
What we’re about
We are BACKABUSH XPLORERS, much copied but still the original and best hiking and outdoor activity Meetup group!!!
Who are we and how did it all begin?
Backabush Xplorers is London's longest established hiking and outdoor adventure Meetup group. Our group was originally created back in 2002 (actually before we were on Meetup) by a multinational group of friends who loved hiking and wanted to get more out of our weekends and holidays. We wanted to share our heartfelt passion for the great outdoors and enthusiasm with others. For some years Backabush was an informal, unincorporated association managed by the founders for the benefit of its members.
Our group grew rapidly in those early years and in 2008, following legal advice we decided it would be wise and prudent to become a registered company to protect our organisers and our members. Following this review and the formation of the limited company, our members can now pursue their legitimate activities and aims with complete peace of mind.
Why do we do it?
We love the outdoors! The primary motivation is fun (not profit) which means that our trips offer exceptional value for money. We continue as a group with the same ethos of organising events and trips for the benefit of our members. This is what we love and we are passionate about what we do. We will always endeavour to be budget conscious and price our activities only to cover necessary expenses.
What do we do?
Over the years we have hiked and explored the National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty in Britain and abroad. It may all have started years ago with a few hiking friends gathering for a weekend in a scruffy camping barn somewhere rural and pretty but it has developed a lot from there.
Backabush has been hiking and enjoying outdoor adventure for well over a decade now and over this time we have organised literally hundreds of hiking trips throughout Great Britain. We have enjoyed visits to the Lake District, Snowdonia, Scotland, the Brecon Beacons, the Pembrokeshire Coast, Cornwall, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Cambrian mountains, the Wye Valley, the Forest of Dean, the North York Moors, the New Forest, the South Downs, the Malvern Hills, the Shropshire Hills, the South Downs, the Cotswolds, the Chiltern Hills, the Jurassic Coast, the Gower Peninsula, the Pennines, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, the Isle of Arran, Glen Shiel, Torridon etc, etc, etc.
National trails and long distance paths in Britain are another favourite of ours and to date we have completed the full length of Hadrian's Wall Path, the West Highland Way, the Cumbria Way, the Herriot Way and Wainwright's Coast to Coast. Although we have yet to complete the full length of many we have also enjoyed hiking sections of the Cotswold Way, Pennine Way, Offa's Dyke Path, Limestone Way, Allerdale Ramble, South West Coast Path, Great Glen Way, Monsal Trail, South Downs Way, Ridgeway, Thames Path and many, many others.
We were also trailblazers when it came to offering exciting outdoor adventures overseas. Back in 2009 we organised our very first foreign trip when we headed down into Africa to climb Mt Toubkal, the highest summit in Morocco. Next we trekked in Nepal, climbing over a 5000+ metre pass linking the Langtang and Helambu valleys. Since these early treks we went on to organise things like via ferrata holidays in the Italian Dolomites, or hiking trips to the French Alps and Jura mountains. We also love 'hut to hut' trekking and have so far completed every step of the Tour du Mt Blanc, summited Monte Perdido in the Ordessa National Park and trekked for days in the French Pyrenees to reach the awe inspiring Cirque de Gavarnie. More recently we even organised trips to Slovakia to seek out winter snowshoeing in the High Tatras and gorge scrambling in the Paradise National Park.
There are many other adventures we could mention. No other Meetup group offers adventure like this!
How do the logistics work?
We know our members are busy people so we do our best to provide a complete package for you. Backabush will research the locations, the hikes, book the accommodation and make a plan for all the meals. If you do not own a car we will help you to find transport or a lift share. You just need to communicate with the organiser who will help to co-ordinate things with you.
With a little co-operation from our members it all works very well and allows us to keep offering new locations and new hikes, year after year. Although we might return to some amazing National Parks quite regularly we always endeavour to find new venues and plan entirely new hikes. If you check out our past events you will see that we offer unrivalled variety in the locations we visit.
What are the hikes like?
