Member: johnm1958

Hi John,

we also had a fabulous time, just got back last night. Hard to believe that this time yesterday I was snorkelling in the balmy sea getting ready for a last al fresco lunch in Scopello.
We went on three walks from the book (25, 26 and 27 - but 25 is really just a little stroll but lovely nevertheless). We also did a second walk in the Lo Zingaro nature reserve. I am glad I opted for proper trekking boots rather than runners or trekking sandals for all proper walks as the pathways were really stony and often quite tricky, especially down hill. We got thoroughly soaked on the No 26 walk as it suddenly started to rain heavily for 30 min but glorious sunshine shortly afterwards made up for it and dried us out again. Walking in the Lo Zingaro reserve on a sunny day can be tough, so if you ever go there - and I highly recommend it! - bring plenty of water, sun screen and swimming gear. The track for walk 26 has changed and subsequently the walk is about 30 - 40 min longer, depending on where you start. But the signs are fairly ok and you cannot get lost.
Yes, the driving... Next time you visit Palermo, park the car in one of the smaller towns that connect with the regional train service. The trains run every 30 min or so and you arrive in the city centre with no problems about traffic or parking.
We already checked out holiday homes for next Oct, again in the NW near or in Scopello. I can recommend it!

posted by allsun at 12:24 pm (EST) on Oct 26, 2008

Thanks for you comment. We went walking around Etna last year in October. This was our second trip to Sicily and unlike the prevuous time, the weather was pretty wild with rain and storm force winds for several days. So we had to wait a couple of days and there was a good bit of snow further up. We got excellent maps at one the tourist office in Taormina but the rooute we wanted to follow was partlyblocked by lava that had arrived after thge map had been updated. This plus the snow and ice eventually forced us to shorten the route. But it was a great walk. We did a couple of other walks on the southern and eastern slope as well.
This year we are back to the NW of Sicily where we did a good bit of walking four years ago using a hopeless German guide book. Luckily, our host (local B&B) had very detailed maps for some of the areas we explored. The NW of Sicily is really beautiful and tranquil. Not as much tourism as you'll find around Etna and Taormina. But we enjoyed some good swims on the beach below Taormina, adjacent to the Isola Bella. At this time of the year the water is still nice and warm and the tourists are gone, so no crowded beaches.

This time we want to concentrate on the Lo Zingaro nature reserve and maybe the range above Alcamo. Four years ago it was warm enough to go snorkeling so we are keeping our fingers crossed.
Hope you'll have a great time!

posted by allsun at 9:01 am (EST) on Oct 6, 2008

Hi John,

just noted that you also have a copy of Walking in Sicily. As we are about to embark on a walking tour there, could you tell us whether you found this book helpful? Thanks.
Allsun

posted by allsun at 7:33 am (EST) on Oct 5, 2008

Hello John,
I notice that we have a larger than average number of shared titles on our shelves, we clearly have similar interests in all things to do with mountains, into my sixties now so while I do a lot of hill climbing and walking from my hom in north east England it has been some time since I tied on to a rope. I try to add to my collection of mountaineering books by regular surveys of second hand bookshops my best ever find was a first edition 1958 copy of Rock Climbing in Britain by J. E. B. Wright and what a bargain for 10p! I hail from Kilmarnock so enjoy a natural affinity with all low prices! I have rekindled my interest in long distance walking if you have nothing better to do you can see at Flickr.
yours Aye,
summonedbyfells

posted by summonedbyfells at 11:44 am (EST) on Jan 7, 2008