Best Hikes To Take
Hiking is a great sport to do because it provides people with a way to enjoy the outdoors and get exercise at the same time. There are many people who hike for pleasure on a regular basis, but most don't know how to go about hiking. Fortunately, there isn't really any single right way to go about doing it and anyone could easily enjoy the many benefits of hiking. If you're considering hiking for the first time, it's highly recommended that you seek out hiking groups to ease you into this wonderful sport.
Hiking trips can be relaxing yet challenging but normally feature great views as a reward. Many hikers are motivated by the sense of accomplishment that some hikes provide, as well as being able to see the purity of nature's beauty in parts that are untouched by humans. Hiking also provides the opportunity for people to experience landscapes that are otherwise unimaginable, as the world is vast and full of scenic wonders.
Ready to start your next great hike? Here are a list of the best hikes to take around the world:
Best Hikes to Take in the UK
Home to some of the most magnificent natural landscapes in the world, the UK is home to a magnitude of hiking trails that will take you back to nature. From the high mountains of Scotland and Wales, to the sandy shores of Cornwall, to the rolling hills of Yorkshire, there are hundreds of hiking trails that take you through the stunning natural scenery available.
Whether you’re just starting out or keen on seeking a new hiking trail to explore, there are plenty of them to choose from. Here are some of the best hiking trails that you can find across the four nations of the United Kingdom:
Dorset
Dorset is home to part of the Jurassic Coast, England's only World Heritage Site that stretches from East Devon, where the sand cliffs and beaches have been worn away by the sea over thousands of years. The scenic landscape of Dorset is full of interesting features, including small streams and estuarine habitats – with plenty of hiking trails for people to utilise and explore these landscapes. A hiking day out in Dorset is sure to fascinate you.
This southwestern English county offers a rugged coastal trail with breathtaking views of the ocean and inland, where ancient quarries and rolling fields have been reclaimed by wildflowers and grass. The Dorset trails will take hikers through not just the beauties of Mother Nature, but through years of human history as the area is home to a military and industrial past.
Isle of Skye
Source: Family Can Travel
The Isle of Skye offers some of the most picturesque places to hike in all the British Isles and is a great location for not just wildlife watching, but hiking too. More specifically, the Quiraing nestled along the eastern side of the Isle, is a landslip which features wild terrain among steep cliffs and hidden lochs that budding hikers should definitely consider exploring.
The landslip is a highly popular spot for people of all sorts, from nature enthusiasts to photographers, thanks to its peculiar yet fascinating rock formations. Quiraing's hiking trail is a four-mile loop that can get challenging at times with a few steep climbs, but rewards hikers with gorgeous views throughout their trek.
Gloucestershire
Another southwestern English county that's full of natural beauty ripe for hikers to explore is Gloucestershire. The rural landscape of this county is filled with rolling hills, marshes and ancient forests that once played a part in the history of England. Some of the best places to hike can be found in the Forest of Dean.
The Forest of Dean is one of the few remaining ancient forests left in the entire United Kingdom that stands to remind Britons of its ancient, natural roots. Spanning across a large forest area with more than 250 miles of ancient roads, the Forest of Dean is home to a rich diversity in flora and fauna with wild river valleys. A day out hiking in the Forest of Dean will also take hikers past great castles and cathedrals before they venture into the Forest proper.
County Antrim
Source: Discover Northern Ireland
In addition to being the location of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, County Antrim is also home to some of the best hiking spots in the area for those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors. These areas are perfect for those who want to discover the beautiful countryside or enjoy a day in nature – from its sloping glens to its pristine coastlines.
One of the best places to hike in the UK is nestled along the Northern Irish coastline, the Causeway Coast. This is a 33-mile trail that stretches across two Northern Irish counties and takes hikers through to see the breaktaking views of the Giant's Causeway – a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of 40,000 basalt columns that have formed over thousands of years and legend has it that it was built by a mythical Irish giant.
Best Hikes to Take in Europe
The European continent is as diverse in its landscapes as it is in its cultures, with a lot of it being covered by natural terrain that's great for hiking. Whether you're hiking through tall mountains or quaint countrysides, there are a lot of great spots to find that offer everything from challenging terrains and steep climbs to gentle strolls in peaceful surroundings.
If you're looking to spend a holiday over in any of these countries, be sure to pencil-in a hiking trip and explore the best of what Mother Nature has to offer in Europe!
Italy
Home to the Italian Alps and the island of Sardinia, Italy is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The Italian Alps are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in all of Europe and offer hikers breathtakingly spectacular views that lie within Italy's interior. One of the best hiking trails can be found within the Adamello-Brenta National Park.
The Adamello-Brenta National Park is located in the Alps and offers an impressive array of habitats for hikers to explore alongside a plethora of wild plants and animals. The park encompasses a total area of about 8,000 square kilometers and stretches from the plains near Bergamo up to the peaks near Trenta. It offers incredible views, as well as untouched nature that has largely gone unaffected by mankind over the centuries. It's absolutely worthwhile to take up a hiking weekend in the Adamello-Brenta.
Spain
Source: HowStuffWorks
Spain is a country with a long and rich history of diverse cultures and landscapes. Spanning across the peninsula, it is one of the largest countries in Europe, making it an excellent destination for those who want to explore with their feet! The country's varied landscape includes Mediterranean beaches and pine forests that are sometimes filled with ancient ruins.
