Komoot users may be in for major changes after the navigation app was taken over by a tech firm with a history of slashing staff.

Popular with trail runners and hikers, the route-plotting platform specializes in crafting both short-distance and multi-day routes, which you can follow along using GPS and pin with pictures.

It's been acquired by Italian tech company Bending Spoons, which has a history of making mass job cuts in the companies it buys. Its plans for the platform are currently unclear.

Last year Bending Spoons bought WeTransfer and laid off 75% of its workforce. And in 2023 it acquired Evernote and made all of its staff redundant, absorbing the app's operations into its own teams.

A report from Sportive.com claims that Komoot's 150 staff have been told to expect 'big cuts' following the takeover. This has raised fears that significant staff losses could limit Komoot's wide range of mapping services and change the user experience.

The same report claims that Komoot could also pull its sponsorship of major adventure sports events like the Komoot Women's Rally Series and the Le Pilgrimage trail running and mountain biking events.

In a press release, Komoot CEO and co-founder Markus Hallermann said: "For 17 years, we have been on a mission to make outdoor adventures accessible to all.

"Komoot inspires millions to explore the outdoors, improving both physical and mental well-being, and continues to grow worldwide."

Hallermann co-founded the company as a student and said that new ownership will benefit the Komoot community.

"Scaling a company requires a different mindset and skill set than building one. That’s why we believe Bending Spoons, with its unique expertise in driving innovation and scaling platforms, is the perfect partner to lead Komoot into the future."

The move comes just a few weeks after Komoot opted to extend its paywall and limit the services users could get without a subscription.

As of last month, new users must pay an annual subscription of $59.99 (£59.99) to sync their routes to outside GPS watches and trackers.

Komoot isn't entirely behind a paywall. You can explore one free region to test out its various features. After that, you can buy new regions for $3.99 (£3.99) each, buy a region bundle and unlock several regions for $8.99 (£8.99), or unlock all world maps offline for $29.99 (£29.99).

You'll now need Komoot Premium to sync maps to your GPS devices. It also includes other features like sport-specific maps and up-to-date weather information.

For more on navigation and route-plotting, check out our expert guide to the best navigation apps.

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As any seasoned explorer knows, the best advice that leads to the most exciting and extraordinary experiences and discoveries rarely originates from guide books or magazine articles – it comes from fellow travellers. And the same is true with cycling, walking and running adventures. 

In 2023, however, instead of being cascaded by ‘word of mouth’, priceless information about the best routes to ride, run or ramble is shared through interconnected online networks, such as the komoot community, a 30-million strong collective of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts spread across the planet. 

This fantastic fellowship of like-minded explorers and tourers has an ever-expanding box of tools to improve how they can access, experience and pass on route knowledge. The latest advance comes via komoot’s new Recommended Tours features, which marries real feet/tyres-on-ground activity with some very smart technology to take information uploaded by millions of hikers and bikers, and use their experiences and highlights to generate suggested Tours all around the world.

Find the perfect adventure for you 

The Tour search features are available on the komoot app (iOS, Android) and web platform. So, whether you’re exploring your own backyard or straying far from home, seeking out adventures well beyond your immediate horizon, komoot’s newly updated Tour search tool is a font of information about what awaits you on and around the tracks and trails.  

The new features are best accessed via a game-changing, easy to use, map-based interface, which helps you to discover the most exciting adventures in your local area, or cast your eyes much further afield for ideas and inspiration all across the UK, Europe and well beyond. By simply clicking a particular spot anywhere on the map, you will get a range of suggested routes that begin at that exact point. 

The app supplies hard information about the distance, descent and ascent of your planned foray, but additional layers of functionality also offer so much more than that. Komoot’s Tour overviews will tell you the type of terrain you’re going to encounter, suggest some Highlights to check out along the way and even give you the latest on the weather conditions you’re likely to experience. 

Better still, you can filter your Tour search according to your interests and preferences by selecting the kind of terrain you want to explore, the distance you’d like to travel, the amount of elevation you’re happy to take on, how hard the route is and whether you’d like to do a point-to-point or a circular adventure. 

This is how to explore smart, to go wild while having confidence that you’re not just fumbling and trundling around in the dark, blundering through an assault course of unknowns. You can even focus on routes that pass by something of natural, historical or cultural interest, from waterfalls and woodlands to castles, cathedrals, ruins and battle sites.

The feature is also accessible via the komoot website. For example, if you go to the ‘Discover’ page and select mountain biking from the dropdown menu on the left, and then punch Quantock Hills into the search panel, you will get over 50 Tour recommendations in the Quantock Hills AONB, all generated by a clever algorithm using multiple activities completed by other people on komoot in the area.

Start komooting 

To follow a route that has piqued your interest, you can navigate within the komoot apps, sync komoot with your preferred GPS device or wearable, or download the relevant GPX file.

And this flow of info is far from one-way traffic. Whenever you upload details and images of your latest adventure from your watch, smartphone or GPS unit https://www.komoot.com/devices, it can be added to the ever-expanding wealth of content that populates the komoot Discover Feed, expanding the resource for everyone who taps into it.

Outdoor enthusiasts love nothing more than a bespoke adventure, and with these new and improved komoot functions it’s never been easier to access and plan a personalised tour. Open the map, pick a spot and peruse the suggested Tours, then customise the route to suit your preferences. 

Join the komoot community and see where your discoveries take you. 

https://www.komoot.com/discover/tours?max_distance=20000&map=true

This Saturday (April 22) is Earth Day, and to mark the occasion, Trash Free Trails and Komoot are encouraging hikers, runners, backpackers and cyclists in the UK to help clean up litter and pollution from their local wild places.

You can either head out by yourself, or join one of two organised litter picks in Eryri National Park (formerly Snowdonia) and Thetford. You can plan and record your litter pick route using the Komoot app, and tag the Trash Free Trails profile to help spread the word.

You don't have to work alone; add all the important information about your litter pick to Komoot, along with a meeting point and time, to the Tour Comments, and invite the Trash Free Trails Komoot profile. It will then be added to the Earth Day Spring Clean Komoot Collection, where like-minded explorers can register their interest in coming along to help.

Share the news

Everyone taking part in a litter pick is encouraged to report their trail clean data, and what they found. This will be added to Trash Free Trails' State of Our Trails report, and support the organisation's research on single-use pollution.

You can also take photos of your work, and use the hashtag #EarthDaySpringClean to share them on Instagram and Komoot.

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Route planning and sharing service Komoot has released a new tool that makes it much easier to get GPX routes onto your Garmin watch, cycle computer, or handheld sat-nav.

Send to Device works with any device capable of running the Komoot app from the Connect IQ store, including Fenix, Forerunner, Venu and Instinct watches, Edge bike computers, GPSMAP navigators, and many more.

Whether it's a hike, trail run, or bike ride, you can now send the route (known as Tours in Komoot) straight to your Garmin device with a single tap. Just pick your chosen Tour using the Komoot website or app, select 'Send to device', and it will be ready and waiting for you when you want to begin.

If you're using a Garmin GPS watch in Komoot's navigation mode, you can also adjust, switch, and update your route in the middle of a Tour without ending and restarting your current activity, which is extremely handy if you want to add a coffee stop, or take a detour to check out a nearby landmark.

Komoot is one of our top navigation apps for outdoor adventures thanks to its support for multiple sports, live tracking, and easy navigation with turn-by-turn directions. You can either create your own route (which is easiest on the desktop) or pick one of the thousands shared by other users.

If you need some inspiration and want to try something new, check out Advnture's Komoot profile, where you'll find hundreds of hikes and runs in the UK and US ready to download.

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Invigorating mornings, sunrises that don’t require a 4am start, extra-inviting coffee breaks and lunch stops that take on a whole new level of satisfaction when contrasted with the brisk weather outside. There’s a lot to love about winter - at least on paper. 

In reality getting outside in the chilly season can feel like a big ask on some days. No matter how much you love the outdoors. It takes commitment to extract yourself from the cosy warmth when the temperatures outside are frosty, the sky is threatening rain, and the light is fading fast. 

But whether it’s a picture-perfect crisp winter’s day or edging dangerously towards the miserable end of the spectrum, winter adventures can be enjoyable in their own right. All it takes is a bit of extra preparation, and a hearty willingness to embrace winter for what it is.

Komoot is all about making adventure accessible to all, so naturally there are a ton of ways that the app can help you find, plan and share adventures, even on the least-inviting days of the year.

5 tips to improve your winter hiking with komoot

1. Every winter walk should include a coffee stop or pub lunch 

Check Points of Interest to reveal cosy eateries serving up something hot

Enable points of interest by tapping the search bar in the route planner, and selecting the points of interest that will make your adventure better. For example, select “food and drink,” and restaurants and coffee shops will appear on the map, allowing you to ensure your route passes by somewhere warm. Heat up mid-way or round out your adventure with a hot meal or warm drink.

Using the search bar, you can select different kinds of points of interest and they will appear on the map.

Having selected the 'food and drink' POI, you can now add cafes, pubs, restaurants and the like to your planned route. 

2. Make sure the eating part of your adventure comes with a recommendation

Click on red Highlight icons on the map to see places recommended by locals

Komoot Highlights are recommendations from the community and can be anything from a hiker-friendly cafe or great view point for a wintry outdoor coffee, to an unassuming pub that serves the best food in the county.

By pressing on a particular Highlight, you can usually see what other members of the komoot community have said about it in the Highlight's tips. You can also browse photos taken by those that have passed this way before. If you fancy checking out a Highlight in future, you can bookmark it to your profile to view again later.

3. Don’t get caught in the dark...

See how long your route takes to complete to help you plan ahead

With shorter days in winter, it helps having an estimate of how long a route will take you to complete. When you plan a route on komoot, input your fitness level and the app will estimate how long it’ll take you to finish it, so you can either start earlier or pack a head torch.

In the example below, the fitness level is set in 'in good shape' and the hike is expected to take around 3 hours and 5 minutes – perfect for a winter jaunt. Keep an eye on the stopwatch icon to get an idea of the expected duration of your hike

4. ...and don’t get caught in the rain, either

On-Tour weather is a komoot Premium feature that updates the weather forecast as you proceed along your Tour

When you use komoot Premium, On-Tour weather provides dynamic forecasts so you know what to expect. Knowing the forecast on your particular route ensures you head out in the right kit, while watching the weather while you’re out there helps you avoid finding yourself in an unexpected downpour.

5. There’s no shame in quitting while you’re ahead

Adventure is about the joy of being outside, so when it stops being fun there’s nothing wrong with calling it a day

Speaking of unexpected downpours, there’s no shame in changing your mind, quitting your hike halfway through, and hightailing it straight to a cafe, instead of pushing through when you’re hating it. In circumstances like these, komoot’s route planner lets you replan on the fly, so you can reroute home or to the nearest cafe via the most direct route possible.

3 routes that will help you enjoy getting outdoors this winter

Now that you’re prepped and ready to embrace winter adventures and plan your winter adventures, you just need a new route to try! Komoot’s got you covered on that front too. Here we present two highly recommended hiking routes and a great cycling route too.

1. Tongue Pot and Kail Pot wild swimming walk in the Lake District

Advnture contributor and komoot ambassador Sian Lewis presents a remote wild swimming and walking route really has it all - but first you've got to get there. 

“The vertiginously steep Hardknott Pass road is revered by cyclists and road trippers alike for its 14% average gradient and far-reaching mountain vistas, but is often cut off by snow in winter.

“If you can get down it to start this walk, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Eskdale Valley.

“The first stop are the remains of a Roman fort, still clinging to the hillside. From here, follow the river to reach the deep, clear emerald-green waters of Tongue Pot, fed by a waterfall and definitely one of the most beautiful and secluded wild swim spots I've come across in Britain.

“On the way back from this glorious spot you'll also find Kail Pot, smaller and shallower but still a lovely place for a plunge or for a picnic.”

An award-winning travel and outdoors journalist, presenter and blogger, Sian regularly writes for The Independent, Evening Standard, BBC Countryfile, Coast, Outdoor Enthusiast and Sunday Times Travel. Life as a hiking, camping, wild-swimming adventure-writer has taken her around the world, exploring Bolivian jungles, kayaking in Greenland, diving with turtles in Australia, climbing mountains in Africa and, in Thailand, learning the hard way that peeing on a jellyfish sting doesn’t help. Her blog, thegirloutdoors.co.uk, champions accessible adventures.

2. Park2Park in London

Laura Kennington celebrates the launch of Komoot's #EnjoyWinterOutside campaign with a wee tribute to last year's #Park2ParkUK – a lovely loop around and through some of her favourite London parks.

“It was a bit foggy to begin with but that just meant I was extra grateful when the sun finally broke through.

“Raya (my bike) and I rolled through – Regents Park, Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Victoria Park, London Fields and gave a little wave in passing to St James's Park and Green Park.

“Here's to squeezing in mini winter adventures and here’s to the peanut butter sandwiches that fuel them. There are some gorgeous scenes out there this time of year – if you stay inside you miss all the fun!”

Laura is a plant-powered British adventure athlete, author and speaker with a passion for the endurance capability of the human body (as well as an unrelenting enthusiasm for ice cream!)

Previous adventures include solo cycling all 1,600 miles of the world's longest coastal route in Ireland, solo cycling Scotland’s North Coast 500 route, running the length of Fuerteventura (100 miles) in four days, and circumnavigating three of the Channel Islands using three different sporting disciplines. Her most notable adventure (so far!) has been solo cycling 3,700 miles along the North Sea-facing coasts of eight countries, from Scotland to Norway. 

A strong believer in the positive impact that adventure and sport can have on children and adults alike, Laura uses her human-powered journeys as a platform to inspire and encourage others.

3. Buachaille Etive Beag in Glen Coe

Advnture contributor and komoot Collection editor Alex Foxfield presents an accessible yet mighty mountain in the heart of the Scottish Highlands:

“Glen Coe has been cited many times as Scotland's most scenic glen, an assertion that's hard to argue with, especially in winter. However, many of its mountains are formidable in summer, let alone when covered in snow and ice. One that bucks that trend and is undoubtedly Glen Coe's most accessible big mountain is Buachaille Etive Beag. This is thanks to its relatively untechnical terrain, proximity to the A82 road and the high starting elevation of the layby.

“The route from the A82 up to the Munro summit of Stob Dubh and back is a great introduction to winter walking in the Highlands. The panorama you are treated to from the ridge is immense, while the summit of Stob Dubh looks absolutely magnificent on the approach.

“There are few technical difficulties, making it a spectacular winter walk that really feels like a mountaineering mission. In full winter conditions, you'll need winter hiking boots, an ice axe and crampons. During periods of thaw, when the mountain is bereft of the white stuff, all that might be required is sturdy boots. Check the forecast carefully and don't be afraid to turn back if you find you've bitten off more than you can chew.”

Alex is a qualified Mountain Leader, adventure writer and content creator with an insatiable passion for the mountains. A Cumbrian born and bred, his native English Lake District has a special place in his heart, though he is at least equally happy in North Wales, the Scottish Highlands or the European Alps. Through his hiking, mountaineering, climbing and trail running adventures, Alex aims to inspire others to get outdoors. He is currently the President of the London Mountaineering Club, training to become a Winter Mountain Leader, looking to finally finish bagging all the Wainwright fells of the Lake District and hoping to scale more Alpine 4000ers when circumstances allow. Find out more at www.alexfoxfield.com

Find more winter inspiration

Find further winter adventure inspiration in the komoot Enjoy Winter Outside route Collection - Share your winter rides, runs and hikes — Enjoy Winter Outside

Balmerino to Birkhill Castle

In this edition of our My Favourite Run series, Advnture contributor Eilidh Moir takes on a northern section of the Fife Coastal Path which winds its way along the shores of the River Tay.

“This trail is one of my all-time favourites. It changes so dramatically with the seasons that no two runs are ever the same,” Eilidh says. “Just a short drive from the Fife side of the River Tay Bridge you’re in the sleepy village of Balmerino and ready to hit the coastal path”. 

“This route starts out along the River Tay shoreline before climbing into forest and woodland. There’s so much wildlife to see and easy access down to the river to take a breath or dip your toes in the water.”

The route

• Start/Finish: Balmerino, DD6 8SB
• Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
• Elevation gain: 350 feet / 107 metres
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 1 hour

There is a small car park at the end of the lane that runs into Balmerino. However, with space for just two cars, you might need to park further up towards the Abbey and jog down the road. There is only one road so it’s impossible to get lost. 

Relatively flat and technical underfoot in places, the route takes in Balmerino beach, woodland paths, farm tracks, beautifully landscaped castle gardens and views towards Birkhill Castle.

Balmerino to Birkhill Castle: why I love it

I first took this route as part of a longer Coastal Path hike back in 2017 but since then it’s become a firm favourite as a quick lunchtime or after-work run. It has all the elements you’d want for a trail run: varied terrain, technical paths, fast downhills, steep uphills, and dappled sunlight/mud/mulchy leaves (delete as appropriate per season). It’s a short out-and-back that gives you enough time to stretch your legs but doesn’t let you over-exert yourself; perfect for when you’re tight on time but ready to be outdoors. 

I do this route at least every other month and it’s always a different experience. Whether it’s a low tide exposing sand banks, the changing colour of the leaves, damp and slippy tree roots underfoot or a pheasant sighting, I always leave this run with a new memory.

It’s a lesser trodden trail… which does make me somewhat reticent to make it better known. Many times I run it without seeing another human being. All you can hear are your own footsteps, birds singing and streams trickling with water flowing from the fields and hills above. 

The trail twists and winds around centuries old woodland, hugging the coastline to let you snatch glimpses of the water below. It all feels quite magical as the forest closes in around you to act as a shield from the elements. You could easily be a hundred miles from civilisation, but in reality the city of Dundee is only a 15-minute drive away. 

