[at-l] "best" treks around the world

[David Addleton]

according to a candyadienne site these are the "best ten": the AT
makes it to the list as #3.

I don't find on the list anything in Siberia, Mongolia, China, or in
central or southeast Asia where Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia offer some
startlingly beautiful and interesting treks.

http://www.canada.com/health/men/best%2Blong%2Bdistance%2Btreks%2Baround%2Bworld/1198592/story.html

1. Milford Track, New Zealand

Sure, it only lasts four days, but New Zealand's most famous track is
known as "the finest walk in the world" for good reason. Sometimes
great things come in small packages.

2. Paine Circuit, Chile

The breathtaking 10-day Paine Circuit just might be the only trail in
the world where you can see pink flamingoes and snow-capped peaks on
the same day.

3. Appalachian Trail, United States

Crossing 14 states, this legendary 3,000-kilometre monster is creeping
up on its 100th birthday -- but it continues to fascinate new hikers
every year.

4. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

This 20-day route gets walkers up close to some of the most stunning
peaks in the Himalayas and brushes up against the fabled Tibetan
Plateau en route.

5. Camino de Santiago, Spain

What was once a medieval pilgrimage route is now an unforgettable,
month-long hike through the Pyrenees and across northern Spain.

6. Inca Trail, Peru

There are plenty of more modern ways to reach the ancient Inca ruins
at Machu Picchu -- but most people who've tried it swear that hiking
this four-day trail is the only way to go.

7. Trans-Canada Trail

When it's complete, the 18,000-kilometre Trans-Canada will bring new
meaning to "long distance hiking."

8. Tour de Mont Blanc, France

This 10-day, three-country circuit around one of the most famous peaks
in the Alps is a venerable long distance classic.

9. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Sure, it's the highest peak in Africa -- but to summit Kilimanjaro you
don't need ice picks or climbing ropes, just good boots and a healthy
respect for altitude sickness.

10. South West Coast Path, United Kingdom

Following 1,000 km of rugged coastline, through Somerset, Devon,
Cornwall and Dorset, this path is Britain's longest marked trail --
and also one of its most beautiful.

-- Eva Holland, an Ottawa-based writer who dreams of conquering all 10
of these treks.

© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service