Latest news with #CaminoFrancés
Time Out
29-04-2025
- Time Out
This spiritual pilgrimage in Spain is the world's best hike – here's why
When I set off on my first Camino, I too thought it was just a hike. I'd heard about it two years prior from a friend who'd recently been on pilgrimage. 'It's this 500-mile walk across Spain,' he said. 'You get to see the entire country's landscape change before you and drink amazing wine, and there's hostels all along the way especially for pilgrims that serve huge meals for super cheap, and you'll meet so many incredible people from all around the world.' His feverish excitement fed mine, but if I'm completely honest, it was the phrase 500-mile walk that enamoured me. A month-long self-guided hike along a well-frequented path sounded like a doable challenge. That, and the convenience of an affordable trip to Europe made it perfect for my first-ever solo international journey. The walk he'd been speaking about was the Camino Francés. One of many Caminos de Santiago – literally Ways of Saint James – this one begins in the French Pyrenees, traversing red-dirt wine country, a sun-baked grain belt, and evergreen highlands on its way to northwest Spain. Over 240,000 trod it in 2024, making it the most popular route among the year's 400,000 peregrinos on record. Other Ways, like the Camino Portugués and the Camino del Norte, follow the coastlines, while the Camino de Madrid and Vía de la Plata pass fortified Arabesque hilltop cities and the inland plains separating the north from southern commercial centres. 'Even witless walkers can't avoid the Camino's profound experiences' While it's known today as a Catholic pilgrimage, the Way existed long before the Church enshrined what it claimed were James the Apostle's remains at Santiago de Compostela. For centuries, it served as a route to Finisterre – or Land's End – on the Atlantic coast, where Druids and Romans prayed to their own gods. Pilgrims who'd tasted the sea's salty air carried scallop shells back home, and today, shell markings guide travelers along their journey. I learned all this later of course. Legends travel like wind on the Camino, and I heard of enchantments like a fountain that runs with wine and an iron cross that makes the weight you carry lighter. I then drank from that fountain and lightened my load. Many pilgrims come seeking self-growth, healing, and miracles, but thanks to its 2,000-year heritage as a spiritual quest, even witless walkers like me who think they've come for mere sport can't avoid the Camino's profound experiences. I've now walked it three times. I've yet to meet a pilgrim who's not felt their sense of self shifted by the time they reached the Pórtico da Gloria where the road ends. Unlike other hikes, the Camino did not challenge me against the wilderness, but against my own will. Despite trying every preventative measure imaginable, my feet blew up with blisters every time, and each day I had to make the painful decision to keep walking. I weighed the importance of my belongings, knowing it'd be my own demise if I carried too much baggage. In recent years, it's become possible to ship your backpack along daily for a nominal fee, but I'd argue this easy out is environmentally unsustainable and denies you the transformative reward of letting go of your burdens once you reach Santiago. 'While intrinsically contemplative, the Camino is also inherently social' The Camino's wonders outweighed its woes. Like finding the perfect walking stick. Or receiving a homemade meal from someone who didn't even speak my language. Or stumbling upon an open-air farmhouse where modern-day nomads lived off the land, offering pilgrims plump fruit, fresh juice, and a place to rest in their bedouin shelter. While intrinsically contemplative (most pilgrims walk 10–20 miles a day), the Camino is also inherently social. I'm shy by nature, but on a long and lonesome road where everyone had the same destination, I couldn't help spilling my secrets to strangers. Time warped while walking eight-hour stretches together. Days turned into lifetimes and strangers into age-old friends. A retiree from Basque once found a hat I'd lost and carried it for two weeks until our paths crossed again. While wearing low-top shoes that squished my toes, I met a girl with the same size feet whose wide-toed boots were bruising her ankles — when we swapped, we were like two Cinderellas who'd found their Prince Charmings. Whether you walk with a deeper purpose or not, the Camino works on you. On my first Camino – coming from a skeptical, and sometimes downright pessimistic, atheology – I found myself believing in a higher power: I'd experienced too many happy coincidences for there not to have been someone, or some thing, looking out for me. On my second Camino, I walked with a partner, testing our ardour against the arduous road. On my third Camino, I set off with a fellowship of pilgrims whose tribe mentality pushed me to break out on my own. Each Camino taught me its own lesson of trust – in God, in my fellow man, then in myself. We peregrinos often remind each other: 'Everyone must walk their own Camino,' and if you, too, choose to walk this path, you'll create your own challenges and bring your own worries. But there are so many people to help you along the way. So much beautiful scenery to breathe in. So much timeless tradition in which to enrobe yourself. So many tapas and tortillas and tintos. And finally, there is the unparalleled strength of body and peace of mind when you reach Santiago.