As the trail widens to reveal a Scots Pine guard of honour and the entrance to Birkhill Castle’s grounds, there’s a ‘choose your own adventure moment’. It’s possible to loop back around to the start point taking the road, following the Coastal Path signage then taking a left along the country lane. But then you’d miss out on the castle. And who doesn’t love a Scottish castle, turrets and all?

It’s best to stay close to the edges of the castle grounds – it is someone’s home after all – but it’s not hard to pick up the trail and head down the hill to the boathouse and pebble beach. Here you’re rewarded with stunning views over the river to Dundee. It’s a good time to catch your breath before the return leg begins with a long uphill section. 

Highlight: the Boat House

It’s hard to choose a highlight of this run because every bend and curve of the trail reveals new delights. However, the end of the ‘out section’ at the boathouse not only marks the turnaround point (the trail literally ends at the water’s edge) but also a moment to pause and take in the vista in front of you. 

The sweep across the River Tay down to the Carse of Gowrie, over Dundee and out towards Broughty Ferry is magnificent. This is a very special spot and one where I’ve enjoyed many sunsets, picnics, and peaceful moments. It feels remote, untouched and – most of the time – completely all mine.

My Favourite Run Collection

To view the other runs in the My Favourite Run series on komoot, click on the Collection below...

You can also check out our My Favourite Hike series.

Blà Bheinn

In the latest edition of our My Favourite Hike series, komoot ambassador Sian Lewis takes us on a journey to the magical Munro of Blà Bheinn in Scotland's Isle of Skye.

She says that "reaching the pinnacle of the ‘blue mountain’, as its name means in Norse and Gaelic, is the perfect day hike to appreciate the beauty of Skye."

The route

• Start/Finish: John Muir car park on Loch Slapin’s western shore
• Distance: 5.6 miles or 7 with a wild swim stop 
• Elevation gain: 2887ft / 880m 
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Duration: 4-6 hours

The route up Blà Bheinn and back again starts next to a handy John Muir car park. 

The first section is flattish, passing under trees and through heather before approaching the mountain’s foothills and following the path of a rushing brook towards a corrie. Inside the corrie, the going gets steeper as it leads you to the only challenging part of the hike – a short but steep scrambly section on loose gabbro. 

From here the path winds all the way up to the 929-metre summit, where there are panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Follow the same route down again and you can tack on another 1.5 miles if you’re feeling spritely, walking around Loch Slapin’s shores to a hidden swim spot near the settlement of Torrin.

Blà Bheinn: why I love it

Skye is best known among hillwalkers for the Black Cuillin, the range of rocky mountains that are some of the most spectacular in Scotland. But it’s also home to one more Munro that stands alone. The only one not part of the main Cuillin ridge and often said to have the best views on the island, Blà Bheinn (sometimes Anglicised as 'Blaven') stands in splendid isolation above the still waters of Loch Slapin. Reaching the pinnacle of the ‘blue mountain’, as its name means in Norse and Gaelic, is the perfect day hike to appreciate the beauty of Skye.

I first walked up Blà Bheinn in the autumn of 2021, after a campervan adventure around the island. I’d always wanted to walk up this beguiling Munro, and we were lucky enough to have a free day with clear weather – it’s worth waiting for blue skies for the astounding views at the top. If you can, come to trek this mountain in autumn. The heather turns purple, the surrounding mountains are golden and the air is crisp and cool – oh, and the midges are gone, too!

The first section is a gentle incline through heather – spot the bright red caps of amanita muscaria mushrooms in autumn. Then the trail skirts alongside a deep gorge where waterfalls rush down the valley from the Allt na Dunachie brook. A left turn and an easy river crossing takes you into a corrie, and the steeper path leads to main challenge of the hike – a stiff but mercifully short scrambling section. It’s not technically difficult, and any confident hiker should be fine navigating the boulders of gabbro – I suggest going slow, and using one side of the gully for extra hand holds. 

From here it’s a simple climb up to the summit, which flattens out and rewards the walker with one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful mountain views in Britain. Turn in a slow circle and you can see an ocean of dark peaks, dominated by the imposing Black Cuillin stretching into the distance, and beyond them, the edges of the island Skye and the glittering sea.

It's the same way down, with the scramble the only challenging bit to tackle. Once you’ve reached the lochside, I recommend following the (very quiet) tarmac road for 1.5 miles anticlockwise around the bay. Just outside the hamlet of Torrin there’s a secret treat waiting: follow the river Allt Aisridh for a minute or two inland and you’ll come across a deep river pool fed by a waterfall, and with cold but amazingly clear water to swim in.  

If you need to refuel after your adventures, the hamlet of Torrin is also home to Amy’s Place, a friendly little tearoom painted bright purple that does doorstopper-sized scones and great coffee.

Highlight: Torrin Pools

While the epic views from the summit of Blà Bheinn are one huge highlight, there’s a secret second spot where you can cool off that I absolutely love. At the end of the hike, if you follow the B8083 road around the coast of Loch Slapin for 1.5 miles, you’ll spot a rather unprepossessing river mouth. Follow it up the valley for a minute or two and you’ll find the Torrin Pools, where there’s a deep and very cold waterfall pool perfect for a dip after you’ve tackled Blà Bheinn. You can even look back at it across the loch while you swim.

My Favourite Hike Collection

To see the other hikes in the series on komoot, click on the Collection below...

Deuchary Hill and Loch Ordie

In the latest edition of our My Favourite Run series, Advnture contributor Jack McKeown heads to Dunkeld to tackle a route that leads into hills and lochs above the pretty Highland Perthshire town. 

“Dunkeld has some of Highland Perthshire’s best scenery and is also its most accessible town,” Jack says. “There’s a train station in neighbouring Birnam, and it’s only 20 minutes from Perth, 45 minutes from Dundee, or a little over an hour from Glasgow or Edinburgh.

“This route takes in three lochs and a hill that offers an amazing 360-degree vista (and a handy point to catch your breath).”

The route

• Start/Finish: Cally Car Park, Dunkeld, PH8 0EP
• Distance: 12.7 miles/20.4 km
• Elevation gain: 1,350 ft / 411 m 
• Difficulty: Challenging 
• Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours

Setting off from Cally Car Park head out of the car park the way you came in and take a left turn. Follow the track through woodland for a couple of miles. Eventually you’ll see a house and kennels called The Glack. Turn left before the approach to the house, going through a metal gate. 

Here’s where the really good stuff starts. Follow the track up through a stand of cherry trees (pausing to pick some if they’re in season) until you reach a beautiful stretch of water called Mill Dam. 

Turn right at the eastern edge and run alongside the dam (looking out for trees freshly gnawed by beavers) before rising above it and reaching a stone bridge over a stream.

Just after the bridge turn right, leaving the main track to follow a narrower trail that leads up through woodland and bracken. 

After a mile or so keep a close eye out for a faint trail to the left leading steeply uphill – it’s quite easy to miss. 

This is where, for me, My Favourite Run turns into My Favourite Hike. The next 20 minutes are a steep and strenuous push up Deuchary Hill. It’s a good test of heart, lungs and legs. 

Eventually, after a false summit, you’ll reach the top. From here there’s a very steep and tricky but short section down the far side, then a long descending path past a lochan (that’s Scottish for a small loch), through a lovely stretch of woods and alongside a stream.

At the next junction bear right and this will take you to Loch Ordie. Here you can either admire the view before turning back or run a loop around the shoreline, which is about a mile and a half. 

Take the same route back but carry on past where you came down from Deuchary Hill. This easy track eventually brings you back to Mill Dam. Enjoy another look at this wonderfully tranquil body of water before retracing your steps back to the car park.

Deuchary Hill and Loch Ordie: why I love it

Highland Perthshire is a magical place, with ancient woodlands, majestic mountains, glittering lochs and rivers, rich wildlife, and historic towns and villages. 

I first discovered Deuchary Hill and Loch Ordie about two years ago when I was looking for new walking and running routes within easy reach of my home in Dundee. 

I still remember my initial delight on heading into the hills and discovering one special spot after another. Since then I’ve been back more than a dozen times with my golden retriever Bracken. Sometimes I run. Sometimes I hike. A couple of times I’ve taken my bike.

I still haven’t come close to getting bored of it. Nor have I scratched the surface of what’s to offer. The route described above is my favourite of several variations I’ve tried. You can easily add or delete sections, or take alternative routes to mix it up. There are also virtually endless minor trails and tracks to explore through the woods and hills. 

You can feast more than your eyes as well. At the right time of year the slopes of Deuchary Hill are loaded with millions of blueberries and the trees on the trail up to Mill Dam groan with ripe cherries. 

From the top of Deuchary Hill you enjoy outstanding views in all directions. Looking back over Dunkeld you can see the silvery gleam of the Tay. Turn around and you’ll see Lochan na Beinne, Loch Ordie and the sweep of the Highland Perthshire mountains – including the distinctive sharp peak of Schiehallion.

The shores of Loch Ordie are another glorious spot. A long bothy is used by anglers and in front of it there’s a stone wall just above the shoreline. At the other side of the water an arched stone bridge spans a stream that burbles into the loch. 

Either of these are perfect rest stops. If you have enough energy a loop around the loch is well worth it. You’ll spend most of it picking your favourite camping spot for your next adventure. 

After the run I recommend a trip into Dunkeld for some well-earned food and drink. I rarely leave without fuelling up with one of bakery Livvi’s superb sausage rolls. If you’re getting the train home, the Taybank Inn is a terrific spot to enjoy a pint or two. 

Highlight: Deuchary Hill to Loch Ordie

The vista from the top of Deuchary Hill is phenomenal. And standing on the edge of Loch Ordie (or indeed having a swim in it) is a very special place to be. But my favourite section is the stretch between the two. 

After descending from Deuchary Hill there’s a couple of miles of path that never fail to delight me. It leads past a small but wonderful lochan then through a tranquil wooded vale, crossing a couple of streams. 

Very rarely do you encounter anyone else here – most people descend Deuchary Hill the way they came up – and it feels like you have a glorious little dell all to yourself.

My Favourite Run Collection

To view the other runs in the My Favourite Run series on komoot, click on the Collection below...

You can also check out our My Favourite Hike series.

Seaton to Beer Head and Branscombe Beach

In the latest edition of our My Favourite Run series, Advnture consultant editor Pat Kinsella describes a mixed-terrain route in East Devon, which traces a sensational section of the South West Coast Path along the World Heritage–listed Jurassic Coast, taking in history, beaches and beautiful views.

The route

• Start/finish: Seaton, Devon
• Distance: 7 miles / 11km
• Elevation gain: 750ft / 229m
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Duration: 1.5 hours

The run starts and finishes in the East Devon town of Seaton, near the mouth of the River Axe on the Jurassic Coast. There is plenty of parking along the seafront and in the town itself, where there are several cafes and pubs for post-adventure refreshments. 

The route starts by going along the Esplanade, where you will pass rows of brightly coloured beach huts in the summer. At the Hideaway Café, continue straight down the steps and run along the pebble beach with the region’s signature crumbly red cliffs on your right. (If there is a particularly high tide you will have to divert inland here, following signage for the South West Coast Path, but most of the time the beach in runable.)

The beach comes to an end at Seaton Hole, site of an ancient fault line, where a dramatic event many millennia ago twisted the earth’s surface in such a way that, uniquely, rocks from three geological eras (the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous) are now all on display side by side. 

As you run the first mile, from the ruby red shoreside of Seaton (comprised of rock from the Triassic period, when England was a landlocked place positioned over the equator and covered in desert) to the white chalky cliffs of Beer Head, which were formed from the calcium of sea creatures in the Cretaceous period when the country was completely underwater, you have effectively run through 185 million years of geological activity.

Turn right and follow the path up to the ice cream shop, and then turn left to ascend Beer Hill – a brutally steep climb that will leave you with a thirst for a real beer. Ignore a turning left and continue to the top, before descending into the fantastic fishing village of Beer. Turn left, run past the Church and the Dolphin pub to the Anchor Inn, which is positioned overlooking the beach and bay.

Tempting as it might be to stop for a brew with a view, our route turns right and climbs Common Lane. At a junction, ignore the turning left and continue going up the lane, with Beer Head Caravan Park on your left. Go through a gate and run through clifftop fields along a grassy ridge with the sea to your left. Run past a brilliantly redeveloped coastal lookout station (now a holiday house), close to the historic site of a gun emplacement in Napoleonic times, and continue to a gate.

Pass through and carefully descend the steep steps to Branscombe Beach, passing a WWII pillbox on your left. This big beautiful beach was the site of a major modern shipwreck in 2007, when the massive merchant ship the MSC Napoli came to grief here. The ship’s enormous anchor is still on display by the Sea Shanty bar and restaurant.

Turning left, you can either run along the pebbly beach for the first section (which is tough but rewards with proximity to a lovely and little used section of seaside), or follow the South West Coast Path, which here traces a serpentine route along the bottom of the cliff from the holiday chalets at Branscombe Mouth. 

If you run along the beach, you will need to turn inland and join the South West Coast Path at the Under Hooken. Here the trail twists through trees and takes you past secret caves with entrances hidden high on the cliff face, which were once used by local smugglers to store contraband. Soon your own language might turn salty, as the route climbs the notorious Stairway to Heaven, a savagely steep section with steps. The views towards the top will steal away any remaining breath you might have left in your lungs, though, making it all worthwhile.

Turn left at the top and run back into Beer along the cliff tops. Continue straight past the Anchor this time, to climb a small hill and follow the South West Coast Path around East Ebb, enjoying views right along the Jurassic Coast to Portland. Descend back to the ice cream parlour above Seaton Hole, where you can either go right and then return to Seaton along the beach, or go left (as shown on the map), before turning right along a path through woods and then right again along Beer Road, and right once more to reach the town via Cliff Field Gardens. 

Seaton to Beer Head and Branscombe Beach and back: why I love it

This route takes in a really varied stretch of the South West Coast Path, passing through woods, scampering along cliff top lanes and crunching across pebble beaches, which all feel totally different underfoot when you’re running. 

The sea is almost ever present in your view. The restless water never looks the same on any two days, and there is always the possibility it will deliver a surprise such as a seal or dolphin sighting. And, if you overheat, you can always jump in for a quick dip towards the end. 

The paths are full of happy memories from previous walks and runs with family and friends, including my two daughters at various stages of their lives. And this is also part of the route of the Grizzly, my brilliant local running race, which I have run every edition of since moving to this part of the world nine years ago.

Every event delivers completely different conditions, but the most memorable year was 2018, when the Beast from the East covered the whole headland in deep snow the night before the race – making it feel like we were running in Norway rather than along the seaside in East Devon.

One of the most poignant sections of the route is the bit along the wild expanse of Branscombe Beach where Grizzly organisers always build a driftwood ‘Memory Tree’. Here runners who have lost someone over the previous year (or more) pause for a second to tie a ribbon on the tree, and the spot now always makes me think of my Mum.

Highlight: the Under Hooken

Hidden away beneath the towering chalk cliffs of Branscombe and Beer Head runs a section of the South West Coast Path that wends and writhes through coastal woodlands. Aside from the crash of the waves smashing into the beach on your right, this stretch of the route is always quiet, and it has an otherworldly feel to it. 

Whenever I run along this path my imagination is transported back to a time when local smugglers used it to ferry contraband to secret tunnels in the cliffs, which led to the nearby catacombs of Beer Caves. Among the characters active here in the 18th and 19th centuries was the infamous Jack Rattenbury, who was known as the Rob Roy of the West and wrote a book about his illegal exploits in 1837.

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The Greenock Cut and Kelly Cut 

In this edition of My Favourite Run, Adventure staff writer Julia Clarke guides you along a historic aqueduct which once kept the industries of Greenock supplied with water. The route takes you across a fantastic moorland, and provides stunning views over the Clyde estuary and towards the Highlands in the distance, before ending at a glittering expanse of sea.

“This running route has absolutely everything,” says Julia. “You can reach it from either end by train in just over half an hour from Glasgow, but you feel far from the city lights the moment your feet hit the trail. You’ve got mirror-like lochs, open heather moorland, mountain and ocean views, a deep gorge and even a pub at the end!”

The route

• Start/finish: Drumfrochar train station/Wemyss Bay train station
• Distance: 16.6km / 9.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 175m / 575ft
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Duration: ~1.5 hours

If you’re driving, you can navigate to Overton Road (off Papermill Road) in Greenock where you will find free parking. Otherwise, hop on the train from Glasgow Central – they run once an hour – and get off 40 minutes later at Drumfrochar train station. Upon exiting the train, go left along the platform, up the steps and take a left onto Peat Road. Walk uphill past the primary school and after a couple of minutes you’ll see signs for the Greenock Cut. Just follow the sign to take a left onto Overton Road and you’ll find the beginning of the trail about a half mile from the train station. Before you go through the gate, look back at the stunning views over the Firth of Clyde.

The Kelly Cut: why I love it 

My mum had been telling me about this route for years but I’m embarrassed to admit it took me ages to try it. Greenock is a bit of an industrial town and I just couldn’t believe a nearby route could be so beautiful. I am happy to share that I couldn’t have been more wrong. The Firth of Clyde is a fantastically gorgeous part of western Scotland, where the industrial river you might associate with Glasgow opens up and gives way to a wide estuary that’s dotted with islands such as Arran and Bute. In the distance are the mountains surrounding Loch Lomond. As a non-car owner, of course, it’s a huge perk that I can easily reach it on the train, and I love ending up in the gorgeous seaside town of Wemyss Bay.

The route is really composed of two sections. The first section goes from Greenock to the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, about halfway, and takes you along the shore of lovely Loch Thom. Most of the climbing on this route honestly happens between the train station and the car park, followed by a bit of moderate incline once you reach the path, which takes you along a wide metalled road that provides easy walking and running, and you might share the trail with other walkers and the odd biker. Almost immediately, you'll come to a fork where you'll take the path to the right. About one mile in, you’ll reach a crossroads where a paved road leads up to the right and a dirt track leads downhill in front of you. Ignore the paved road to the right and head downhill and in moments you’ll see Loch Thom. 