On every Backabush trip we try to provide a choice of hikes each day. Obviously we will choose from the most beautiful and best loved hikes in any given area. These hikes tend to be of various length, duration and difficulty. The idea is that each person can choose the hike that best suits their fitness, experience and interests.
It is true that Backabush has a reputation within the Meetup community for offering longer and more challenging hikes but we always also offer more moderate options for those seeking a more relaxed day outdoors. Generally speaking we would say that anyone who can hike for 10 miles in hilly terrain should be fine on our trips. If you have any concerns please don't hesitate to contact us to ask questions.
What about safety?
Safety is always our number one priority. Although we can never make the outdoor environment entirely safe there are many steps that can be taken to minimise risk. Our team of outdoor activity leaders have many, many years of leadership experience and have received extensive outdoor training. Between all of our leaders we have years of military experience, ambulance work or mountain guiding.
Our principal leadership team are Mountain Leader trained at Plas-y-Brenin (the National Mountain Sports Centre) in North Wales and Winter Skills trained at Glenmore Lodge in Scotland. We regularly update our first aid qualifications and carry the required emergency aid equipment for wilderness situations. Some of us have taught or assisted on micro-navigation training courses and all have excellent route finding skills regardless of visibility or weather.
Additional our experience extends to high altitude mountaineering in several continents, be it summiting 6000+ metre peaks in the Andes, conquering the highest mountains in Africa or completing month long high altitude treks in the Himalayas.
We take our 'duty of care' of very seriously and are trained to deal with outdoor emergencies. Sometimes we hire in specific skills as necessary in the form of fully qualified instructors for things like rock climbing, caving, coasteering, kayaking, horse riding, ghyll scrambling or technical mountaineering. For some foreign trips we will either provide logistical support for safe self guided mountain trekking or hire International Mountain Leaders as deemed necessary.
Who joins our trips?
Although most people in the group are in their 20s, 30s and 40s age is not an issue to us - a fun loving and adventurous nature is more important. It is not uncommon to have over a dozen different nationalities represented in a single gathering.
Our groups of hikers and outdoor adventurers vary in size but on every trip some people will be regulars and some first timers. Its a great way to make new hiking friends and you need not worry about coming alone as you will always be made to feel welcome.
What we all have in common is a love of all kinds of outdoor activity including hiking, trekking, hill walking, mountaineering, scrambling, camping, canoeing, canyoning, kayaking, rock climbing, scuba diving, caving, coasteering, mountain biking and just about anything else that offers some outdoor adventure.
We are a very active bunch!
We hope YOU will join us sometime soon.
Positive vibes!
The Backabush Crew & Hiking Team
Contact Geoff & Nathan
Sponsors
See allBackabush is heading back to the Balkans for a pioneering trek in Southern Albania's Zagoria Valley!
Nights - 7. - Cost £899. Maximum group size - 13.
Join us to discover the beauty of the hidden Zagoria Valley where we will trek between secluded stone villages, meet friendly hosts, enjoy home cooked meals and hike to the mighty north face of Nemercka. There will also be the chance to swim in thermal waters of Benje and visit the UNESCO city of Gjirokaster.
Trekking here is a very special adventure as we journey into remote mountains which have escaped much of the rapid development occurring in other parts of Albania. Here we can experience the honest hospitality of the rural people and gain authentic insights into local village life while staying in homestays.
This is a trip for people who enjoy discovering places untouched by mass tourism and who are happy to embrace experiencing rural life where accommodation can be basic but is always comfortable. We will sleep in homestays where rooms are shared with others in our group.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
☆ Trek through little visited villages of the hidden Zagoria Valley.
☆ Enjoy views of snow capped mountains and the sweet harvest season in the valley.
☆ Feel warm hospitality and taste home cooked meals in authentic homestays.
☆ Visit the UNESCO listed stone city of Gjirokaster.
This 8 day trip includes four nights in simple, clean and welcoming homestays with shared rooms and limited facilities in the Zagoria Valley followed by three centrally located hotel ensuite private rooms overnights in Permet, Gjirokaster and Tirana.
