We set ourselves the challenge of getting around the entire globe via some of the world’s best walks, starting in the UK and moving from adjacent countries that are home to fantastic hikes and treks. This took us across Europe, through Asia and Africa, up through South and Central America to the US and back over to Europe, taking in iconic walks like the Inca Trail.
You can see the full route below, along with more information on each walk. We don’t think it gets much better than this for walking lovers. We hope you like the route as much as we do. Let’s go around the world in 40 walks…
1. Lizard Coastal Walk
At Britain’s most southerly point on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, you’ll be met with a wildly rugged landscape and untamed, untouched wildflowers that will paint the picture for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. On this adventurous route, you will tackle windswept uplands and a challenging coastline path.
2. Oldenzaal to Hengelo
If you want views and relaxation more than the physical challenge, this lovely walk from Oldenzaal to Hengelo in Holland will lead you through an easy forest and a beautiful lake and you will end your hike in the quaint town of Hengelo, where you will see the landmark Lambertusbasiliek Church.
3. Bavarian Alps Trail
This is most definitely a hiker’s dream and it really is a rollercoaster adventure with the varying landscapes. There’s something spectacular on every level; stroll through the rolling hills and explore the rivers and lakes of the lower level or go for a high altitude tour and take the cable car to the top.
4. Faulhornweg
The Faulhornweg hike in Switzerland takes you from Wilderswil to Grindewald and gives you the best of the stunning Swiss countryside. This is one of the most beautiful trails in the Jungfrau region so we simply had to add it to our 40 walks around the world! Enjoy panoramic views of the Schynige plate and the two dazzling natural lakes, Thun and Brienz.
5. Sentiero Degli Dei
Sentiero Degli Dei is also known as the ‘Path of Gods’ and it links the small hill top town of Agerola with Nocelle and the famous Positano. The Amalfi Coast has long been a magnet for the rich and famous and there’s much more to this walking trail than just mind-blowing views. Immerse yourself in the wonderful Italian food / drink culture and enjoy fresh seafood accompanied by a glass of Italian Prosecco.
6. The Accursed Mountains
This eight day trek takes us on a tour of the Accursed Mountains in the isolated and untouched Thethi National Park. If you want an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this walk lends itself to a slightly alternative, adventurous and intrepid audience.
7. The Corfu Trail
The Corfu Trail was established in 2001 and takes you from Santa Barbara to Kalami, with an excellent mix of nature and history. You’ll walk through traditional mountain villages and get a great view point of the sea, passing olive groves and vineyards, all providing you with blissfully perfect panoramas – so bring your camera!
8. Lycian Way
The Tekke Peninsuale offers spectacular sea views and a true taste of the Turkish coastline with gorgeous weather all year round. The Lycian Way trail will take you from Fethiye to Antalya and you will get the opportunity to discover all the Greek temples, Byzantine monasteries and Roman ruins along the way.
9. Trekking the Caucasus
This is a tough and exhilarating challenge for hikers who want to push themselves physically and mentally, all the way up the Atsunta Pass. Blessed with mountain scenery, every step of the way will be worth the struggle and you will start and end your tour in the magical city of Tbilisi.
10. Candy Cane Ridge
The Candy Cane Mountains are shale mountains located within the Khizi Rayon and Siyazan Rayon of Azerbaijan. They form a part of the Greater Caucasus and it’s worth the trek just to see all the beautiful colours of the shale mountain range. You will also get a great view of the Caspian Sea.
11. Aksai Valley
Aksai Valley is in the Aktobe Province in Western Kazakhstan. This onr day hike is easy – moderate when it comes to difficulty / terrain and it offers amazingly rugged views of the mountain range, with a beautiful monastery waiting at the top.
12. Great Wall of China
The length of the entire Great Wall stretches over 8,000km in total from Hushan in Liaoning to Jiayuguan Pass in Gansu; a short yet challenging hike taking you from the Gudeikou – Jinshangling section will give you a taste of just how magnificent this incredible structure really is.
13. The Spice Trails of Kerala
Indulge yourself with the history and rural culture of India and take this mind-blowing trail around the Western Ghats. Explore the region’s lush forests and enjoy learning more about the historic trails which once formed important trade routes through the country.
14. Ascend to Tadapani
From Modi Khola Valley to Tadapani, you will take an uphill hike across the famous Annapurna region. Many walkers like to consider this as an introductory walk before taking on the Himalayas and although difficult, you’ll find it to be extremely rewarding. Especially the views!
15. Burmese Days
This is a delightful 14-day walking route which is jam-packed with exciting sights and attractions, including treks through the remote Burmese countryside, a tour of traditional villages, seeing the Bagan temples as well as going to the top of the Golden Rock.
16. Chiang Mai
Walking routes don’t always have to take you to remote places; if you want the perfect harmony of walking, hiking and city strolling, the Chiang Mai walking trail will take you around the most exciting tourist hotspots in three days.
17. Mt. Kinabalu
This Malaysian adventure meanders through the majestic Kinabalu Mountains and takes you all the way up to the famous cloud forest. During your ascent you will have the most incredible views of the entire mountain range at all angles – and the rugged Sabah Jungle too.
18. Mt. Bromo
Mount Bromo is one of the most iconic looking volcanos in the world but beware; although short in distance, this trail is not an easy one and is certainly not made for the faint-hearted. The terrain can be challenging but the views will simply blow your mind.
19. Overland Track
Partake in an adventure Down Under - take this amazing six day walk from the Cradle Mountain all the way to stunning Lake Sinclair. This tour is a true taste of Tasmania and its outstanding natural beauty. This is a countryside filled with contrasts and the trail will prove to be a satisfying challenge for all levels of walkers.
