Latest news with #AllTrails
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
5 signs it's time to turn back on your hike
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Calling it quits on a hike is often perceived as a sign of weakness when, in actual fact, it's a sign of good judgment and self-awareness – two traits every smart hiker should carry with them. The outdoors can be unpredictable, and letting your pride get the better of you can sometimes do more damage than good, and even compromise your safety. "As enjoyable and rewarding as hikes can be, it's perfectly ok to turn back and, in some situations, it can be the smartest and safest decision you make,' says Gareth Mills, UK Country Manager at AllTrails. 'Of course, most of us love a circular route and it's hard to contemplate turning back when over halfway; it's a judgment call whether the longer path you know is a better option to the unknown ahead of you.' Below, Gareth shares five signs where you may want to consider turning back early and hanging up your hiking boots... Even if you head out fully prepared with your waterproof jacket and trousers, sometimes it just may not be enough to protect you against what Mother Nature has in store. 'If conditions take a turn for the worse – whether it's dark clouds rolling in, high winds picking up, or an unexpected drop in temperature – it's always wise to reassess,' advises Gareth. 'Storms, in particular, can quickly turn a gentle hike into a dangerous situation.' Top tip: Check the forecast before you set off. 'With AllTrails' Peak feature, Trail Conditions lets you view hyper-local forecasts for temperature, precipitation, snow depth, air quality, and even mosquito activity.' Darkness can quickly compromise your safety, particularly if you're on unfamiliar or challenging trails. 'If you're unsure whether you'll finish before sunset, it's safer to turn around early than to risk navigating unfamiliar or technical terrain in low light. Planning your route and start time in advance is key to staying safe.' This is why you should always have either a handheld torch or a head torch in your backpack, even if you don't intend to be out late. Limited food and water supplies won't just cause you to become a hangry hiker, you could end up getting dehydrated and seriously lacking the energy required to finish your hike. 'That's why you should always ensure you have enough water and food for the entire hike,' says Gareth. 'If you're running low, it's wise to cut things short and head back. You'll enjoy the trail more when you're fully stocked and ready to go again.' It doesn't matter whether your injury is considered minor or severe; if it puts you in pain, don't continue on your hike, it won't be enjoyable. 'If you're in pain or your mobility is affected, it's best to turn back and avoid making the situation worse,' Gareth says. 'A twisted ankle, blister or strain muscle – even a minor injury can worsen quickly on the trail.' Sometimes, you don't even need a grand reason to call things quits – something as simple as not quite feeling right can be enough. 'Whether it's dizziness, dehydration, fatigue, or simply not feeling right – listen to your body. It's never worth pushing through discomfort that could lead to a medical issue. Trust your instincts,' says Gareth
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
'Easiest' walking routes with world's most stunning views named - with 1 in Scotland
A new global study has revealed the world's easiest walking routes to the world's most stunning views, with four UK trails making it onto the list Hiking getaways have seen a surge in popularity, particularly for domestic trips. As a result, a recent worldwide study conducted by AllClear Travel Insurance pinpointed the most straightforward strolls leading to the globe's most spectacular vistas, with four UK paths making the cut. Researchers scrutinised over 100 picturesque trails globally, ranking them according to difficulty based on distance, elevation, and average temperature. America's Artist Point in Yellowstone National Park topped the list. Trailing closely behind were the USA's Cadillac Summit Loop in second and New Zealand's Milford Sound Foreshore Walk in third. Securing joint tenth position were the UK's Porthdinllaen Circular in Wales and Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway Blue Trail. The Old Man of Storr route in the Scottish Highlands, one of Scotland's most emblematic locations, secured the 11th spot on the list. This trek leads you to the Old Man of Storr, a rock formation that came into existence millions of years ago, during the era when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Local folklore suggests that the rocks are the thumb of a giant now resting beneath the earth, while some believe the visage of an old man is etched into the stone, reports the Express. Taking to TripAdvisor one hiker who enjoyed this route, wrote: "Breathtaking scenery. Lovely walk up. Yes it's steep, but take your time and enjoy it! "Had a couple of loops around the car park before we found a space but let's be honest, it's incredible to even have a car park and toilet facilities at a Scottish place of interest so we were more than happen to wait. Anyone who expects more on a Scottish Island needs to hot tail it back to whatever city they come from. Enjoy it for what it is." As reported by AllTrails, the Welsh Porthdinllaen Circular can be completed in