Читать книгу The Westweg. Through Germany's Black Forest онлайн

8 страница из 45

While the Black Forest covers a relatively small area and its peaks never exceed 1500m in height, the route nevertheless has its challenges. Although the trails and terrain are easy, there are some rather steep sections. Some stretches of trail run on broad forestry roads, while others amble on narrow and uneven or rocky paths through the woods, although none require any special technical skill or ability beyond endurance. However, weatherproof equipment and sturdy boots are a ‘must’, and walking poles may prove a useful aid.

The route, which can be divided comfortably into 13 or 14 day-sections, comprises a total of about 8000m cumulative altitude metres – and sometimes a thousand of those have to be overcome in a single day. For seasoned alpine trekkers or hill walkers that might not sound like much, but the average walker should not underestimate the challenge.

However, this being the Black Forest rather than a remote mountain wilderness, it is almost always possible to shorten any part of the route by taking public transport, or by breaking one section into two, according to one’s personal stamina and ability. Also, for those who do not relish being weighed down by a heavy pack – fret not! Walking-without-luggage packages or luggage forwarding services are available for almost all sections of this route.