From a hike along the routes of a Japanese poet to a classic climb in Argentina’s lake district, here are 12 of the best hiking trails in the world.
1. Pennine Way, United Kingdom
Stretching 428 km from the Derbyshire Peak District to the Scottish Borders, the Pennine Way is the UK’s most famous long-distance path.
The entire trek takes about three weeks, passing through wild swamp east of Manchester and the postcard-perfect Yorkshire Dales, before crossing the ancient border of Hadrian’s Wall and heading into Scotland.
An amazing activity for outdoor fanatics, camping enthusiasts and anyone who can handle the vagaries of great British weather.
2. Way to Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Rather than following a single path, the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, also known as the Camino de Santiago, is actually a series of different pilgrimage routes, all ending at the shrine of the Apostle St.
The most popular modern route follows a line through northern Spain from the French Pyrenees.
While some choose to stay at monasteries along the way, many operators offer hotel stays and luggage transfers.
3. Appalachian Trail, United States
Stretching over 3,540km, the Appalachian Trail is considered the longest trekking trail in the world.
It runs from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, Maine, passing through some of the most remote states in the United States.
That means it’s a commitment, whether for those with an endless holiday allowance or for hikers looking to do a little bit of a classic route.
4. The Basho Wayfarer, Japan
Ancient trails connect temples and cities in Japan. It follows a route taken by the poet Matsuo Basho more than 300 years ago.
The six-day journey starts in Sendai and crosses the northern Tohoku region, passing through Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and along the ancient Dewa Kaido path with its beech and cherry forests, before heading to the mountains of Natagiri – toge and finish at Yamadera temple.
5. Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral, Argentina
The area around Bariloche, in Argentina’s lake district, is home to a number of impressive walks.
But for those with limited time, the day’s journey to Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral is hard to beat.
A bus to Villa Catedral descends at the beginning of a wide, well-marked path that winds through the Andes, passing through woods before emerging above the tree line into a world of high, spectacular peaks. Intrepid visitors can stay at Refugio Frey, the cabin, or camp on site.
6. Mount Toubkal, Morocco
The highest peak in North Africa at 4,167 meters, a hike to the top of Mount Toubkal is not for the faint of heart.
The path ascends from the village of Imlil, past a dry riverbed before abruptly ascending through the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch and towards a large mountain hut.
After spending the night here, hikers place crampons and ride the snowfield to the summit, where the Atlas Mountains open up and the views are unforgiving.
7. Great Wall of China, Jinshanling section
Walking the Great Wall at the Badaling landmark can be a stressful experience, with crowds and street vendors making it almost unbearable.
Jinshanling, situated 140 kilometers northeast of Beijing, offers the perfect opportunity to explore a steep, winding and relatively unspoiled section of this true Chinese icon.
The route to the Simatai wall is closed, but the round trip along this section makes for a strenuous exercise, with truly incredible views. Beijing hotels can arrange tours and transfers.
8. Dragon’s Back, Hong Kong
Hong Kong may be known for its towering skyscrapers and narrow streets, but the mainland and islands are dotted with countless hiking trails, the most famous of which is the Dragon Back.
Easily accessible by bus from central Hong Kong, the path starts in a shady tunnel of trees on Shek O Road, before climbing Shek O Peak, with views over white-sand beaches, lush hills and tropical islands. The route ends at Big Wave Bay beach, with its warm waters, perfect for a post-walk dip.
9. Dingle Way, Ireland
Stretching 178.6 km, The Dingle Way is a circular path that offers the best way to delve under the skin of the wilds of County Kerry in southwest Ireland.
Starting in the town of Tralee, the clockwise path follows narrow roads known as pits, looking over the wide sand strip at Inch Strand, past the cliffs outside the town of Dingle and following around the edge of Mount Brandon, the highest peak. top of the world. Dingle Peninsula.
10. Tergo La Trek, Bhutan
Bhutan’s relative inaccessibility and need for tourist passes mean its trails are pristine and ready to be explored. Tergo-La Trek, in the Haa Valley, is one of the lesser-known routes in the country.
This guided hike climbs from 3,500 meters to 4,135 meters, passing peaceful forest paths and wild trails, overlooking Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world.
The yak herders’ fields and distant villages add to the feeling of being in another world.
11. Tahoe Rim Trail, United States
A 265.5 km loop around the Tahoe Waterfront Basin, this iconic trail was created in 1981 and is considered one of the best hikes in the United States.
Passing through six counties and four national forests, on lands spanning California and Nevada, the Tahoe Rim Trail is the best way to explore the Sierra Nevada and Carson ranges.
Intrepid travelers can pack a tent and get back to nature on an 11-day tour, best done between July and September.
12. Armenia and the Silk Road
Easily overlooked, Armenia has some of the best hiking trails in Europe.
The 11-day Armenia and Silk Road trip takes some of its best routes, connecting the UNESCO-protected monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, passing limestone peaks and verdant forests, with the opportunity to hike in the wild mountains of Geghama and climb to the top of Aragats, the highest mountain in the country.