just over an hour, offering breathtaking coastal views and possible seal sightings. An enthusiastic walker shared: "Stunning little coastal walk. "There was a secluded beach just before the trail tells you to exit the golf course. I wasn't missing out on those! The way down is steep but oh so worth it!" Similarly, visitors on AllTrails have showered the Giant's Causeway Blue Trail with glowing reviews, noting its jaw-dropping views and picturesque landscapes. One satisfied hiker wrote: "A must see in Northern Ireland. Great hike, surreal views. Make sure to bring water." The final UK entry on the list was the Chee Dale Stepping Stones Circular, a picturesque trail skirting the edge of the Peak District. The world's 15 easiest scenic walks: Artist Point, USA Cadillac Summit Loop, USA Milford Foreshore Walk, New Zealand Cape Flattery Trail, USA Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail Canada Blue Trail, Path of Love: Riomaggiore - Manarola, Italy Moro Rock, USA Grand Canyon South Rim, USA Bastei - Basteribrücke Bridge, Germany Porthdinllaen Circular, Wales, Giant's Causeway - Blue Trail, Northern Ireland, and Bryce Point Trail, USA Old Man of Storr, Scotland The Panorama Trail: Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg, Switzerland
Wales Online
a day ago
- General
- Wales Online
World's easiest walks with the most stunning views revealed - with one Welsh trail making the list
World's easiest walks with the most stunning views revealed - with one Welsh trail making the list A new global study has revealed the world's easiest walks to the most stunning views, with four UK trails making the list including Porthdinllaen Circular World's easiest walks to the most stunning views revealed - with one Welsh trail making the list (Image: Getty Images ) Ramblers have been increasingly opting for walking holidays, especially for domestic retreats. In light of this trend, a recent global study by AllClear Travel Insurance has disclosed the world's most accessible treks to breathtaking vistas, with four UK routes featuring in the rankings. The survey evaluated over 100 picturesque walkways across the globe, measuring their level of challenge based on factors like distance, elevation gain, and median temperature. Artist Point in Yellowstone National Park, USA, claimed the top spot for ease combined with stunning views. Notably, two UK paths were among the favourites, with the Porthdinllaen Circular in Wales and Giant's Causeway Blue Trail in Northern Ireland tied at tenth position. The Porthdinllaen Circular is one of the UK's most stunning, and easy, hikes (Image: Getty Images ) As stated by AllTrails, the Porthdinllaen Circular should take just over an hour to complete, offering sublime coastal scenes and potential seal encounters. A hiker who relished this route commented: "Stunning little coastal walk." Their review continued, underscoring a hidden gem: "There was a secluded beach just before the trail tells you to exit the golf course. I wasn't missing out on those! The way down is steep but oh so worth it," reports the Express. Article continues below Echoing the commendations, online reviews for the Giant's Causeway Blue Trail praise its magnificent panoramas and enchanting landscapes. One enthusiastic rambler advised: "A must see in Northern Ireland. Great hike, surreal views. Make sure to bring water." The Old Man of Storr route in the Scottish Highlands, one of Scotland's most iconic locations, secured the 11th spot on the list. One easy walking route at Giant's Causeway offers stunning views (Image: Getty Images ) This trek leads you to the Old Man of Storr, a rock formation that dates back millions of years, to the era when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Local lore suggests that the rocks are remnants of a giant's thumb, now buried underground, while some believe the rock bears the visage of an old man. Rounding off the UK entries on the list is the Chee Dale Stepping Stones Circular, a picturesque trail on the fringes of the Peak District. Article continues below The world's 15 easiest scenic walks:
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Scotland named top spot for scenic easy walks with stunning views and little effort
Scotland was the only UK nation with four walks in the global top 25, offering stunning views with minimal effort. Scotland has been celebrated as one of the best destinations in the world for breathtaking yet accessible walks, with four of its trails named among the top 25 easiest scenic routes globally. A new international study by AllClear Travel Insurance ranked over 100 iconic walks worldwide to identify the most rewarding trails that require minimal effort. Factors such as walking distance, elevation gain and average temperature were considered to calculate a 'difficulty score' for each route. Topping the list was Artist Point in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, with a score of just 11.9 out of 100. Other top-ranking trails included the Cadillac Summit Loop in the USA and the Milford Sound Foreshore Walk in New Zealand. Scotland stood out as the only part of the UK with multiple entries in the global top 25. The four trails that made the cut were: Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye (13th) Arthur's Seat and St Anthony's Chapel, Edinburgh (19th) Ben A'an, Trossachs (joint 20th) Stac Pollaidh Circular, Wester Ross (25th) These popular Scottish routes joined others from Canada, Switzerland and New Zealand in offering 'maximum scenic reward with minimal effort', perfect for walkers of all ages and abilities. Letitia Smith, Head of Communications at AllClear, said: 'One of the most exciting parts of going on holiday is that first glimpse of a breathtaking view, whether it's from the plane window, your hotel room, or at the end of a trail. These are often the exciting moments that really give you that feeling of being on holiday and discovering somewhere new. 