The Best Hikes In The World

These 13 hiking trails will blow your mind

Hiking through the wilderness is not only a perfect way to see a new place or your home state, it’s great for your mental and physical health. In fact, hiking is scientifically proven to reduce stress levels, a 15-minute walk in the woods reduces certain stress hormones by 16 per cent and blood pressure by two per cent. All that to say, there’s no time like the present to hop on the hiking bandwagon – it’s all the rage, especially with masks and adequate distance from other hikers.

Wondering where to go hiking? We've got you covered. We've rounded up 13 of the best hiking trails around the world perfect for your next adventure. Time to lace up your boots and hit the trail.

Pennine Way, United Kingdom

Stretching 268 miles from the Derbyshire Peak District to the Scottish Borders, the Pennine Way is the United Kingdom's most famous long distance path.

The entire walk takes around three weeks, passing over wild moorland east of Manchester and through the picture postcard Yorkshire Dales, before crossing the ancient border of Hadrian's Wall and on toward Scotland.

One for outdoor fanatics, camping enthusiasts and anyone who can handle the vagaries of great British weather.

Camino de Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Rather than following a single path, the Camino, also known as the Way of St. James, is actually a series of different pilgrimage routes, all ending at the shrine of the apostle St. James in the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela.

The most popular modern route follows a line across northern Spain from the French Pyrenees.

While some choose to stay at monasteries along the way, plenty of operators offer hotel stays and luggage transfers.

Pura Aventura has an 11-day trip that passes through Galicia, staying in boutique inns, with bags sent ahead each day.

Appalachian Trail, United States

Extending for 2,200 miles, the Appalachian Trail is billed as the longest hiking-only footpath in the world.

It runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, passing through some of the most remote country in the United States.

That means it's an undertaking, either for those with endless vacation allowance, or walkers looking to do a small chunk of a classic route.

Well-marked paths and campsites mean it can be tackled alone. But those keen on comfort can use companies like Go Shenandoah, which offers pre-booked lodge accommodation and packed lunches in the spectacular Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, home to some of the best scenery on the trail.

The Basho Wayfarer, Japan

Japan boasts numerous ancient trails, connecting temples and cities. This self-guided trip follows a route taken by the poet Matsuo Basho over 300 years ago.

The six-day trek starts in Sendai and works its way through the northern Tohoku region, passing through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi and along the ancient Dewa Kaido path, with its beech and cherry forests, before heading into the mountains of Natagiri-toge and finishing at the temple of Yamadera.

Tour operator Walk Japan offers accommodation in traditional ryokan, with access to onsen baths to soothe aching bones after a long day's hiking.

Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral, Argentina

The area around Bariloche in Argentina's Lake District is home to several stunning walks.

But for those with limited time, it's hard to beat the one-day trek to Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral.

A bus to Villa Catedral drops at the start of a wide, well-marked path, which winds its way into the Andes, passing through woods before emerging above the tree line into a world of spectacular, soaring peaks. Intrepid visitors can stay at Refugio Frey, either in the hut or camping in its grounds.

Mount Toubkal, Morocco

North Africa's highest peak at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), a hike to the top of Mount Toubkal isn't for the faint-hearted.

The path upwards rises from the village of Imlil, passing over a dry river bed before rising sharply through the shrine at Sidi Chamharouch and on towards a large mountain hut.

After overnighting here, hikers strap on crampons and set off up the snowfield to the summit, where the Atlas Mountains open out and the views are relentless.

A local guide and muleteers for carrying luggage are a must, with tour operator Much Better Adventures able to arrange both, along with transfers to and from Marrakech.

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 myriad hiking trails, the most famous of which is the Dragon's Back.

Easily reached by bus from downtown Hong Kong, the path begins in a shady tree tunnel on the Shek O Road, before scaling Shek O Peak, with vistas over white sandy beaches, lush hills and tropical islands. The route ends at the beach at Big Wave Bay, its warm waters perfect for a post-hike dip.

The Dingle Way, Ireland

Stretching 111 miles, The Dingle Way is a circular path that offers the best way to get under the skin of wild County Kerry in Ireland's south west.

Starting in the town of Tralee, the clockwise path follows narrow roads, known as boreens, taking in the wide sweep of sand at Inch Strand, passing along the clifftops outside Dingle town and heading around the edge of Mount Brandon, the highest peak on the Dingle Peninsula.

Ireland Ways arranges accommodation along the route, which can be tackled over as many as 10 days.

Tergo La Trek, Bhutan

The relative inaccessibility of Bhutan and need for tourist passes means its trails are unspoiled and ripe for exploration. Tergo-La Trek, in the Haa Valley, is one of the country's lesser known routes.

This guided trek from Bhutanese tour operator Blue Poppy rises from 3,500 meters to 4,135 meters, passing through peaceful forest paths and up wild mountain tracks, with views of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.

Yak herders' camps and distant villages add to the sense of being in another world.

Tahoe Rim Trail, United States

A 165-mile loop around the Tahoe Rim Basin, this iconic trail was established in 1981 and is regarded as one of the finest hikes in the United States.

Passing through six counties and four national forests, in land that straddles California and Nevada, the 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 jaunt, best undertaken between July and September.

Armenia and the Silk Road

Easily overlooked, Armenia has some of the best walking trails in Europe.

The 11-day Armenia and the Silk Road trip takes in some of its finest routes, connecting the UNESCO protected monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, passing over limestone peaks and through verdant forests, with the opportunity to hike in the wild Geghama Mountains and climb to the top of Aragats, the country's tallest mountain.

Indus Valley, Himalaya, India

While a Himalayan trek is always going to be magical, this remote three-day jaunt in the Indus Valley takes some beating.

The hike, which is an extension of luxury operator 's seven-day itinerary to the region, leaves the village of Moncarmo and heads to Matho Phu and Shang Phu.

Phu translates as summer pastures, meaning this lush ground makes for pleasant walking while staring at the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

The trip includes stops at local tea houses, with dome tents pitched each evening for a comfortable night's sleep.

West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island

Canada's wilderness and sheer scale mean it's blessed with some truly astounding hiking trails.

The classic covers 47 miles around southern Vancouver Island, with stunning ocean scenery at Bonilla Point and accessible sea caves at Owen Point.

The hike involves scaling ladders, wading through rivers and battling along muddy tracks, but with the bonus of being able to camp out in spectacular open country.

Although self-guided, walkers need to reserve a place on the trail at the start of the year, with spaces severely limited.


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