The path skirts the edge of Loch Thom, a C-shaped reservoir – it’s worth going early before the wind picks up as you’ll get a perfect mirror reflection of the surrounding hills in the water – as well as an adjoining reservoir. I’ve been known to take a quick, icy dip in the loch on a warm day here. As you approach the south end of the reservoir, you’ll see an old house up ahead and when you pass through the gate, you’ll soon arrive at the visitors centre. I haven’t stopped at the visitor centre myself, but there are benches and toilets here should you need a break, and it's a great turnaround spot if you don’t want to keep going.

Just past the toilets, you’ll find yourself coming upon a road and several different possibilities. Turn left on the road to cross the bridge over Kip Water and immediately on the far side, you’ll see a wooden signpost on the right signalling the Kelly Cut. Go through the kissing gate to join the Kelly Cut which will take you all the way to Wemyss Bay over four more miles.

This section follows another Cut (which feeds the Greenock Cut) and the path here is rougher, narrower, the terrain a mix of grass and bog. However, great care has been taken to place useful logs and bridges to keep the ground from becoming too boggy and you’ll be able to keep up a good pace. Stop frequently to look back over the Cut, the Loch and the mountains of the Highlands behind you as they loom in the distance. The whole way you’ll enjoy undulating moorland but never encounter any steep inclines or descents, supplying you with an absolutely delightful running experience.

Follow the obvious trail past Darr Reservoir on your right until you reach another crossroads. The road to the left takes you up to the Kelly Reservoir, but instead, take the sharp right down the tarmac country road. You’ll soon come across some farmhouses as the descent becomes quite steep and you may choose to slow to a walk here. As you near an obvious holiday caravan park, slow down and have your wits about you. To your left is an unmarked sharp left track that heads into the deep forest on your left. If you miss this, you’ll end up running on concrete through a holiday park for far longer than you want (trust me). The forested path takes you down a steep-walled gorge with a rushing river and tumbling waterfalls to your left, a near complete canopy overhead and the sounds of birds chirping away in the trees. The ground here can be slick and rough, so watch your footing.

After about half a mile, you’ll pop out onto the road at the bottom end of the holiday park. Walk out to where it meets the main road and you’ll discover that you’re only feet from the water’s edge and the ferry terminal where the boats sail over to the Isle of Bute. On a sunny day, you’ll find nothing better to do here than stand and admire the views of Bute and mountainous Arran across the shimmering water. To your right is Wemyss Bay train station which is a fine building, one of only 10 to receive five stars in the book Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations which features it on the cover. 

Trains run back to Glasgow (via Drumfrochar if you’re returning to your car) once an hour and you can enjoy a well-earned cup of tea and cake in the station cafe, a pint in the station pub or browse the used bookstore. If you need more sustenance, there’s a fish and chip shop across the street.

Highlight: Loch Thom

Loch Thom is a C-shaped freshwater lake that was turned into a reservoir in 1827 to provide a water supply to the nearby town of Greenock via a long aqueduct known as The Cut. An early morning run before the breeze picks up often delivers perfect reflections of the surrounding landscape in the loch's surface.

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Tongue Pot

Another wonderful route in our My Favourite Hike series. This time, komoot ambassador Sian Lewis takes us on a hiking and wild swimming adventure to Tongue Pot in the Lake District's magical Upper Eskdale.

"This remote wild swimming and walking route really has it all," says Sian. "I’m not sure I’ve ever been for a dip in a more beautiful spot than Tongue Pot. If you’re looking for the wild side of the Lake District, grab your swimsuit and take on this trail."

The route

• Start/Finish: Top of the Hardknott Pass
• Distance: 6.3 miles / 10.1 km
• Elevation gain: 1080ft / 330m
• Difficulty level: moderate
• Duration: 3-4 hours

This remote wild swimming and walking route really has it all – but first you've got to get there. The vertiginously steep Hardknott Pass road is revered by cyclists and road trippers alike for its 14% average gradient and far-reaching mountain vistas, but is often cut off by snow in winter.

If you can get up it to start this walk, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Eskdale Valley. At the bottom of the valley, the walk follows the River Esk towards a rushing waterfall, stopping at the deep clear waters of Tongue Pot on the way. Then take the high road back to the start via Hard Knott fell.

Tongue Pot: why I love it

My idea of the perfect walk in Britain always involves a wild swim, and I’m not sure I’ve ever been for a dip in a more beautiful spot than Tongue Pot (a pot, by the way, is the Lake District word for a deep river pool). I’d seen lots of photos of the incredible emerald green waters of this pot, and when I had a morning free on an icy-cold but sunny January day, I decided to go and hunt it out for a dip. 

This walk starts at the top of Hardknott Pass, surely one of the most vertiginous roads in Britain. Cyclists come here to do uphill battle with the steep incline, but walking down it is rather more pleasant, and comes with far-reaching views of the valley.

Next the path passes Hardknott Fort, where the dramatic ruins of a Roman garrison keep watch over the valley below. What I love about it this spot is that unlike some historical sites (Stonehenge, I’m looking at you) you’re free to wander around Hardknott’s stone fortifications, imagining what it looked like when thousands of Roman soldiers were stationed here.

It’s a steep descent down to the valley from the fort, but from here the going is flat – you follow alongside the River Esk deeper into the valley, where a waterfall courses down at the spot where Lingcove Beck meets the river. Before you reach the falls, you’ll come across two natural swimming pools – Kail Pot and Tongue Pot. Kail Pot is lovely, a wide pool that you can wade into for a calm dip. But Tongue Pot is just astonishing. 

The water here really is a glassy leaf-green, and although it’s deep, it’s so clear you can see right to the bottom. Rocks rise high on both sides, so you can jump in if you’re brave, or there’s an easier spot to walk into the water on the right river bank. I’ve heard that this spot gets busy on summer weekend days, but on a Monday morning in January I didn’t see a single other person, and after pulling on my wetsuit I got to float in the pool all by myself. Come here in summer for warmer waters, or come in winter to have your very own fairy pool, but aim for a sunny day to really appreciate the vibrant colour of the Esk.

Once you’ve dried off, the path leads on past the waterfall and up onto higher ground, which helps with warming up! There are amazing views from Hard Knott, a 549 metre-high fell, before you descend back to the top of the pass. 

Highlight: Hardknott Roman Fort

Hardknott Roman Fort, which dates from the second century AD. The remains of the Roman fort Mediobogdum are one of those places where you can really feel in touch with the history of a place, and it’s free to look around the ruins of what were once garrisons for soldiers. Remains include the headquarters building, commandant's house and bath house (which feels apt if you’re heading to the river for a swim!).

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The Dumgoyne Hill Loop from Strathblane

In the latest edition of our My Favourite Run series, Advnture contributor Fiona Russell describes a trail route in the Campsie Fells north of Glasgow, which takes in a landmark hill, and offers the rewards of fantastic views including Loch Lomond and the mountains of the southern Scottish Highlands.

The route

• Start/finish: Blanefield, Stirlingshire spaces just below
• Distance: 6.2 miles / 10km
• Elevation gain: 1255ft / 383m
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 1.5-2 hours

The run starts in Blanefield, north of Scotland’s largest city of Glasgow and in the region of Stirlingshire. There are plenty of parking options in the village and some limited spots just below St Kessog's Church, on Campsie Dene Road, where this run route begins.

St first, you run a singletrack tarmac road that serves some grand houses either side. Soon the tarmac turns two gravel track and heads trough a series of farm gates. If you take your dog make sure it’s on lead because there are often sheep and cattle around.

The gravel track – known as the Pipe Track – climbs more gently and heads along the foot of the Campsie hills to the north. The Pipe Track is so called because it follows the route (underground) of an aqueduct that feeds drinking water from Loch Katrine further north to reservoirs near Glasgow.

After a couple of kilometres, look out for a silver farm gate and a wooden kissing gate going north (your right hand side). This is just before a black farm gate across the track. It is marked as Cantywheery on the map.

Go through the kissing gate and continue on to a hill path. It’s easy to follow but can be muddy in places after periods of wet weather. Trail running shoes with aggressive lugs work well in these kind of conditions.

After waterfalls and at a Y-junction in the path, take the left-hand path to traverse at a higher contour of around 250m to 260m. The path undulates but still continues to climb over more open hillside and moorland.

The section to the summit of Dumgoyne starts from an elevation of around 270m and climbs steeply to a high point of 427m.

You can follow a similar path for the first part of the descent, but keep going in a westerly direction. There are several alternative routes that have been created by many hundreds of walkers and runners, and your main aim is to descend steeply westwards to meet the Pipe Track at the foot of the hills again.

Below Dumgoyne hill, you’ll cross a stone wall on a stile, and run on to a more gently descending grassy slope to reach the Pipe Track.

Turn left (south) and run once again on the track to descend back to your outward route.  While generally downhill, there are some undulations, as you head back to the start point in Blanefield.

The Dumgoyne Hill loop: why I love it

I lived in the Glasgow area for more than 20 years before moving to the Highlands recently and the easy accessibility to countryside and hills, including the Campsie Fells, never failed to amaze me for all that time.

Dumgoyne is a well-known landmark in a hill range called the Campsie Fells. The hills stretch west to east from Dumgoyne to Denny Muir, with nearby villages including Strathblane, Blanefield and Lennoxtown to the south; Killearn in the west; and Fintry to the north. Earl’s Seat is the highest point of the Campsie Fells at 578m (1896ft) above sea level, while Dumgoyne reaches a high of 427m.

A whisky producer, Glengoyne Distillery, sits at the base of Dumgoyne on the A81.

Although it’s a stiff climb to the summit, it’s over fairly quickly and the views on a clear day are superb. You’ll see Loch Lomond to the north, with its myriad small islands, as well as the mountains of the southern Highlands. If you’re lucky with the weather, you may spot Ben Lomond, the most southerly of the Scottish mountains known as Munros.

The run back down the hill is swift and fun, although it’s a good idea to avoid the steepest paths because they can be very slippery.

I love some of the fascinating facts associated with the Campsies. The name of the fells is taken from one of the individual hills in the range, called Campsie, which means “crooked fairy hill”.

The Campsies are also recorded as the birthplace of Scottish skiing after William W Naismith, from Glasgow, skied the area and became the first person to ski in Scotland in March 1892.

If you remember the Monty Python film The Meaning of Life, you’ll be interested to know it used the Campsies as a location. The scene of an Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, which actually took place in the South African province of Natal, was filmed in the Campsie Fells.

Highlight: Dumgoyne

Dumgoyne almost always provides amazing views, regardless of the conditions and seasons, but one very memorable occasion, when I ran with friends through mist and cloud on the Pipe Track and the lower slopes of Dumgoyne, revealed a stunning temperature inversion as we ascended the hill.  We popped out above the clouds and into bright sunshine where we could see many hill and mountain summits, also above the clouds. The vistas were truly sublime.

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The Bath Two Tunnels

In this edition of the My Favourite Run series, Advnture editor Cat Ellis takes us on a picturesque journey that follows the path of an old railway line that has been converted into a shared-use cycling and footpath by sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

“This is a great route for particularly hot, cold, or wet days,” says Cat. “As the name suggests, it passes through a pair of renovated railway tunnels, one of which is over a mile long and is a consistently cool, pleasant place to run regardless of the weather. Just make sure you come with some kind of lights to make sure you can be seen by cyclists and fellow pedestrians – ideally on your front and back. The tunnels are lit, but only dimly to avoid disturbing wildlife.”

The route

• Start/finish: Brickfields Park
• Distance: 12.7 miles / 20.4km
• Elevation gain: 426ft / 130m
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Duration: ~2 hours

The route starts at Brickfields Park, which is just a couple of minutes’ walk from Oldfield Park railway station (with good links to both Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads). It runs through both converted railway tunnels, then takes a leisurely trek through the village of Monkton Combe before leading you along a lovely long canal path.

The Bath Two Tunnels: why I love it

The tunnels themselves make this a very unusual route that’s great in all weathers, and gives you an opportunity to really push yourself and pick up some speed. If you don’t like the idea of running it alone, you can always book a place on one of the regular races held by local organiser Relish Running, which offer every distance you could wish for, from a 5k out-and-back to an ultra marathon.

Starting from Brickfields Park, you’ll head down onto a well maintained dual-purpose bike and cycle path. You’ll need to watch out for cyclists, dog walkers, children, and other pedestrians at all times. Stick to the left-hand side unless you’re overtaking, and always look over your shoulder before doing so.

After about 1.5km of undulating path (more up than down), you’ll come to the entrance to the Devonshire Tunnel. It’ll take a moment for your eyes to adjust to the light inside, but it’s smooth, straight, fun running. This tunnel is only about 500m long, but it gives you a taste of what’s to come.

Emerge into the light and continue along the leafy path until you see the entrance to the Combe Down Tunnel. This is a real experience, stretching for 1.6km, giving you a chance to really stretch your legs and enjoy yourself. As you approach the halfway mark you’ll notice extra lights in recesses along the wall. These are connected to motion sensors, which trigger snippets of abstract orchestral music as you run past. Creepy or cool? You’ll have to decide for yourself! You can hear a snippet in this YouTube video: 

Eventually you’ll see daylight, and continue along the cycle path. You’ll see Tucking Mill Reservoir and Viaduct, then reach a turning on your left that takes you to Tucking Mill Lane. Turn left again and head along the leafy single-track road. It’s usually quiet, but keep an ear out for cars. Continue along past the cottages and enjoy the quiet of the countryside.

At about 6.8km the road curves left, past a small churchyard. You can either continue to the end of Tucking Mill Lane and turn right onto Church Lane, or take the footpath on the right and cut a small corner off the route. Either way, you’ll end up continuing along Church Lane, which is lined with buildings made from honey-coloured Bath stone. Keep going until you’re just past Monkton Combe School, then take the right turn with a cycle path sign for Bath and Chippenham. Head into the copse of trees, and follow the path along the edge of Longmead Sports Ground. 

Pass under Warminster Road and you’ll find yourself by the canal. This is a great place to hire a boat for a lazy day cruising out and back on another occasion. Just remember to keep the boat speed no faster than walking pace, and overtake on the left.

It’s the mixture of beautiful scenery, fantastic all-action running and the legends and history associated with it that make Henbury Gorge such a wonderful place to run in. While only a short run, the nature of the rough terrain and its undulating course always makes it feel like a challenge.

Now just stick with the canal path. There’s the occasional drinking water tap where you can fill your water bottle, or you can ask at a pub. You won’t be able to see it much due to the trees, but you’re running alongside the railway line. If you’re lucky, you might even hear a steam engine (there are some chartered services from Bath Spa Station). 

It’s plain sailing along the canal path until about 16km into the run, when you’ll need to leave the canal path and take a right onto Beckford Road. Suddenly you’re in the middle of town, which might be a shock after all that countryside! The route I’ve plotted here goes around Sydney Gardens, but going through is always a pleasure, so if you’ve still got some energy in the legs, take a jog inside and explore.

Go around the Holburne Museum, then charge along Great Pulteney Street feeling like a champion. This is where the Bath Half Marathon traditionally began and ended before the 2022 edition, and although you can’t run right down the road to the fountain, the extremely wide pavement still makes it feel dramatic. From here, you just need to potter through town, then drop onto the Bristol-Bath cycle path for a last stretch of waterside running before you’re back at Brickfields.

Highlight: Combe Down Tunnel

This is the longest cycling tunnel in the UK, and fantastic for runners. The sound and light installation in the middle is called Passage, and the coloured lights are set into refuges, which were places for railway workers to take shelter when a train came through the tunnel.The music was composed by artist MIra Calix, and breaks up what might be a somewhat samey stretch if you’re running alone.

Highlight: Great Pulteney Street

This magnificent thoroughfare is the widest road in the city, and lined with homes and hotels made from honey-coloured Bath stone. The central fountain, Laura Place, wasn’t part of the original plan, but residents argued that the enormous road just wasn’t grand enough by itself and needed some extra pizazz. 

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The Long Mynd Run

In this edition of our My Favourite Run series, Advnture contributor Craig Taylor takes us on a loop over one of the prettiest parts of the Shropshire Hills: The Long Mynd. Comprising stunning trails, epic views and a couple of tricky climbs, it packs a ton into 12 kilometres – and is the perfect way to see this beautiful part of the country.

“Up here in Shropshire, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to trail running!” says Craig. “And even though I can be in Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons or the Peaks in well under two hours, I always get most excited for a day out in the Shropshire Hills. In my opinion, the views are comparable to the national parks, and there’s a ton to discover up on the Long Mynd.”

The route

• Start/finish: Carding Mill Valley car park
• Distance: 7.7 miles / 12.5 km
• Elevation gain: 1,080 ft / 330 m
• Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
• Duration: ~1.5 hours

Taking you up over the Long Mynd – the Shropshire Hills’ most renowned Marilyn (a hill with a prominence of 150m) – this 12-kilometre loop follows well-maintained trails into valleys, up over moorland, through working farms and alongside a number of rivers and streams. A fairly short yet demanding run, the views over the Stiperstones, Caer Caradoc and even Snowdonia (on clear days) serve as a suitable reward for your efforts as you skip across the undulating terrain of the Long Mynd.

The Long Mynd Loop: why I love it

The Long Mynd is simply epic. A true playground for anyone who loves spending time outdoors, it’s a great place to go trail running, hiking, road cycling, gravel riding or mountain biking. Nestled just off the Welsh border, it feels like the Cambrian Mountains’ last great ‘hurrah’ before rolling into the flatlands of the West Midlands. And this route takes you to some of the most impressive corners of it!