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
Germany's Camino trek rivals Spain's famous pilgrimage—and is a lot less crowded
In Spain, a record-breaking number of pilgrims have attempted the Camino de Santiago (or the Way of St. James), turning the once contemplative pilgrimage or secular hike into a popular tourist attraction. An increase in hikers on the trail means travelers are now compelled to reserve hotel rooms or beds in traditional pilgrim hostels far in advance to avoid a surprise extension to the day's walk, which can take away the spontaneity of the experience. Meanwhile, the famed trek's final destination, Santiago de Compostela, and its residents have witnessed the negative effects of overtourism. The St. James Way is more than just the popular Camino Francés (French Way) that stretches from the village of St. Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The network of 281 routes, encompassing more than 51,500 miles, snakes through 29 different countries. Another less-traveled alternative to Camino Francés should be considered. The German Camino—part of the intricate Camino de Santiago—offers walkers along this path historic landmarks, scenery, and a similar hiking experience to the French Way without the crowds. It's not uncommon for travelers walking the Way of St. James to have the path to themselves. What the trails lack in infrastructure, they make up for in an oasis of serenity. (Related: Beyond the Camino de Santiago: three alternative hikes in Spain.) The history of the Way of St. James is part of the trail's draw for many hikers, who follow in the footsteps of generations of pilgrims who came before them. In the first century C.E., the Apostle St. James spent time spreading the gospel or Christian teachings in Spain. After his martyrdom in Jerusalem, St. James' body was returned to Spain and buried in a tomb in the region of Galicia. It's believed that this tomb was rediscovered in the 9th century C.E., and a church (then years later, a grand cathedral) was built on the site in the Santiago de Compostela. Christians soon began visiting St. James' tomb, believing their pilgrimage to his remains would save their souls time in purgatory. Christianity and Catholicism were the same religion for almost 1,000 years until the Great Schism of 1054, and since then, Camino de Santiago has been known as a Catholic pilgrimage. As pilgrims flocked to Santiago from across Europe in the first centuries C.E., they established a network of trails. 'The real Caminos were never planned by any organization—they were built by pilgrims who walked,' says Peter Eich, who has not only traveled different routes of the pilgrimage but is also the founder of German Camino and German-language resources, Jakobsweg-Zentrale, the Camino Ninja app, and the Camino Love app. The German Caminos aren't as developed as the more popular French Way, Portuguese Way, or Northern Ways. English-language resources to help hikers and walkers navigate the German Caminos can be difficult to find. However, people can use the free Camino Love app to view maps of the routes, complete with accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, and to help them plan a daily itinerary. Because of Germany's strong hiking tradition, these trails are well-known, but few international tourists have caught on. 'The German Caminos still have all that lost charm of the French Way 20 years ago, before almost half a million pilgrims started hiking to Santiago every year,' says Eich. (Related: 3 ways to plan a Camino de Santiago hiking pilgrimage.) Travelers who want to hike the Way of St. James in Germany have many options, but here's a list of a few of the most developed routes. The Moselle-Camino. This 100-mile section of the German Camino runs from Koblenz to Trier in the southwest. It's typically broken up into eight 'stages' or walking days. The route takes travelers through German wine country along the Moselle, past grand castles and ancient churches to the Roman outpost of Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Path manager for the privately