Embark on a journey through the most enchanting walking trails of 2023, where each path tells a tale of timeless beauty and adventure. These trails have stood the test of time, captivating the hearts of walkers for years and promising an unparalleled experience to those who tread on them.
From the serene landscapes of the UK to the vibrant terrains of Canada, these top 25 timeless trails offer a diverse array of sceneries and experiences, each with its unique charm and allure. Dive into a world where every step unveils a new discovery, and every trail holds the promise of a timeless adventure!
New insights from Inghams shed light on the walking trails that have consistently been favorites among walkers for the past three years, unveiling the most ‘timeless’ routes for hikers. These trails have maintained their popularity, offering a blend of scenic beauty and adventure to walking enthusiasts.
Inghams’ comprehensive report not only highlights popular trails but also serves as a reminder of the crucial trail etiquettes walkers should adhere to, such as the yielding hierarchy among pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. It’s a guide that intertwines the joy of walking with the responsibility of respecting shared spaces.
Inghams’ Insights on Trail Popularity and Etiquette
The study reveals intriguing facts about trail etiquette around the globe, including countries where nude hiking had to be formally banned and places where taking shortcuts is strictly prohibited! It’s a fascinating look into the varied norms and regulations that govern walking trails worldwide.
Two trails in the UK, The Cotswolds and The Pennine Way, are among the most timeless, with data indicating their consistent popularity with walkers since before the pandemic. Europe also houses other favorites like Germany’s The Black Forest and Italy’s The Apennines. Far across, The Bruce Trail in Canada and The Great Smoky Mountains globally attract thousands of searches annually.
Top 25 Timeless Walking Trails in 2023
| Rank | Walking area | Country | Percentage change in searches 2020 – 2023 (%) |
| 1 | The Balkans Trail | Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro | 86,300 |
| 2 | The Făgăraș Mountains | Romania | 31,100 |
| 3 | The Sudetes | Czech Republic, Poland and Germany | 3,500 |
| 4 | The Chugach Mountains | United States | 2,300 |
| 5 | The Great Ocean Walk | Australia | 805 |
| 6 | Langtang Valley | Nepal | 710 |
| 7 | Grand Balcon Sud | France | 418 |
| 8 | La Jonction | Switzerland | 238 |
| 9 | Giant’s Causeway | Ireland | 232 |
| 10 | The Kunlun Mountains | China | 175 |
| 11 | The Ouachita Mountains | United States | 175 |
| 12 | Mount Kailash Kora | China | 136 |
| 13 | The Hajar Mountains | United Arab Emirates, Oman | 133 |
| 14 | The Blyde River Canyon | South Africa | 129 |
| 15 | The Jordan Trail | Jordan | 127 |
| 16 | The Amalfi Coast | Italy | 124 |
| 17 | Path Of Gods | Italy | 123 |
| 18 | The Caledonian Mountains | United Kingdom | 100 |
| 19 | The Laugavegur Trail | Iceland | 91 |
| 20 | The Heysen Trail | Australia | 89 |
| 21 | The Vosges Mountains | France | 89 |
| 22 | The Pyrenees | France, Spain | 86 |
| 23 | The Drakensberg | South Africa, Lesotho | 85 |
| 24 | The Lycian Way | Turkey | 85 |
| 25 | Torajaland | Indonesia | 84 |
Common Walking Etiquette Rules
Inghams’ Walking Etiquette Report emphasizes the importance of adhering to walking rules and etiquette, ensuring a harmonious experience for all trail users. It outlines the right of way in different scenarios, such as downhill versus uphill and solo versus group, providing clarity on movement and yielding on trails.
The report also touches on bathroom etiquette and the controversy surrounding cairns, small piles of stones that guide walkers. It stresses the importance of respecting these markers and the landscape, avoiding any alterations that could mislead other walkers.
Strangest Walking Etiquette Worldwide
The report uncovers some of the most unusual walking etiquettes, like the prohibition of nude hiking in Switzerland and the bizarre rule against killing the mythical Sasquatch in the United States and Canada. It also mentions unique rules in specific locations, such as the prohibition of imitating animal noises in Yellowstone and the strict no shortcut policy in two Californian national parks.
In France, walkers are warned against approaching ‘patou’ or Pyrenean Mountain dogs, as they can act defensively to protect the flock they are guarding. It’s a reminder of the diverse and unique etiquettes that walkers encounter in different parts of the world.
Anne Williams, Director of Marketing at Inghams, expresses her enthusiasm about exploring the outdoors and encourages walkers to explore not only popular destinations but also the world’s hidden gems. She emphasizes the increasing demand for walking locations like The Făgăraș Mountains and The Sudetes and encourages exploration of lesser-known spots like Bovec in Slovenia and Ischgl in Austria.
Inghams’ report is a treasure trove of information for walking enthusiasts, offering insights into timeless trails and essential etiquettes. It’s a guide that invites walkers to explore the beauty of the outdoors responsibly and to discover the diverse and unique walking cultures around the world. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, the timeless trails and intriguing etiquettes revealed by Inghams promise a richer, more informed walking experience.