'But for millions of people, reaching some of the world's most beautiful viewpoints isn't always easy. This research highlights just how many incredible landscapes can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and all abilities, particularly those living with medical conditions, and we hope it inspires others on their travels.' Among the standout Scottish trails is the Old Man of Storr on Skye's Trotternish Ridge, one of the island's most famous and busiest attractions. Known in Gaelic as Bodach an Stòr , this 55-metre basalt pinnacle is the last remnant of a volcanic plug believed to be over 2.8 billion years old. The 3.8-kilometre trail to the rock formation takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to complete and begins and ends at the same car park. Meanwhile in Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat offers a surprisingly wild escape in the middle of the capital. According to AllTrails, the 4-kilometre out-and-back route is considered moderately challenging and takes around 1 hour 47 minutes to complete. Rising to 251 metres, this extinct volcano offers sweeping views over the city and is a favourite among hikers, runners and walkers alike. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Further north in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Ben A'an provides a perfect introduction to hillwalking. Though relatively short, the trail rewards walkers with panoramic views over Loch Katrine and the surrounding hills, making it ideal for families and first-time climbers. Last but not least is the Stac Pollaidh Circular in Wester Ross. This rugged 4-kilometre loop around the dramatic Stac Pollaidh mountain is considered a challenging hike, but it remains a popular choice for those seeking stunning views of Assynt, the Summer Isles and even the Isle of Skye. The summit, at 2,011 feet, is a coveted target for experienced scramblers, though the circular trail itself allows less experienced walkers to enjoy the area's spectacular scenery.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Four 'magical' UK scenic walking routes named world's 'best'
A new study has ranked over 100 scenic walking trails worldwide, based on distance, elevation gain and average temperature, with the world's easiest walks to stunning views revealed With staycations hitting a peak, Brits have been lacing up their hiking boots and heading to the hills, and it's no surprise with four UK walkways featuring in AllClear Travel Insurance's global study as the easiest routes to spectacular vistas. This comprehensive analysis sifted through over 100 breathtaking walks around the globe, grading each on difficulty from distance, elevation gain to temperature. Across the pond, Artist Point in Yellowstone seized pole position, while Cadillac Summit Loop nabbed second and New Zealand's Milford Sound Foreshore Walk clinched third place. Not to be outdone, the Porthdinllaen Circular in Wales and the Giant's Causeway Blue Trail in Northern Ireland both snagged the tenth slot. The Porthdinllaen Circular promises ramblers over an hour of spellbinding coastal panoramas coupled with potential seal sightings. A pleased hiker attested to its charm: "Stunning little coastal walk." Another wrote of a delightful find, saying: "There was a secluded beach just before the trail tells you to exit the golf course. I wasn't missing out on those! The way down is steep but oh so worth it!", reports the Express. Echoing this enthusiasm, users are showering accolades on the AllTrails page for Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway Blue Trail – a route riddled with awe-inspiring views. One visitor advices: "A must see in Northern Ireland. Great hike, surreal views. Make sure to bring water." The Old Man of Storr route in the Scottish Highlands, one of Scotland's most iconic locations, came in at number 11 on the list. This trek takes you up to the Old Man of Storr, a rock formation that was created millions of years ago when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth. According to local legends, these rocks are the thumb of a giant now buried underground, while some believe that the face of an old man can be seen in the rock. Rounding off the UK entries on the list is the Chee Dale Stepping Stones Circular, a stunning trail on the fringes of the Peak District. The world's 15 easiest scenic walks: Artist Point, USA Cadillac Summit Loop, USA Milford Foreshore Walk, New Zealand Cape Flattery Trail, USA Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail Canada Blue Trail, Path of Love: Riomaggiore - Manarola, Italy Moro Rock, USA Grand Canyon South Rim, USA Bastei - Basteribrücke Bridge, Germany Porthdinllaen Circular, Wales, Giant's Causeway - Blue Trail, Northern Ireland, and Bryce Point Trail, USA Old Man of Storr, Scotland The Panorama Trail: Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg, Switzerland Chee Dale Stepping Stones Circular, England