This southwestern European country offers plenty of great places to hike for hikers who want challenging terrains with steep climbs as well as hikes in peaceful surroundings with gentle strolls. But those who'd like a little heart-thumping action during their hike should consider visiting the famous El Camino del Ray trail. The 4.7 mile trail is popular because nearly two miles of the trail consist of a walkway that runs along the cliff faces of a narrow gorge, one hundred metres above the ground.
Iceland
Source: Earth Trekkers
Don't let its name deceive you, Iceland isn't a land of ice but instead is a country with diverse natural landscapes and a rich, fascinating culture. The country's natural beauty offers plenty of spots for hiking, with the terrain varying from beaches to mountain ranges. Some of the best hiking trails can be found in Landmannalaugar which features fields formed from lava, geothermal hot springs, and rhyolite mountains that make for some extraordinary hiking.
A great way that you can spend a day hiking is through the Mount Blahnúkúr-Mount Brennisteinsalda Loop. This is a 6-mile trek that takes you up to 2000 feet over a period of 4 to 6 hours, and rewards you with the best views of the area. The best part? After your great day hiking, you are free to take a dip into the People's Pool, one of the natural hot springs found in the area.
Norway
Source: Visit Vesterålen
Although Norway is world-renown for being one of the happiest countries in the world, it has a quiet reputation for sporting some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Europe. It is a Scandinavian country that includes many islands and mountains ranges. It has a temperate climate with clear air, but also includes rolling hills, glaciers, and steep fjords.
There are also lots of great places to hike in Norway that range from day trips to multi-day treks. A highly recommended hiking trail to embark on is the Stave-Bleik Coastal Trail, situated within the Vesteralen Islands in the north of the Scandinavian country. The trail is 5.6 miles long and it takes hikers from one end of the coastline to the other. If you've got a craving for high-altitude views, you could add Måtind as a destination during your hike – the highest point along the Vesteralen coast.
Best Hikes to Take In the North America
Across the Pacific Ocean, hikers can find some of the best hiking trails in the world. Thanks to the varied landscapes across the United States as well as it's northwardly neighbours, Canada, there is always a unique landscape that's just waiting to be explored.
If you're planning a holiday across the pond, in the US or Canada, you should definitely consider detaching from the modern world by going hiking through one of these wonderful trails:
Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Source: National Park Service
Located in California, Yosemite National Park is one of the most impressive destinations for hikers in North America. Yosemite National Park is a world-famous treasure. Hikers have the opportunity to explore nearly 950 square miles of backcountry and wilderness, a landscape that's home to thousands of plant species, hundreds of animal species, and three thousand pristine lakes.
The park offers miles of trails that are accessible to hikers of all levels. If you happen to be in the Sunny State of California, you should definitely consider planning a day hike across one of the world-renown paths in the Yosemite National Park. The Four Mile Trail or the Swinging Bridge Trail are quiet trails will reward you with a plethora of colourful wildflowers, sequoias, and incredible rock formations throughout your hike.
Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Source: Fresh Off the Grid
The stunning red sandstone and rock formations of Zion National Park are among the most photogenic in the US. Located in the state of Utah, this national park is home to more than a million acres of incredible scenery and offers three areas that are home to some of America's most beautiful hiking trails – the Kolob Canyons, Zion Canyon and the Zion Wilderness.
If you're visiting during the spring, summer or fall months, the Zion Canyon offers a shuttle service that will take you to the entrance of multiple trailheads. This also makes it the most popular spot for hikers, so just be midnful the trails can get quite a bit of foot traffic. The Kolob Canyons and Zion Wilderness have limits on group sizes, which make them suitable for the more introverted hiker.
Jasper National Park, British Columbia, Canada
Source: In A Faraway Land
The Canadian Rockies are a must-see for any nature lover and, more specifically, Jasper National Park offers some of the most extensive hiking trail networks in Canada. The largest national park of the Canadian Rockies offers its visitors almost 3 million acres of nature – including wild animals like elk, deer and mountain goats.
The trails available in Jasper National Park will suit hikers of any athletic ability, allowing hikers to choose a trail according to their comfort zone. If you're looking for an easier hike, the Howse Peak Trail is a great option. The 3.8-mile trail is relatively flat and offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
Kluane National Park, Yukon, Canada
Source: Switchback Travel
Nestled in the southwest corner of Canada's Yukon Valley is the Kluane National Park and Reserve, home to some of the most unforgettable landscapes on the continent. This diverse country park is home to the world's largest glacier, a remarkable canyon system and crystal-clear river. Hikers in Kluane National Park can enjoy 12 miles of hiking trails that traverse mountain ranges, clear rivers, and beautiful meadows.
If you're seeking a more difficult hike, the more difficult trails will reward you with the most incredible views of North America's second highest peak, Mount Logan, and largest ice field, the Columbia Icefield. Be sure to read up on bear-deterrent tactics and stock up on bear spray before heading over because the national park is still home to a decent population of grizzly bears.
Conclusion
Regardless of where you live in the world, getting out of the house and spending some time in nature can be a refreshing experience. We've seen how hiking has a wide variety of benefits, from reducing stress and strengthening muscle . The next time your schedule allows, head out on the trail and get some fresh air!