Best Winter, Spring and Fall hiking trip in Europe + Tour Du Mont Blanc Announcement

Hello Hikers!

We’re just coming back from Oktoberfest in Munich and the salt tablets I usually reserve for trekking came in very handy🍺 😆. The Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal turned out to be so good (minus the t.p on trail) that I have put together a new collection of GPS routes and wanted to share it with you.

But - now that it’s October, it’s gametime for self-planners on any “brand name” hiking trail like the Tour du Mont Blanc or Alta Via 1 for the summer of 2025.

Requests are coming in and I thought it’d be perfect to hold a session on the Tour du Mont Blanc hike experience for this month’s live session. Join us on Thursday with your questions.

Today’s roundup:

• TMB Facebook live

• GPS and tips for Planning Fisherman’s Trail Portugal Trek (Fall, Winter, Spring)

• Luggage Transport on the Fisherman’s Trail

• Best Restaurant on the Fisherman’s Trail

• Personal Hiking Challenge Update

Tour du Mont Blanc Planning & AMA: 10 October on Facebook Live

Save the date and join us Thursday (October 10th) at 9am PST or 18:00 CET for the Tour du Mont Blanc Trip Report livestream on FB.

Whether you're considering joining a group trip or planning your own visit to the Alps, this presentation will offer a sneak peek into the adventure and planning tips.

This is a chance to ask any questions you may have and I’m going to share my absolute FAVORITE mountain hut you should book.

Link: Click here to join the live event.

We hope to see you there. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CravethePlanet/

GPS and tips for Planning Fisherman’s Trail Portugal Trek (Fall, Winter, Spring)

This is a lovely beginner’s trail that literally hugs the cliffs of the wild Alentejo and Algarve coasts. This is NOT like the southern Algarve with overtourism. It’s raw and authentic.

I’ve put together the best 4 days for busy travelers, but you can always go the full 13 stages. Each night you’ll stay in a hotel, hostel or other place in the village as wild camping isn’t allowed (however I see a lot doing it). Typically, I use booking or call/whatsapp the accomodations directly.

Here’s a link to the GPS so you can plan your own adventure. There are pictures on the app Komoot so you can see what you’re getting into at each stage. I highly recommend this app for multi-day hiking trips in Europe. It’s easier than Alltrails.

If you prefer to have a done-for-you service for a self-guided experience, email me and let’s see what we can do.

Luggage Transport (Game-changer)

If you’re like me and a bit older, the heavy pack can be annoying or painful. Also, you may be doing this trip alongside a city break to Lisbon. The service from Vicentina Transfers was impeccable. Our bag cost 15 euros per transfer and it was always there and waiting for us each night. That meant I could wear a cute dress to dinner and have all my skincare each night.

This is the second time I’ve used them, and am seriously impressed. It’s easy to book and hard to mess up.

Foodie Spots Along the Trail

Seriously, the food here is sooo good. Despite feeling like you’ve stepped back in time the food and service is top notch. Multiple vegan/veggie options - but here’s it’s all about the octopus, sweet potatoes and clams and pork.

Lunch on trail for these four sections is limited - but between a big breakfast and a sit down dinner it’s pretty easy to make it with just a few snacks. The 4th day offers a great spot about ¾ of the way that’s good for lunch.

My top restaurants:

1. Tasco do Celso in Vila Nova de Milfontes

2. Lamella’s in Porto Covo (Michelin rated)

3. Café Palhinhas (Middle of nowhere about 2-3 hours before Odeceixe)

And so much more.

Personal Hiking Challenge Update

I started a 500 mile hiking challenge about a month ago - then realized that was not a great idea as it’s outcome based vs process based.

It’s time to get into better shape, lose some weight and spend more time in Nature to reduce anxiety and overwhelm. It’s amazing how much it works, but it’s also a challenge at times to make myself do it? So dumb…but I’m competitive, so numbers kinda help.

So I switched to 101 hikes (recorded) from June 24 - June 25. I’m learning how to make better hiking VLOG videos with the more scenic ones, so it’s a bit backed up on the video making front but it’s coming along.

• 428 miles this year

• 37 hikes since June

Okay, until next time!

x Morgan