We recommend this trip for reasonably fit hikers, preferably with some previous trekking experience as our route involves three moderate walks of 4-6 hours in the lower mountain ranges culminating in a fourth longer day when we cross the Dhembel Pass. There are two optional shorter walks to the Sopot Waterfall and in Gjirokaster at the end. Autumn weather is generally mild and we hike in altitudes from 400 to 1450 meters. Most of our hiking is inside the protected valley where the weather is rarely harsh.
TRIP OUTLINE:
DAY 1. The group transfer departs Tirana for Southern Albania on a picturesque 3.5 hours drive to a quaint village nearby the trailhead where we're accommodated at a family-run guesthouse surrounded by nature. (-/-/D)
DAY 2. Our 5-day trek begins at the edge of the Zagoria River Valley, a pristine tributary within Europe's first Wild River National Park. This secluded landscape is shielded by four imposing mountains ranges, creating a hidden world preserved from modern influence. Village homestay. Hike 11km - 750m ascent - 425m descent. (B/LP/D)
DAY 3. This route follows foothpaths with views of towering mountains above and the Zagoria River winding below. The trail links the remote villages of Leskaj and Doshnica and Hoshteve. Village homestay. Hike 14.5km - 725m ascent - 575m descent. (B/LP/D)
DAY 4. Today’s shorter and easier route invites a more relaxed walking experience, dominated by views of Mt. Cajupi (2.145 m). We'll traverse the hamets Vithuq, Koncka, Nivan, to reach Sheper. Simple guesthouse. Hike 12.5km - 600m ascent - 550m descent. (B/LP/D)
DAY 5. The crossing of the Dhembel-Nemercke Range over the 1450 pass marks the longest and most demanding stage and leads us out of the valley and back into the modern world. Our luggage is transported by horse and route remains vital for locals to this day. Hotel accommodation. Hike 13km - 625m ascent - 1250m descent. (B/LP/D)
DAY 6. A short lift alongside the turquoise waters of the Vjosa takes us into the countryside. We then hike the Lengarica Gorge, Benja Thermal Springs and Gjirokaster. Today is our chance to soak in the warm thermal springs, believed to have a healing properties for many ailments. Hotel accommodation. Hike 12km - 675m ascent - 650m descent. (B/LP/D)
DAY 7. Gjirokaster is renowned not only known for its fortress-like Ottoman mansions but also as the birthplace of former dictator Enver Hoxha. Designated as a "museum town", Gjirokaster survived socialist modernization campaigns, earning its place on UNESCO's world heritage list. After exploring the extensive castle that towers over the oldtown, you can join your guide for a short semi-urban walk through the upper quarters and visit a final Ottoman bridge, or you may choose to wander the maze of narrow, cobbled streets on your own. In the afternoon, we'll regroup for a four hour drive to Tirana, the vibrant modern capital that strives to embrace a contemporary European identity. Hotel accommodation. Hike 6km - 250m ascent - 250m descent. (B/-/D)
DAY 8. Tirana - Tirana Airport. Farewell Albania! (B/-/-)
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 7 nights accommodation. This varies with 3 nights in hotels but also 4 nights in local guesthouses/homestays.
- All breakfasts, 5 lunch packs and 7 dinners.
- An itinerary of 6 days of guided trekking.
- Transfers as foreseen by the itinerary including airport pick-up/drop-off.
- A Backabush trip leader and a local English-speaking Albanian hiking guide.
- Luggage transport: one piece up to 15 kg in soft bags only (duffel or rucksack, hard cases not suitable).
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Any meals not specified
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:
The meeting point is at Tirana Airport. Flights are not yet available. We will keep you updated when they are scheduled.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use internet banking. Only payment secures your place. Please use HVT your payment reference.
