I was flapping like a bird all right rather than flying high as I soared like an eagle high on Tyrol’s 426km trail.
The senior strollers were pacing ahead of me on the limestone of the Tyrolian Alps when I took flight.
Sliding on the slippery surface I would lose my balance and was only able to collect myself by running until I came to a halt.
Naturally my Top Flight for Schools party ducked out of my way.]
Before telling me that in future I should give them a safe word if I was coming their way.
Something that skiers have learned only too well about me in Austria and France, and segway riders in Switzerland.
So it’s safe to say that I need wide spaces for mine and your safety.
By numbers
The Eagle Walk, which is 426km in length, has lots of that and plenty of time to cover it.
There are a recommended 33 days of stages.
With one easy, 20 moderately difficult and 12 challenging.
With 30,000 uphill metres and 26,000 downhill metres.
And seven mountain ranges through North and East Tyrol and the highest points at 2,848 metres above sea level.
Gradotzscharte on Stage. 7 in East Tyrol.
Our Tirolian freunde have 75 places to stop for refreshments and accommodation along the route.
But we advise that you take your own water with you.
As it’s a premium and a cost in the huts, or did they just see me coming?
Up, up and away
And so you’re intrigued then here’s what else we learned in our trek from Ehrwald which is Stage 16 of the Eagle Walk.
And you also get the most breathtaking views of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain which can also be seen from the Ehrwaqlder Alm Gondola.
The whole route runs from St. Johann in Tirol in East Tyrol to St. Anton am Arlberg in the West.
And is reminiscent of an eagle’s silhouette with its wings outstretched.
You’ll also get to enjoy the Kaiser Mountains, Brandenberg Alps, Karwendel Mountains, Tux Alps, Wetterstein Mountains, Lechtal Alps and Hohe Tauern.
On the trail
Since its establishment in 2005, it has rapidly developed into one of Europe’s most outstanding long distance hiking trails.
By 2007, the network of trails had been expanded to a total of 127 stages.
By connecting the southern valleys with regional routes (‘Eagle Walk feathers’).
In addition to the eagle-eye views are the alpine stories that accompany each stage.
Offering fascinating insights into the history and remarkable features of the respective mountain ranges.
These stories can be read online, in books in the mountain huts along the route offering a literary companion that makes the trail even more rewarding.
As well as a Flying Scotsman you may even catch a glimpse of a majestic golden eagle in the wild, restored to the area, along the Eagle Walk.
Marking 20 years
To commemorate the Eagle Walk’s 20th anniversary, regions have come up with an array of special offers that invite people to hike and explore.
Hikers can look forward to exclusive anniversary promotions: from this summer.
The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena will be marking the occasion with a newly built Eagle Walk photo point.
The mountain huts en route will be treating visitors to special Eagle Walk dishes.
And The Eagle Walk Challenge in St. Anton am Arlberg is yet another highlight.
Where walkers who complete it will have their efforts rewarded with an anniversary goody bag.
While because of the much celebrated and developed network of public transport many stages are connected.
And allow for a comfortable and convenient journey by bus and train.
Although, of course, as a first resort we’d advise you soar. Like an Eagle high on Tyrol’s 426km trail.
