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Inn-to-inn hiking is long-distance hiking from point A to
point B with stops each night along the way at various
forms of lodging. In some places, such as the Walter Tishma Way in Colorado, a luggage transfer is offered allowing walkers to travel light with just a daypack. While inn-to-inn hiking is a new concept in the United States, it is a very popular sport in
Europe where there are extensive long-distance trail
systems.
Inn-to-inn hiking trails, or Footpaths, use whatever route is available and consists of trails, roads, country lanes and mountain passes. Whether through a meadow or local neighborhood, a Footpath takes you the most beautiful, diverse route from one point to the next.
Lodging along a Footpath is as diverse as the Footpath itself. It can be a real smorgasbord and that's part of the fun. Sometimes you'll be in a 5-star hotel or a small Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs). Sometimes the accomodations are high-end with all the modern amenities you could want while at other times the lodging is rustic and historical and full of charm. Various lodging is what makes a Footpath a unique adventure and often makes the trip as memorable as the hiking itself.
Inn-to-inn hiking is similar to backpacking in that you
get to experience beautiful parts of the world on foot.
But, that is where the similarities end. With backpacking,
you sleep on the cold, hard ground. With inn-to-inn hiking,
you sleep in a warm, soft bed in a charming B&B. With
backpacking you toil with a backpacking stove to heat up
freeze-dried food. With inn-to-inn hiking your meals are
prepared for you starting with your delicious breakfast,
gourmet sack lunch to hit the trail with, and dinner and
glass of wine at the end of the day. With backpacking,
your sixty pounds of luggage is carried on your back with
each mile you hike. With inn-to-inn hiking, your luggage is
passed on by the innkeeper to your next night's lodging.
Inn-to-inn hiking is for hikers who don't have anything to
prove.
But...we do offer one word of warning. Long-distance hiking can be addictive.
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