Why now?

To catch the north Mediterranean sunshine washing one of Europe's loveliest hiking trails - and, from mid September, benefit from its improved infrastructure. The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, which snakes for 400km along the Ligurian hilltops and mountains, will have seven new visitor centres and a "sherpa bus" connecting different parts of the route (altaviadeimontiliguri.it/eng) with views to Corsica and the Alps. It will make it easier to tackle those short slogs over a long weekend.

Getting there

Stansted to Genoa with Ryanair and then connecting bus or train connections to the trail. Where to stay Either use Genoa as a base for day walks, or stop at one of the lodges scattered along the route, including Realdo and lovely La Debbia, for £20pp half-board.

What to eat

Pesto Genovese - local trenette pasta with pesto sauce, green beans and potatoes - the ultimate hiking fuel.