The starting point of the run is the Carding Mill Valley car park. Run by the National Trust, it’s easy to get to and offers ample parking – just be sure to arrive early if you’re visiting on a sunny bank holiday. From here, the run follows the stream out of the car park and deeper into the Carding Mill Valley. You’ll pass a great little cafe and some public toilets as you go, which are the last signs of civilisation for the next 90 minutes.

On a hot summer’s day, the gorge and the surrounding hills stay cool thanks to their canopy of trees. When it’s raining cats and dogs, the gorge can feel utterly wild, with the Hazel Brook rushing past and loads of muddy puddles to embrace. Spring is when the trails are at their colourful best, with wild garlic, bluebells and rhododendrons creating a real cornucopia.

The downhill sections, particularly from Castle Hill into the gorge are superbly involving, requiring laser focus when it comes to your footing. The section alongside the brook is like an assault course, with fallen trees and rough terrain keeping you on your toes, as you duck and dive between obstacles.

As you run deeper into the valley, you’ll cross the stream multiple times before you end up at a fork in the road. From here, you take a right turn and start the steepest and longest ascent of the day –  the long slog up to the top of the Long Mynd. Just be sure to look behind you as you drive yourself up the hill! The views behind you grow more impressive with every passing step, delivering the perfect backdrop for any rests you decide to make en route.

Once you top out, the landscape becomes a lot flatter (and much windier), and you may even spot a couple of wild Welsh mountain ponies. The trail then takes you south over the Long Mynd’s undulating spine and up to Pole Bank, the highest point of the day. This is roughly the route’s halfway point, and it rewards you with stunning 360-degree views over miles and miles of rolling hills, forests and valleys, including the beautiful Stiperstones to the west and the impressive Caer Caradoc to the east.

From here, it’s a straight shot downhill and onto some grassy meadows – the perfect terrain to give your ligaments a rest after a rocky start to the day. The trail winds its way down off the mountain, passing the summits of Round Hill, the Grindle and Callow Hill as you go, and brings you almost into the village of Little Stretton. And you’re on to the final sprint!

This last section is a fairly easy one, although there are a couple more climbs left to go! You’ll pass the Small Batch campsite to your left, skip over a short wooden footbridge, and then climb up into the forest. The trail then winds its way through some sheep fields before spitting you out onto the main road –  a solid reminder that you’re almost back. If you’re tired of trails, you can choose to follow this road back into Church Stretton and back to the car park. If you’d rather stay off-road, however, then this final section will lead into one last wooded glade, through a field and along a babbling brook – all the way to the intersection of the Burway, the Long Mynd’s main road (and one of the country’s great climbs if you’re a cyclist!). From here, it’s a short sprint back down into the valley and back to your car.

Highlight: Pole Bank

My personal highlight along this run is Pole Bank, the highest point on the route. A nice spot to stop and have a short rest, it affords amazing views out over to the Stiperstones and across the rolling Shropshire Hills. On a clear day, you can even see so far as the karst summits of Snowdonia; the helpful compass on the trig will let you know where to look!

My Favourite Run Collection

To view the other runs in the My Favourite Run series on komoot, click on the Collection below...

You can also check out our My Favourite Hike series.

Henbury Gorge

In the latest instalment of our new My Favourite Run series, Advnture contributor Alex Foxfield takes us on a trail running adventure up, down and through Bristol’s Henbury Gorge.

 “It’s hard to believe you’re still in one of England’s largest cities,” he says. “Once deep in the gorge, you leap over fallen tree trucks, traverse narrow ledges and are constantly playing hopscotch with the roots and rock below your feet. Trail running at its captivating best.”

The route

• Start: Blaise Castle Estate, Henbury Lodge Car Park
• End: The Blaise Inn
• Distance: 4.39 miles/7.06km
• Elevation gain: 375 ft / 115m
• Duration: ~50 minutes

From the car park, you follow the tarmacked path past the café and play areas before picking up a trail that climbs through the woodland of Castle Hill to Blaise Castle, an impressive 18th-century folly. Soon you come to Lover’s Leap, a superb viewpoint across Henbury Gorge and beyond towards the River Avon.

A sustained and immensely enjoyable downhill section towards the bed of the gorge follows, before you turn right onto the main path down from the park, above the beautiful Hazel Brook. At the path junction by the mill building, you take the trail on the brook’s right bank and follow.

This rough trail is a pleasure underfoot and demands concentration. When you reach the Giant’s Soapdish (labelled as Tarn Lake on most maps), there’s an entertaining ascent onto a narrow ledge and then a steep descent back to the gorge floor. The trail opens up and there’s plenty of choice in terms of line.

Continue to use the brook as your guide, as you hop over and around fallen tree trunks. Another uphill section gets the heart pumping and then there’s a quick descent back to the main tarmacked path. This is where Hazel Brook joins the River Trym on its journey towards the River Avon.

Follow the main path through the Coombe Dingle car park and cross the road at the far end, continuing to follow the river. This next section is delightful in spring, when bluebells and wild garlic carpet the woodland. A raised concrete platform takes you alongside the river and before long you pass under Dingle Road.

Things open up on the next stretch, as you progress through the grassy Trym Valley, with woodland on either side. Eventually, you cross the River Trym and loop back on yourself. If you reach Shirehampton Road, you’ve gone too far.

Reverse the route as far as the confluence of the Trym and Hazel Brook, cross the brook and take a steep trail north. This leads up above the other side of the gorge and eventually to the limestone spur of Goram’s Chair. It can be difficult to locate, look for a minor trail leading to a gap in the trees on the left. Watch your step – the rocky platform is remarkably narrow – and pause to take in the views across Kings Weston Hill and Castle Hill.

Back on the main trail, power on past rhododendrons and emerge onto a tarmacked path by a wooden building that looks like it has been dragged out of one of the Brothers Grimm’s tales. Turn right and then immediately left down steps. Descend through the open land back towards Henbury. 

At the end of the field, turn left, descend back to the brook before ascending through a tunnel. Steps lead upwards and you magically emerge into the graveyard of St Mary’s Church, a beguiling return to civilisation after so long in the gorge’s wilds. Continue past the church and turn left down Church Lane to meet Henbury Road. Here, on your right, is the excellent Blaise Inn, which serves excellent food for that post-run refuel. It’s also just a short walk (or run) back to the car park you started from.

The route I’ve chosen here is probably not easy to follow exactly, particularly given the number of trails that wind their way through the gorge. However, it’s just one potential way to explore this wonderful landscape and finding your own adventure here is hugely rewarding. Use the brook and its trails as your guide and there’s almost no end to the running fun to be had. Neighbouring Kings Weston Hill is also wonderful and can be easily worked into a run in the area.

Bristol’s Henbury Gorge: why I love it

It’s the mixture of beautiful scenery, fantastic all-action running and the legends and history associated with it that make Henbury Gorge such a wonderful place to run in. While only a short run, the nature of the rough terrain and its undulating course always makes it feel like a challenge.

On a hot summer’s day, the gorge and the surrounding hills stay cool thanks to their canopy of trees. When it’s raining cats and dogs, the gorge can feel utterly wild, with the Hazel Brook rushing past and loads of muddy puddles to embrace. Spring is when the trails are at their colourful best, with wild garlic, bluebells and rhododendrons creating a real cornucopia.

The downhill sections, particularly from Castle Hill into the gorge are superbly involving, requiring laser focus when it comes to your footing. The section alongside the brook is like an assault course, with fallen trees and rough terrain keeping you on your toes, as you duck and dive between obstacles.

It might be my overactive imagination, but I love a legend or two associated with my outdoor adventures. In this case, local folklore tells of brothers Goram and Vincent (also known as Ghyston in some tales), two giants who both fell in love with a beautiful woman named Avona. She was open to their advances and, to choose between them, challenged the giants to drain a lake that once occupied the countryside between Bradford-on-Avon and Bristol. They immediately set to work.

Vincent was industrious and ambitions. He chose the limestone between Clifton and Leigh Woods for his channel, creating the impressive Avon Gorge. Goram chose land to the north of this and began work on Henbury Gorge. Unfortunately for Goram, one stiflingly hot day, he overheated while working away at the limestone, drank a huge amount of ale to cool off and collapsed into his favourite chair.

When Goram woke, he discovered that Vincent had won the heart of Avona with his mightily impressive gorge, which drained the lake and created the River Avon. In his rage, Goram stamped his foot into the earth on Castle Hill, immortalising his footprint in the limestone. So it was that the Avon Gorge and Henbury Gorge were formed.

The run visits both 'the Giant’s Footprint' limestone formation on the path down form the Blaise Castle, and Goram’s Chair, the outcrop he was said to have collapsed on having become somewhat inebriated. 

In honour of Goram, when you finish the run and are overheating due to exertions in the gorge, you too can sample a beverage or two, as the run ends at the excellent Blaise Inn.

Highlight: Goram’s Chair

This is a magnificent viewpoint across the wood-cloaked Henbury Gorge to Kings Weston Hill and Castle Hill, adorned by its 18th-century folly. It takes you completely by surprise the first time you discover it. One minute, you’re running through the woods, the next, you emerge into the open on a dramatic prow of limestone perched precariously above the gorge. In spring, when the trees are full of birdsong, it really feels like you're somewhere much more exotic than a park in Bristol.

My Favourite Run Collection

To view the other runs in the My Favourite Run series on komoot, click on the Collection below...

You can also check out our My Favourite Hike series.

It’s a given that adventurers love exploring for the physical challenge and the joy of being in nature. But there is another reason people love to get outside. Spending time on the trail has a unique ability to help us see things from a new perspective, be it that big decision you’ve found hard to take, or more literally, the trail itself!

Sometimes all it takes to turn a walk in your local area into a bona fide adventure is seeing it through fresh eyes. Exploring your favourite trail in a different season, with different people, or at different time of day. Trying out a new hiking route in a region you think you know well. Or even doing your favourite hike in the opposite direction.

Adventure is not about the miles or the elevation, it’s about perspective and the way you see the world. Komoot can help you find, plan, and share adventures that help you see the outdoors in a whole new way.

4 ways komoot can reveal a new perspective on adventure

Komoot has a wealth of features that make outdoor adventure more accessible. Here are 4 ways it can reveal a whole new perspective on your adventures this summer...

1. Community highlights

Think you know all the best bits in your favourite walking area? Think again. Komoot Highlights are recommendations from fellow explorers and show up as red dots on the map. They could represent a great picnic spot, an incredible view, or a walker-friendly pub that’s worth a detour. 

When planning a route on komoot, always check the nearby Highlights so you can add them to your route – you never know, you might discover a special place that you never would’ve found without a nudge in the right direction.

If, while on your adventures, you find an awesome beauty spot and there's no Highlight to be found, or you discover a superb cafe that you think other komoot users should know about, you can create your own Highlight for the rest of the community. Your tips help others find a fresh perspective, enabling more memorable adventures.

2. Use komoot’s Tour search to discover new footpaths and under-the-radar routes

When relying on your own sphere of knowledge to plan your hikes it’s easy to fall into the same patterns. In your own region you do walks you already know. When further afield, you gravitate towards established routes.

But with komoot’s Tour search you can find out what the community has been up to and base your next adventure on cool stuff other people have done. That might be a beautiful route that remains under the radar in an otherwise well-known walkers’ paradise, or it could be an unassuming footpath down the road from your house that you’ve never thought to venture down.

3. Reverse your regular route

On komoot, all your planned and completed routes are saved to your profile, making it easy to return to them. But instead of revisiting them as they are, try the same route in reverse to get a different perspective. It’s easy to plan a similar route in a couple of clicks by selecting 'Replan This Tour' on the web or 'Plan Similar Tour' on your smartphone. Your route will be duplicated and ready to edit. All that’s left to do is reverse the waypoints in one click, and you’ll have a whole new route ready to go.

4. Try a new sport   

There’s one more way to switch up how you experience the adventure… Switch up your usual sport! Usually prefer to hike, switch up your two feet for two wheels, or vice versa. Komoot lets you choose a sport when planning your route, ensuring that you only get routed on paths and trails that are suitable for that sport (no routing your bike along walking trails full of stiles, or sending you on a hike which tracks the main road the whole way). 

With the right mindset and komoot as your sidekick, you’ll find new ways to explore, even in places you visit over and over again. 

Find your next adventure

Follow these tips and you’ll find adventure, guaranteed. Want to try komoot for yourself? Follow this link and use the voucher code ADVNTURE22 to unlock a free Region Bundle.

*Valid for new komoot users only and redeemable until 31 December 2024.

Next in our My Favourite Hike series, Advnture contributor and mountain leader Emily Woodhouse takes us up – and all the way along – the Helvellyn ridge in the Lake District, from south to north. She has walked the ridge many times in both directions, never mind the horseshoe walks from either side, taking in its scrambly brilliance.

"It might feel overdone, but the Helvellyn ridge still has a special place in my heart,” she says. “It was one of my first experiences of the Lake District, many years ago, and when the weather is on your side the views are spectacular.” 

 “Equally,” she laughs, “there can be days when the entire ridge is completely cloaked in cloud and you can’t tell where the edges are – best save it for a nicer day!”

The Helvellyn Ridge

The route

• Start: Traveller’s Rest, Grasmere
• Finish: Keswick Moot Hall
• Distance: 18 miles / 29km
• Elevation gain: 4429 feet / 1350 metres
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Duration: 8-9 hours

A very full day out in the mountains. The trail leads over every summit in the Helvellyn ridge, from Seat Sandal to Clough Head. You then drop down to Threlkeld and follow the disused railway line back into Keswick. Although this isn’t a particularly remote mountainous area, good navigation skills are still required, particularly in poor visibility.

Why I love the Helvellyn Ridge

I hiked this route recently, in the winter of 2021 with friends. It was the best day in a long and fairly damp winter trip, with good snow on the ground and clear blue skies above. You could see right across to Scafell Pike. Normally, I’ll do a horseshoe hike of some sort from either Patterdale or Thirlmere, taking in a small section of the ridge. But there’s nothing quite so satisfying as doing the whole thing in one go.

To complete the ridge without the faff of parking a car at either end, you can make use of the Lake District’s excellent bus connections. Even in winter, you can catch a bus from Keswick to the Traveller’s Rest pub with enough time in the day to complete the route. We walked all the way back to Keswick, as the route describes, but you could potentially catch a bus back from Threlkeld area if the timings work out. Personally, I think it’s worth the walk for the pleasure of arriving back to Keswick high street entirely on your own steam.

The initial ascent, in a morning daze, is a bit of a slog as you quickly gain height up to Seat Sandal – only to drop down again to Grizedale Tarn. In March, we also had the snow line to deal with: slush on top of wet grass. 

From the tarn, you take the main track’s stone steps up even more ascent, onto Dollywagon Pike. Here the views should start: across to Patterdale on your right, over Thirlmere to your left – and hopefully out towards Borrowdale behind you.

From here, just keep picking off summits as you travel north to Helvellyn. We stopped for a bite of frozen sandwich in the fog and snow, inside Helvellyn’s stone shelter. Then, miraculously, the cloud passed through and we were suddenly in a blue-sky alpine day. 

Make sure to turn right at Helvellyn Lower Man and simply follow the ridgeline onwards and onwards into the horizon. Before you know it, Blencathra will be rising up in front of you. It’s a long day, but it never feels long to me when you can see the whole route laid out ahead.

After summiting your final peak, descend mostly off-path to the Old Coach Road and then through a small bog to Threlkeld Quarry. From here it’s hard path and tarmac along the disused railway line, now mostly a bike path, all the way into Keswick. It pops out behind the leisure centre, just off the high street.

Helvellyn Ridge highlight: White Side

Although White Side isn’t particularly famous compared to nearby mountains, it’s right in the middle of the ridge, with mountains in all directions. Catstye Cam looks like a child’s drawing of a mountain, while Browncove Crags – on the side of Helvellyn Lower Man – are particularly impressive, with the higher summits in the far south peaking out behind. 

And a bonus highlight for reaching the bottom: Calfhow Pike has a lovely view out left over Derwent Water and Keswick. You’ll likely have it to yourself, too.

My Favourite Hike Collection

To see the other hikes in the series on komoot, click on the Collection below...

Next in our My Favourite Hike, Advnture editor Cat Ellis takes you on a relaxed tour around the stunning Pontsticill Reservoir (or Taf Fechan) in the Brecon Beacons. It’s a relaxing route with great opportunities for wildlife watching. 

“The water and woodland are bustling habitats for birds,” Cat says. “Keep your binoculars handy – if you’re really lucky, you might even catch sight of a rare black kite.”

Pontsticill Reservoir/Taf Fechan

The route

• Start / Finish: Pant
• Distance:  ~18km/11 miles
• Elevation gain: 312 metres/1,025 feet
• Difficulty level: Intermediate
• Duration: ~5 hours

If you’ve just tackled Pen y Fan, this hike around the reservoir will make a welcome break. The difficulty level is intermediate, and the reservoir and nearby steam railway make navigation straightforward. Make sure you take a compass and map though, plus a waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots for the temperamental Welsh weather.

You’ll enjoy some beautiful scenery just two miles in, and the reservoir itself is stunning in good weather. You might also want to take a pair of binoculars to help you catch sight of some uncommon waterbirds. 

Why I love Pontsticill Reservoir

This is a relaxed route that gives you the opportunity to absorb the sights and sounds of the Welsh countryside, and spot some unusual flora and fauna if you keep your eyes peeled. I’d recommend allowing a full day so you can take your time and soak the experience. There’s a lot to take in, particularly if you choose to pause for a spot of birdwatching, and you won’t want to hurry,

The hike begins in the little village of Pant on the northern edge of Merthyr Tydfil, which is also the start of the Brecon Mountain Railway (something that’s well worth trying on another occasion). Whether you start within the village itself or at the station car park, begin by heading west, past the cemetery, and make your way downstream to the route’s first highlight: Pontsarn Blue Pool, or Pwll Glas - part of Taf Fechan Nature Reserve. There is a section of railway line here, but it’s long abandoned, and the area has been reclaimed by nature.

