First came Glamping and now it’s Gliking that is capturing the hearts of outdoors fans. Glamping is a combination of Glamorous Camping and following suit, Gliking matches Glamour with Hiking. This can mean what you want, but for most people both Glamping and Gliking offer a more luxurious form of camping and hiking. Gliking has cropped up on travel websites such as TripAdvisor and on Instagram as #gliking. It’s also popped up on Pinterest and is gaining recognition in various worldwide travel articles. A look back through the on-line archives reveals that Gliking was apparently first coined by travel writer Fiona Harper, who conceived the term on the eve of a departure for a luxury hiking adventure.
What does gliking mean?
It means glamorous hiking (and maybe biking… although that should be Glycling, shouldn’t it?). Gliking is a more luxurious version of plain old hiking and could include such delights as good quality hotels, fine dining and luggage transfers. Glikers would definitely not be carrying all their own luggage. But Gliking can be what you want it to be. If glamorous to you means a hostel rather than a tent, or a B&B instead of a hostel then that’s your Gliking trip. Of course, you could go full-on glam-it-up and choose only the best four or five star hotels for your Gliking Holiday. And everyone has their luxury rating for food options, from locally sourced and home-made-for-you picnic lunches to Michelin Star restaurants after a day of walking. Another gliking credential would be the grade of hiking holiday that you choose. Perhaps luxury walking tours mean easy graded walks to you? With less strenuous walking or easier trails you’ll have more time for enjoying the finer things of a holiday, including spas, eating out, visiting attractions and generally putting your feet up.
Six great Gliking trips
The Gliking is never far from famous vineyards and gourmet food in this region of France. Visit the home of Chateauneuf du Pape, fund out the secrets of the Côtes du Rhône wines, enjoy views of 1900m Mont Ventoux, walk amid the foothills of the delightful Dentelles de Montmirail and stay in picturesque villages such as Séguret, Le Barroux and Vaison la Romaine.
The Barolo Vineyard Walking Trail winds its way through Piedmont, Italy’s paradise destination for wine connoisseurs and gourmets. It explores the Langhe region, located between the Alps and the Apennine mountains, which are blessed with fertile lands that produce the Tube Magnatum, a prized white truffle, and one of Italy’s most prestigious red wines, the Barolo. This gliking holiday includes hiking and so many luxury treats you won’t know where to begin. Think wines, cheeses, sweets and chocolates, local restaurants, vineyards and hazelnut forests.
Taking in the wonderful mountain and coastal landscapes of Corsica, this gliking trip also includes fine dining, four-star hotels, fine wines and amazing attractions, such as Revellata Lighthouse and the historic capital of Corte.
If you’re looking for traditional Scotland with a huge injection of style and luxury, this is the perfect gliking holiday for you. Highland Perthshire boasts turreted castles, heather clad hills, clear rivers, dramatic lochs and plentiful whisky distilleries. The walking routes let you explore all this before you arrive at your hand-picked authentic Highland hotel boasting top chefs, whisky bars and roaring fires.
Hilltop villages of the Dordogne
Gliking should be special and this trip takes you to villages acclaimed as some of the best in France. Beautiful walking tours, stunning medieval chateaux and fabulous views combine with wonderful food, wine and accommodation.
The Amalfi Coast is a favourite of the rich and famous so you can be assured it is replete with luxurious highlights. Enjoy gliking close to the turquoise Mediterranean sea and along a coastline listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Then immerse yourself in the “Dolce Vita” while staying in specially selected four-star stylish hotels, ideally located for the views, decadence and local cuisine.
Where would your ideal Gliking holiday be?
Australia
New Zealand
South Africa
European Union