World’s Most Beautiful Long Walks: 15 Routes Worth Every Step
Not every memorable walk involves climbing mountains or heading somewhere remote. Plenty of great routes stick to gentler ground—through towns, along rivers, over old roads, or by the coast. The trails here are all about steady distance, easy access, and seeing places at the right speed. Anyone with a free day and a pair of decent shoes can start.
Empire State Trail, New York
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This 750-mile route connects Manhattan to Canada and Buffalo to Albany. You can follow the old Erie Canal towpath, wander the Hudson River Valley, or explore quiet rural stretches near Lake Champlain. Three-quarters of the trail is off-road. Amtrak stations and trailside towns make it easy to hop on and off, and there’s even a mapped-out beer trail along the way.
Jeju Olle Trail, South Korea
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On Jeju Island, a network of 26 walking routes forms a loose circle around lava cliffs, beaches, forests, and fishing villages. Each section is a manageable day hike, with markers and stamps to collect in a walker’s passport. The terrain changes fast: one stretch might have volcanic cones and horses grazing in meadows; another winds past traditional homes and seafood stalls with grilled mackerel and rice.
Cinque Terre Trails, Italy
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A network of footpaths connects five villages along the Ligurian coast. The main route, Sentiero Azzurro, runs just under ten miles and passes stone walls, gardens, and views of the sea. Sections sometimes close due to landslides, so it’s best to check local updates before setting out. Walking the trail requires a day pass, and it’s common to stop in the villages for focaccia or gelato.
Cotswold Way, England
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The Cotswold Way offers 102 miles of market villages, rolling fields, and ancient battle sites. It weaves through honey-colored cottages and sheep-dotted hills. Highlights include Broadway Tower, the Rococo Garden, and plenty of afternoon tea stops. The route is beginner-friendly and best in spring, when the countryside pops with color.
Vancouver Island Trail, Canada
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This route between Victoria and Cape Scott is defined by dense forests, old rail beds, and rough coastal stretches. The trail passes through Strathcona Provincial Park and heads north to the lighthouse at Cape Scott. Some sections are still quite rugged, so it is recommended that you carry a detailed map and have basic backcountry skills.
John Muir Way, Scotland
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This coast-to-coast route is named after the famed naturalist, and it crosses 134 miles of Scotland’s heartland. It begins at Helensburgh and ends in Dunbar, passing lochs, Edinburgh’s historic core, and even old Roman fortifications. It’s not a wilderness trek but more of a cultural one, where castles, pubs, and rail stations are always within reach.
GR131, Canary Islands
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Every island in the Canaries has its own section of the GR131, and the routes are connected by ferries. Walkers cross lava fields in Lanzarote, climb through pine forests in Tenerife, and follow volcanic ridges on La Palma. Segments are marked with red and white stripes and usually take two to four days to finish. The mild climate makes this one of the few multi-day hikes in Europe that’s comfortable even in winter.
Alta Via 1, Italy
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The Alta Via 1 crosses the Dolomites from Lago di Braies in the north to Belluno in the south. Along the way, the trail climbs over limestone peaks, passes through old wartime tunnels, and offers stops at mountain huts where hikers can get a meal and a bed for the night. Optional via ferrata sections are available for those who want a bit more challenge, but they aren’t required to complete the route.
Malerweg, Germany
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This 71-mile loop through Saxon Switzerland is known for sandstone rock formations, deep gorges, and stair-stepped trails. Artists once came here for the light and landscape, and it still feels like a place where time slows down. You’ll duck through stone arches, climb narrow ladders, and rest in small villages with plenty of bratwurst and guesthouses ready for walkers.
Hebridean Way, Scotland
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The Hebridean Way travels the length of the Outer Hebrides. It connects ten islands by a mix of paved road, grassy track, and boardwalk. Most of the route sits close to sea level, but the wide views and empty spaces give it a distinct character. Walkers pass small villages shaped by Gaelic tradition and often encounter shifting weather, from wet days to stretches of open sky and long beaches.
Yuraygir Coastal Walk, Australia
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This walk offers wild ocean views, red bluffs, and tidal creeks to wade through. It starts in the surf town of Angourie and finishes at Red Rock. Whales migrate past from June to October, and emus sometimes wander the nearby trails. Most hikers take four to five days, sleeping in beachside campgrounds or local lodges.
Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand
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This trail spans the length of New Zealand, but you don’t need to walk all 1,900 miles to experience its magic. Pick a stretch on the South Island for alpine passes and glacial valleys, or walk the North Island for forest paths and glowworm caves. The trail is marked and mapped, with access to backcountry huts and village stops along the way.
Camino de Costa Rica
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This trail crosses the country from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific, winding through coffee plantations, cloud forests, and out-of-the-way towns. Finished in 2018, it remains a lesser-known choice for long-distance walkers. Along the way, hikers spot sloths and toucans and often hear frogs before seeing them. Because the path isn’t always well marked, many travelers join guided groups, which adds to the sense of discovery.
Big Elbow Loop, Canada
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This 26-mile backcountry loop in Alberta’s Kananaskis region is a great intro to multi-day hiking, with designated campsites, bear lockers, and wide-open views. There’s also room to extend; nearby trails lead to alpine lakes and ridges. Fire pits and night skies full of stars round it out. You’ll likely see more moose than people.
Camí de Cavalls, Menorca, Spain
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This 116-mile coastal loop is a 14th-century horseback patrol path turned hiking trail. Here, you’ll walk through pine forests, hidden coves, and stone-walled farmland. The trail is broken into 20 stages, each with its own flavor: from sandy beaches in the south to rugged cliffs in the north.