🥾 Top 10 routes for hiking and trekking
Hiking and trekking are inspiring. You get tired, but you overcome your weaknesses and the desire to turn back. When the route comes to an end, you look back, and the thought involuntarily arises: “Did I go through this?!” And you realize that you did it! But the landscapes and locations that come along your way provide special motivation to get involved in such adventures. They definitely take your breath away!
But first, a few words about the difference in definitions. Hiking is walking for pleasure. As a rule, they are not particularly long and do not cause great difficulties even for physically unprepared people. But trekking is already a full-fledged hike, often in mountainous terrain. It is not only longer in time, but also many times more difficult, both emotionally and physically. We've sorted out the definitions, now let's move on to the best routes in your life.
Yuraygir Coast, Australia
Yuraygir National Park is located 480 km north of Sydney, which also has something to see. It covers the longest stretch of New South Wales wild coastline. It is the land of the Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl peoples and a place of natural diversity and abundance.
The route is considered to be of moderate difficulty, but is also suitable for confident beginners. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to do more than just walk along the coastal path. And also climb rocks in places, wade through streams and tropical forests.
But if you're lucky, you might spot squirrel gliders, eastern grass owls or the endangered coastal emu. But in the period from June to October, if you are really a darling of fortune, you will be able to watch migrating whales.
One of the fairly accessible routes. Its length is about 65 km, which will take you about 4-5 days.
Victoria Peak Trail, Belize
It is claimed that only a couple hundred people have ever summited Victoria Peak, Belize's second highest peak. Its height is 1124 meters, and it seems that it is not that big. But the real test is getting to the mountain: it lies deep within the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's first jaguar sanctuary. The slopes of the reserve are steep and covered with dense damp forest.
For the hike you will have to find a local guide. You will also need a good level of physical fitness and no fear of heights. Since in some areas you will have to climb with the help of climbing equipment. It will take approximately 58 km in both directions in 4-5 days.
The reward is trekking into pristine wilderness with waterfalls, orchids, hummingbirds and howler monkeys, stunning views of uninterrupted green cover and nights spent in hammocks right in the middle of the jungle. Here you will find the five best locations for a jungle holiday.
Life of Dante, Italy
The track is named after Dante Alighieri. This fairly new route passes through Emilia-Romania and Tuscany. Essentially, the route connects Dante's tomb in Ravenna with his birthplace in Florence. Perhaps this is the route the author of The Divine Comedy took after his expulsion from Florence in the 14th century.
Along the way lie the wild Apennine mountains, hospitable farms, hilltop villages and locations from the life of Alighieri. For example , Pontassievo, where Dante met Beatrice, the Acquaceta waterfall from “Canto XVI” and the Romain Castle, where the Italian poet once stayed.
The route is of average difficulty, but it will take approximately 20 days to complete it. The entire distance will be 395 km. By the way, here we have collected information that is worth knowing before traveling to Italy.
International Appalachian Trail, Ireland
The Appalachian Trail crosses borders, linking what approximately 175 million years ago was a single mountain range running across the supercontinent Pangea.
The trekking base in Ulster opened in 2011. And in 2021, they invested in the department and the route. As a result, it became more comfortable for travelers to move around, and new signs and diagrams appeared on the trail.
The 485km route begins on the Atlantic coast at the sea-capped peak of Slieve League in Ireland. It then heads into the Blue Stack Mountains, past Lough Eske and Killeter Forest, through the Sperrins Range. The trail follows the cliffs and bays of the Causeway Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And stretching through the Antrim valleys, it ends at the Irish Sea at Larne.
The entire trip lasts 25 days. And confident travelers who are ready for difficulties should choose it. By the way, Ireland is one of the top countries to visit for single male travelers.
Great elbow loop, Canada
Banff and Jasper National Parks are stunning hiking destinations. But if you want impressive landscapes, and even with a small number of people, then it is better to pay attention to the Kananaskis Country park system. West of Calgary, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, there are high peaks, sharp ridges, dazzling blue lakes, aspen, pine and spruce forests, plenty of elk and hiking trails.
The Big Elbow Loop trek is a good choice for beginners. It is easy to follow and offers great views of the mountains. There are also simple but beautiful riverside campsites along the way. To complicate the route, you can add an ascent to Mount Romulus, a hike to Lake Upper Tombstone, or extend the path with an 8-kilometer trail to Lake Superior.
The general route is 42 km. If you have a big weekend and want to go on an adventure for 3-4 days, then this is the perfect option. But beware of bears and moose.
GR131, Canary Islands
The route includes seven islands. The GR131 track passes through the entire subtropical Canary Islands. With the help of ferries you will have to cross Lanzarote, Fuertevin tour, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro.
Each of the islands has a distinctive character. The 37-kilometer route through La Gomera, the “island of walkers,” takes in rock towers, ravines and the misty cloud forest of Laurisilva. Lush, steep La Palma is 66 km away. The 42-kilometer section of El Hierro stretches along the wild ridge of the island.
It will take about five weeks to complete the 560 km route. But it is suitable for those who are just starting to feel confident on the tracks.
Track GR20, Corsica
The GR20 route has a reputation as one of the most difficult in Europe. This Grand Randonais Trail cuts a diagonal northwest to southeast path along Corsica's mountainous ridge. Travelers overcome about 19 thousand meters of ascent and descent along steep slopes, where scree and falling stones are possible.
But how incredible the landscapes are there! You will be able to experience a wonderful world of icy and jagged peaks, plunging valleys, glacial lakes, shepherd's huts, pine forests and fragrant maquis. Along the way, travelers stop at basic shelters. And you have to share shelter with strangers.
The route starts from Tartu in Calenzano, Italy, and ends in a commune called Conca. The entire route will be 180 km. Completion takes from 10 to 15 days. But only very experienced tourists should choose it.
