I need a trekking route from Dublin to Germany

[trek]

I am flying into Dublin late March 09 and, if possible, would like to trek my way to Geilenkirchen, Germany. 'Yes' flying is an inexpensive option, however, I would like the adventure of ground travel if it is reasonable; especially during this time of year.

I am not on a time schedule and would actually like to spend 6 months drifting about Europe. From Germany, I would like to trek to Spain (Santiago De Compostella pilgrimage); then, visit Portugal, and Italy. I also need to know where to step out so I can stay longer than the 90 day visa.

My funds are extremely limited... to say the least, so I prefer to camp outside, use couchsurfing.com, or, if necessary, visit an occasional 'inexpensive' hostel.

Please let me know if you have any route suggestions, or ideas regarding places to stay, eat, use of the Internet, places to bathe, or barter an overnight stay.

I try to minimize transportation and lodging cost...however, if you feel transportation is wise, or necessary... what departure, and destination, points do you suggest? And, if known, estimate cost?

My trip is more of a 'Walkabout,' of sorts; verses a tourist adventure. In fact, I have just completed a year trekking across the US; I left Oregon in January 08 and will be leaving for Dublin from Washington, D.C. It is not imperative that I visit 'all' the major sites; for it is more about the people and the journey. Trekking though the countryside... and visiting small towns for supplies... is more my speed! 'smiles'

Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

May the New Year renew your sense of bliss~

--Trek

[herrbert]

I guess you have to think about where you want to cross the Irish Sea and were the Northsea. If you are not in a hurry, I would suggest to not go in a straight line, but to go north from Dublin (Belfast and than to Larne), and crossover to Scotland.

Maybe that's even too fast to leave Ireland, as it is just like Scotland a hiking paradise, I knew some people who went there on holidays just for hiking. So maybe you should first make it to the westcoast (Dingle / Ring of Kerry first, and then head towards northern Ireland from there.

When you make it down from Scotland to England, you have a number of options to cross the Northsea. (a crossing from Newcastle to IJmuiden or Hoek van Holland is good if you have to make up time, and if you want to miss the south of England. Somehow I have an idea that you don't want that. So getting a walk on ticket on one of the ferries in Dover seems logical. And then crossing into Belgium through the Ardennes towards Geilenkirchen. (which makes me curious, why Geilenkirchen? I only know it as an US army airport.)

One point about the Netherlands, be aware that in the Netherlands you can only camp on actuals campingspot (look for the shields saying camping.) Camping in the wild is forbidden here.

When you enter mainland Europe, there is no option to step out anymore. (unless Liechtenstein still has a seperate status.) Getting a WHV (Working Holiday Visa) can solve that problem if you can meet the criteria.)