The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622
Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment. Thanks. :)
VISA: Please check with the Albanian embassy if you need a visa to travel to Albania. Albania is not a part of the Schengen Zone or the European Union, but if you have a valid Schengen visa you can enter Albania visa-free for 90 days.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- MAY 17 - 24 - PUGLIA AND MATERA, SOUTHERN ITALYHotel Adria Bari, Bari£675.00
Join us on a spectacular walking adventure through the heel of Italy!
Nights - 7. Accommodation: hotels & apartments. Cost - £675 for twin share, £799/£899 for single occupancy room*.
This trip in Southern Italy combines the highlights of Puglia with Matera, the magical city of stone, in Basilicata. Our walking trails will take us through rolling countryside dotted with ancient sites and whitewashed villages, along quaint coastal villages and through rugged and rocky hills.
We will meet in Bari, a vibrant port city on the Adriatic Sea and the capital of Puglia, where we will have the opportunity to explore its maze-like old town, before heading to the stunning green expanse of hilly countryside known as Valle d'Itria.
This attractive region’s narrow winding lanes lead from one pretty little village to the next and its wooded slopes, vineyards and endless olive groves are punctuated by the coned roofs of trulli, fairytale-like dwellings with grey-stone roofs, unique to the region.
Two of the most iconic Puglian villages will be our base for two nights each. First the pretty whitewashed hilltop town of Ostuni, followed by Alberobello, the iconic town almost entirely formed of trulli.
We finish the trip with two nights in the breathtaking cliff-side stone town of Matera, a true spectacle and favourite of film directors, with its cobbled lanes, rock carved churches and extensive cave-dwelling districts.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Alberobello’s famous trulli dwellings and Matera’s magical cave town.
- Explore the enchanting whitewashed hilltop town of Ostuni.
- Hike over the Itria Valley hills to Locorotondo and Cisternino, two of Puglia's prettiest villages.
- Walk between the quintessential seaside towns of Monopoli & Polignano a Mare with an opportunity to swim in its aquamarine waters.
ACCOMMODATION:
- 5 nights (Bari, Alberobello and Matera) in comfortable hotels (incl. 2 nights in a 4-star hotel).
- 2 nights in Ostuni in lovely apartments.
- We can arrange double beds for couples where possible.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY:
Sat 17 May: Arrival in Bari.
Sun 18 May: Time to explore Bari in the morning, train/bus to Ostuni, afternoon walk to explore Ostuni and surroundings.
Mon 19 May: Hike from Ostuni to Cisternino incl. possible visit to Agnano Archaeological Park if open (20km, 500m asc, 300m desc).
Tue 20 May: Train to Monopoli, coastal hike to Polignano a Mare (12km), bus to Alberobello (our bags will be transferred for us on this day).
Wed 21 May: Hike from Alberobello to Locorotondo, bus/train back - (12km, 150m asc/desc).
Thu 22 May: Private transfer to Matera, circular hike through Sassi di Matera (13km, 500m asc/desc).
Fri 23 May: Hike near Matera in Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana (15km)
Sat 24 May: Trip ends, bus/train back to Bari/Bari airportINCLUDED:
- 5 nights hotel and 2 nights apartment accommodation in (single sex) twin share or single occupancy rooms* (see note in comments section).
- 5 breakfasts.
- 1 private transfer (Alberobello to Matera), 1 private bag transfer (Ostuni to Alberobello).
- 5 full days of organised hikes.
- Trip organiser.
- Full financial protection in line with the Package Travel Regulations.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights and airport transfers (see below).
- 2 breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
- Local train/bus transport to/from the hikes/accommodation (public transport in Italy is very affordable).
- Any entrance fees.
- Travel insurance.
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS:
We recommend the following flights with Ryanair or British Airways:
Outbound - Sat 17 May
Ryanair FR1905
Stansted 13:05 - Bari 16.50Return - Sat 24 May
Ryanair FR1906
Bari 17:15 - Stansted 19:10OR
(currently also available with Avios)
Outbound - Sat 17 May
British Airways BA2606
Gatwick 13:35 - Bari 17.25Return - Sat 24 May
British Airways BA2607
Bari 18:15 - Gatwick 20:05You are free to arrive in Bari at any time on Saturday 17 May. It's easy to reach our hotel with a 30-min train ride or taxi from the airport. The hotel is located just five minutes walk from the station.