From here, head northwest until you meet the Taff Trail, and follow it westward until you hit the picturesque Pontsarn viaduct with its seven arches. It’s then a simple matter of following the trail alongside the river until you’re within sight of Pontsticill Reservoir itself. There’s a particularly good viewing point about halfway up the reservoir where the trail meets a small bridge. 

Once you reach the main crossing (there was once a good pub here, but it’s now sadly closed) head east towards Dol-y-Gaer, then follow the train south between the water and the railway. You’ll lose sight of the reservoir through the trees at points, but there are points when you can drop down for a better look. 

Once you’re 7.4 miles in, you can either continue following the railway all the way back to the start, or make things more interesting with a climb through the ancient woodland before heading back down to Pant.

Pontsticill Reservoir highlight: The Blue Pool

Only a few short miles from Pant, you’ll come across the Taf Fechan Gorge, where the water gushes and eddies into a deep pool. The surrounding area is densely wooded, and a haven for wildlife.

My Favourite Hike Collection

To see the other hikes in the series on komoot, click on the Collection below...

The Roseland Peninsula

Our My Favourite Hike series continues with Advnture contributor Jasper Winn's journey around Cornwall's Roseland Peninsula.

It's a dynamic route that's never the same twice. "The loop  took in the best that the peninsula had to offer,” says Jasper, “and between tide and weather it was always differently rewarding."

The route

• Start / Finish: Portscatho
• Distance: 10 miles / 16km
• Elevation gain: 50m / 175 feet
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Duration: 4 hours

A ten-mile walk around Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula, starting and ending in Portscatho, tracing one of the quieter stretches of the South West Coast Path, before turning inland to follow rough tracks through woodland and fields along the banks of the Percuil River. The route is clearly waymarked, though there are sections where map reading is required. Portscatho has a good shop, the Plume of Feathers pub and various cafes (seasonal), while the Thirstea Cafe at Porth (open year round) is close to the route at the 2-, and then again at the 7-mile, mark.

Though an intermediate-level walk, rain means slopes slicked with treacherous mud that can be either slippery as ice or heavy as wet cement. Good hiking boots and rain gear are advisable in all but the finest weather. Though one could storm along this route – as many SWCP completists do – allow time for beach-combing, picnics or just losing yourself in views. There’s limited parking in Portscatho. The Number 50 bus connects Portscatho to Truro (railway station) or to St Mawes (all-year ferry to/from Falmouth).

Why I love the Roseland Peninsula

I didn’t plan on spending a winter living off-grid on a small sailing boat up a creek on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula. It was just the way that life’s game of musical chairs went. A game I won as a walker, I reckon. The Roseland is a ‘dangling’ dead-end peninsula and so gets fewer walkers than many other stretches of the South West Coast Path. And, being off the main route and inland, the middle of the peninsula has a network of tracks and trails, many of which only see a few local dog walkers through the year. 

During my winter retreat, those were the paths that made up the my commutes, whether I was walking to Portscatho or St Mawes to shop, or heading out to collect water or firewood. One hike, though, was kept for taking a break from the demands of day-to-day on-board living: a ten-mile ‘holiday’ loop that took in the best that the peninsula had to offer, and between tide and weather was always differently rewarding.

For the perfect day out, load a daypack with cheeses, smoked fish, oat cakes and beer from the start point at Porscatho General Store, and then get straight onto the coast path. The Cornish coast goes up and down like a profit-and-loss chart, and the first few miles gain you enough height to usually see beyond Gull Rock to Dodman Point to the east, while it’s not exceptional on the clearest of days to make out Devon’s Start Point as a faint shadow on the horizon, fifty miles away, beyond Plymouth. 

The beach at Towan shouldn’t be resisted. It’s too early in the walk to pause for a picnic, but at low tide it’s where I’d stop to harvest pepper dulse, sugar kelp and other seaweeds, and on warm days walk a little along the sands and rock to lay out of the wind in the sun and watch grey and common seals floating on the water currents and ravens, kestrels and gulls swimming through the updraughts of air rising from the cliffs.

Compared to the expanse of sky, the vastness of the pewter-blue seas and the large-scale crumpled landscape, the human interventions on the Roseland seem pleasingly puny. Even St Anthony Head’s forts, arsenals, gun observation posts and lighthouse, as well as today’s views of distant shipyards in Falmouth across the busy seaway of Carrick Roads, seem small scale when reached through winter gales and big storm seas. 

Turning inland to follow the banks of the Percuil River, (with a few lanes and a stretch of steep cross-country tracks to get from Porth, past Trewince and down to Pelyn Creek) might provide more shelter and rural rather than maritime history, but the landscape continues to eclipse the man-scape. The low sprawls of generations-old traditional farm buildings still seem young and transitory compared to the vast oaks, twisted hawthorns and other trees of the ancient woodlands that run down to the tidal water’s edge to create Cornish ‘mangroves’ of tangled roots and fall timber in the thick mud on the walk up the river bank. Abandoned hulks on the foreshore add to the African Queen atmosphere. 

And, as always along this walk, it’s nature that provides the balance; look – and listen – out for curlews, redshanks and other waders, and listen, too, and watch for sparrowhawks, buzzards and the occasional peregrine falcon. Indeed binoculars or a monocular runs could be a close second to that bag of food and beer as essential kit for the hike.

Starting with long views from the coast, this is a walk that elides into a gentler and deeper river-land, slowing down and swapping the dramatic for the contemplative, and the spectacular for the subtle. The kind of walk to reset ones day, and put things into perspective.

Highlight: St Anthony Head

St Anthony Head is the point to sit back, delve into your picnic and experience all the variety of this walk in one panoramic view. Look to the horizon over the vastness of the ocean, along the folds of coast running east towards The Lizard, across Carrick Roads with its big-ship traffic bound for Falmouth, into the prettified fishing village of St Mawes and the fleet of moored sailing boats on moorings, and then inland where the sea’s waters twist their way up a wilderness of small rivers and creeks. It’s that position of command that has given St Anthony Head a legacy of forts, paraffin stores, gun battery observation posts and, importantly, the lighthouse, which has provided guidance into the Fal River since 1835.

My Favourite Hike Collection

To see the other hikes in the series on komoot, click on the Collection below...

Say the words “outdoor adventure” to a million different people, and you’ll get a million different images of what adventure looks and feels like to them. For some, it’s the challenge. The not-knowing if they’ll make it to the summit before sundown, or if they’ll still be able to enjoy their ride with a baby trailer en-tow. 

For others it’s the opportunity to slow right down – going physically slower by stopping to notice the little things, like an army of ants crossing the trail or a tiny bird’s territorial dance. Or going at a slower thinking pace, focusing purely on the technicality of the task at hand, letting the spiralling thoughts of everyday life take a back seat for a moment. 

We didn’t speak to a million people, but even a smaller group comes up with a wide variety of definitions. What everyone seems to agree on though, is that it’s a mindset. 

Adventure is out there – it's up to you to define the details.

Experiencing some place new, or some place familiar through new eyes, all give the community that same sense of joy. It doesn’t matter how far or fast you’re moving, or how technical your route is. If it’s outside, and it makes you feel happy to be alive, it’s an adventure! 

Case in point? Komoot’s ambassador community. These are people who literally live for the outdoors and yet their adventures take on different forms depending on who they are, what they like, and sometimes, even the day of the week! 

So what does adventure mean to some of them?

Jenny Tough, UK/Canada ambassador

Jenny says “adventure is creative. Make up something that is important to you and follow your own trail.”

When Jenny Tough says “creative”, she means it. She is great at creating unique adventures for herself. To date these include endurance bikepacking races in Central Asia, self-set trail running challenges in her birth country, Canada, and a good-time ride through the Colombian Andes…

Sian Lewis, UK ambassador

Sian reckons “adventure is about getting outside, moving your body and feeling good. Doesn’t matter if it’s big or small. I think if it makes you feel curious and courageous it’s an adventure.”

Being both curious and courageous can be seen in many of Sian’s adventures to date as she explores all corners of the UK and beyond on foot or by bike – especially in her recent quest to find wonderful wild swimming walks in the Lake District. As Sian puts it, “the Lake District is a walker's – and a wild swimmer's – dream adventure destination.”

Tristan Bogaard, Netherlands ambassador

Tristan says “adventure is a loaded bike, good views and the feeling of freedom.”

For Tristan and his partner Belen, adventure is literally a way of life. They spend their lives in the saddle exploring, from cobbling together the tracks of a dusty old bikepacking route through Sardinia with friends, to tootling around the gravel roads near their temporary home in Spain. 

If there’s one thing to take away from all this, it’s that adventure is an attitude, and that means that if you do a thing and it feels like an adventure to you, it is! Because one thing we believe, absolutely here at komoot, is that adventure is for everyone!

Finding adventures on komoot

Use the Tour search: Head to the Discover feed, enter your sport and search a region. On mobile, hit “Find your next adventure.” You’ll find countless ideas at the tap of a button, from short Tours based on the local community’s most popular routes, to curated multi-day adventures. Save any Tour to your profile and you’ll have the chance to adjust the route to suit your adventure style when you’re ready.

Follow friends and fellow adventurers: Your Discover feed itself is also a great place to get adventure inspiration. The more friends and fellow adventurers you follow, the more of their Tours will appear in your feed. Find one that looks fun? Save it to your profile and adjust the route to your needs.

Share your adventures with the community: When you’re back from your adventure, share it with the community – your selected close friends, people who follow your profile, or make it totally public so anyone on komoot can see it. If you’ve found a great route, or even just a great spot along your route, upload photos, create a Highlight on the map, and leave a tip . That way others will know what to expect if they choose to follow a similar route, or visit the Highlight you created. By sharing your adventures and the insider intel you discover about your routes, you’ll contribute to the vast amount of knowledge on komoot, making adventure planning easier for everyone.

The Glyders Linear

The latest in our My Favourite Hikes series sees komoot ambassador Bryony Carter tackle the Glyders Linear, a glorious traverse across the southern half of the Glyderau in Wales' Snowdonia National Park.

"What I love most about this hike is the pure drama of it," she says. "You get a sense of true respect for the mountains in this space, and I guarantee you will find your mouth aghast most of the time at the backdrop before your eyes, one that no camera picture will give any justice to."

The route

• Start: Capel Curig (car park by Joe Brown – LL24 0EN)
• Finish: Nant Peris Car Park (LL55 4UF)
• Distance: 8.9 miles / 14.3 km
• Elevation gain: 3,018ft / 920m
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Duration: ~7 hours

The route is 14.3km long and takes in the spectacular peaks of Glyders Fach and Fawr but also the quieter summits to the east, which give 360 degree views of some of the best of what Snowdonia has to offer. Five mountain summits are tackled en route and I would describe it as a challenging itinerary if you intend to ascend the stacks of rock formations to reach the true summits of Glyders Fach and Fawr. If not, it is probably a hike of medium difficulty.

The Glyders Linear: why I love it

I suppose I should start by telling you a little about me. Hi! I’m Bryony. I'm 34 and live in the UK, with my adventure fur babies, Eddie & Dave (I know, sounds like an ’80s pop duo, right?). I am on a mission to climb every mountain in the UK over 2000ft and after completing England’s summits last year, I have been working my way through the Welsh Mountains for the past 18 months.

Last year, I was lucky enough to discover a route that is now cemented as one of my all-time favourite hikes. The Glyders Linear, a route that, despite starting and finishing at opposite ends of the range, you can complete solo thanks to the shuttle bus service that runs along the valley, or with friends having two cars positioned at the start and finish, which is what I did. 

The start point is Capel Curig and there is free parking tucked away behind Joe Brown’s outdoor shop. The first section sees a gentle ascent up the grassy flanks of Cefn y Capel, which after a heavy downpour it can be a bit of a bog fest, but within a few leaps of faith you move past it and up to the plateau of Gallt yr Ogof, where you are treated to spectacular views of Tryfan. 

As you ascend up towards Glyder Fach and Castell y Gwynt, the terrain becomes rougher underfoot: a bit of a scrambly boulder field. It’s not particularly treacherous and you will find the rocks to grip, but you can see how many a smartphones and drinks bottles have disappeared down in between the 540 million-year-old rock formations. It was bright on the day I completed the route, with intermittent cloud drifting through. Like something out of Game of Thrones, you feel completely immersed in another world and at no point does it feel like you are in the Welsh countryside. 

Thanks to the range's popularity, there are decent paths. However, it is worth noting that they disappear amongst the boulders on the plateau of Glyder Fach, so careful navigation is required. Don’t let that put you off this incredible hike though, it really does have everything. 

What I also like is that that it really doesn’t matter if you do not get a clear weather day with views from the summits, such is the interest underfoot. The late summer light or early winter conditions are a landscape photographer’s dream. The rock formations just frame everything and when they’re set against the drifting cloud, you genuinely can’t help but feel inspired.

I completed this route in early October, which I would recommend as it will be less busy that during the peak season. At this time of year, as you descend into the valley towards the Nant Peris, Mountain Ash trees are bright red and laden with their striking red berries, you see them spaced out along the rocky outcrops, it is quite a spectacular sight.

Highlight: the Cantilever Stone

One of the standout features of this hike is the Cantilever Stone, a huge slab of rock that seems to defy gravity as it precariously juts out from another grounding rock. It’s a very popular photo opportunity but involves a little scramble up that’s not particularly precarious. To gain the platform, there are some leaps over large boulders but, if you fancy releasing your inner child or Spiderman, it is worth it.

My Favourite Hike Collection

To see the other hikes in the series on komoot, click on the Collection below... 

With over 700 miles of hiking trails, the best hikes in Glacier National Park cover a lot of ground, from vast, glacier carved valleys to rugged peaks. Set in Montana’s Rocky Mountains all the way up at the northern border, and surrounded on all sides by National Forests, Indian reservations and Canada’s Waterton National Park, Glacier is a true paradise for anyone seeking solitude in the wilderness.

Glacier National Park (here's why you need to visit before it melts) covers over 1500 square miles of largely untouched wilderness where native species of plants and animals thrive, including 700 lakes and hundreds of waterfalls, and is bisected by the famous 53-mile Going-to-the-sun Road. The hikes in Glacier National Park take you to pristine lakes and forests where you can enjoy unique wildlife viewing from awesome grizzly bears to timid mountain goats.  

Summer is the best time to visit Glacier though it is open year-round, weather permitting. For hiking in Glacier National Park, you’ll want your best hiking boots and walking poles and a good backpack – especially if you’re planning one of the longer hikes.  

The Highline Trail 

Distance: 11.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

The Highline Trail is easily the most popular hike in the Park and for good reason. This trail follows the Continental Divide – known here as the Garden Wall – the entire way, ensuring magnificent views with every step. The first exhilarating highlight comes a quarter mile in when you find yourself on a narrow rock ledge that forms a shelf on the Garden Wall and plunges down over a hundred feet to Going-to-the-sun Road below – keep your wits about you as you walk here. Once you get past the ledge, you’ll be able to feast your eyes on views of the surrounding peaks. Stop for lunch on Haystack Pass or keep going to the historic Granite Park Chalet.

Iceberg Lake Trail 

Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Another of the Park’s most popular hikes, the attraction of Iceberg Lake lies in the name. Here you’ll find huge chunks of ice floating peacefully in a stunning turquoise alpine lake which lies in a deep bowl with sheer rock walls. The trail starts out with a few miles of steep climbing before mellowing out at treeline where you can catch our breath and soak in the views. Bears are common on this trail so make sure to read up on bear safety before you go.

Avalanche Lake Trail 

Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

There’s nothing quite like hiking to a beautiful, pristine lake in the wilderness, and while many alpine lakes require serious commitment to reach, Avalanche involves a fairly easy walk. This does mean that it gets crowded, naturally, but the payoff is an idyllic lake with waterfalls and cascades that makes a picture perfect spot for lunch.

Sun Point to Virginia Falls 

Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Virginia Falls are easily the most beautiful falls in the Park and can be reached via an easy walk through the woods where you’ll enjoy plenty of shade. Stop to enjoy the three-tiered St Mary Falls, about 1.7 miles in, before continuing on to the even more impressive thundering Virginia Falls which drop 50 feet over multiple tiers.

Grinnell Glacier Trail 

Distance: 10.6 miles
Difficulty: Hard

You can hike all 10.6 miles of this trail starting from the trailhead, or take a ferry across the lakes and shave about seven miles off your journey. If you’re going the whole hog on foot, expect a mellow first couple of miles as you pass Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes, then things start to get harder as you climb. For your efforts, you’ll enjoy stupendous views of Grinnell Lake, Salamander Glacier and Grinnell Glacier.

Hidden Lake Overlook 

Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

This relatively easy trail packs a lot of scenic views and is great for the whole family. You’ll begin by crossing a wildflower carpeted meadow known as the Hanging Gardens before gently climbing towards Bearhat Mountain which rises sharply up ahead of you. Soon, you’ll realize the Hidden Lake is neatly tucked into the base of Bearhat, making it’s sparkling blue waters all the more delightful. You can stop at the overlook or keep going down to the shore.

Ptarmigan Tunnel 

Distance: 10.6 miles
Difficulty: Hard

The Ptarmigan Tunnel is a 240ft tunnel that was blasted through Ptarmigan Wall in 1930 for horses and tourist traffic. The Ptarmigan Trail takes you to the tunnel through meadows and forest. When you arrive at the tunnel, you might think that the views of Ptarmigan Lake and the valley behind you are as good as it gets, but make sure to walk through the tunnel for the breathtaking views on the far side too.

