Some of the most memorable moments on the trail aren’t the ones we plan. They arrive quietly — a shift in the weather, an unexpected encounter, a burst of laughter, or a view revealed at just the right time. These are the moments that don’t appear on maps, yet stay with us long after the journey ends.
Our guides and staff encounter countless beautiful moments on the trail. The ones below are the small, unexpected experiences that stayed with them — and continue to make this work so meaningful.
When the Clouds Finally Lifted, on Scotland, Highlands and Islands
After hours moving along a high ridge in wind, cloud, and rain, with visibility never more than a few yards, I stopped simply to catch my breath. Then suddenly, the clouds parted. Ahead stood the Horns of Alligin in all their wild, jagged majesty — both forbidding and inviting. The path revealed itself, threading across the peaks. The view literally took my breath away! One thought crossed my mind: I can’t believe I get paid for this. — Rogan O’H.
A Shadow from Above, on Italy’s Ortler Alps Trek
While hiking along the trail in Stelvio National Park with my group, a vast shadow suddenly swept across our path. We all looked up in astonishment as a bearded vulture soared silently overhead — majestic, powerful, yet gentle in its flight. In that shared moment, surrounded by towering peaks, we felt wonderfully small — just tiny travelers in a vast mountain world. — Elsa G.
A Toast on a Quiet Sicilian Hillside, on Sicily, The Aeolian Islands
On Lipari’s quiet backroads, we hiked through a lush valley of cacti, olive trees, and grapevines without seeing another soul. As we settled in for a picnic, an elderly local geologist approached and shared stories of the land beneath our feet — its geology, its history, its rhythms. Then, smiling, he poured his homemade Malvasia red wine into tiny Red Solo Cups. Sweet, sun-ripened, and completely unexpected — Sicily at its most authentic. — Zita S.
Holding Up the Alps in Switzerland
While hiking alongside the vast Aletsch Glacier, our group came upon a dramatic overhang of ice you could actually stand beneath. We couldn’t resist — one by one we ran under it and posed like we were holding up the largest glacier in the Alps. A spontaneous, joyful moment that reminded me how playful and awe-inspiring the mountains can be — still one of my favorite Ryder-Walker memories. (Note that his photo is grainy because it’s ancient… that’s how long that memory has lasted and been my favorite!) — Eileen B.
Around the Bend: A Volcano, on Sicily, The Aeolian Islands
Leading guests along the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, I watched them fall into the rhythm of the trail — easy steps, quiet conversation, waves below. Then, around the bend, the landscape opened: a living volcano rising from the sea, smoke drifting skyward. We all stopped in awe. Later in the trip, we hiked that very volcano and watched it erupt – laughter and cheers erupted as well. Moments like this never lose their magic. — Julie H.
Laughter at Altitude, on Engadine Trek, Switzerland
After reaching Berghaus Fuorcla Surlej, we relaxed with cold lagers and sweeping views when suddenly — a shout from the porta-potty. One of our hikers had accidentally locked himself inside. Our first reaction? Uncontrollable laughter. The joke carried us through the rest of the trip. Later, watching influencers stage a glamorous mountain photo shoot, we created our own version — hiking shorts, windblown hair, and all. Real life, real laughter, real memories. — Suzanne F.
A Tradition of Joy, on Norway, The Islands of Lofoten
With one private group, we take a jumping photo every day of the trip. Over the years and across continents, we’ve collected dozens. One favorite: on a quiet beach in Lofoten, I snuck behind my co-guide who was lying flat in the sand to capture the shot and took a photo all of them sharing this fun moment— a small tradition that turns into lasting joy. — Dave N
She Said Yes! in the Swiss Engadine
After nearly a week celebrating mountains, milestones, and lifelong friendships on our 40th Anniversary trek, we thought the journey couldn’t become more memorable. Then, just below the Segantini Hut high above Pontresina, one of our guests led his girlfriend to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking St. Moritz and dropped to one knee — she said yes! Cheers, tears, and champagne followed, and another unforgettable Ryder-Walker moment was written in the mountains. — Ken F.
These are the moments that don’t appear on maps — yet become the ones we carry with us long after the journey ends.
Somewhere ahead, on a trail yet to be walked, your moment is waiting. Let us help you find it.
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