On Thursday 17th November, it is National Hiking Day. Also known as ‘Take a Hike Day’ it may be one of the most important holidays out there, Why? In England, Scotland & Wales, the national trails cover over 3000 miles, plus, being in the outdoors allows you to get away from your phone and appreciate nature’s beauty and wonder.
To celebrate, here are five of our top trails around the world:
Pennine Way, United Kingdom. What better place to start than home sweet home?
Stretching 268 miles from the Derbyshire Peak District to the Scottish Borders, the Pennine Way is the United Kingdom’s most famous long-distance path.
The entire walk takes around three weeks, passing over wild moorland east of Manchester and through the picture postcard Yorkshire Dales, before crossing the ancient border of Hadrian’s Wall and on toward Scotland.
Appalachian Trail, United States:
Extending for 2,200 miles, the Appalachian Trail is billed as the longest hiking-only footpath in the world.
It runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, passing through some of the most remote country in the United States. Well marked paths and campsites mean it can be tackled alone. But those keen on comfort can use travel companies , which offer pre-booked lodge accommodation and packed lunches in the spectacular Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, home to some of the best scenery on the trail.
Mount Toubkal, Morocco:
North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), a hike to the top of Mount Toubkal isn’t for the faint-hearted.
The path upwards rises from the village of Imlil, passing over a dry river bed before rising sharply through the shrine at Sidi Chamharouch and on towards a large mountain hut.
After overnighting here, hikers strap on crampons and set off up the snowfield to the summit, where the Atlas Mountains open out and the views are relentless.
A local guide and muleteers for carrying luggage are a must, with specialist tour operators such as ourselves able to arrange both, along with transfers to and from Marrakech
Great Wall of China, Jinshanling section:
Walking the Great Wall at the tourist hotspot of Badaling can be a stressful experience, with crowds and hawkers making it almost unbearable. Jinshanling, situated 87 miles northeast of Beijing, offers the perfect chance to explore a steep, winding and relatively unscathed section of this true Chinese icon.
The route through to the wall at Simatai is closed, but the back and forth trip along this section makes for a strenuous workout, with truly amazing views.
Armenia and the Silk Road:
Easily overlooked, Armenia has some of the best walking trails in Europe.
The 11-day Armenia and the Silk Road trip takes in some of its finest routes, connecting the UNESCO-protected monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, passing over limestone peaks and through verdant forests, with the opportunity to hike in the wild Geghama Mountains and climbing to the top of Aragats, the country’s tallest mountain.
If you would like more information on any of these trails or more, please contact myself (Kriss Saunders from Arc Adventure) or Julia and we will be delighted to share with you.