Best Scenic Walking Routes Around the World

Best Scenic Walking Routes Around the World

Travel can enrich your life in many ways, and there is no better way to see the world than by walking on your own two feet. Walking gives you the opportunity to take a leisurely approach and notice the smaller details you might otherwise have missed, not to mention the health benefits of physical activity and time spent in nature on walking holidays.

I have been lucky enough to travel across many countries and discovered the amazing beauty of walking and meeting fellow travellers along the way. 

This post will look at a few of the most scenic walking routes around the entire world, some of which I have been lucky enough to experience.

The Inca Trail, Peru

The Inca Trail attracts people from all over the world as a chance to discover Incan ruins culminating at the mythical Machu Picchu—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

I am very fortunate to have been to Peru and hiked this challenging 26-mile trek through the Andean scenery and cloud forests. It really is an unforgettable and highly rewarding experience that is the perfect combination of historical exploration and physical challenge.

Here I am quite a few years ago in Peru! 

The West Highland Way, Scotland

The Scottish Highlands offer jaw-dropping, wild, and beautiful natural scenery that is best discovered on foot. The West Highland Way is a 96-mile walking route from Milngavie to Fort William, which will take you through diverse landscapes, including serene lochs, thick forests, and remote moors.

The trail has been upgraded recently to make it more accessible to walkers, making it much easier to immerse yourself in this stunning environment.

The Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago is one of the most famous walking routes in the world and one where you are guaranteed to meet liked minded hikers. It consists of a network of pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in north western Spain. You can walk from from France and Portugal or start closer in Spain. The well marked routes give walkers the opportunity to experience pretty Spanish villages, historic churches, and authentic Spanish culture.

Be sure to book your accommodation in advance and adopt a leisurely pace so that you can make the most out of the journey.

The Great Ocean Walk, Australia

The Great Ocean Walk is an incredible hiking opportunity that will show you the breath taking coastal scenery and wildlife of southwestern Australia.

Starting in Apollo Bay, this multi day journey will take you through Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park before concluding at the iconic Twelve Apostles. For the best experience, it is important to book your accommodation in advance and use a licensed tour operator.

The Milford Track, New Zealand

Often referred to as the “finest walk in the world,” the Milford Track in Fiordland National Park will show you the region’s diverse beauty, including stunning waterfalls, glacial valleys, and deep blue lakes.

This 4 day walk is a popular route, be sure to book your walking permit in advance and try to come during the Great Walk Season (October to April) for the best conditions.

More Great Scenic Walks

Exploring the world on foot by choosing an incredible walking holiday will give you an unforgettable experience.  I am fortunate to have hiked in Nepal in the Annapurna range as well as Vietnam and Chile. Closer to home these days the South West Coast Path and Dartmoor offers many fabulous day walks as well as multi day hikes.

Walking on your own, with friends or taking a trip with an organised group are all equally wonderful and something I hope you are able to do.  Next on my list is The Dolomites in the summer so any top tips appreciated! Share your favourite walks in the comments.

This is a collaborative guest post.  Images are my own and also taken from Canva Pro.