Today was 14 miles and 1,700′ of climbing. Totals are:  96 miles hike and 12,000′ of climbing.

A cool day for hiking as rain was projected off and on through the day. No rain, but lots of cloud cover to keep us cool.

So, what’s it like hiking in Europe? In the US, we have backpacking, which is done on remote trails, usually quite a distance from civilization.  You bring your own food and you sleep where you lay your bedding.

In Europe, the countryside is laced with trails going every which way.

Some trails are 20 minute lunch loops, some afternoon hike, and some go clear across the continent … like the one we’re on.

And unlike the US trail system, no trail is ever more than a few miles from the next town, cafe, etc.

That leads to a very popular pastime here of vacation trekking; going from village to village, hiking during the day and sleeping in nicer accommodations at night. Very civilized!

So, what about the trails? The routes place highest priority in dirt or gravel paths

Next in preference seems to be remote, paved roads

Then single-track (sometimes sketchy)

And sometimes,  just bizarre, like this “wall walk” that we had to do for about 150 feet.

And the last choice, though used sometimes, are the busier paved roads

Often, to avoid the busier roads, that trail signs will direct you 90⁰ or even 180⁰ opposite from the town you’re headed to, in order to use a farm path or a dirt trail.  It’s really okay as we never were in a race to get from one place to another.

Enjoy your path!