My old colleague, The Other Jim, is, of course, well-travelled and his boots well-trodden but even he wilted under the Canarian sun… then again no man gets left behind on a Tenerife trek.
You may well have seen the esteemed James Gallagher, with whom I shared a parish for years in Ireland, striding along a lane near you.
Particularly if that lane is the Wild Atlantic Way.
On this occasion we were pioneers on a recce for a new CaminoWays trek in Tenerife, CanariaWays.
Only our guides had overestimated our Irish pastiness.
Or our need for more than the usual water, chocolate and protein bar supply on those open hills.
All of which meant that we had to come back down the hill from the Franco memorial bar (now, that’s another story).
To retrieve Big Jim because no man gets left behind on a Tenerife walking trek.
Walk like an Irishman
I found that too in a different terrain and a different walking group, the most resilient trekkers you can meet, the senior citizens’ walkers.
On a hike through the Austrian Tyrol with Travel Department.
Now, of course, have boots, will travel, is the TD motto and they will guide you through the multi-faceted, multi-climate zone, idyll that is Tenerife.
You’ll be based in the town of Puerto de la Cruz and enjoy the volcanic black beaches of Playa Jardín.
Your guide will lead you on trails through Teide National Park, offering stunning views of Mount Teide.
You’ll explore the lush laurel forests and rugged cliffs of Teno Rural Park.
And trek the historic Las Vueltas Footpath in Anaga Rural Park.
The volcanic landscapes of Montana Samara.
And visit the ancient caves of the indigenous inhabitants within Corona Forestal Nature Park.
A walk for all
You’ll travel on February 5 with prices from €1,719pp.
The seven-night trip will offer moderate routes on each walking day.
And is ideal for moderately experienced or experienced walkers, and Our Jim.
The average daily walking distance on moderate walks is between 7.6km-12.85km.
With ascents between of between 369-730m.
And a maximum daily walking duration of up to four and a half hours.
A Teide packet
TD offers €100pp off tours departing before April 1 use code WALKING100.
Explore magnificent natural scenery & impressive hiking trails on this walking holiday in Tenerife.
There will be five guided walking trips through diverse terrains & national parks.
Experience highlights like Mount Teide, Anaga Rural Park & Montana Samara.
Unwind after hikes on the volcanic black sand beaches of Playa Jardín.
Your seven nights will be spent in a three-star half board hotel with flights and transfers from Dublin.
