Useful Links

See also our universal expedition checklist.

The best starting point for background information on an area is the often magnificent www.wikipedia.org.

Walking/hiking websites

www.onedayhikes.com - a great site, mainly North America focused, with a good selection of day walks.

https://besthike.com/  - some good walks and information (best on the Americas).

www.Traildino.com - a bit hit and miss, but can come up with some useful stuff.

www.peakware.com - basic information on huge number of mountains: many for serious climbers, but many for walkers too. 

Oranginas: inspiring walks, writing and photos from a group of walking Dutchmen (and women!)!

 

Dairy of a Nomad: Great commentaries and write-ups, as well as pics: http://www.gang-gang.net/nomad/. Particularly good for Oceania.

 

France: www.enlightened-traveller.co.uk
 

South Africa: marvellous, inspiring www.footprint.co.za

Photo Websites

www.flickr.com 

Suggest links

Travel advice

UK Foreign Office: excellent for up-to-date information (including information on health) by country: www.fco.gov.uk/travel

Suggest links

Health information

Fit for Travel: UK government site for country-specific vaccination and other preparatory advice: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

UK National Travel Health Network and Centre (for information sheets on particular illnesses and health issues) www.nathnac.org

UK Dept. of Health: for general health information and information on major diseases: www.dh.gov.uk/travellers

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): American site on health and disease, including lots of detailed information for prospective travellers: www.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx

Altitude sickness - see some good ideas here: https://www.yowangdu.com/tibet-travel/avoiding-altitude-sickness.html

Suggest links

Preparation

Resources: everything from tents to training. See our list of helpful sites:

The perfect introduction to walking and hiking, and the skills you need: Sikana is an educational movement that democratizes practical knowledge by creating and sharing basic skills videos for free. In order to do so, they gather a community of inspiring experts, volunteers and organizations. We love the look of their Hiking Program. Filmed in near the French Alps and with over 50 stunning videos, it teaches you everything you'll need to get into the great outdoors on your first hike. From basic navigation, to choosing the right equipment and everything in-between, they cover all the bases. Watch it for free and get inspired to start hiking! https://www.sikana.tv/en/sport/hiking-1  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWgKm7kgxzCv6pM3W5C4Yik7a225BIu1T

BackpackingLight: www.backpackinglight.com - the site for those who like to travel ultra light (or just a bit lighter).

Also try Bigfoot Services: www.bigfootservices.co.uk - offering expedition and high altitude first aid training, and Pre-trek weekend training courses, in the UK's Brecon Beacons. 20% discount on clothing and equipment at their local outdoor shop.

Take some things for a local charity: see the clever http://www.stuffyourrucksack.com/ 

“How many times have you been travelling and visited a school or community or local charity that you would love to help? The school needs books, or a map or pencils; an orphanage needs children's clothes or toys. All things that, if only you'd known, you could've stuffed in your rucksack. But once you get home you forget, or you've lost the address, or worry that whatever you send will be stolen before it even gets there...”

 

That's what they are for: they list charities who need kit and would welcome some being brought.

 

Climbing & Trekking Insurance guide:  numerous issues, but a key one - does the insurance cover the altitude you will be going to?

 Walking and camping equipment - our partners Gear Hungry 

Bears: if going to bear country, the key is to be prepared and know what to do. See this excellent- looking article:https://effortlessoutdoors.com/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-bear/ see also the excellent  https://survivalmag.net/bear-safety-guide/

Suggest links

Expedition organisers

The following are some good expedition organisers. Browse their expeditions to get drool-inducing ideas…

Worldwide

Explore! – www.explore.co.uk

Steppes East: we have used them in Mongolia, Pakistan and Central Asia; while they are not cheap, they have always provided top grade expeditions and support – www.steppestravel.com

Exodus: A fine selection of great walks – www.exodus.co.uk

World Expeditions:www.worldexpeditions.com

Wilderness Travel: have a fabulous selection of expeditions – possibly at the more expensive end – www.wildernesstravel.com

Inntravel:www.inntravel.co.uk

Sherpa Expeditions:www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk

www.justyou.co.uk - some great walking holidays around the world, for singles.

Europe

Alternative Travel Group: groundbreaking firm with a fabulous selection of walks (guided and “meet your baggage”) throughout Europe and further afield - www.atg-oxford.com

South America

Condor Journeys: www.condorjourneys-adventures.com

Miraviva: www.miravivatravel.com

Asia

Japan:

Suggest links

Mapping websites

www.mapsack.com

www.maps.google.com

www.nationalgeographic.com - USA Maps

Suggest links

Books, maps

Our favourite trekking books:

Guidebooks:

The following are the best guidebook publishers (we will be developing recommendations for walk-specific guidebooks on our walk pages).

Suggest books and publishers 

Car rental

Here are links to well known international firms. Links to local providers, who may be cheaper, are given on some individual walk pages.

• Rentalcars.com - millions of cars in over 10,000 locations.    
• Avis: www.avis.com
• Hertz: www.hertz.co.uk
• Europcar: www.europcar.co.uk
• Budget: www.budget.co.uk
• Alamo: www.alamo.com
• Enterprise: www.enterprise.co.uk
• Sixt: www.sixt.com
• Nationwide: www.nationwidehireuk.co.uk     

Suggest links 

General

A difficult task, deciding what to put in here. To start:

• www.thegoodwebguide.co.uk - A good website, with a variety of good featured websites...
•  https://www.getsongbpm.com - Find tracks to fit your walking your pace: input the beats per minute, walking duration and genre... a charming idea. 

Other activities for walkers   

Great ideas for fishermen (and women!) to go with (or after!) a great walk....

Suggest links