World’s Greatest Hikes showcases more than 70 of the planet's most incredible hiking trails. Check out itineraries and essential travel information, historical places of interest, maps and much more. We’ve even included a guide on how to organise a hike.
Welcome
World's Greatest Hikes
FOREWORD By Julia Bradbury • “TRAVEL ISN’T ALWAYS PRETTY. IT ISN’T ALWAYS COMFORTABLE. SOMETIMES IT HURTS, IT EVEN BREAKS YOUR HEART. BUT THAT’S OKAY. THE JOURNEY CHANGES YOU; IT SHOULD CHANGE YOU. IT LEAVES MARKS ON YOUR MEMORY, ON YOUR CONSCIOUSNESS, ON YOUR HEART, AND ON YOUR BODY. YOU TAKE SOMETHING WITH YOU. HOPEFULLY, YOU LEAVE SOMETHING GOOD BEHIND.”
ORGANISING YOUR HIKE
WHY DO WE HIKE? • The great outdoors is good for the body, mind and soul
3 KEY BENEFITS OF HIKING • Delve a little deeper into some of the top physical, social and mental rewards
PLAN YOUR NEXT HIKE • Everything you need to know to prepare for a successful trip
BEST PLANNING TOOLS • These handy websites offer planning tools and resources
THE CHECKLIST • Make sure you go through this checklist before you embark on any hike
ESSENTIAL KIT • Make sure you have all the right gear for a successful hike
USEFUL EXTRAS • As well as the essentials, it’s worth considering the following items too
STAY SAFE WHEN HIKING • Nature is unpredictable, so be prepared for anything when out on the trails
FOLLOW THE TRAIL
GETTING OUT THERE • If you’re new to hiking, or haven’t hiked in a while, here’s our guide to getting out there
URBAN HIKING • There are plenty of adventures to be had in the city
THE AMERICAS
BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL • One of those hikes you’ll still be thinking about for many years to come
APPALACHIAN TRAIL • Take a walk in the woods on one of America’s most vibrant footpaths
W TREK • The slice of Patagonian paradise where soaring mountains meet mirror lakes
WEST COAST TRAIL • Perhaps the best example of the adage ‘good things are worth fighting for’
INCA TRAIL • The iconic hiking trail and a true bucket-list experience
COME ONE, COME ALL!
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL • There’s an abundance of beauty to behold on this route through 25 national forests and seven national parks
LOST CITY • Rediscover the forgotten ruins of a jungle city
ANGELS LANDING TRAIL • Wiggle your way to the top of this trail for life-affirming views
LAGUNA DE LOS TRES • A whirlwind journey to the very soul of Patagonia itself, Mount Fitz Roy
BEST OF THE REST • These hikes offer a variety of experiences from mountain treks to leisurely lakeside walks and challenging terrain with exceptional natural beauty
EUROPE
TOUR DU MONT BLANC • This world-famous alpine hike that will put you on top of the world
SOUTH WEST COAST PATH • Britain’s best-loved hike spans four counties, more than 600 miles and plenty of pubs
LAUGAVEGUR • A true song of ice and fire, this trail boasts some of the world’s most diverse scenery
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO • A path well trodden for centuries, and many hikers claim it changed their lives forever
GR20 • Mountainous, dry and very challenging underfoot – meet Europe’s toughest trail
A SHORT HOP TO PORTO VECCHIO
WEST HIGHLAND WAY • Hike from Milngavie to Fort William via Loch Lomond and the wilderness
KUNGSLEDEN • The king of Sweden’s trails, spanning five national parks of vast, Arctic wilderness
ALTA VIA 1 • Live the high life on this diverse trail with unique views aplenty
RYSY, HIGH TATRAS • Climb to the top of the world and peer down into two different countries at once
BEST OF THE REST •...
