The ten best walks and treks

Explore the world on foot! These are some of the best hikes in the world, ranging from relatively-short day trips to much longer expeditions.

The Inca Trail

Retrace the steps of the lost civilisation of the Incas on this 4-day trek, the most famous in South America and among the most famous in the world. Set among the jaw-dropping alpine tundra and verdant cloudforest of the Peruvian Andes, the classic Inca Trail takes you past several fascinating Inca ruins, through the beautiful Sacred Valley, and along the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass, before finally arriving at the Sun Gate above the ancient hilltop city of Machu Picchu. This is a great route for budding historians and archaeologists.

The Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods lives up to the grandeur of its name. Tracing a line along Italy’s Amalfi Coast and featuring extraordinary views over the Mediterranean Sea, this mountain trail is nothing short of divine. Over the course of 7.8km, you’ll pass through historical towns, rolling valleys, and along old mule trails, giving you a glimpse of the ancient ways of travelling.

Annapurna Circuit

Nepal’s classic trek, widely considered the best long long-distance trek in the world, weaves a path through the Annapurna mountain range, encompassing more or less every type of scenery Nepal has to offer – although this is by no means a purely wilderness adventure. This is one of Nepal’s so-called ‘teahouse treks’, since your accommodation along this 128-mile trail will be in locally-run teahouses. You’ll also get to spend time in various Nepalese villages, as well as crossing the iconic Thorong La Pass (5416m), the trail’s highest point and with magnificent views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

The Kokoda Track

This jungle trail was the site of one of the bloodiest battles for Australian troops in World War II, as they fought to defend Port Moresby from advancing Japanese forces in 1942. Even today, conquering the 96km Kokoda Track requires dedication and stamina - although at least now you’re only battling bugs, torrential rain, and the dense Papua New Guinea heat. But it’s worth the effort for the fascinating history (you’ll be accompanied by a local historian), encounters with local tribespeople, and the grand sense of accomplishment you’ll feel once you reach the end.

Great Wall of China

It was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and at some 6,400km in length, to call this monumental wall “great” might be considered an understatement. Walking the entire Great Wall of China will be beyond most travellers’ ambitions – it would take around 18 months – but fortunately it can be approached in sections, some of which are dilapidated and maintain a romantic feel, while others have been restored or rebuilt, proving that the Great Wall is not merely a historical curiosity but an ongoing source of pride for the Chinese people.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Among the greatest day hikes in picturesque New Zealand is the 12-mile Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the Tongariro National Park. The park’s rugged volcanic desert, emerald lakes and glacial valleys are literally straight out of Lord of the Rings – the epic film trilogy’s Mordor scenes were filmed here.

The Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is a 509km footpath around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, and considered by the Sunday Times as among the ten best walks in the world – likely because of its rich history, with Byzantine monasteries, Roman ruins and Greek temples interspersed along its length, and because of its natural beauty, with breathtaking views over the Turquoise Coast.

The W-Walk

The 76km W-Walk follows a W-shape through the Patagonian wilderness of the Torres del Paine National Park, probably the most beautiful park in South America. Home to sparking lakes, gushing waterfalls, and some of the most magnificent mountain scenery in the world (including the three soaring granite spires which lend the park its name), this four-day hike can be tough, but as encounters with pristine nature go, this trail has no rivals.

Mount Toubkal

At 4,167m high, Mount Toubkal is North Africa’s highest peak, and commands superb views of the surrounding lower summits and tranquil valleys of the High Atlas Mountain Range. To get there, you’ll have to follow a rich variety of trails over magnificent passes and through fascinating Berber villages, enjoying a brilliant diversity of landscapes, culture and cuisine. The Toubkal Circuit is a wonderful two-day hike that will surely capture your imagination.

Kilimanjaro

The world’s tallest free-standing mountain and the ‘roof of Africa’, Mount Kilimanjaro dominates the Tanzanian skyline with its snow-capped peak. Ascending it is a popular pursuit, but, despite being a non-technical hike, conditions of climate, elevation and altitude make reaching the very top challenging. But with the right preparation, equipment, and guidance, it’s quite achievable. There are several different routes you can follow, but ultimately they all have the same outcome: an exhilarating sense of achievement, and some absolutely sensational views.