OwlZeZerk

Firstly, thank you for your interest/help in this topic! My brother and I are starting to plan a 2 month trip for 2016. Ideally we would spend ~80% of the trip backpacking and ~20% of the trip enjoying pubs, great eats and live music. We would like to spend time in Ireland, Scotland and possibly Norway but are open to suggestions for different countries than we elected.

A bit about us to help suggestions: We are both in our early 30's. Both kayak in the Gulf of Mexico (Brother is an avid kayak fisherman). We are building up our backpacking length (currently at 1 week on the trail per trip). Although we live in Texas we were born and raised in Minnesota so we no how to handle ourselves in both cold and hot conditions. Brother has not been to Europe while I have spent a month in Carraroe, Ireland studying Gaelic (1 day off per week permitted day excursions only-Galway was Awesome).

Any advice on hiking trails to check out, cities/villages that would offer great music, and/or transportation suggestions for bouncing from one destination to the next would be greatly appreciated. It would be cool to get a water based adventure in the mix. We wouldn't be opposed to experience one trail that has a duration of a month and incorporate little trips before or thereafter.

Thank you!

Ackislander

My son hiked the West Highland Way from Glasgow to Ft William, Scotland, right after he graduated from high school. I think it is about 125 miles. He had a backpacking tent but was delighted to find that he could sty in hostels and pubs Ina number of places. The made him happy because he was still too young to drink in he US.

Norway has pretty much the highest alcohol prices in Europe, so while it might be a great place to hike, th cost of pubbing may be prohibitive.

OwlZeZerk

Thank you! The West Highland Way looks beautiful and fun. Also thanks for the heads up on Norway alcohol prices.

colduphere

Take a look at the Besseggen area of Norway. Barren but beautiful. Startling blue/green water. Though I don't remember much music.

OwlZeZerk

Wow, the Besseggen area looks gorgeous. Thanks for the suggestion.

colduphere

I don't think you'll find a more beautiful area to hike in than:

http://adventure.nationalgeographic....trail-iceland/

There is quite a music scene in Reykjavik as well.

OwlZeZerk

Very cool colduphere. The Laugavegurinn Trail and Fimmvörðuháls Pass look breathtaking. Reykjavík most definitely has a great music scene. It's great to be planning in advance as there will be many options to consider.