Gunsight Pass 

Distance: 18.8 miles
Difficulty: Hard

From glaciers and snowfields to crossing the suspension bridge of St Mary river and of course, views for days, this overnight backpacking trip delivers a truly epic adventure. You can make it a day hike of course by just turning around when you are ready, but for the whole thing you’ll need a backcountry permit and a plan for two or three days in the wild.

Of all of Colorado’s famous ski towns, Breckenridge may offer the most quintessential mountain getaway. Without snow or traffic, this picturesque mountain oasis is less than a two-hour drive west from Denver and at 9599ft above sea level, it will take your breath away even before you get your eyes on the spectacular surrounding Rocky Mountains. This Victorian era former mining town is nestled into the base of the Tenmile Mountain Range which lies on the northside of the Continental Divide and it’s virtually impossible not to enjoy splendid views on any of the best hikes in Breckenridge.

Once the snow melts and the resort closes, Breckenridge is transformed into a lush, green paradise for summer adventure, with high alpine hiking trails taking you across wildflower blanketed meadows to lakes and waterfalls framed by dramatic peaks, old mining ruins and up to the Continental Divide. 

All trails in Breckenridge entail high altitude hiking, so if you’re arriving from sea level you’ll want to leave time to acclimate and make sure you wear good hiking boots tough enough for some rugged adventure and carry your water bottle. Summer and fall are the best seasons for hiking and mornings are the best time for summer hiking, when afternoon storms can roll in, so time your hike in order to get back to the charming downtown for lunch and a cold local brew.

If you have a car and are up for exploring other nearby areas, check out our guide to the best hikes in Vail. 

Hoosier Pass Loop 

Distance: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Looking for unbelievable views from the Continental Divide? Look no further than this relatively easy loop, which begins at the top of Hoosier Pass at 11,542ft above sea level. This high alpine loop traverses the Divide instead of being a major climb, but offers the scenery of a more arduous hike. Drive south on Highway 9 to the top of the Pass and park near the Continental Divide sign.

McCullough Gulch 

Distance: 6.3 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

This splendid hike follows a mountain stream the entire way for over three miles through evergreen forests. The hike culminates in an alpine lake that is fed by gorgeous waterfalls over granite rocks and a picture perfect spot to stop for lunch. It’s a steady climb the entire way, but worth the effort. The trailhead is 2.2 miles west of Highway 9 on County Road 851 a few miles past the Quandary Peak trailhead. 

Blue Lakes - Monte Cristo Gulch 

Distance: 2.9 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

This hike isn’t particularly long, but it has absolutely everything you could want from a hike in Breckenridge: alpine lakes, waterfalls and old mining ruins. The hike begins at 11,748ft and stays high the entire way so the views are nothing to scoff at either. Drive 8 miles south on Highway 9. Turn right on the Blue Lakes #850 Road then turn right on the McCullough Gulch #851 Road. Drive 0.1 mile to a small parking area on the right side of the road.

Mohawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail 

Distance: 5.2 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

If you’re up for a true alpine adventure, take the day and head up the Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. You’ll hike through lodgepole pine forests and alpine meadows, passing stunning Mayflower Lake and Continental Falls before arriving at the main attraction. Mohawk Lakes are pristine alpine lakes surrounded by historic mining ruins and make a perfect photo op. Head south on Highway 9 to Spruce Creek Road. The trailhead is about a mile up the road.

Crystal Lakes Trail 

Distance: 8.1 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

This rugged route takes you to two beautiful alpine lakes and makes for a challenging but rewarding day. The first two miles of this trail are a road that you can drive if you have 4WD and high clearance, beginning at Lower Crystal Lake cutting your total walk time almost in half. When you get to Upper Crystal, enjoy some rest in the cabin and spectacular views of the Tenmile Mountain Range. Drive south on Highway 9 and turn right onto Spruce Creek Road. Take left turns at all the forks for approximately 1.8 miles until you arrive at the Spruce Creek Trailhead.

Quandary Peak 

Distance: 6.1 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Want to try hiking a 14er? Quandary is a favorite among mountain folk as one of the closer, and easier 14ers to hike. You’re certain to get up close and personal with the mountain goats that live up here (and the hoards of hikers) and enjoy the best possible views of the Tenmile Mountain Range. If you want to park at the trailhead, you will need to reserve a parking spot. To get to the trailhead, head down Blue Lakes Road from Highway 9. Turn right onto County Road 851 and the trailhead is 0.1 miles down the road. You can also use the free shuttle service from Breckenridge. The east ridge route starts almost at treeline so you will have spectacular views the entire way.  

Fletcher Mountain Trail 

Distance: 4.9 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Last of all, if you really fancy the high alpine environment of a 14er but don’t want to deal with the inevitable crowds on Quandary, head to Fletcher Mountain instead. At 13,951ft tall, views from the summit are just as spectacular as any mountain ten feet higher. In fact, Fletcher is the highest “Thirteener” in the Tenmile Range. You’ll start out on an old mining road before dipping down into a valley below Quandary then beginning your climb to the summit. There are several ways to reach this trail but we recommend accessing it from the Blue Lakes trailhead. Drive 8 miles south on Highway 9. Turn right on the Blue Lakes #850 Road then turn right on the McCullough Gulch #851 Road. Drive 0.1 mile to a small parking area on the right side of the road.

Far from the temperate rainforests of Redwood National Park and the glacier sculpted valley of Yosemite to the north lies a California desert oasis in Joshua Tree National Park. Just a couple of hours east of LA’s massive urban sprawl, Joshua Tree’s vast wilderness has captured the imagination of many an artist over the decades, but its iconic landscape is a true haven for hikers and rock climbers who come to explore its patterns of dense forest and rock formation. The best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park give you some of the best sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see across the windswept vistas of this desert landscape.

Joshua Tree National Park is in southern California near the city of Palm Springs, and straddles two distinct desert ecosystems: the Mojave and the Colorado. It is named for the trees native to the Mojave, which takes up the western portion of the Park and sits a bit higher and is therefore cooler – sometimes even experiencing snow in winter. This diverse desert environment is characterized by alternating dense and sparse collections of Joshua trees and large boulders, some of which are billions of years old.

The eastern portion of the park lies on the lower, warmer Colorado desert and is marked by sandy dunes and low desert scrub like cacti. Summer temperatures in Joshua Tree National Park are likely to get up close to 100°F while winter highs are usually a much more comfortable 60°F, making it one of our top picks for best National Parks to visit in winter – although spring and fall are really the best time to explore here. Whatever time of the year you visit, you’ll want to read our guides on desert hiking and desert camping so that you go prepared for extremes.

Speaking of preparation, be aware that Joshua Tree is home to wildlife such as rattlesnakes, coyotes and scorpions. You’re in their house and the best thing to do is leave them well alone. Finally, don’t be fooled by the sandy landscape and hot temperatures into thinking you can explore in flip flops – you’ll still want to bring proper footwear such as hiking boots to explore this rocky, sandy terrain and avoid painful cactus spines.  

You’ll notice that many of the best hikes in Joshua Tree are quite short, and flat, so you might be able to combine several in a single day but remember that in summer months, the middle of the day is off limits for hiking so you may just plan one at sunrise and one at sunset. We’ve also included a couple of longer hikes better saved for cooler weather.

Skull Rock Nature Trail and Jumbo Rocks 

Distance: 1.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy

This short and sweet hike gets straight to the point, beginning with the striking rock formation that resembles a skull before delivering you straight into Jumbo Rocks, a garden of imposing rock boulders that have been smoothed out by the winds of time. It’s definitely family friendly and short enough to be combined with other hikes on the same day, but its striking scenery is not to be missed. The trail draws crowds, so plan to set out early.

Cholla Cactus Garden 

Distance: 0.3 mile
Difficulty: Easy

If you’re seeking the cactus-rich desert landscape promised by your childhood memories of Bugs Bunny, look no further than the Cholla Cactus Garden. Positioned on the western edge of the Colorado desert, this area receives plenty of water and produces lots of vegetation as a result. This short loop takes you through a dense concentration of thousands of beautiful cholla cactus plants as well as the reptiles that live in them. You do not want to even lightly brush up against these plants however, so cover your skin and take care walking on the trail. This is a busy trail, and an excellent spot for viewing sunrise, which is all the more reason to set out early.

Hidden Valley Loop 

Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy

This great trail is like a buffet of the best sights Joshua Tree has to offer. A narrow canyon takes you to a sheltered valley where you’ll be surrounded by classic, golden boulders formed below the earth’s surface millions of years ago then revealed over time by water erosion.

Arch Rock Nature Trail 

Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy

This short, scenic lollipop trail takes you to a unique 30ft long naturally occurring granite arch that attracts visitors from all over the world. You’ll enjoy the sandy trail, diverse vegetation and opportunities for wildlife viewing on the way, and if you like to scramble over rocks you’ll find lots of opportunities for that too. Get here early and catch the sunrise through the arch.

Barker Dam 

Distance: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Barker Dam was built by early cattle ranchers in the area and while it doesn't always contain water, when it does it provides a rare opportunity to capture the reflection of sunrise in the surface. Even if the dam is empty, this short hike is worth it for the rock formations and indigenous rock art along the way.

Indian Cove 

Distance: 0.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy

There are two great reasons to visit this trail: botany and rock formations. It’s another short, easy loop that you can do in either direction and signs on the trail teach you about how indigenous peoples here used the local plants medicinally, while you’ll enjoy excellent views of the Indian Cove rock towers popular with climbers.

49 Palms Oasis Trail 

Distance: 3.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

True to its name, this trail leads you to an oasis where you will discover 49 palm trees. It begins with a short half mile climb before ascending and descending several rocky ridges with spectacular valley views on the way to an enchanting desert wetland where the palm trees seem to magically flourish. 

Ryan Mountain Trail 

Distance: 2.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

As one of the few hikes in the park to offer some decent elevation gain, Ryan Mountain Trail subsequently provides panoramic views of the Park. You’ll climb over 1,000ft in 1.5 miles over steep, rocky switchbacks and in return enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area and desert wildlife such as bighorn sheep. This is a top choice for watching the sunset.

Panorama Loop, Black Rock Canyon 

Distance: 6.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

The trailhead for this hike is at 4,000ft, so you can expect wonderful views and cooler temperatures. This is another lollipop loop that provides plenty of uphill on the way through lots of beautiful Joshua trees to views of the surrounding San Gorgonio Mountains.

Boy Scouts Trail 

Distance: 8-16 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

This trail makes for one of the longer day hikes in the Park and if you’re looking for solitude, it’s certainly worth the mileage. The trail crosses the range that separates the Mojave from the Upper Pinto Basin, offering sensational views of the Indian Creek area. You’ll start in the Upper Pinto Basin and hike through a flat plain with smaller rock formations before crossing a ranch and hiking through a sandy wash to the Indian Cove trailhead. It is 8 miles one way so running a shuttle is recommended, otherwise you’re looking at a 16-mile round trip hike.

There is a wealth of fantastic hiking near London. England’s capital city may be a bustling metropolis of global importance, yet the countryside around it is absolutely gorgeous. From trails exploring the spectacular south coast to footpaths that take you onto the hills to reveal some of the south east’s most cherished viewpoints, London’s surroundings are excellent rambling territory.

It’s no wonder hiking near London is so sublime, as the capital is surrounded by designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There’s the wooded splendour of the Chiltern Hills, the wild and windswept High Weald, the picturesque Surrey Hills, the colourful Kent Downs and the historic North Wessex Downs. And last but not least, let’s not forget that the south east is home to the wonderful South Downs National Park.

Accessing these designated beauty spots from the capital is easier than you might think. We’ve put together five day hikes and one little-known long-distance trail for you to get your best hiking boots stuck into. The best thing is, all of them can be accessed by train from the centre of London.

As well as glorious scenery, hiking near London is characterised by fascinating history and superb wildlife, it’s definitely worth packing your binoculars. At Leith Hill, you can wander the trails that were once trodden by Charles Darwin and Ralph Vaughan Williams – keeping your ears out for the song of skylarks. You can follow the ancient Ridgeway, the nation’s oldest trail, as you explore the colourful Chiltern Hills. On the commons between Haslemere and Liphook, you can spot all of England’s resident snake species. So, what are you waiting for?

Hiking near London: the Seven Sisters

The South Downs Way long-distance footpath reaches its climax at the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs by Eastbourne. This wonderful coastal walk takes advantage of the trail, taking you from the traditional seaside town of Seaford to vibrant Eastbourne via the famous cliffs and Beachy Head, Britain’s highest chalk cliff. It can get a bit windy up there, so it’s worth packing your down jacket.

Along the way you discover the scenic River Cuckmere as it ends its meandering journey; sweeping sea views from the cliffs; beautiful beaches with fossil hunting opportunities; picturesque lighthouses, perfect foreground interest for your photos; and a number of superb eateries once you reach Eastbourne. Both Seaford and Eastbourne are within a two hour train journey from London Victoria.

Hiking near London: following the Ridgeway

Hiking near London doesn't get much better than this undulating journey across the northwest facing escarpment of the Chiltern Hills, following the ancient Ridgeway trail between Princes Risborough and Wendover. It’s a walk characterised by lovely viewpoints and colourful surroundings, particularly in the warmer months when the wildflowers are at their best.

Perhaps the highlight of this wonderful ramble is Coombe Hill which, at 260 meters, is one of the highest points in the Chiltern Hills AONB and one of its most celebrated viewpoints. From the Boer War Memorial on the summit, you are treated to a huge vista of the Vale of Aylesbury and the distant Cotswolds are even visible on a clear day. Both Princes Risborough and Wendover are around an hour from London Marylebone.

Hiking near London: Leith Hill and Holmbury Hill

This is a delightful loop that utilizes part of the Greensand Way, a 108-mile long-distance trail that traverses the Greensand Ridge, and visits its highest point on Leith Hill. Adorned by a magnificent tower, Leith Hill is home to abundant wildlife and a fascinating history. Nearby Leith Hill Place was the home of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, who was the grandson of Caroline Wedgwood, Charles Darwin’s sister, who lived here with her husband Josiah.

Other highlights on this gorgeous ramble include the wonderful views of the North Downs and the Weald from neighbouring Holmbury Hill and Caroline Wedgwood’s colourful Rhododendron Wood. The loop starts and finishes at Holmwood station, an hour from London Victoria.

Hiking near London: Butser Hill

At 271 meters above sea level, Butser Hill is the highest point on the chalk ridge of the South Downs and makes for a grand objective. It’s the second highest point in the national park, behind the Greensand Ridge’s Blackdown. Unsurprisingly, the panorama from the top is extensive, with the Channel and even the Isle of Wight visible on a good day. The chalk grassland of the South Downs is a delightfully springy underfoot, perfect for barefoot running shoes.

Our loop takes in the wider Queen Elizabeth Country Park, renowned for its colourful array or flora and fauna in spring and summer. The route utilises a sumptuous section of the South Downs Way on its way back to Petersfield, which is just over an hour’s train journey away from London Waterloo.

Hiking near London: the head of the Serpent

This is a linear walk that explores the opening section of the Serpent Trail, a long-distance trail that snakes through Sussex’s Greensand Hills. The name comes not just from trail’s overall S-shape, but because there’s also the opportunity to spot all three of England’s native snake species: the grass snake, the smooth snake and the adder.

The Highlight of this walk is Blackdown, the county top of Sussex and the highest point in the South Downs National Park at 280 meters. Trekking poles are handy for taking some of the strain during the ascent and descent from the hill. Unsurprisingly the views towards the South Downs ridge are excellent. Start point Haslemere and end point Liphook are around an hour away from the city, on the line between London Waterloo and Portsmouth.

Hiking near London: the New River Path

For a longer hike that takes you from the countryside into the centre of London, the New River Path is a great option. Starting in Hertfordshire’s pretty countryside, it follows the New River – an aqueduct built in 1613 to supply drinking water to the capital – to its end point at New River Head in Islington. For your own supply of H2O on the hike, take a decent water bottle along.

You also might want to split the walk over a few days, as the full trail is 28 miles in length, but it allows you to discover a whole new side to the capital. From Lee Valley’s wetlands, a Georgian mansion, beautiful parkland and interesting parts of urban North London you might not otherwise visit, it’s a varied and surprisingly green trail. You can access the start point at New Gauge from Hertford East Station, just an hour away from Liverpool Street station.

Canyonlands National Park is a geological mecca for rugged desert adventure. South of Moab, Canyonlands holds the distinction of being the largest National Park in Utah, preserving 337,598 acres of canyons, mesas, arches, spires, buttes and fins. The best hikes in Canyonlands National Park deliver dramatic desert landscapes, stunning spires and perfectly preserved rock art.

Less than ten miles from Arches National Park, Canyonlands is so big that it’s divided into four sections by the Colorado and the Green River: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze and Horseshoe Canyon. Each of the these districts has a distinct flavor. Of the four, Island in the Sky is the most accessible, while The Needles offers a bit more of a backcountry experience and The Maze is extremely remote. Horseshoe Canyon is a day-use area famous for its Indigenous rock art. The four sections are not directly linked by road and traveling between them takes several hours by car so you can either pick one section to explore, or plan to have more than a couple of days here.

When you’re planning a visit to Canyonlands, you don’t want to just sling your hiking boots in your car and head out unprepared. Make sure to read our articles on desert hiking and desert camping if you’re planning on backpacking and get yourself a good map of the area since you can’t always rely on GPS in this rugged area.

For this article, we’ve picked our favorite hikes in Island in the Sky and the Needles, and outlined how to access the best rock art in Horseshoe Canyon. The Maze requires backcountry survival gear and skill for self-rescue so we haven’t included it in our roundup, but we’re sure you'll find all the adventure you need in these great hikes.

Best hikes in Canyonlands National Park: Island in the Sky

Island in the Sky in the northern section of the Park is the most accessible area of the park with paved roads and well-marked trails. Nestled high on the mesa between the Colorado and the Green River, the hiking here delivers truly spectacular views of the area.