From our final hotel in Matera it will be easy to take a bus/train or share taxis back to the airport, Bari city or elsewhere if you'd like to extend your stay.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use PUGLIA2 as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/
Please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
- MAY 22 - 26 (SPRING BANK HOLIDAY) – GERMANY’S FAIRY-TALE BLACK FORESTSchwarzwaldhotel Gengenbach, Gengenbach£399.00
Backabush is going to Germany’s enchanted Black Forest (Schwarzwald), one of Europe's most beautiful hiking regions, for the late May bank holiday.
Cost - £399 twin share or £549 single occupancy. Group size - 16. Accommodation - 4 star hotel and breakfast.
Known for its forested hills, gorgeous valleys and picturesque villages, the Black Forest is an ideal walking destination with an excellent network of well-maintained trails. The area gets the most sunshine in Germany and late May is a perfect time to hike here, with pleasant temperatures and fruit orchards blooming in the valleys.
Our base will be the charming, medieval town of Gengenbach, located in the idyllic Kinzig Valley between forested hills and vineyards. This picture-perfect town is full of pastel coloured historic timber-frame houses, traditional German restaurants and beer terraces.
From here we have easy access to numerous local hiking trails by means of the Black Forest railway, one of the most scenic railway lines in Germany. During our three full days of hiking, we will have the chance to explore the diverse scenery of the Central Black Forest region.
Our hotel will provide us with the KONUS Guest Card which provides free 2nd class travel on all public transportation (trains and buses) throughout the Black Forest region for the duration of our stay (from check-in up to and including our departure day). Train journeys to/from our hikes will be between 15-35 minutes.
ACCOMMODATION:
We have booked comfortable rooms in the 4 star Schwarzwaldhotel Gengenbach, a short walking distance from the train station. The hotel offers a wellness area including a heated indoor pool, Finnish sauna and steam room.
ITINERARY:
Thu 22 May – Arrival, time to explore Gengenbach
Fri 23 May - Oberharmersbach to Wolfach via Brandenkopf, the highest peak of the Central Black Forest (946m) (20km, 850m ascent/descent)
Sat 24 May – Hausach to Hornberg along a ridgeway with series of peaks on the Westweg long distance trail (20km, 1000m ascent, 860m descent)
Sun 25 May – Triberg's famous waterfalls, cicular hike (18km, 540m ascent/descent)
Mon 26 May – Departure
Please note this hiking itinerary is provisional and subject to change due to weather conditions and other factors.
DIFFICULTY:
This trip does not involve technical mountaineering but the hikes will be challenging due to their length/elevation profile so you will need to have a good level of hiking fitness, capable of walking up to up to 12.5 miles (20km) and 3300 feet (1000m) ascent/descent.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 4 nights accommodation in a 4-star hotel
- 4 breakfasts
- KONUS card offering free local public transport
- An itinerary of organised hikes for our 3 full hiking days
- 1 trip organiser
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches/ dinners (we will buy lunch supplies locally and sample the local cuisine at restaurants for dinner)
- Flights & airport transfers (see details below)
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees (minimal fees expected for the waterfalls and observation tower)
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS:
The Black Forest is well connected with 4 different airports in the vicinity. Return flights currently priced from just £80!
(shortest transfer times by train/bus to Gengenbach in brackets)
- Karlsruhe / Baden Baden - Ryanair from Stansted (1hr 10min)
- EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg - BA from Heathrow, Easyjet from Gatwick, Ryanair from Stansted (2hr 20min)
- Stuttgart - BA & Eurowings from Heathrow (2hr 28min)
Outbound flights: It is recommended to book a morning or early afternoon flight on Thu 22 May to arrive in Gengenbach in good time. Please take into account the train/bus schedule when booking your flight.
