ESCAPE TO THE MOUNTAINS: OUR TOP TEN HIKING DESTINATIONS
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Europe is home to some of the world’s most stunning hiking trails, with an outdoor adventure waiting for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner, ambitious intermediate or experienced adventurer, there’s a whole continent full of mountains, hills and walkways waiting to be discovered.
Planning a hike? Whatever your ability, you’re going to need the right kit. Rest assured, Timberland hiking boots can definitely help your feet do the walking.
We make great quality hiking boots for men, women and kids including our sturdy Euro Sprint and Splitrock ranges.
But first, where to go? Prepare to be inspired. We’ve come up with ten of the most stunning European hiking locations to suit every ability. Check the websites below before going for opening times, maps and more information.
Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons, Wales
Difficulty level: Easy
How to get there: Merthyr Tydfil station is 12 miles away, with bus links to the starting point at the Storey Arms.
The lowdown: The regulars call it The Motorway because it can get packed during peak season but this four-mile circular walk from the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre is a must-hike.
West Highland Way, Scotland
Difficulty level: Moderate
How to get there: The starting point on the south end of the trail at Milngavie is well served by regular train services from Glasgow.
The lowdown: You don’t have to hike the full 96 miles, so intermediate hikers can split up their route and start with the easier south sections first.
Cinque Terre National Park, Italy
Difficulty level: Easy
How to get there: By train from Genoa is the easiest way, as cars aren’t allowed in many of the historical centres en route.
The lowdown: The Blue Path is visited by 95% of tourists coming to the region. It’s perfect for beginners, with plenty of routes for more experienced hikers too.
Caminito del Ray, Malaga, Spain
Difficulty level: Heroic
How to get there: Driving by car is the simplest way but you can also take the train from Malaga to El Chorro and then walk north to the starting point.
The lowdown: Once called the most dangerous hike in the world, this path running, 100m above a gorge, has been extensively renovated. But it’s still not one for the faint-hearted.
Black Forest Schluchtensteig Trail, Germany
Difficulty level: Challenging
How to get there: The largest connecting cities by the Black Forest are Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Pforzheim and Baden Baden.
The lowdown: This 115 km hike crosses gorges and canyons, passes through meadows and primaeval forest and takes in pretty waterfalls and sparkling lakes. But it’s challenging and best broken down into six stages if you plan to do the whole thing.
Pulpit Rock, Norway
Difficulty level: Moderate
How to get there: Stavanger is the closest major town, about a 90-minute drive away.
The lowdown: This stunningly scenic six-kilometre hike starts at the mountain lodge Preikestolen Fjellstue. Allow a total of four hours for this moderately demanding round trip that ascends 350 metres.
Lake Bled, Slovakia
Difficulty level: Easy
How to get there: Bled is 36 km from the capital, Ljubljana, with frequent bus connections.
The lowdown: There are lots of trails to suit all abilities, but the smaller Straža hill can be conquered via the hiking trail or by taking the chairlift.
Mont Blanc, France
Difficulty level: Heroic
How to get there: From Geneva, there are transfers to Chamonix by train and bus. The train takes about two hours, the bus around 90 minutes.
The lowdown: Multi-day hikes cover around 170 km with 10,000m of ascent and descent to circle the Mont Blanc Massif. Get some training in before you go!
The Eiger Trail, Switzerland
Difficulty level: Easy
How to get there: A train from Zurich should get you to Grindelwald in just under three hours if you don’t fancy the drive.
The lowdown: This relatively gentle hiking trail takes you along the foot of The Eiger, one of Europe’s most renowned mountains which boasts a peak over 4000m high.
Eagle’s Walk, Tirol, Austria
Difficulty level: Challenging
How to get there: Innsbruck is the nearest major city with travel connections to various points along the trail.
The lowdown: The long trek to the top of this 13 km trail takes you up nearly 31,000 metres. This once in a lifetime experience is a challenge but well worth the effort.