20. Kokoda Track
The Kokoda Track is a high difficulty track but it offers experienced walkers much more than just beautiful views. This single-file foot thoroughfare played a key part in the Pacific War during World War II, making this hike a historian’s dream.
21. Milford Track
The Milford Track in New Zealand takes you from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound and it’s one of the grandest walks in the world. With limited footfall allowance, this trail through Fiordland National Park offers views of the pristine rainforest.
22. Kilimanjaro
Standing at 5,895m, Mount Kilimanjaro is perhaps one of the most iconic mountains in the world; the ‘Roof of Africa’, as it is often known, is best suited to experienced walkers and climbers. This nine day challenge will see you battling against the elements as well as a tough ascent – so be prepared physically and mentally!
23. Luangwa Valley
Driving safaris are great but there’s something so much more candid and visceral when you take to safari on foot. A walk through the Luangwa Valley is safe if you follow a guide and you will have the rare opportunity to see wildlife such as elephants, hippos and big cat predators.
24. Botswana Walking Safari
The Okavango Delta is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Africa and it’s a must for any seasoned or first time safari goers. Walking routes and trails in Botswana are relatively easy, making it an ideal safari even for families with children.
25. Tsitsikamma Trail
The incredible Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail is Africa’s first accredited trail and it can be completed anywhere between two and six days with a difficulty level of moderate – tough. Journey through lush green forests and beautiful shrublands, with plenty of rivers, waterfalls and streams providing the perfect swimming opportunities.
26. Pati Valley
Brazil’s Pati Valley will take you on a journey back in time; set in the glorious Chapada Diamantina, this moderately easy trail will offer spellbinding views of table top mountains and rock / land formations that look almost Jurassic.
27. Laguna Torre
Enjoy a gentle hike, suitable for all ages and abilities, and explore the pretty mountainscape and lagoon lake of Laguna Torre in Argentina. The terrain is flat, making it suitable for younger hikers or elderly hikers and your trail will offer amazing views of two major glaciers.
28. El Circuito
If you’re visiting Chile, a walk in Torres Del Paine National Park is not to be missed. This beautiful area is found in Patagonia and features stunning mountain scenery, surreal-looking glaciers and icebergs, and lush lowlands with some extremely rare wildlife spotting opportunities. El Circuito is a nature lover’s paradise.
29. Inca Trail to Ingapirca
This 3 day Inca Trail route begins in the small village of Achupallas and will lead you through Cruces, Laguna Las Tres, along the shore of Laguna Culebrillas and to Intipunku for some of the most magical sights of Machu Picchu. During your 3 day walk, you will come across all the different collections of Inca ruins including Paredones and Ingapirca.
30. Ciudad Perdida
Discover the magic of the Sierra Nevada jungle on foot and follow the trail from El Marney to the Lost City of Tayrona. The jungle trek will take 3 days to complete and in terms of terrain, it’s a relatively easy route to undertake. At the end of your 3 day venture, you will be rewarded with the mystical and magical sights of the Lost City.
31. Los Quetzales Trail
The Los Quetzales Trail in Panama is a birdwatcher’s dream; this hiking trail sits under a major bird migration route and there are many bird species to watch out for including the yellow bellied siskin, sooty-headed chlorosphingus, the collared redstart, the red-tailed hawk, barred becard and the rose-breasted grosbeak.
32. Las Coladas Trail
Within the depths of Arenal National Park, this gentle day hike will take you around the base of the Arenal Volcano. The land is flat so it’s easy to walk on with no terrain challenges along the way and there will be fantastic views of old lava flows from the last eruption in 1992.
33. San Ramon Waterfall Hike
The waterfalls flow all year round, making Nicaragua the perfect all-season hiking destination for anyone who loves nature. The San Ramon hike is a gentle 1 day affair with easy terrain and plenty of beautiful waterfall vantage points throughout your route.
34. El Rosario Trail
Take a hike through the beautiful National Park La Tigra in Honduras and experience the unique natural beauty of Central America. The El Rosario Trail is just as great for walking as it is for biking; however, the terrain can get a bit tricky at certain points but is relatively easy most of the way.
35. Nebaj-Todos Santos
Go trekking in Guatemala and take the Nebaj-Todos Santos route if you want to avoid the tourists. This is a very remote area and you will need to be prepared that, for a few days, you may not come across any English speakers. Other than the beautiful scenery, you will get an authentic flavour of life in the Chuchamatanes Mountains and you will no doubt become mesmerised by the colourful outfits of the mountain’s indigenous people.
36. Silver Trail
The Silver Trail in Mexico is an 18th century Spanish forged trail and is suitable for hikers as well as serious cyclists. It takes nine days to walk the entire route and, although challenging in parts, the trail is suitable for most people and most walking levels.
37. Appalachian Trail
With total elevation gain equating that of 16 Mount Everests, the Appalachian Trail is a big challenge for hiking enthusiasts. Passing through 14 states, this is the longest footpath-only route in the world, attracting over 3 million people every year!
38. Toubkal Circuit
The Toubkal Circuit gives you around 6 to 8 days of High Atlas exploration, with an ascent of Jebel Toubkal for the most spectacular views overlooking the Sahara Desert. Here you will find the lesser-trekked parts of the Atlas Mountains and if you have the time to make the ascent, it will be worth every minute.
39. Camino De Santiago
Camino De Santiago, also known as St. James’s Path, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a chosen trail amongst the most seasoned walkers for its unique beauty and charm. You can choose the take ‘The French Way’ or ‘The Spanish Way’, depending on what you want to explore.
40. GR10
The French GR10 is perhaps the most well-known hiking trail in Europe; lasting around eight days in total, it’s a favourite amongst experienced walkers who are looking to push themselves to the limit. Running the length of the Pyrenees Mountains on the French side of the Spanish border, this route from Cauterets to Luchon is tough but extremely rewarding.