Mesa Arch

Distance: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Mesa Arch is perched on the edge of a cliff and offers spectacular views of the park in all directions. This trail is accessible for kids so it’s great for hiking with the whole family.

This short, easy trail takes you across slickrock to the arch which sits atop a 500ft cliff overlooking Buck Canyon.

Park at the Mesa Arch trailhead and follow the signs to join the trail. The arch is classified as a pothole arch because it was formed by sitting water that slowly eroded the sandstone rock. Through the arch, you’ll be able to see the snow-capped La Sal Mountains in the distance, and Washer Woman Arch off to the left. The best time to do this hike is at sunrise or sunset.

Grand Viewpoint

Distance: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy

For unparalleled views, look no further than Grand View Point Trail. Stand at the viewpoint over 6,000ft above sea level and feast your eyes upon the deep rugged canyons cut by the Colorado and Green River spread out before you that seem otherworldly.

Pick up the trail at the parking area at the very end of Grand Point View Drive and after only 100 years of easy paved trail you’ll arrive at the first viewpoint. After this, the trail takes you down some steep rocky steps and continues to the very edge of the Island in the Sky Mesa where you can take in the views of Monument Basin before continuing on to the end for sweeping views of Canyonlands.

Upheaval Dome Overlook

Distance: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Upheaval Dome is perhaps the most curious geological in a park full of curious geological features. Some think this massive crater is the result of a meteor impact while others believe it is a salt dome. Either way, at three miles in diameter, the best way to view it is from up high. This hike takes up stone steps to the rim then along the rim to two key lookout points. The second point is reached by following rock cairns.

From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive south for 6.5 miles. Turn right onto Upheaval Dome Road and drive another 5 miles to the end of the road. 

Syncline Loop

Distance: 8.6 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

This challenging loop can be done as a long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip. It takes you along the canyons around Upheaval Dome, but doesn’t actually offer views of the feature itself. This hike is extreme desert hiking, meaning that it is very primitive, difficult to follow and offers little shade along the way. It’s an excellent adventure chock full of geological wonders, but you should go armed with lots of water, a map and the best GPS watch.

The trail starts from the Upheaval Dome trailhead, and if you hike the loop clockwise it will be less strenuous. 

Best hikes in Canyonlands National Park: The Needles

In the southwest portion of the Park, the Needles is famous for its abundance of breathtaking colorful spires. The hiking here is a bit more primitive, so make sure you get a map of the area and have a plan for your hikes.

Lost Canyon

Distance: 8.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Spectacular Lost Canyon often has a flowing stream in the springtime and that makes the vegetation here a little more diverse and the colors even more vivid. This loop makes a long day hike or a great overnight adventure – there are three campsites in the canyon. After hiking through Lost Canyon for two miles, take the sharp right into a narrow gorge for a half mile. Climb a steep chute via an NPS ladder to a slickrock ledge then soon drop into Squaw Canyon. Turn right at the next junction and after a couple of miles, hook back up with Peekaboo trail which returns you to the trailhead.

From The Needles entrance station, drive west for 2.7 miles and turn left into Squaw Flat campground. You can go either  way at the fork, but taking the road on the left and parking at that trailhead saves you a little time on foot to the backcountry.

Druid Arch

Distance: 10.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Druid Arch is a long day hike, but still one of the most popular hikes in the Park as the best way to take in what makes The Needles so special. This hike takes you via Elephant Canyon to a stunning rock arch that is quite unique and looks a bit like Stonehenge. To get there, you’ll travel on slickrock, between rock formations, across narrows and up ladders and short scrambles. At the first junction after 1.5 miles, bear right to Chesler park. After dropping into Elephant Canyon, go straight rather than left into Squaw Canyon and head towards the arch. Return the same way you came.

From The Needles entrance station, drive west for 2.7 miles and turn left into Squaw Flat campground then take a right onto the Elephant Hill Access Road and drive three miles to the trailhead.

Slickrock Foot Trail

Distance: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Rather than descending into a canyon bottom, this loop stays up high and offers splendid views of the northeastern portion of the Park. It’s also fairly well-marked so it’s more accessible than many other trails in The Needles. Take the hike counterclockwise and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges as well as the Needles themselves.

Find the Slickrock Foot Trail Parking Area on the right 6.4 miles from the Needles entrance station.

Best hikes in Canyonlands National Park: Horseshoe Canyon

Horseshoe Canyon is a deep canyon with sheer sandstone walls that is located northwest of the main Park area and is famous for its stunning collection of indigenous rock art depicting life-sized figures.

The Great Gallery

Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

It’s defiintely worth carving out a day in your itinerary to visit The Great Gallery, an impressive panel of well preserved indigenous rock art that dates back to between 9000-7000 BCE. However, to get to the Gallery requires a certain amount of commitment in the form of dropping into the canyon for a seven mile round trip slog across the sandy bottom. Your day of course ends  with a climb back out of the canyon. This hike is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the canyon is spectacular and the art is some of the most significant in the country. The Great Gallery itself contains some 20 images but there are other, smaller galleries along the way.

You’ll want a map (don’t rely on GPS) to get you to the Hans Flat Ranger Station, which is about 2.5 hours drive from Moab and 1.5 from Green River. From the Ranger Station, a four-wheel-drive road leads to the east rim.

Yellowstone is widely considered to be the world’s first National Park and its famous geysers are rumored to have inspired the very idea of preserving areas natural beauty for the enjoyment of future generations. What makes Yellowstone National Park so special? Primarily it’s the unique hydrothermal and geologic wonders of the park in addition to many abundant opportunities to view wildlife like bison, bears and wolves, and the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park let you explore all of this.

Set on 2.2 million acres of land mostly in Wyoming, and partially in Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone is vast (bigger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined), rugged and remote. The best known feature is Old Faithful, one of the Park’s 500 or so geysers (erupting hot springs) but it’s also home to more than 10,000 other hydrothermal features, 290 waterfalls and the largest high elevation lake in North America. You’ll definitely want wheels to explore all of this, but of course, the best parts are off the beaten path so we highly recommend packing your hiking boots and exploring on foot.

Lucky for you, there are some 1,000 miles of spectacular hiking trails in Yellowstone National Park. If you’re planning a visit, know that Yellowstone is open year-round but is subject to unpredictable weather and wild temperature swings. The best times to visit are spring and fall, which are slightly off peak without being subject to severe winter weather. Before entering the park, you will want to read our safety guides on what to do if you meet a bear or a wolf on the trail.

Here, we’ve selected some of our favorite day hikes in the Park that take you to geysers, waterfalls and deep canyons.

Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop 

Distance: 4.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Naturally, you’re going to Yellowstone with geysers on your mind so this hike should be top of your list. This trail is relatively flat and takes you by dozens of geysers.

Start at Old Faithful and wait for it to erupt – it does so every 44 minutes – then go around it to the right. At the first junction, turn right towards the murmuring Firehole River. Cross the bridge and continue along the trail, detouring to take in Observation Point and Solitary Geyser. Then follow the trail passing geysers every few minutes until you meet the paved trail which takes you back to the visitors center.

Avalanche Peak 

Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Avalanche Peak is easily one of the most popular hikes in Yellowstone, with beautiful scenery the entire way. This trail over in the east side of the Park is steep from start to finish, taking you from dense forest all the way to a rocky ridge at the summit of Avalanche Peak which stands at 10,568ft above sea level.

Start from the East Entrance Rd and after a mile in the forest, you’ll emerge into the stunning basin of Avalanche Peak. Expect lots of switchbacks and a little scree before reaching the summit, where you’ll want to take advantage of the wind shelters as you enjoy views of Silvertip, Hoyt, Grizzly and Top Notch Peaks.

South Rim to Point Sublime

Distance: 6.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a 24 mile long, 1200ft deep canyon on the Yellowstone River and our favorite way to view it is from the South Rim.

This flat trail near the center of the Park takes you from the Wapiti Lake trailhead along the rim, passing Yellowstone Falls on the way to Point Sublime with terrific canyon views the entire way. Stopping off at Artists’ Point on the way is highly recommended. Stay away from the edge of the rim as the cliffs here are crumbling.

Seven Mile Hole 

Distance: 9.7 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

If you only had time for one hike, this one might be the best one, as it takes in many of the Park’s highlights, from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to hot springs and wildlife.

Start at the Glacial Boulder pullout, on the road to Inspiration Point. Up in the Canyon area and hike near the rim to hook up with the Washburn Spur Trail then the Seven Mile Hole Trail where you’ll drop down more than 1,000ft in just over two miles to the bottom of the canyon followed by a challenging climb back up.

Fairy Falls 

Distance: 4.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy

This is a relatively easy hike in the Old Faithful area of the Park to a spectacular waterfall and two geysers.

Start from the Fairy Falls Trail parking lot and hike through the forest, passing the unbelievable circular blue Grand Prismatic geyser and the erupting Spray and Imperial geyser before reaching the falls, which at 200ft high are absolutely magical.

Sky Rim Loop 

Distance: 18 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

Located in the Montana portion of the Park, this loop offers classic, breathtaking views in exchange for a pretty full-on day hike, or overnight backpacking trip, however needless to say you don’t have to do the full loop.

Start from the trailhead on 191 and hike through the meadow towards the rim following signs for the Sky Rim Trail. At the junction, you can go in either direction and expect vast, dramatic mountains as you tour the edge of the Park and summit Big Horn Peak on the way.

Brink of the Lower Falls 

Distance: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

This hike up in the northwest corner of the Park is a short but steep climb down to view the beautiful Lower Yellowstone Falls.

Start from the trailhead on North Rim Drive and switchback straight down to the Falls, which tumble down over 300ft, and enjoy views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Then it’s a short but steep hike back up.

Beaver Ponds Loop 

Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Up in the northern part of the Park near Mammoth Hot Springs, this family friendly, scenic hike is great for wildlife viewing and escaping the crowds.

Start from the trailhead north of Liberty Cap and travel in either direction. After a bit of a climb, the trail levels out and you can enjoy a long loop, skirting the edge of the ponds about halfway along, and look out for every kind of wildlife from beavers and moose to elk and bears.

The best hikes in Grand Canyon National Park range from short, easy strolls along the rim to epic overnight trips all the way down to the canyon floor and back up, and all of them take in the splendor of this geological marvel.

Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona and is about a three-and-a-half hour drive from Phoenix, four-and-a-half from Las Vegas. The canyon was carved by the Colorado River on its journey from the Rockies to the Gulf of California, though at over a mile deep you can rarely see it. The canyon is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, making it one of the biggest canyons in the world. Scientists don’t know how old it is, but some estimate parts of it may be 70 million years old. The Grand Canyon is home to the Hualapai, Hopi and Havasupai tribes, the latter of which live in the canyon’s only town, Supai Village, an eight-mile hike from the canyon’s rim.

We've no doubt that the Grand Canyon is already on your bucket list of places to see  what with its world-renowned natural beauty and sheer magnitude. Though this iconic spot is easily one of the most photographed places in the world, there’s nothing quite like standing on the canyon rim and taking it all in with your own eyes. There are lots of ways to explore one of the biggest canyons in the world – you can take a three week river trip through the sheer rock walls, fly overhead in a small plane or helicopter, or even ride a mule for a half-day descent – but needless to say, we’re here to tell you all about exploring it on foot.

Grand Canyon National Park includes two sections: the South Rim, which is open year-round, contains most of the popular trails and amenities and draws the majority of the park’s five million annual visitors, and the more remote North Rim, which sits at over 8,000 feet on the Kaibab Plateau and closes in winter. The two rims are five hour drive apart, so typically you’ll just visit one unless you’re planning on spending several days here. The Grand Canyon is a bit far from any major population center to make a satisfying day trip, but has lots of camping and lodging, so it’s best to plan on at least a night or two here to make the most of it. 

Here we’ve listed our favorite hikes on both rims – some of these are overnight backcountry trips requiring permits and experience when done in their entirety, however we’ve described how you can turn them into accessible day hikes.

Best hikes in Grand Canyon National Park: what you’ll need 

With trails ranging from paved to extremely rugged, you’ll want your best pair of hiking boots and we recommend trekking poles for any trails that descend into the canyon. Remember that the Grand Canyon is in the desert, so read our article on desert hiking before you go and plan for extreme conditions. We also highly recommend you bring a good pair of binoculars so you can really feast your eyes on this massive geological wonder. 

Best hikes in Grand Canyon National Park: South Rim 

The South Rim is the more popular side, meaning more crowds but more services and spectacular views. Because it’s open year round, it made our list of Best National Parks to Visit in Winter and it’s worth considering an off-season trip here if you want a quieter experience. 

South Rim Trail 

Distance: Up to 13 miles
Difficulty: Easy

The most popular hike in the park, the Rim Trail stretches for 13 miles from the South Kaibab Trailhead near the visitor center to an area called Hermit’s Rest. The trail is mostly flat, shaded and mostly paved, with a shuttle bus service that runs adjacent to it meaning you don’t have to hike the whole way. You can hike out as far as you want then turn back or take the bus back, or even take the bus out towards the end then walk back. The trail hugs the rim of the canyon so however you choose to do it, you’ll be treated to those panoramic views you’ve dreamed of along the way.

Bright Angel Trail 

Distance: Up to 20 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

Bright Angel trail is a strenuous hike from near the village all the way down to the bottom of the canyon, and doing the entire thing in one day is an overnight backpacking trip and not a day hike. The trail begins just west of the Bright Angel Lodge and descends 4380ft to the river over ten miles of desert hiking with an average grade of 10%, and when you get to the bottom, there isn’t an elevator ride back to the top. With a camping permit, you can turn this into an unforgettable overnight trip, however you can also simply hike a portion of the trail. There’s a rest house 1.5 miles in, another at three miles in, or for a more challenging day you can navigate the gruelling switchbacks and make Indian Garden near the five mile mark your turnaround point for stunning tunnel views.

South Kaibab Trail 

Distance: Up to 12 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

The South Kaibab Trail is another strenuous overnight hike to the bottom of the canyon that has little shade and no water but can be made into a day hike simply by turning around sooner so shouldn’t be discounted as long as you’re up for a bit of challenge. The only way to get to the trailhead is to take the shuttle bus to Yaki Point (you can drive it in winter). From here, expect a steep, switchback descent with non-stop views on the exposed trail. You can camp at the bottom with a permit, but for a day hike, consider turning around at Ooh-Aah Point for spectacular views at just under a mile in, Cedar Ridge at 1.5 miles or Skeleton Point at three miles in where you’ll catch a first glimpse of the river far below.

Grand View Trail 

Distance: Up to 9 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

Grand View Trail is a steep, rugged, precarious hike that descends into the canyon. The trail begins at Grandview Point, a 15 minute drive east of the visitor center on Desert View Drive and was built in 1893 as a mining route and is made up of large, uneven steps. The first few switchbacks tend to be busy with hikers and photographers, however the crowds soon thin out owing to the strenuous nature of the trail. Hiking all the way to Cottonwood Creek is not recommended for inexperienced hikers, but Horseshoe Mesa at three miles in offers spectacular views of the canyon and plenty of challenge. This plateau juts out into the canyon and was formerly a copper mine.

Dripping Springs 

Distance: 6.8 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

Dripping Springs is the hike for you if you’re looking to escape the crowds. It begins from Hermit’s Rest, so you’ll want to take the shuttle bus out there, about a 40 minute ride, where you’ll find an incredible trail built over 100 years ago out of sandstone slabs. The steep, narrow hike takes you to a magnificent mossy hanging garden springs in a corner of the canyon. In the winter months, you can drive to the trailhead.

Best hikes in Grand Canyon National Park: North Rim 

The North Rim is 1000ft higher than the other side and receives only about 10% of the Park’s visitors, making it great for those seeking a road-less-traveled experience. There is only one campground and one lodge here, so plan ahead. 

Bright Angel Point 

Distance: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy

This short, easy stroll leads you and the family to panoramic views of the canyon. Follow the signs from the North Rim visitor center along a rolling path to the point which juts out into the canyon where you can survey the South Rim trails snaking their way down to the river. With a good pair of binoculars you can see other hikers making their way down.

Cape Final Trail 

Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Cape Final offers the best vistas of the Grand Canyon and the river from this side and is reached via a mostly flat, forested trail. The trail begins from the parking lot on Cape Royal Road, ending with a short scramble up to the viewpoint and delivers one of the most rewarding hikes this side of the canyon.

North Kaibab Trail 

Distance: up to 28 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

North Kaibab Trail is the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim, beginning about two miles north of Grand Canyon Lodge. Though it does descend all the way down to the canyon floor, this is not recommended, and it is not a day hike. For a short hike, go to Coconino Overlook at 1.5 miles in or for a more strenuous affair, Supai Tunnel at four miles in. Both of these will offer delightful views and a good physical challenge. Roaring Springs is a 9.4 mile round trip journey, making a difficult day hike to a beautiful waterfall.

Simply put, Arches National Park is like no other place on earth. Proclaimed as a red rock wonderland, Arches is famous for having over 2,000 natural sandstone rock arches as well as hundreds of other spectacular rock formations like pinnacles, fins and balanced rocks. The best way to experience this National Park is by foot on its slickrock trails, and the best hikes in Arches National Park range from short strolls to day-long primitive adventures that will take you up close and personal with geological evolution.

Located in eastern Utah, four miles north of Moab, the landscape of Arches was formed by a sea bed 65 million years ago that was forced up to thousands of feet above sea level before being slowly eroded by wind and water over time. Arches makes an unforgettable destination as a day trip, a multi-day camping trip, and can also be paired with nearby Canyonlands National Park for an epic adventure. Many of our picks for the best hikes in Arches National Park are short but can be combined with others in the same day.

Arches National Park lies in the desert landscape of the Colorado Plateau and therefore special considerations should be taken when hiking here. In addition to your best hiking boots, you’ll want to read our guide to desert hiking before visiting for tips on dressing properly. 

