Hiking, Scrambling, Mountaineering, and Climbing

Dtm

I don’t think I can do much active stuff in them.

I've no idea what that means. But wellies are the answer.

If the boots are still comfy what about waterproof socks.

Yeh waterproof socks is what I do

I guess but can you run around in wellies?
Srs question.

Waterproof socks ! Good point

You said walking not running.

If they're good fitting wellies you could move quickly, but that's not the purpose of them. In winter I always wear wellies for dog walking. Warm dry feet and boots that you can hose off and forget about. Ideal.

I think I’m scarred after kids wellies and the lack of speed

I have these for dog walking duties in the rainy months. Easy on and off

I’ve got a unexpected week off coming up.

In a similar position a few years back, I walked the GR141 in Andalucía and had a lovely time.

Gonna spend an evening googling, but has anyone got any recommendations for a last minute autumn hike somewhere?

4-6 days
Ideally self guided with a clear-ish route and accommodation options, but camping isn’t a problem.

Mountains would be great, but hiking rather than mountaineering.

France? Spain? Italy?

I’d been vaguely considering Morocco or even Georgia, but probably too ambitious for a last minute trip…

I'd be looking at the weather and then deciding. It's pretty cold and wet here in the Pyrenees currently.

Swiss Via Alpina, Engelberg to Kandersteg
Did it just recently, exceptional.

Based on weather alone I'd go GR221 Deia to Porto Pollenca, easy public transport connections each end

GR91 in France is pretty sweet and easy to get to (and from at the end).

Thanks all. Some great suggestions!

Never thought about walking on Mallorca.
The only index I’ve ever found of the GR routes is mostly France.

Definitely agree on the weather being a big factor, which means southern Europe..

I've got some Goretex Merrell Moab's going cheap here: https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/398153/#comment17467588

I went with the Aonijie in the end - turned up today and looks like a good piece of kit. No plans at the moment so not sure when it will get its first real outing though

The GR whatever it is across Gran Canaria and Tenerife is good

Just wanted to ask about groundsheets, and using one with a tarp. I have never tried tarp camping before, but would like to get one for the versatility, and to save money and weight. I use a 195 x 65cm sleeping mat, and a 200cm long sleeping bag and quilt.

With tarp camping, if any rain or snow blows in from the edges, would it be better to have a groundsheet that exactly matches or is slightly smaller than the sleeping mat, so that water does not pool on top of the groundsheet and get the sleeping mat wet from underneath? Or is it ok to have the groundsheet slightly wider?

I am trying to choose between 0.6m x 2m (will fit under my sleeping mat with no exposed edges), or 0.8m x 2.2m (7.5cm either side and 10cm either end exposed). The advantage I see of the slightly wider groundsheet is that it'll keep my sleeping bag and quilt cleaner, as they are less likely to touch the ground. But I would like to avoid any water pooling issues as mentioned before.

Sorry for the silly question. Any info would be appreciated.

If conditions are bad you want the tarp.pitched very tight to the ground to stop what your talking about. As long as the groundsheet is a good bit smaller than the resulting tarp edges you'll be fine. Just don't set up in a dip. I wouldn't have a ground sheet smaller than my sleeping matt especially if wet.

Thank you. Yes that makes sense.

So much cheaper too. £67 for the one I am looking at, vs £250+ for a decent tent.

As an update to my previous message.

Despite everyone’s v helpful suggestions, I ended up in Greece walking the Menalon Trail

Was really nice, and ticked the boxes I was after. Walked it in 4 days, staying in guesthouses and eating good food, but it’s quite adaptable.

Easy to follow, Moderately difficult.
Recommended.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
Have noted them down for future walks.

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I’ve always fancied an international trek. What were the guest houses like?

All really nice! Booked everywhere the night before on booking.com. I can post a list of where I stayed if you’re interested. They were all good, and guesthouses.

Most difficult thing about the trip was trying to find info on rural buses, haha. Although it did work perfectly in the end.

If you’re considering it, I think autumn is probably the best time. Winter gets colder and wetter, and summer is too hot.