u/VanDeWereld

I am planning a 2 week hike, and some stages have via ferrata sections, class A and B. I am an experienced Alpine thuhiker (always solo), but I have never done any via ferrata, nor any climbing (indoor or outdoor). Of course some clambering on Alpine hikes is expected so I am physically capable / strong / fit. Am I crazy to consider doing this by myself for the first time? Is that completely irresponsible, and should I reroute my plans to avoid these sections? Or is it possible if I go get the appropriate gear and watch some YouTube videos for the basics lol?

I'm thinking about a multi day with my tent in picos de Europa for this summer. I understand finding water sources can be challenging there. This might be a silly question, but could I rely on the Refugios to take water, even if I'm not staying there? Is the water accessible when the hut is closed during the day?

Does anyone have experience with hiking and camping in this area, and how did you manage your water resupply?

Hi all,

I have an upcoming trip, but can't make up my mind on the route. I'll be starting somewhere in the Lille area, and want to go south, roughly in the Lyon direction. I had originally planned to go through Paris, as I have friends there. But I'm second guessing myself, as it might make the route not as interesting and a lot of cycling on less the ideal roads (?).

Does anyone have experience with a comfortable route from Lille to Paris. Because of the people hosting me in Paris, ideally it should not take me longer than 3 days of cycling, and I average a 100 kms a day, so I can't take huge detours for the perfect path..

Alternatively I skip Paris entirely, and go east from Lille and link up to ev19. Is that route worth it?

What would you recommend?

I want to use my phone to navigate on my upcoming trip (first tour!), so I'm looking for a secure phone mount. I was looking at the quad lock system, which seems to be highly rated, but I'm confused that the poncho cover is not actually rated to be waterproof? My phone is ip 67, so I would feel more comfortable to have some kind of protection in case of rain, and I'm not sure the quad lock would be sufficient?

I'm not expecting too much rain on this trip, but still it would be nice to keep my navigation there for when it does rain at some point.

Any other tips?