run Moselle-Camino website, Wolfgang Welter, says, 'Due to its northeast-southeast orientation, it is a perfect 'feeder' to the pilgrimage routes in France and Spain, which lead in the same direction to Santiago de Compostela.' Welter is also the author of A Way of St. James from Koblenz Stolzenfels Castle to Trier. How to Get There: To reach the starting point of the Moselle-Camino, you can fly to Frankfurt or Cologne and get to Koblenz by train or rental car. The trailhead is located at the Stolzenfels Castle, a 10-minute bus ride or 20-minute train ride from the city. (Related: Why you should visit Germany's Potsdam instead of Versailles.) Palatinate Way of St. James, The Northern Route. There are six stages to this 93-mile trek in the Rhineland Palatinate. It begins in the ancient Roman city of Speyer and runs to the Hornbach Abbey, an 8th-century monastery that now doubles as a 4-star hotel. How to Get There: Fly to Frankfurt or Stuttgart and take a train to Speyer. The Camino trailhead is located by the cathedral in Speyer's main square. Brandenburg Way of St. James. In the Middle Ages, a popular branch of the Way of St. James began in Berlin, long before the city became an important European capital. Now, hikers can travel along the 132-mile Camino route from Berlin to Tangermünde, a relatively flat and achievable hike that passes through small historical villages and picturesque countryside. How to Get There: To start on the Brandenburg Way, you can fly to Berlin and make your way through the city by train to the Alexanderplatz station. The pilgrimage begins in the large square above the station. Adventurous travelers can follow the Way of St. James from Germany to Santiago de Compostela in Spain or choose a section of the trail based on athletic stamina, distance, and what historic landmarks they want to visit. Similar to the French Way, these hikes should be attempted by travelers comfortable walking daily distances of 10 to 15 miles. However, many of the trails in Germany run parallel to public transportation routes that can be used as a backup plan. Many German hikers choose to split the pilgrimage routes into three-day or week-long chunks, coming back each year to complete another stretch. (Related: The ultimate packing list for walking the Camino de Santiago.) Before its unification in 1866, Germany was a patchwork of regions with different cultures, dialects, religions, and landscapes. Barbara Massion, a member of the German St. James Society's executive committee, believes the German Caminos are pathways to exploration. She says, 'It's a great way to discover the diversity of Germany … due to all the small shires, duchies and kingdoms which in the 19th century were united to form Germany, there are lots of historic places to be discovered.' A few significant historical sites to see found along the three aforementioned German Caminos include: Stolzenfels Castle, Koblenz. The Prince-Bishop of Tier built the original 13th-century medieval fortress, which was later transformed into a palace. It marks the beginning of the Moselle Camino. Visit before you begin your pilgrimage to explore the castle's interior and manicured garden. The Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthias, Trier. This is the endpoint of the Moselle Camino in Trier. Here, you can visit the tomb of St. Matthias the Apostle, the only apostle buried in Germany. Imperial Cathedral, Speyer. The Northern and Southern routes of the Palatinate Way begin in Speyer, a city located on the banks of the Rhine and founded by the Roman Empire. The city's stately 11th-century basilica served as a burial ground for eight German emperors. Blieskastel Gollenstein. Though not directly related to the lore of St. James, this bizarre 4,000-year-old monolith sits along the Northern Route of the Palatinate Way. The standing stone, thought to be the work of a prehistoric cult, was destroyed by Nazis and then reconstructed in the 1950s. Eltz Castle in the Eltz Forest. This well-preserved castle, located about 19 miles into the Brandeburg Way, was completed in the 12th century C.E. under the Holy Roman Empire. Today, it's owned by part of the German noble family known as the House of Eltz. The Hakenberg Victory Column. The Brandenburg Way passes by the Hakenberg Victory Column, a 118-foot tall monument built at the end of the 19th century in honor of Brandenburg's victory over Sweden in the Battle of Fehrbellin in 1675. You can climb to the column's observation deck for sweeping views over the surrounding forest. Travel with Nat Geo: Traverse the famed El Camino de Santiago with National Geographic Expeditions and experience one of the most picturesque historical pilgrimages of Europe. Click here for more info! Zanny Merullo Steffgen is a freelance travel journalist based in Colorado.