Inbound flights: It is recommended to book a late afternoon or evening flight on Mon 26 May to ensure you have enough time to get to the airport. Earlier flights may be possible (please consult train schedules).
Train/bus transfer costs vary with one way prices between 10-30 EUR depending on the airport. Consult Google Maps or the Deutsche Bahn website to find bus/train connections/prices.
Contact the organiser if you need help finding suitable flights/ airport transfers.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use BlackForest as your payment reference. The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/
Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you.
- MAY 23 - 26 (BANK HOLIDAY) - THE PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK & EDALE SKYLINENeeds location£299.00
Join us for 3 nights and 2 and a half days of guided hikes in the Peak District National Park over the late May bank holiday. Test yourself on the optional Edale Skyline Challenge hike, a 21 mile classic linking all the ridgelines surrounding the Edale Valley.
Nights - 3. Group size - 31. Hotel Accommodation. Cost - £299
This is another classic Backabush bank holiday weekend trip exploring some of the best trails in the Peak District. We will be offering a choice of guided hikes each day with different distances and difficulties all surrounding our hotel base near Bamford in the heart of the beautiful Hope valley.
We will be staying at a vibrant new hotel right in the centre of the National Park with great access to the best hikes including some options hiking right from the hotel door. A continental breakfast buffet is included each day and accommodation is in shared twin rooms, some single options are also available. The hotel has en suite rooms, speedy wifi and a cafe bar, perfect for socialising after out hikes.
We will also make some reservations on behalf of the group to dine together in the evenings. Dinners are not included but there is a restaurant with an extensive menu at the hotel as well as other options nearby. We will organise a plan for the evening meals each night.
On this trip we will also be offering the chance to take on the Edale Skyline Challenge. A popular hiking challenge that summits Brown Knoll, Mam Tor, Back Tor, Lose Hill and Win Hill as it completes one full lap of the Edale Valley. With 21 miles and 1200m of ascent this bucket list challenge is a tough day but do-able for most hill-fit hikers.
Other highlights of the area include -
- Stanage, Burbage & The Edges - A signature of the Dark Peak's gritstone
- Kinder Scout Plateau - The very start of the Pennine Way.
- Ilam & Dovedale - An impressive gorge with picturesque stepping stones.
- Ladybower Wood - A rare upland oak nature reserve beside the Ladybower Reservoir.
- Mam Tor & The Great Ridge - One of the best known ridge walks in the country.
- Bamford Walk - Beside the peaceful River Derwent and the edge of Bamford Moor.
GETTING THERE
The hotel has a large carpark for drivers, please use the comments board if you'd like to organise lift shares.For people travelling by train, Bamford train station is the closest stop, just 1 mile from the hotel. From London the journey requires just one change in Sheffield.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- A full itinerary of guided hikes
- 3 nights twin share accommodation in a modern hotel
- 3 continental buffet breakfasts
- Financial protection in line with package travel regulations
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Transport (car shares can be organised)
- Lunches & evening meals
- Travel insurance
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use PEAKS as your payment reference.The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/
Only payment secures your place. Please email nathancapay@googlemail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
- MAY 25 - JUNE 1 - ALBANIA’S IONIAN COASTAL TRAILSTirana International Airport, Rinas£799.00
Let’s discover the hidden gems of the Albanian Riviera and coastal mountains!
Cost - £799 - twin share
Number of nights - 7.
Group size - 15. Accommodation - 3 star hotelsThis fabulously varied hotel-based trip combines lovely day hikes with superb swimming opportunities.
Our adventure will take us from Albania’s mountainous coast to picturesque turquoise coves, and through quaint stone villages beyond the seashore.
Hike under the highest peaks of the Ceraunian mountain range in the heart of the Llogara National Park, with spectacular views of the rugged Ionian coast.
Walk along empty shepherds trails, through citrus groves and olive trees, from one authentic stone village to another.