Mgoun Circuit, Morocco
The Mgoun massif, at 4,071 meters high, is just 100 meters below Jebel Toubkal, the highest point in North Africa. But just these 100 meters are decisive. Jebel Toubkal attracts peak baggers, aka mountain climbers, to the country's zenith. But Mgun remains in the shadow of glory and silence, although it has a more attractive landscape.
Here the trail passes through windswept passes and snow-capped peaks, as well as wide green valleys, neat terraces, orchards and walnut groves, intricate rock formations and Berber villages teetering on the slopes. The real summit is a direct climb to Mgun itself, overlooking the Draa Valley and the Sahara Desert.
The route is designed for tourists of average and high levels of training. The total length is approximately 75 km. You can cover the distance in 5-7 days.
Camí de Cavalls, Menorca
The Cami de Cavalls, also known as the GR223, was originally intended for horse patrols. But in the 20th century, it was repurposed as a well-marked trail, accessible to those on horseback, as well as cyclists and hikers.
This is the route that could be the first in your trekking career. And it will suit even the most inexperienced beginners. The entire route is 185 km. But don't let that scare you. The distance was divided into 20 flat sections from 5 to 13 km. They were designed in such a way that in a day you could walk one segment there and back, leaving time for walking, sunbathing and swimming.
Mahon, the capital of Menorca, can be a good starting point. Walk counter-clockwise from the old harbor to find secret coves, ancient burial chambers, Franco-era bunkers, Spanish watchtowers, forests and bird flocks – the entire island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. About 220 species have been recorded here.
The route is essentially circular. If you decide to set a goal to complete it all, then set aside approximately 20 days.
Hebridean Way, Scotland
The Hebridean Way crosses the Outer Hebrides archipelago. It connects the outlying outposts of Fathersay, Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewes. The route moves from south to north.
On the way you will have to overcome six dams and cross on two ferries. The entire distance will be 247 km. Depending on the pace, the trek will take from 8 to 14 days. The route is suitable even for confident beginners.
Along the way you will encounter wild heatherland, rocky hills, dazzling white beaches and flower-strewn meadows. There are Bronze Age ruins, the Bonnie Prince Charlie Trail and the Neolithic stone circle at Kalanais. And also amazing fauna: corncrakes, white-tailed eagles, otters and red deer.
By the way, in this text you will find a checklist of 15 points that you must do in Scotland.
Amatola Trail, South Africa
The scenery on this trail definitely has something of the Middle-earth that J. R. R. Tolkien gave us. Forests covered with moss look like Ents. And the meadows and waterfalls are reminiscent of locations from the Hobbits' journey.
The trail itself leads from the missionary-founded town of King Williams to Hogsback, located in the mountains. The route is quite challenging, but due to the large number of comfortable huts with beds, bathrooms and utilities, it can be considered for intermediate travelers. In general, it will be a week for a 100 km distance.
Jeju Olle Trail, South Korea
Jeju Island, left behind after an underwater volcanic eruption, is located south of the Korean Peninsula. It is the only autonomous province of the country that has a distinctive culture. The Jeju Olle Trail (olle, by the way, means “lane”) consists of 26 interconnected routes ranging from 10 to 20 km in length. They walk along the edge of the island.
Along the way you can see tropical beaches, fishing villages, houses with thatched roofs and curious humanoid statues of “haribana”. Travelers will also enjoy a beautiful view of the extinct Hallasan volcano. Its height is 1950 m – it is the highest peak in South Korea.
Many people are in no hurry to complete the entire route – after all, the total length is 425 km. Tourists select individual sections and overcome them, collecting stamps in the official route passport. Both inexperienced and confident travelers can choose this track or its squares.
Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi), Japan
The Kii Peninsula on Honshu is riddled with pilgrimage trails, a 1,200-year-old network called Kumano Kodo. The trails lead to the region's sacred Shinto shrines. Apart from the Spanish Camino de Santiago, which has already been discussed here, these are the only pilgrimage routes in the world included in the UNESCO list.
The 68-kilometer Nakahechi (Imperial Route) was preferred to know. It originally started in Kyoto, but now starts from Takijiri-oji Temple. From there it passes through rice fields, pine forests and misty mountains.
Walking along it will also take you to the hot spring village of Yunomine Onsen, where pilgrims bathe before visiting a key trio of shrines. We are talking about Hongu Taisha, where the torii gate with a record height of 33 meters, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha are located.
Nakahechi is considered the best Kumano Kodo option for tourists traveling on their own. The total distance will be approximately 68 km and can be completed in 4-7 days. But it is better for confident tourists to follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims.
Parks route, Chile
One of the most difficult tracks in our selection. Its distance is 2800 km. The trip will affect more than 60 settlements and 17 national parks. These include classic hikes in Punta Arenas and Torres del Paine, as well as pristine trails in newly designated protected areas.
For example, the 100km Jainimeni-Aviles highway skirts the new Patagonia National Park in the Aysén region, ancient Tehuelche wall paintings and hanging glaciers, while condors will soar overhead.
The route should be considered by fairly experienced or similar tourists. And count on at least 20 days.
Pacific Crest Trail, USA
This is the most difficult and longest distance in the collection – 4270 km, the passage of which will take not even weeks, but months. In total, you will have to fall out of civilized life for six months, and if you try, then for four months. The trek is suitable only for experienced and mega-confident travelers.
The Pacific Crest is a tourist colossus that stretches across the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountains, from the Mexican to Canadian borders. Every year about 800 people try to overcome it, and a little more than half reach the end.
Here, huge blocks of granite resemble cathedral domes, and the peaks are intertwined with rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Please note that multi-day hikes require wilderness permits.