National Geographic
12-03-2025
- National Geographic
Germany's Camino trek rivals Spain's famous pilgrimage—and is a lot less crowded
Travelers should consider the pilgrimage along the less-crowded St. James Way and other connected routes in Germany. It allows pilgrims and hikers an opportunity to see small-town sights, including this historic bridge in Vacha, which separated East and West Germany until the fall of the Wall. The bridge also marks the end of the pilgrimage route along the Regia River, from Görlitz to Vacha. Travelers should consider the pilgrimage along the less-crowded St. James Way and other connected routes in Germany. It allows pilgrims and hikers an opportunity to see small-town sights, including this historic bridge in Vacha, which separated East and West Germany until the fall of the Wall. The bridge also marks the end of the pilgrimage route along the Regia River, from Görlitz to Vacha. Travelers should consider the pilgrimage along the less-crowded St. James Way and other connected routes in Germany. It allows pilgrims and hikers an opportunity to see small-town sights, including this historic bridge in Vacha, which separated East and West Germany until the fall of the Wall. The bridge also marks the end of the pilgrimage route along the Regia River, from Görlitz to Vacha. Travelers should consider the pilgrimage along the less-crowded St. James Way and other connected routes in Germany. It allows pilgrims and hikers an opportunity to see small-town sights, including this historic bridge in Vacha, which separated East and West Germany until the fall of the Wall. The bridge also marks the end of the pilgrimage route along the Regia River, from Görlitz to Vacha. The Camino de Santiago is more than just one 500-mile route through Spain. Here's why you should consider hiking the German section of trails. In Spain, a record-breaking number of pilgrims have attempted the Camino de Santiago (or the Way of St. James), turning the once contemplative pilgrimage or secular hike into a popular tourist attraction. An increase in hikers on the trail means travelers are now compelled to reserve hotel rooms or beds in traditional pilgrim hostels far in advance to avoid a surprise extension to the day's walk, which can take away the spontaneity of the experience. Meanwhile, the famed trek's final destination, Santiago de Compostela, and its residents have witnessed the negative effects of overtourism. The St. James Way is more than just the popular Camino Francés (French Way) that stretches from the village of St. Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The network of 281 routes, encompassing more than 51,500 miles, snakes through 29 different countries. Another less-traveled alternative to Camino Francés should be considered. The German Camino—part of the intricate Camino de Santiago—offers walkers along this path historic landmarks, scenery, and a similar hiking experience to the French Way without the crowds. It's not uncommon for travelers walking the Way of St. James to have the path to themselves. What the trails lack in infrastructure, they make up for in an oasis of serenity. (Related: Beyond the Camino de Santiago: three alternative hikes in Spain.) A group of pilgrims arrive in Coruna, Spain, after hiking the Camino de Santiago—the Way of St. James—which is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the shrine of the apostle James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, northwestern Spain. Photograph by Salwan Georges,Jakobsweg: Walk the less-traveled trails The history of the Way of St. James is part of the trail's draw for many hikers, who follow in the footsteps of generations of pilgrims who came before them. In the first century C.E., the Apostle St. James spent time spreading the gospel or Christian teachings in Spain. After his martyrdom in Jerusalem, St. James' body was returned to Spain and buried in a tomb in the region of Galicia. It's believed that this tomb was rediscovered in the 9th century C.E., and a church (then years later, a grand cathedral) was built on the site in the Santiago de Compostela. Christians soon began visiting St. James' tomb, believing their pilgrimage to his remains would save their souls time in purgatory. Christianity and Catholicism were the same religion for almost 1,000 years until the Great Schism of 1054, and since then, Camino de Santiago has been known as a Catholic pilgrimage. As pilgrims flocked to Santiago from across Europe in the first centuries C.E., they established a network of trails. 'The real Caminos were never planned by any organization—they were built by pilgrims who walked,' says Peter Eich, who has not only traveled different routes of the pilgrimage but is also the founder of German Camino and German-language resources, Jakobsweg-Zentrale, the Camino Ninja app, and the Camino Love app. The German Caminos aren't as developed as the more popular French Way, Portuguese Way, or Northern Ways. English-language resources to help hikers and walkers navigate the German Caminos can be difficult to find. However, people can use the free Camino Love app to view maps of the routes, complete with accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, and to help them plan a daily itinerary. Because of Germany's strong hiking tradition, these trails are well-known, but few international tourists have caught on. 