Cool down with a refreshing swim in the shimmering, crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea in some of the most secluded beaches.
Breathe in the herb-scented mountain air and enjoy the finest of Albanian food, a mix of fresh Mediterranean and hearty mountain cuisine.
Come and join us for some spectacular coastal hiking in the Balkans!
ACCOMMODATION
We will stay in 3 star hotels with two nights in a mountain hotel, four nights in a hotel in the lovely seaside town of Himare, and our final night in a city hotel in Tirana.
ITINERARY
Sun 25/05 (-/-/D)
Pick up from Tirana airport at 12:00 OR from Tirana city centre at 11:00. Transfer to Llogara.
Mon 26/05 (B/LP/D)
Hike beneath the highest peaks of the Ceraunian range in Llogara National Park to the Dhjopuri Saddle (1.600 m). (5km, 550m ascent/descent). Transfer through charming villages of the Riviera to Himara.
Tue 27/05 (B/LP/-)
Hike on rocky shepherds' paths above the shoreline, with views over to the island of Corfu, to the picturesque old town of Qeparo, where time seems to have stood still in the maze of stone houses and cobbled streets. (12km, 425m ascent/descent)
Wed 28/05 (B/LP/-)
Hike & swim through the dazzling beaches of the Riviera. Starting at the village of Vuno with its centuries old orthodox churches, we hike through cliffs and olive groves to the beaches of Jal, with its unusually clear water, and Livadh, providing refreshing swimming opportunities.
(12km, 250m ascent, 550m descent)
Thu 29/05 (B/LP/D)
Hike from Lukova through quaint villages with views of the terraced hills plunging into the turquoise sea. Enjoy panoramic views of the colorful backcountry, imposing mountains in the interior and over the azure coastline.
(6km, 500m ascent/descent)
Fri 30/05 (B/LP/D)
Enjoy panoramic vistas along the old prisoners trail, stopping at hidden beaches for some final swimming opportunities before we transfer back to Llogara.
(12km, 150m ascent/450m descent)
Sat 31/05 (B/LP/D)
Scenic mountain hike on the Karaburun Peninsula with an opportunity to climb Mt. Gjipali (1.446 m) for amazing views and through a rainforest-like green corridor. Transfer to Tirana.
(11km, 425m ascent, 625m descent)
Sun 01/06 (B/-/-)
Transfer to Tirana airport for flights from 12:15PM.
Please note hikes may change due to weather or other factors.
DIFFICULTY
Hikes on this trip are a combination of moderate, medium-duration walks and some harder shorter walks. We will be hiking about 3-5 hours per day, on uneven, narrow and sometimes steep and rocky terrain. A moderate level of fitness is required.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- 7 nights hotel accommodation in shared twin rooms (limited single occupancy places available)
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners.
- Transfers as foreseen by the itinerary including airport pick-up/drop-off.
- Luggage transfer between accommodations (1/pers, max 15 kg).
- 1 Backabush trip leader and 1 local English-speaking Albanian hiking guide.
- Full financial protection as per the Package Travel Regulations.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Flights to Tirana Airport.
- Any meals not specified.
- Single supplement (£150).
- Travel insurance.
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS
The meeting point is at Tirana Airport on Sun 25 May at 12:00PM OR Tirana city centre at 11:00.
We will return to the airport on Sun 1 June for flights departing from 12:15PM. Our airport transfers will be timed to meet the following flights:
Outbound - Sun 25 May:
Ryanair FR8288
Departs - Stansted 07:30
Arrives - Tirana 11:25Return - Sun 1 June:
Ryanair FR8289
Departs - Tirana 12:15
Arrives - Stansted 14:20It will be very easy to get from/to Tirana airport to/from the city if you decide to book different flights.
We highly recommend arriving a day or two early to explore the vibrant city of Tirana!
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP
To book onto this trip please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com and send payment to the Backabush account. Please use ALBANIA as your payment reference.
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/
Your RSVP alone is NOT enough to secure your place, full payment is needed to make a reservation.