The Duke of Wellington and his troops may have found inspiration humming the tune ‘Over the hills and far away’, whilst on campaign in Portugal during the Peninsular War (1808-1814), but nothing matches a pair of Hotter shoes when tramping the hills today.

Get them whilst they’re young, it’s said! Life as a parent is nothing if not hectic but grandparents today have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy their grandchildren. An activity holiday such as walking is an ideal way to bond, especially as walking is an increasingly popular pastime. Push out the boundaries and head for places like Algarve, the Greek islands or even the mountains of Austria and the Dolomites, where walking programmes can accommodate all levels of ability. These are ideal locations for older grandchildren in search of new experiences and there’ll be few moans. On top of this, shod in your favourite Hotter shoes, you’ll walk along with a spring in your step. Now is the time to pass on the secrets of your favourite walking gear. More and more retirees are surfing the net so it’s not too difficult to search for cheap flights and reasonable accommodation. In the Dolomites, for example, July is a month of special prices for children and armed with an unlimited pass for the local buses and lifts the mountains prove a glorious playground. For walkers, Greece is best in spring and Autumn, Algarve most of the year except high summer and the Dolomites, as with most mountain locations, from late spring to early autumn.

Brian and I have taken our granddaughter on such trips, firstly to the Dolomites. We found Sarah’s company such a delight and it enhanced our own holiday. In fact, we thought she might drag her feet but, as it turned out, we had a job trying to keep up with her! We didn’t try to match her appetite for ice-cream sundaes though, all we can cope with now is one between two. The hot chocolate in the mountain huts was just too yummy to miss, and we didn’t. During the recent half-term holiday, we went off to Algarve which was a completely new experience for Sarah but with no gondolas or chair-lifts this time! There were different temptations such as more hot chocolate, almond cakes and cream tart, pastel de natas, to beware of but walking sheds calories, doesn’t it! Awaiting us in Algarve was a delightful coastline to walk as well as gentle rolling hills in the interior. Armed with one of our walking books Landscapes of Algarve (Sunflower Books) and Mist, my latest Hotter walking shoes, we were all set to go. As an aside, for warmer climes my personal preference is for walking shoes, although the pundits always recommend walking boots, and Mist fits the bill perfectly. These shoes are oh so comfortable and like my heavier duty Vale boots, a dream to wear.

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