Whether you’re looking for a challenge, a brisk hike, or a simple trail that favors beauty over conquering, there are going to be great trails everywhere you go. While not all trails are easy to tackle, each one has their own epic proportions. And, to verify this, below we listed some of the most interesting routes you could try this summer.
Te Araroa Trail
New Zealand is a country notorious for the diverse landscapes that are found across the nation, which makes the Te Araroa Trail both expected and different at the same time.
Make sure you prepare your best binocular harness because this trail has some amazing sights that you, unfortunately, cannot get to but must be seen from a distance.
The Te Araroa Trail has nearly 2,000 miles of stretch that goes along the gorgeous coastal sand line with jungles that can be bushwhacked along the way. It cuts through Cape Reigna, the tip of North Island, all the way to the Bluff of the edge on the South Island.
River valleys are at your disposal along the way to be explored, as well as the Maori culture that can be viewed from the Whanganui National Park in the North Island. The bays on the South Island Queen Charlotte Track are great for those who want something easy.
The slopes of the Tongariro volcano, however, are not for the faint of heart, and are a “trail” perfect for those who want an exciting challenge. This difficulty rings true for the Takitimu Forest, which is quite otherworldly, as well.
For those who are looking to finish all 160 tracks and trails, you should expect a finishing timeline of between five to six months. This will depend on your determination and dedication, of course.
West Highland Way
Scotland’s West Highland Way stretches close to 100 miles has some of the most ancient paths in the country. “Slighe na Gaidhealtach an lar”, translated from Scottish Gaelic, includes ancient paths and military roads that have been around since the 18th-century.
If you’re looking for a trail that never seems to end, one that is relatively easy to trek, and one that has some incredible history, sights, and a Hollywood appeal to it, the West Highland Way will be a dream come true for you.
For one, The Jacobite is found at the end of the Fort William hike. This historic steam train is used for transportation to and from Mallaig, a ferry town, that goes for 85 miles and appeared as the Express Train from the Harry Potter films.
The only tricky part about this trail is the Aonach Eagach, a staircase that crosses up and through the rockiest of ridges. The stairs, known as the Devil’s Staircase, and trail end at the Ben Nevis, which at 4,410 feet is the highest mountain located in the British Isles.
It should only take you a little over a week to complete the entire distance of up to 100 miles, of 155 kilometers, depending on how fast or slow you go. If you’re planning on doing it all in one go, remember to bring one of your great hammock tents!
You can also view the famous Lock Lomond here and trek through the beautiful yet desolate swamps found in Rannoch Moor. While the West Highland Way may not be the easiest trek out there, it’s definitely one that is one of the more simple ones.
Scotland has some of the best greenery within their scenic atmosphere, not to mention the rolling hills and everything in between, which is why it’s one of the greatest countries to trek in.
You’re never far from gorgeous sights that have more to offer in the way of quiet, humble visions of life in Scotland, that is for sure!
Tour Du Mont
For the ultimate explorers wanting a very direct challenge, the Tour Du Mont is the perfect experience and hiking project all wrapped into one. The real challenge lies in the season you choose to take this adventure.
The path is crystal clear during the summer, but taking this challenge in the winter time is when the real difficulty hits. The snow blocks progress around the entire trek, making it more difficult, yet still possible, to go through.
The trek goes through France, Italy, and Switzerland, crossing three different borders to create the ultimate hiking experience that is definitely not for the faint of heart no matter what season you are completing it in.
Thankfully, however, there are huts along the paths that let you have a comfortable rest without worrying about packing food and a tent with you. The entire ordeal can be completed in as little as 10 days, but it all depends on how fast or slow you pace yourself along the way.
The length of the trek is approximately 100 miles, where you can navigate the Mont Blanc, which reaches up to approximately 15,800 feet in the air. Mont Blanc is surrounded by glaciers and peaks that are sure to please and hiker.
If you choose to do so you can ascend and climb the Mont Blanc, most choose to do so after they have stopped and rested for quite some time in the villages and the huts along the way. However, this will massively extend the time it takes to complete everything else.
The trail that follows is constantly changing as a result of the fauna, flora, and elemental changes that never seem to stop. For example, one day reveals sections of rock that are completely exposed, while other times there is nothing but meadows and beautiful blossoms along the way.
The Alps, which are the highest in all of Western Europe, are followed by the Col des Fours in France and the Fenetre d’Arpette in Switzerland. The Fenetre d’Arpette reaches up to approximately 8,500 feet high.
What could be better than doing the ultimate trek through multiple countries, a number of passes through a handful of mountains, and visit all the glaciers and cultures of each country along the way?
