What is Paddy Dillon doing in 2012?
Paddy Dillon walks hard for a living and is always juggling a variety of projects. His work can take him anywhere, and at any time of the year. Next destination - Everywhere!
Treks and Trails - Paddy recently explored the whole of Iceland, spending a total of 150 days in the country, in all weathers. He was there during the eruptions of the sub-glacial volcanos of Grimsvötn and Katla. Paddy has condensed his explorations into 100 days for a guidebook, split equally between one-day walks and long-distance trails. The guidebook, Walking and Trekking in Iceland, is due for publication in the summer of 2012.
Guidebook projects - Four more of Paddy's guidebooks were published through 2011. A two-part mini-series covering the Channel Islands includes Walking on Jersey and Walking on Guernsey. Paddy's five-volume series covering the Canary Islands now includes the third book, Walking on Tenerife. Coverage of Mediterranean destinations now includes Walking in Sardinia. During 2012, Paddy will deliver the manuscripts for his fourth volume covering the Canary Islands, which is Walking on Gran Canaria, and a guide to another Mediterranean destination, this time on the island of Menorca, the long-distance GR223 - Cami de Cavalls. The next overseas destination will involve a thorough exploration of the Canary Islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Out and About - Paddy finds the time to visit all sorts of odd places for short periods throughout the year. He often delivers 'talks about walks' at various venues. He recently gave a talk about Greenland and the Arctic Circle Trail to a local walking club, and presented two talks at the Outdoors Show at the ExCel Centre, covering The National Trails and Lightweight Trekking.
World Trail Conference - Paddy attended the World Trail Conference on the Korean island of Jeju in November 2011. The conference attracted people representing long-distance trails from around the world, hoping to learn from each others' experiences, develop links and promote the sustainable use of trails for the future. During the conference, there was time to sample stretches of the Jeju Olle Trail and take part in the international Jeju Olle Walking Festival, which was attended by thousands of eager walkers. Features about this event are due for publication during 2012.
The English Lake District - The Lake District is on Paddy's doorstep and is visited regularly throughout the year to keep abreast of route changes and other developments, and because it is one of the finest places anyone could ever wish to walk! Paddy will be working on a new guidebook covering the long-distance Cumbria Way, through the Lake District from Ulverston to Carlisle, during the summer of 2012.