, the old grand hotels and the train line.

The physical network of trails replicates the woven fabric of its stories: those of pilgrims and planters, naturalists, birders, gardeners, and landed gentry

The route connects as many of the most interesting and important landmarks of the Sri Lankan tea country as possible. From Adam’s Peak to the Addisham Bungalow, from Lipton Seat to the Nine Arch Bridge. The idea was to give the trail variety, to promote the best of the region, to create interesting milestones, and to make each day as exciting and fun as possible.

Each day takes on between eight and 16 km, and is as inclusive as possible. There is something for everyone, for young and young at heart, from the experienced hiker to those who want a fun day out. The guiding principle has been to try to keep walking times each day to between four and six hours, but not more. That said, if you are an experienced hiker and want to do more km, that is also entirely possible.

When to go

Hiking in Sri Lanka is possible all year round, although the country is affected by two South-East Asian rainy seasons. The driest months of the year in the hills and in Sri Lanka in general are December, January, February, March. During these months you can expect less rainfall than the rest of the year.

Daily temperatures don’t tend to vary hugely across the year, but humidity and monsoons can make it harder work. That said many seasoned hikers in Sri Lanka prefer June, July, and August. Clouds from the west gently traverse the hills, blown by the monsoon winds, and the sun shines on the lush green tea fields through the gaps.

Ways to travel if not by foot:

For a fun new experience, you can try the newly launched Ella Odessy Train which runs along parts of the Pekoe Trail. Otherwise, Sri Lanka has a host of drivers and tuk tuk suppliers ready for tourists.

Accommodation suggestions for Pekoe:

The Heritance Tea Factory offers guests a step back in time to 19^th century Ceylon for unique tea-inspired snacks, beverages and cuisine.

Warwick Gardens is located 6000 feet above sea level in the scenic mountain town of Ambewela, fondly referred to as “Little New Zealand” for its grazing pastures upon the highest grassland of Sri Lanka. Ideal for children the on-site naturalist provides a night frog watching tour.

Resplendent Ceylon comprises of five restored historic tea planter residences, called bungalows, perched at an altitude of 1250 metres in Sri Lanka’s panoramic Ceylon tea region.

Haldummula Estate. For total escape, this 50-acre organic estate is situated on an undulating plateau just under the high pass and quaint railway station of Idalgashinna, on the famously scenic Kandy to Badulla line. The land is a mixture of tea and wilderness with spectacular views over the plains below to the south.

Exclusive bespoke tour details

This 14-day luxury tour of Sri Lanka includes a three-night all-inclusive stay at Nine Skies, your base from which to enjoy the New Pekoe Trail.

Enjoy two of the trail’s most scenic half-day hikes with a private guide. Walk in the footsteps of the original tea workers and immerse yourself in local culture as you wander through Sri Lankan historic tea country, stopping for local delicacies along the way.

The rest of your Sri Lankan adventure will see you discovering the highlights of the south coast, spotting elephants during your jungle walk at a luxury wildlife lodge. And marvelling at the iconic sites of the Cultural Triangle.

Prices from £5,500 per person, inclusive of:

• Direct return international flights in Economy
• Private vehicle and driver at your disposal throughout the holiday
• Accommodation, breakfast and some additional meals
• Private guides, excursions and entrance fees
• Tips for your driver and all guides

This is a bespoke tour created by Experience Travel Group – for further details visit www.experiencetravelgroup.com/sri_lanka/holiday/nature-trails-and-cultural-tales

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Traveling the historic Pekoe tea growers trail in Sri Lanka appeared first on Silver Magazine.

One of the more unique ways to experience a country in all its natural wonders is on a guided walking holiday. As an experienced walker, or a more moderate paced hiker, Travel Department provide a range of exciting itineraries; here are some of our suggestions for some of the best walking holidays in Europe.

And we’ve even got some special Silver discount codes for you.

Money off holidays?!

Yes! Silver Magazine and Travel Department want to help you fall in love with travel again in 2022 and 2023.  Travel Department is delighted to offer readers of Silver Magazine an exclusive code to use on a fantastic range of 2022 & 2023 holidays.