'The German Caminos still have all that lost charm of the French Way 20 years ago, before almost half a million pilgrims started hiking to Santiago every year,' says Eich. (Related: 3 ways to plan a Camino de Santiago hiking pilgrimage.) On a journey from Görlitz to Lake Constance, visitors can visit the medieval town of Rotenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, found on the Way of St. James. Photograph by Jonas Wresch, Focus Agency/Redux Choosing a route on the St. James Way Travelers who want to hike the Way of St. James in Germany have many options, but here's a list of a few of the most developed routes. The Moselle-Camino. This 100-mile section of the German Camino runs from Koblenz to Trier in the southwest. It's typically broken up into eight 'stages' or walking days. The route takes travelers through German wine country along the Moselle, past grand castles and ancient churches to the Roman outpost of Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Path manager for the privately run Moselle-Camino website, Wolfgang Welter, says, 'Due to its northeast-southeast orientation, it is a perfect 'feeder' to the pilgrimage routes in France and Spain, which lead in the same direction to Santiago de Compostela.' Welter is also the author of A Way of St. James from Koblenz Stolzenfels Castle to Trier. How to Get There: To reach the starting point of the Moselle-Camino, you can fly to Frankfurt or Cologne and get to Koblenz by train or rental car. The trailhead is located at the Stolzenfels Castle, a 10-minute bus ride or 20-minute train ride from the city. (Related: Why you should visit Germany's Potsdam instead of Versailles.) Palatinate Way of St. James, The Northern Route. There are six stages to this 93-mile trek in the Rhineland Palatinate. It begins in the ancient Roman city of Speyer and runs to the Hornbach Abbey, an 8th-century monastery that now doubles as a 4-star hotel. How to Get There: Fly to Frankfurt or Stuttgart and take a train to Speyer. The Camino trailhead is located by the cathedral in Speyer's main square. Brandenburg Way of St. James. In the Middle Ages, a popular branch of the Way of St. James began in Berlin, long before the city became an important European capital. Now, hikers can travel along the 132-mile Camino route from Berlin to Tangermünde, a relatively flat and achievable hike that passes through small historical villages and picturesque countryside. How to Get There: To start on the Brandenburg Way, you can fly to Berlin and make your way through the city by train to the Alexanderplatz station. The pilgrimage begins in the large square above the station. Adventurous travelers can follow the Way of St. James from Germany to Santiago de Compostela in Spain or choose a section of the trail based on athletic stamina, distance, and what historic landmarks they want to visit. Similar to the French Way, these hikes should be attempted by travelers comfortable walking daily distances of 10 to 15 miles. However, many of the trails in Germany run parallel to public transportation routes that can be used as a backup plan. Many German hikers choose to split the pilgrimage routes into three-day or week-long chunks, coming back each year to complete another stretch. (Related: The ultimate packing list for walking the Camino de Santiago.) Historical sites to see along the St. James Way Before its unification in 1866, Germany was a patchwork of regions with different cultures, dialects, religions, and landscapes. Barbara Massion, a member of the German St. James Society's executive committee, believes the German Caminos are pathways to exploration. She says, 'It's a great way to discover the diversity of Germany … due to all the small shires, duchies and kingdoms which in the 19th century were united to form Germany, there are lots of historic places to be discovered.' A few significant historical sites to see found along the three aforementioned German Caminos include: Stolzenfels Castle, Koblenz. The Prince-Bishop of Tier built the original 13th-century medieval fortress, which was later transformed into a palace. It marks the beginning of the Moselle Camino. Visit before you begin your pilgrimage to explore the castle's interior and manicured garden. The Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthias, Trier. This is the endpoint of the Moselle Camino in Trier. Here, you can visit the tomb of St. Matthias the Apostle, the only apostle buried in Germany. Imperial Cathedral, Speyer. The Northern and Southern routes of the Palatinate Way begin in Speyer, a city located on the banks of the Rhine and founded by the Roman Empire. The city's stately 11th-century basilica served as a burial ground for eight German emperors. Blieskastel Gollenstein. Though not directly related to the lore of St. James, this bizarre 4,000-year-old monolith sits along the Northern Route of the Palatinate Way. The standing stone, thought to be the work of a prehistoric cult, was destroyed by Nazis and then reconstructed in the 1950s. Eltz Castle in the Eltz Forest. This well-preserved castle, located about 19 miles into the Brandeburg Way, was completed in the 12th century C.E. under the Holy Roman Empire. Today, it's owned by part of the German noble family known as the House of Eltz. The Hakenberg Victory Column. The Brandenburg Way passes by the Hakenberg Victory Column, a 118-foot tall monument built at the end of the 19th century in honor of Brandenburg's victory over Sweden in the Battle of Fehrbellin in 1675. You can climb to the column's observation deck for sweeping views over the surrounding forest. Travel with Nat Geo: Traverse the famed El Camino de Santiago with National Geographic Expeditions and experience one of the most picturesque historical pilgrimages of Europe. Traverse the famed El Camino de Santiago with National Geographic Expeditions and experience one of the most picturesque historical pilgrimages of Europe. Click here for more info! Zanny Merullo Steffgen is a freelance travel journalist based in Colorado.
