The Rhine Valley |
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From Mainz in the south to Koblenz in the north, the justifiably
famous Rhine Gorge is what many people all over the world
think of when they hear the words "The Rhine". The Upper Middle
Rhine is now a UNESCO World Heritage Region.
The river runs between rocky banks and round sharp turns,
while the narrowness of the gorge produces treacherous currents
and whirlpools, all adding to the drama of the river.
The Rhine Valley is one of four prime walking areas covered in
the BBC TV series
German Wanderlust featuring Julia Bradbury.
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Pretty half-timbered towns and romantic ruined castles line the
banks of the river. Above the towns are world-famous vineyards
and higher up again are peaceful forests and glades. At the highest
point of the west bank begin the hills of the Hunsrück to
the south of Koblenz, while the right bank forms the edge of the Taunus Hills.
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The main route above the west bank is the Rhine Castles Way,
which was officially accredited as a quality route in September 2010.
Visiting many of the famous small towns along the river, as well as passing
many of the world-famous castles, this tour is now the perfect walk on which to
experience the Rhine Valley.
Daily distances are quite short, but there is plenty of uphill walking. The Rhine Heights Way was the first long distance path along
the Rhine Valley, but following the opening of the Rhine Castles Way, as well
as the Rheinsteig along the east bank, the Rhine Heights Way has been neglected and
is no longer maintained. We have therefore decided not offer this route in future.
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Unlike say, the Thames Path in England, Rhine valley walks are not
predominately riverside routes. Much of the time you will be a few
miles from the river and several hundred feet above it, walking through
peaceful countryside, away from the banks of
the river. Of course, there are many fine viewpoints over the river
and you descend at the end of each day to well known riverside towns such
as Boppard, St. Goar and Oberwesel, so these walks offer a wide range
of walking experiences.
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We also offer Single Centre Holidays in the Rhine Valley.
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