Walking trails are a great way to experience the real destinations and cultures of the world. They offer an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of a place at a slower pace, allowing you to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of your surroundings. Walking trails also provide an opportunity for personal growth and development, as they challenge you both physically and mentally.
There are hundreds or thousands of important and famous trails across the globe. But these are 10 of the most important and revered walking trails:
Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a 1,200-kilometer route that takes pilgrims to 88 temples around the island of Shikoku in Japan. The pilgrimage is said to have originated in the 8th century and is considered one of the most important pilgrimages in Japan.
Camino de Santiago, Spain The Camino de Santiago is a network of routes that lead to the shrine of the apostle St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The most popular route is the Camino Francés which starts in St. Jean Pied de Port in France and ends in Santiago de Compostela.
Besseggen Ridge, Jotunheimen National Park, Norway Besseggen Ridge is a popular hiking trail in Jotunheimen National Park in Norway. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
El Caminito del Rey (The King’s Pathway), El Chorro, Spain El Caminito del Rey is a narrow walkway that runs along the walls of a gorge in El Chorro, Spain. The walkway was originally built in 1905 and was recently restored and reopened to the public.
Tour du Mont Blanc, Switzerland, Italy, and France The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170-kilometer trek that circles Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. The trek passes through Switzerland, Italy, and France and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Leukerbad Via Ferrata, Leukerbad, Switzerland The Leukerbad Via Ferrata is a climbing route that runs along a cliff face in Leukerbad, Switzerland. The route offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Aonach Eagach Ridge, Glencoe, Scotland The Aonach Eagach Ridge is a challenging hiking trail in Glencoe, Scotland. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Sentiero Azzuro, Cinque Terre, Italy Sentiero Azzuro is a hiking trail that runs along the coast of Cinque Terre in Italy. The trail offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding villages.
Lycian Way, Ölüdeniz to Geyikbayiri, Turkey The Lycian Way is a 540-kilometer trek that runs along the coast of Turkey from Ölüdeniz to Geyikbayiri. The trek passes through ancient ruins and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Haute Route, Chamonix to Zermatt The Haute Route is a 180-kilometer trek that runs from Chamonix to Zermatt in the Alps. The trek passes through some of the most stunning scenery in Europe.
In summary, walking trails are an excellent way to experience the world around us. They offer an opportunity to explore new places and cultures while challenging ourselves both physically and mentally. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging trek, there’s a walking trail out there for everyone. So why not invest in yourself and take the first step on your next adventure today?
