T&T Blogs

Changed times, strange time for travellers. We are all having to adjust to living with Covid-19, and to travelling with new measures in place. We suspect that these measures may be the norm for some time to come, and it is clear that many of you are ready to travel again, but would like to know what is being done to keep you safe. Here we have identified the various procedures in place that will help to reduce risk of Covid-19 while you are on a trip with Tracks and Trails. We have aimed to provide a brief and clear outline to address various concerns. 

Autumn walks in Tuscany, Italy, are to be savoured, the physical pleasures of the hike, as well as the wonderful flavours of this world famous region. In September and October we head south to the mountains of the Apuane, and the Apennine where we spend a week long hiking holiday exploring the limestone summits of this bountiful land. At a time in our  world when 'isolation' is to be welcomed you will love our hillside haven of tranquility where your group will be the only guests in an ancient Tuscan farmhouse. To encourage you into the mountains we have dropped the cost of this trip by £100 for September and October 2020.

The Verdon Gorge is a turquoise ribbon of water slicing through a truly beautiful landscape. Known as the Grand Canyon of Europe it is the second largest in the world, and for generations has attracted hikers, and rock climbers to its sheer and impressive cliffs. Home to a health population of vultures, it lures not only wildlife lovers, but also those who simply want to escape to a slower pace amidst the lavender fields and olive groves. You can join us to either hike or trail run along the ancient routes. 

Chamonix. This mythical Alpine town is home to Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain, which has captured the hearts of mountain lovers for generations. Located on the Eastern border of France, right in heart of the French Alps, Chamonix marks the border with both Italy and Switzerland. Steeped in Alpine history and home to some of the world's best hiking and running trails, skiing tracks and climbing routes, Chamonix is an adventure lover's perfect playground.  

At Tracks and Trails , Chamonix is our home-away-from-home and we run several hiking, trail running, snowshoeing and family adventure holidays based from this wonderful and historic mountain town. Read on to find out more about Chamonix Mont Blanc and why the magic never dies. 

For anyone who loves the freedom and solitude of trail running in the mountains, lockdown may have been a frustrating time, especially in countries where restrictions on our daily movement have been very limited. So what can we do to keep ourselves fit and ready for the day that our mountains re-open and we can run free again? It’s time to focus your time and make the most of the lockdown experience.

Focus your time on a mix of gaining strength, flexibility, HIIT work outs (High Intensity Interval Training) and appreciating the new calm in your local surroundings. Here are our top tips for staying 'hill fit' both in mind and body.

Staying in a mountain hut in a remote and beautiful location is to be savoured. It is a wonderful experience and something which everyone who loves the outdoors should try at least once in their lives. There are many reasons for spending a night in a mountain hut, not least because it allows you to enjoy the high mountains in a wild and natural setting where you can escape the cares of everyday life. Nothing could be more relevant today as we remain in 'lockdown' in our homes. For now we can but dream of those 'mountain nights'.

The birds are singing this morning in the forest behind my house, the woodland is deserted, and the flowers are blooming in the warm sunshine that heralds spring has arrived in the French Alps. Yes, there is a chilly wind, but we know change is on its way. I glance always to the snowy peaks and ridges sparkling in the sun and accept that it may be a long time before I can return to the mountains. This is life in 'alpine' lockdown and tomorrow we enter week 2 with no sign of restrictions being removed. 

The splendid landscape of the Peak District is the ideal destination for trail runners, offering a range of routes to suit all levels of experience, in some of England’s finest scenery. The Peak District has long been known as a paradise for walkers and climbers, but it’s also a wonderful place for fell runners, with some of the best off-road running in the entire country. This is the place to come to really stretch your legs, over rocky ascents, moorland, craggy ridges and muddy ditches.

Tracks and Trails is proud to be the first ever BASI Approved Nordic Ski School. We have been awarded the status of 'Approved' ski school by the British Association of Snowsport Instructors. As such we are the only company offering cross country ski instruction to be awarded this recognition. The award is given only to those who demonstrate high standards of professionalism and quality instruction and we are delighted to have earned this accolade. 

BASI Nordic Director, John Mordue said, "This confirms that Tracks and Trails are operating to the highest professional standards."

Summer at Tracks and Trails is all about exploring the mountains under our own steam; our trail running holidays are open to runners of all abilities. Scroll down for our definitive guide to trail running in the Alps and beyond.