The Independent
12-03-2025
- The Independent
Europe's best walking trails to hike in 2025
As the weather (finally) heats up, many travellers are itching to get outdoors and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. Rediscovering the joys of slow travel is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of a landscape. Walking allows you to take time to observe your surroundings and stop to admire the views. This spring and summer, consider exploring some of Europe 's most iconic hiking trails, paths trod for centuries by pilgrims, traders, and travellers, connecting historical sites and breathtaking landscapes. As the days lengthen, it's the perfect time to lace up your boots and experience the continent's beauty on foot. Here are some of Europe's best walking trails to try: The Camino de Santiago, Spain For centuries, pilgrims have traversed the ancient pathways leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the burial site of St. James the Apostle. The most renowned of these routes, the 500-mile Camino Francés, or French Way, begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, nestled in the French Pyrenees. Marked by the ubiquitous scallop shell, the Camino winds through medieval towns, vineyards, and picturesque countryside, echoing the journeys of countless pilgrims over millennia. Modern-day walkers continue the tradition, carrying pilgrim passports and collecting stamps at albergues (hostels) along the route. For those seeking a less arduous experience, numerous companies offer organised tours, handling luggage transport between accommodations. While the Camino's origins are steeped in religious tradition, today's pilgrims embark on the journey for a variety of reasons. Beyond the spiritual aspect, the Camino offers a unique opportunity to forge connections and experience the camaraderie of fellow travellers, creating a shared experience of challenge and discovery. The South West Coast Path, UK Britain's longest National Trail stretches 630 miles, offering breathtaking coastal scenery from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. Originally carved out by coastguards patrolling for smugglers, the path hugs the coastline, traversing through Devon and Cornwall before reaching its final destination. Hikers can experience a diverse range of landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs of North Devon and the historic tin mines of Botallack, Cornwall, to the lush tropical gardens of the Cornish Riviera and the iconic limestone arch of Durdle Door in Dorset. The trail also boasts numerous beaches and secluded coves, perfect for rest and reflection. For those planning to explore this extensive route, the South West Coast Path website provides detailed information on different sections, along with recommendations for accommodation along the way. Cinque Terre Coastal Trail, Italy Connecting five colourful fishing villages on the Ligurian coast, this trail attracts more than 2.5 million visitors per year. Originating in medieval times, these paths were once the only way local people could travel between the villages before the railway was built in the 1870s. Sections of the trail range in length, starting at just a few miles. The most popular Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) runs for seven miles, where the Via dell'Amore (Lovers' Lane) section delivers sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Take time to stop in the key villages – gasp at Riomaggiore's houses cascading to the sea; sip wine on Manarola's terraces; and explore Vernazza's natural harbour dominated by its medieval castle. Journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands on the iconic West Highland Way, a 96-mile trek from Glasgow to Fort William showcasing breathtaking scenery. This popular route offers hikers a diverse landscape of pristine lochs, desolate moorlands, and glacier-carved valleys like the dramatic Glencoe, all while offering glimpses of local wildlife such as red deer and golden eagles. Starting in Milngavie, the trail skirts the shores of Loch Lomond, Britain's largest lake, before traversing the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor. The path then leads through Glencoe, a valley steeped in history and marked by the tragic 1692 massacre, where hikers can admire the distinctive pyramid-shaped mountains. A challenging climb up the Devil's Staircase, the highest point on the trail at 539metres, rewards hikers with panoramic views.
