Lockdown won't last forever, and there will be more springs to go hiking and discover new horizons. If you're planning great getaways or treks in faraway mountain ranges, perhaps you're looking for original destination ideas? Here are 6 spring hiking ideas and our tips on how to prepare for them.
Hiking in spring: walking in Tenerife in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have the enormous advantage of mild weather all year round and a magnificent spring! Bathed in sunshine with a light breeze, it's the perfect time to admire the lush, vibrant vegetation. On top of that, the Canary Islands scenery is a pure dream, blending sea and mountain.
With the Teide volcano at 3,718 metres altitude, you get a sense of the elevation changes on offer across this island. There are numerous spring hiking options on Tenerife, taking you through landscapes of multicoloured lava flows, lush forests of laurels and pines, and deep canyons. Don't miss the stunning Anaga massif — a marvel to explore in spring, home to a flora found nowhere else in the world. And you're never far from the Atlantic shores, which bring fresh, clean air and unique viewpoints. If you feel like extending your stay, the other islands of this archipelago are also there for you to hike freely!
Hiking in spring: the Verdon Gorges
The Verdon is certainly the most beautiful canyon in Europe, and it offers outstanding spring hiking itineraries before the summer crowds arrive.
Cliff-side trails where beauty vies with vertigo are there to captivate you. You'll have the choice between the White-Martel trail, the Bastidon, the famous Racolas belvedere, and the Escalés, among others. It is possible to build multi-day itineraries by combining routes and pushing exploration upstream towards Saint-Julien-du-Verdon or Castellane, or downstream towards the stunning Lac de Sainte-Croix. Its exceptional colour and pure waters will be a great comfort after a few days on foot!
Hiking in spring: exploring the peaks of Réunion Island
Réunion Island is clearly shaped by volcanism and carved by tropical rains. This gives it a prodigious landscape, ideal for day hiking or multi-day trekking. You can build an itinerary passing through the cirques of Salazie, Mafate and Cilaos, where you'll discover a contrasting mosaic of landscapes and fabulous peaks such as the Piton des Neiges and the Fournaise. Finally, exploring Réunion, even if it is somewhat demanding physically, promises extraordinary cultural discoveries and wonderful encounters!
Hiking in spring: explore the Drakensberg mountains in South Africa and Lesotho
It is possible to undertake superb treks in the Drakensberg mountains of South Africa and extend the itinerary into Lesotho, or even the Wild Coast. It's a guaranteed way to find breathtaking scenery and enjoy predominantly blue skies. It is also possible to break up this great spring hiking route with short detours to Kruger and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi parks to discover exceptional wildlife. These itineraries can only be undertaken with guides for 90% of the route.
Spring hiking: exploring the Stevenson Trail from Velay to the Cévennes
Follow in the footsteps of this famous writer and his donkey! You can also hike with a horse or donkey to carry your luggage, or go about it in the more traditional way.
This route will keep you well away from the crowds and take you through fantastic landscapes in remote corners of France. On the agenda: Velay, Gévaudan and the Cévennes National Park, for a fairly easy yet genuinely off-the-beaten-track trekking experience. You'll appreciate an almost untouched nature, the authenticity of the villages, vast stretches of wild land, and beautiful rolling trails — perfect for a short 10-day spring trek.
Hiking in spring: discovering the Calanques
It is possible to follow an exceptional route through the Calanques National Park, exploring this remarkable natural and maritime heritage. You'll discover spectacular white limestone cliffs perched above the Mediterranean, with calanques bearing famous names such as Port-Pin, En-Vau, Morgiou and Sorgiou. Then, after the charming little port of Cassis, it is possible to continue further — accumulating up to 5 days of walking in total — towards the northern slopes of the Sainte-Baume massif, with the grotto of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and the Pic de Bertagne.
This hiking route will almost certainly be sun-drenched and will offer you the unique scents of a Provençal spring!
Getting back into trekking and long-distance hiking with the right gear
The first big hikes of the year often provide a good opportunity to take stock of your kit and equipment. You may not have put on your walking shoes for several months, or checked your backpack in a long time.
Before heading out on a spring hiking trip, take the time to review your gear and assess its condition. Pay attention to the condition of your walking shoes, the sturdiness of your pack, and make a list of your hiking clothing. Don't hesitate to pick up a few new items that you can easily break in on short treks of just a few days. Finally, if you haven't walked in a while, pay attention to injury risks: protect your feet with anti-blister socks, equip yourself with quality walking shoes, and remember to warm up and stretch before and after each stage.
