Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Where do we start?
Ruaridh and friends were walking part of the Eagle’s Way, a 31-stage, 280km route crossing Austria’s Tirol province. The full route starts in St Johann and ends at St Anton, but you can pick it up wherever you want.
As well as the main route there are variations for more experienced hikers who want to climb peaks, scale exposed ridges and do some scrambling, plus ‘bypass’ sections, avoiding the steepest parts of the route.
How do we plan the route?
Start by looking at the website www.adlerweg.at which has maps of all the stages and variations of the route, or get a free booklet containing the same information by calling +4351272720 or sending an email to info@tirol.at The website also lists the name of the appropriate map for the stages you want to complete (from the Kompass Walking map series), which you can order from Stanfords (www.stanfords.co.uk).
How much does it cost?
A bed in a dorm will cost you around EUR10 per night, a double room about EUR40.
What do we need?
You shouldn’t need more than a 60-litre rucksack, as well as the usual walking clothing, headtorch, penknife, sunglasses and a warm hat. Walking poles help to take the strain off knees during long descents. Duvets or blankets are provided, but take a sheet sleeping bag. One of the party should have a first aid kit - and don’t forget to take a deck of cards.
How do we get there?
Innsbruck is the most convenient airport, otherwise Munich.
