If you love hiking, then the chances are that you’re no stranger to braving harsh climates, climbing high peaks, and exploring the road less travelled. Hikers challenge their bodies and minds to see some of the most incredible views the world has to offer – from an angle that’s unique to the hiking trail. Whether traversing canyons, climbing mountains, or crossing sodden moors, hikers know the true call of an adventure.
Of course, there’s more to a mind-blowing hike than simply staying within your own back garden – and exploring the world can be one of the most incredible things you ever do. That’s why we’re going to cover some of the most amazing dream trails offered across the globe.
The Benefits of hiking
Before we begin our list of dream trails, let’s take a quick look at the athletic benefits that hiking has to offer. For most, the views and experience alone are enough of a reward, but hiking is also incredibly good for your health. As an aerobic athletic hobby, hiking can improve:
- Cardiorespiratory fitness
- Muscle strength
- Bone density
- Sleep quality
- Weight control
What’s more, exploring the world around you can reduce your risk of:
- High cholesterol and triglycerides
- High blood pressure
- Stroke or heart disease
- Depression and anxiety
Dream Trails
No matter your hiking level, you’re sure to find a range of incredible hiking trails dotted across the globe – brimming with chances to explore a new landscape. Following are just some of our favorite options.
The Inca Trail
Located within Peru, the Inca trail is 26 miles long, and can take a period of four days. It’s one of the most popular hiking experiences in the world, and covers a range of inclines and declines, where you’ll explore jungle, ruins, and stunning mountain scenery at depth, before ending the hike at Machu Picchu.
The Appalachian Trail
In the United States, from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian trial is 2,180 miles long, and designed for hardcore hikers. The longest continuously marked footpath in the world, this adventure is not an easy one, and it will require some serious planning if you want to do it all in one go. In fact, the hike can take anywhere between 5 and 7 months.
Kungsleden
The Kungsleden trail in Sweden, otherwise known as the “King’s trial” is 275 miles long, and can take between three and five days – depending on how much of the hike you commit to. On shorter hikes, you’ll still have a chance to discover the beautiful draw of the Artic landscape, complete with huge glaciers, and a view of Sweden’s highest peak – Mount Kebnekaise.
The Bay of Fires
The Bay of Fires in Tasmania, Australia takes you to a range of stunning white sandy beaches, across boulders covered in crimson lichen, and alongside pools of turquoise water. It’s only possible to take this sixteen-mile hike as part of a guided trip, but the beautiful atmosphere makes the whole thing completely unforgettable.
The Queen Charlotte Track
An ideal trail for children and families alike, the Queen Charlotte Track in New Zealand is around 44 miles long, and lasts for between three and five days. The trek takes you through a collection of beautiful sunny hills, next to clear blue water. Just remember that this trial is still quite the athletic challenge, so make sure that your children are fully prepared with the appropriate gear, such as boys compression pants, and rainproof jackets.
The Mountains of the Moon
These stunning peaks represent some of the highest ranges in Africa, measuring in at over 16,000 feet. On a 38-mile trek over six to seven days, you’ll see enchanting views, and come face to face with a collection of beautiful glaciers, and incredible elephants – all in the same place.
The Scottish National Trail
Originally opened in 2012, this trail takes around five to six weeks to complete in full, although there are plenty of opportunities to break the trek down into several smaller sections if you’re pressed for time. The trail covers the whole of Scotland from end-to-end, introducing you to incredible views of the country, with a hike that becomes progressively more difficult as you go.
Discovering your dream hike
While the perfect hike will be different for everyone, the trails we mentioned above are certainly some of the most appealing and popular hiking options in the globe today. If you love exploring the globe on foot – don’t be afraid to get out there and try some of those trails for yourself whenever you have a chance!
1 comment