SAVE £75pp* on any holiday of 8 nights or more. Use promo code: SMAG75

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If you have any questions, or would simply like to learn more about their wonderful destinations, why not give one of their brilliant team a call on 0117 911 7019

Ireland

Irish hills (Image: Pixabay)

There is no need to travel the length of the world to enjoy an invigorating trek through the countryside. You can admire the breath-taking landscapes in Kerry, discover highlights like Killarney National Park, Knocknadobar Mountain and the Dingle Peninsula on an Irish walking holiday. Walk along the iconic backdrop of the Cliffs of Moher during our Burren Walking Holiday or explore Glenveagh National Park on our Donegal Walking Holiday.

Spain

The Sierra Nevada (Image: Pixabay)

On one of TD’s fully guided walking trips to Spain, you can take a range of routes that allow you to explore some of the country’s most unforgettable trails. From a hiking trip through the Sierra Nevada mountains to a perfectly paced adventure walking the Camino de Santiago, the iconic ancient pilgrimage route for hundreds of years. With gorgeous weather, rich heritage and stunning scenery just waiting to be explored.

Andorra

Andorra may be well known for its ski resorts, but it is the perfect destination for mountain walking in the warmer months. Nestled between the French and Spanish border it has 65 peaks that stand at over 2,000m high. You’ll be based in the mountain village of La Massana, where we’ll see the top highlights of Andorra. You’ll get to discover the Andorran Pyrenees, Lake Moreno, Griu Summit and much more.

Hungary

Denbue river (Image: Pixabay)

The Danube Bend, a region of peaks and river towns in Northern Hungary, is where the hills on both banks force the river to turn sharply and flow southward, creating arguably the most picturesque stretch of the Danube. You can explore this beautiful region by foot on a Hungary Walking Holiday.

Prefer a holiday focused on food? Check our foodie guide to Italy

Romania

Romanian views (Image: Pixabay)

Explore the Romanian countryside on a guided walking holiday to Transylvania. Along with invigorating treks in the Bucegi Mountains and Carpathian Mountain range, you’ll visit Transylvania’s most iconic landmark, Bran Castle. Also known as the home of Dracula and explore Romania’s capital Bucharest.

Slovenia

The Julian Alps (Image: Pixabay)

Slovenia is a country that offers unlimited opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Set against the backdrop of the Julian Alps on their Slovenia Walking Holiday, you’ll trek through gorges, explore national parks, tackle mountain peaks and discover Lake Bohinj.

So how does it all work?

You might be wondering about the logistics of a walking holiday? TD’s active walking holidays are split to accommodate different walking levels. The levels are judged by the average distance, terrain, and incline covered in each holiday. Sometimes, an orientation meeting is held before your first walk, to give the group a chance to meet the local guides and decide which level suites them.

There is a great sense of camaraderie during TD active’s walking holidays

There is a great sense of camaraderie during TD active’s walking holidays, making them suitable for everyone – solo travellers, groups of friends, couples and even family members. TD active Holidays work with a fantastic team of local expert walking guides. All members are well looked after, so you return from your holidays with some fun new memories.

To keep things operating effectively, the walking guides give regular briefings to inform you about what is happening in the next few days. So you’re always aware of timings and what you need to bring for each walking day.

Some might think that embarking on a walking holiday seems a little too strenuous for a “holiday”. However, the sense of accomplishment and adventure you feel at the end of a walk in the Alps, upon reaching the peak of Mulchaen in the Sierra Nevada mountain range or trekking the Camino, is something you cannot get simply laying by the pool on a typical holiday. 

TD active’s walking holidays, local expert walking guides, incredible itineraries and accommodation are all included, so all you have to do is lace up your walking boots on arrival!

About Travel Department:

Silver Magazine chooses its partners very carefully, and Travel Department is no exception. With nearly 30 years’ experience perfecting tours to around 140 destinations worldwide, Travel Department’s escorted holidays typically include flights, accommodation, transfers, and guided tours. They carefully plan your trip, so you experience the best holiday highlights accompanied by a friendly local guide.

They offer a wide range of guided group holidays from city breaks or solo travel to active and adventure holidays (including walking, yoga and photography holidays) with their sister brand, TD active Holidays.

With multiple departure airports across the UK, you can fly from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland. In Northern Ireland they fly from Belfast (plus Dublin and Cork) and for passengers from the South they depart from Bristol and a range of London airports.

The mood is upbeat, friendly, and inclusive, where everyone feels welcome.

Travel Department’s escorted holidays typically include flights, accommodation, transfers, and guided tours. They carefully plan your trip, so you experience the best holiday highlights accompanied by a friendly local guide. With Travel Department you see more!

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Take a hike: Best walking holidays in Europe appeared first on Silver Magazine.