The best times to visit Arches are the spring and fall when daytime highs are comfortably  between the 60s and 80s. In the summer, temperatures can be well into the hundreds, while the quiet period during winter can also make for a good time to visit, though snow and ice can make an appearance on the trails.

Spending some time in Utah? Be sure to check out our guide to the state’s incredible National Parks and Monuments.

Landscape Arch

Distance: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy

This hike features an easy paved trail to the biggest arch on the planet. Chunks of rock have broken off the arch over the last 100 years, some as large as cars, leaving the arch itself looking precariously thin, increasing the sense of urgency around seeing this arch soon lest it collapses completely. The arch is located at the end of Devil’s Garden Trail and the walk there takes you through a playground of arches, spires, and fins which are narrow rock walls that eventually erode and give way to the formation of arches like Landscape Arch.

Delicate Arch

Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

The hike to Delicate Arch easily tops the to-do list for visitors here, and it’s no surprise. As one of the most famous geological formations in the world, Delicate Arch has become the unofficial state symbol of Utah and even made it onto a commemorative quarter. 

This free-standing sandstone arch is the largest in Arches National Park standing 46ft high and 32ft wide and you can’t see it from the road so you’ll have to get your hiking boots on. Park at the trailhead for Wolfe Ranch and take the smooth, red slickrock trail uphill at a steady pace passing some smaller stone arches and a wall of Ute Indian petroglyphs on the way as well as two good viewpoints of the arch. The real event however is getting up close to the arch so it’s worth going all the way. 

Devil’s Garden

Distance: 7.9 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Though Devil’s Garden is the longest and most difficult trail in the Park, it can be customized to your needs so don’t let that put you off. The whole route in the northern end of the park is a primitive hiking loop taking you to seven different arches: Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Boulder O Arch, Dark Angel and Private Arch. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could do the entire loop and enjoy some scrambling, hiking across rock vins and be treated to some of the most stunning views the park has to offer. if you're shorter on time or looking for something gentler, you can also just hike to the arches closest to the trailhead (Tunnel, Pine Tree and Landscape) and turn back when you’re ready.

Double Arch 

Distance: 0.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy

If you’re seeking a short, easy hike to one of the most jaw-dropping rock arches in the Park, look no further than Double Arch Trail. Located in the Window’s section of the Park, this sandy trail leads you to two arches formed by downward water erosion. There’s an optional scramble at the end of the trail up to the base of the arches. If you want to stretch your legs more, don’t worry – while you’re in this area, you can also explore the Parade of Elephants, Turret Arch, the Windows, Cove Arch, Ribbon Arch, Elephant Butte, and the Cove of Caves

Skyline Arch

Distance: 0.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Perched up on the skyline, rather than with rocks behind it, Skyline Arch offers great sunset photo opportunities and is easy to get to via a short, flat dirt trail with optional scrambling at the end for those who wish to get closer. You get there from Devil’s Campground trailhead meaning you can easily combine it with other hikes in the same day. This splendid Arch doubled in size in 1940 when a large chunk of rock fell from the formation. 

Broken Arch

Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Up near Devil’s Garden, Broken Arch is not broken but wearing rather thin these days. This route takes you under Broken Arch and also takes in Sand Dune Arch via a short, narrow slot canyon where you’ll find some cool shade, and Tapestry Arch.

Tower Arch

Distance: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

If you’re seeking some solitude from all the crowds in the busy park, head for Tower Arch which is hidden behind the Klondike Bluffs up at the northwestern edge of the Park. In addition to the large, 92ft wide arch, you’ll pass the Marching Men, which form part of a gigantic fin of eroding sandstone, and are a series of tall, thin towers that stand atop the fin in a row.

Window’s Loop

Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Windows Loop Trail packs quite a punch with an easy, short climb that delivers three stunning arches on the way making it a must-do hike in the Windows area of Arches National Park. 

Start at the Windows/Turret Arch parking area and go in either direction on the gravel trail. On the short loop, you’ll be able to walk under and through North Window and South Window which were formed from the same slab of sandstone as well as Turret Arch which is a relatively small and young arch. 

California is well known for its outstanding natural beauty, much of which is preserved in famous National Parks such as Yosemite, Joshua Tree and Death Valley. While these three parks alone attract millions of visitors every year, a drive further north takes you to the relative solitude of Redwood National Park, where you can wander among the hulking trunks of the tallest living trees on earth. The best hikes in Redwood National Park take you among temperate rainforests, ancient fern-lined canyons, waterfalls and even along rugged coastline. 

Redwood National Park is located in northern California, close to the border with Oregon, and uniquely, it is part of a partnership with four state parks to form Redwood National and State Parks which encompasses about 139,000 acres and protects almost half of all remaining old-growth coastal redwoods.

Coastal redwoods are an evergreen tree that lives 1,200 to 2,200 years or longer and reach up to 379 ft in height and 29ft in diameter. These trees are also among the oldest living organisms on Earth. Before commercial logging began in the 1850s, these giant trees inhabited millions of acres of coastal California.

The best way to experience these magnificent trees is to walk among them on a visit to Redwood National and State Parks. Unlike Yosemite, where many of the popular hikes involve steep, challenging climbing, the walks here are generally on flat terrain and rated easy or moderate. Redwood also sees far fewer visitors – about 500,000 in 2019 compared to Yosemite’s whopping four million – as it is miles from any metropolitan area. Due to its temperate climate you can hike here year-round, even though summer months when the weather is dry are often busier.

If you’re seeking a peaceful and memorable experience walking on the soft earth among the silent majesty of these fine trees, we recommend you grab your hiking boots and a waterproof jacket and check out these awe-inspiring trails.

Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail 

Park: Redwood National Park
Distance: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Hyperion, a resident of Tall Trees Grove holds the title of tallest tree in the world, towering at 379 feet, so it’s a great place to start if you can’t wait to get your eyes on a big tree. That said, the remainder may pale in comparison so there’s also an argument for leaving it to the end. This lovely loop takes you into a bend of Redwood Creek.

Stout Grove Loop  

Park: Jedediah State Park
Distance: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy

For a glimpse of the oldest trees in the Park, Stout Grove is the best trail. This short trail visits trees that are hundreds, even thousands of years old, which means they’re often over 300ft tall. The trail is next to the Smith River where you can swim on a warm day.

Fern Canyon 

Park: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Distance: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy

If you’ve seen Jurassic Park 2, you’ve seen Fern Canyon as portions of the movie were filmed here, but the movie still can't really prepare you for reality. This short walk entails a long adventurous drive and delivers an almost surreal display of ancient ferns in its narrow, vertical walled canyon. You’ll be walking through the creek bed so waterproof shoes may be helpful. This trail connects with the James Irvine trail so it can be turned into a bigger adventure, and it’s also close to the beach.

James Irvine Trail 

Park: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Distance: 10.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

This is one of the few long distance hikes in the park and starts from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center and ends at Fern Canyon, taking you along hillsides and through some of the best redwood groves in the park. It’s an out and back trail so go as far as you want. 

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Hike 

Park: Redwood National Park
Distance: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Almost as soon as you set foot on this trail, you will be in old-growth Redwood Forest, as opposed to second-growth forest which is common on many other trails. This family-friendly loop takes you through thick forests, rhododendrons and wildflowers and is often shrouded in an atmospheric fog owing to its higher altitude.

Trillium Falls Trail 

Park: Redwood National Park
Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

A lovely feature of this trail is a small waterfall near the beginning. Afterwards, you’ll walk through an attractive wood of well-preserved giant trees and discover a pleasing grove of big redwoods at about the halfway point. 

Damnation Creek Trail 

Park: Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Distance: 3.4 miles
Difficulty: Hard

This is the only hike on our list that’s rated as hard and it does involve a strenuous climb along a creek. The reward at the end of the tree and wildflower-lined path, however, is the rugged California coastline and it’s an astonishing sight to emerge from the forest to see the glittering ocean spread out in front of you.

Redwood Creek Trail 

Park: Redwood National Park
Distance: 15.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

This is another longer distance trail that can make a great backpacking trip as it is the only place in the Park where camping is allowed outside a campground. This beautiful trail takes you along a creek surrounded by old-growth redwoods and ends at the Tall Trees Grove Trail if you want to combine the two hikes and see the world’s tallest tree.

Ask any local in Vail, Colorado how they got here and they’ll probably tell you that they came for the winters and stayed for the summers. While this Rocky Mountain ski town is famous for its world-class ski resort buoyed by frequent and impressive winter storms, its summer conditions are the stuff of dreams. When the snow melts, the valley is transformed into an evergreen haven for hikers, bikers, climbers and kayakers and it tends to be a bit quieter and cheaper to visit than during the busy winter months. Here we’ve compiled our list of the best hikes in Vail, Colorado that will convince you it's not just a ski town.

Perched high at 8150 feet above sea level, Vail sits in the valley of the Eagle River which flows east to west, 100 miles west of Denver. The structure of the valley means Vail boasts hiking trails on three out of four sides: to the east is the fantastic Gore Range, to the south Vail Mountain rises up out of the ski village and to the north lies the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness. Vail enjoys warm, dry alpine conditions in the summer that turn its dramatic slopes into lush, forested hiking trails carpeted with wildflowers that lead you to turquoise alpine lakes.

Unlike some hikes in other Colorado destinations we've covered, like Denver and Boulder, these hikes are all easily accessible from town, even without a car. In general, you can hike in Vail from June to October and the autumn is the most spectacular time to hike. All of these hikes are at high altitude, so you’ll want to come prepared with your water bottle filled, and plan to hike in the morning as dangerous lightning storms often roll in during the afternoon. Lace up your hiking boots and grab your trekking poles and get ready for some incredible summer hiking. 

Berry Picker Trail 

Distance: 7.9 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

Berry Picker is easily one of the best hikes in Vail, Colorado. This trail is on Vail Mountain and therefore easily accessed from the resort. Its abundant wildflowers and views of the Gore Range make it popular with locals and visitors alike, while its proximity to the ski lift creates a variety of options for your hike.

There are a couple of points where you can start this trail, but we like starting from Lionshead Village. Cross over the ski bridge and follow the signposted trail as it begins its switchbacks up the mountain under the gondola. You’ll weave in and out of aspen groves and evergreen pine and spot lots of wildflowers on the way up. This trail is for hikers only, so you don’t have to worry about mountain bikers coming down, but do be careful when crossing any gravel roads. It’s not unusual to spot bears on Vail Mountain, but with so many people on the trail they tend to keep a good distance. The views from the top of Vail Mountain are simply breath taking and because it’s a resort, there are bars and restaurants up here too if you want a deluxe picnic experience. From here, you can hike back down or hop on the gondola for free and take the express route. Another popular option is to ride the gondola up and hike down, but you’ll have to pay the hefty lift ticket price for this option.

Upper Piney River Falls Trail

Distance: 5.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Piney Lake is extremely popular with tourists, partly because you can drive all the way to it, and partly because it is one of the most photogenic lakes in Colorado.

To get there, you’ll need to drive about 45 minutes up Red Sandstone Road which is a rocky dirt road. Park for free at the ranch and follow the signs to the trail. The trail itself is reasonably mellow by Vail standards but the views of Piney Lake and Mount Powell are outstanding. Keep your eyes peeled for moose as you wind your way up along Piney River to the cascading waterfalls at the end.

Booth Falls  

Distance: 4.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Booth Falls is another fan favorite, offering spectacular waterfalls just a short distance from the village. You are likely to encounter crowds on weekends or if you don’t get off to an early start. For this reason, parking at the trailhead has been closed to keep access open to nearby homeowners and you will need to take the free bus from Vail Transportation Center to the Booth Falls stop.

With all of that out of the way, the hike to Booth Falls is definitely worth it if you can leave early or go on a weekday. The trail along Booth Creek drainage winds through an aspen grove then alpine forest at a fairly steep climb but offers lots of shade and big rocks to rest on along the way. It’s not unusual to spot moose here so keep your eyes peeled. Soon you’ll begin to hear the roar of the falls and after a couple of miles, you’ll find yourself overlooking the waterfalls. This is a great place to stop for lunch.

Optionally, you can keep going for another two miles and you'll reach Booth Lake. This high alpine lake feeds the creek and is perhaps the prettiest of several gorgeous lakes in the area. Far fewer people complete this part of the hike, so you’ll enjoy much more peace and quiet, but should come prepared for a long hike.

Pitkin Lake 

Distance: 10.5 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

Pitkin Lake is a stunning alpine lake one drainage east of Booth Creek drainage that makes for an adventurous day hike or a splendid overnight trip. It fills a large bowl at 11,362ft above sea level and is framed by dramatic granite walls.

You can take the free town bus to the Pitkin Creek stop or park at the trailhead on Fall Line Drive just east of town. Cross over Pitkin Creek at the beginning of the hike and follow it during a strenuous climb for the first half mile or so, but don’t be discouraged. It does level out a bit and the hike through alternating shaded forests and wildflower meadows with the Gore Range up ahead is absolutely worth the effort. The view of Pitkin Falls about half way makes an excellent pit stop and the lake itself is truly a local gem.

Bighorn Creek 

Distance: 6.9 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

The next drainage over from Pitkin Creek is formed by Bighorn Creek. While this one also follows a beautiful drainage up towards the Gore Range, it ends with a picturesque abandoned mining cabin rather than a lake. It’s a shorter and slightly easier way to enjoy one of Vail’s drainages.

Park at the trailhead on Columbine Drive or take the free bus from town and get off at the Columbine stop. The trail begins with a rather steep half mile climb but gets a bit easier after that as it takes you through forests and meadows to views of the Grand Traverse, a 12,000ft ridge connecting all the peaks and drainages of the Gore Range. Pause and enjoy Bighorn Falls a couple of miles in, then have lunch at the old mining camp in a large meadow.

Gore Lake 

Distance: 12.1 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

Yet one more drainage to the east of Bighorn Creek is Gore Creek. The hike to Gore Lake makes for a pretty serious day hike, and it’s a great challenge for an overnight trip as well. Take the free bus from town or park at the trailhead on Vail Pass – 10 Mile road. Gore Lake shares a trailhead with Deluge Lake, but both trails are well signposted.

The trail begins with almost a mile of strenuous climbing and has many more steep sections as you wind your way up the valley. You’ll be treated to all the high alpine features of cool forests and alpine meadows, but one unusual feature of this hike is a set of two graves about four miles in. The graves are of the Recen brothers, two Swedish immigrants who came to the area to mine for precious metals in the late 1800s and had a cabin nearby. Keep going to finally arrive at this idyllic alpine lake nestled in a granite bowl.

Shrine Ridge Trail 

Distance: 4.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Vail Pass is the 10,666-foot-high mountain pass that you’ll drive over to get to Vail if you come from the east. Shrine Ridge Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Sawatch Range. Beginning at well over 11,000ft in elevation you get all the gifts of a high alpine hike without much climbing at all.

Take exit 190 from I-70 and follow the sign to join Shrine Pass road. Follow the gravel road to the trailhead and begin walking towards Shrine Mountain Inn to join the trail to the left. Shrine Pass was originally a Ute Indian trail until it was taken over by silver miners. This hike ambles by two ponds and through alpine meadows with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, ending in Shrine Ridge which leads up to Shrine Mountain, named for its views of Mount of the Holy Cross.

With rugged canyons and beguiling rock formations, the best hikes in Moab, Utah feel out of this world. While we often associate hiking out west with the alpine forests and granite peaks of Colorado and California, the slick rock trails and red sandstone spires of Utah will make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet.

In an experience like no other, you can traverse magnificent buttes and mesas and circle striking pinnacles here in a desert landscape that has been sculpted over millennia by the slow power of ancient oceans, rain, wind and the winding paths of the Colorado and Green River. 

Moab is a small city on the Colorado River in eastern Utah, less than two hours west of Grand Junction and about three and a half hours southeast of Salt Lake City. Flanked by Arches National Park to the north, home to more than 2,000 rock arches, and Dead Horse Canyon State Park and Canyonlands National Park to the southwest, Utah’s stunning desert landscape offers a truly iconic mix of geological and human history. The hikes here will take you through jaw-dropping rock arches, spires and fins, dramatic canyons and a plethora of ancient Native American rock art.

With its desert climate and little protection from the sun to be found on most trails, the best time to visit Moab is in the spring or the autumn. The entire region fills up with tourists from around the world as well as folk from nearby ski towns celebrating the end of a  long winter at this time of year, but it’s by far the best and safest time to hike and avoid the dangerous summer heat. You should plan to start your hikes early to beat the heat and the crowds, and dress in layers as the desert is susceptible to wild temperature swings. Fill up your hydration pack with water and despite the seemingly even rock trails, you’ll want to pack a pair of the best hiking shoes or boots as the terrain can be slick.

Without further ado, here’s our list of the best hikes in Moab, Utah offering otherworldly adventure:

Delicate Arch Trail 

Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

The hike to Delicate Arch easily tops the to-do list for hikers visiting Moab, and it’s no surprise. As one of the most famous geological formations in the world, Delicate Arch has become the unofficial state symbol of Utah and even made it onto a commemorative quarter. 

This free-standing sandstone arch is the largest in Arches National Park standing 46ft high and 32ft wide and you can’t see it from the road so you’ll have to get your hiking boots on. Park at the trailhead for Wolfe Ranch and take the smooth, red slickrock trail uphill at a steady pace passing some smaller stone arches and a wall of Ute Indian petroglyphs on the way as well as two good viewpoints of the arch. The real event however is getting up close to the arch so it’s worth going all the way. 

Mesa Arch Trail 

Distance: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Over in Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Arch is perched on the edge of a cliff and offers spectacular views of the park in all directions. This trail is accessible for kids so it’s great for hiking with the whole family.

This short, easy trail takes you across slickrock to the arch which sits atop a 500ft cliff overlooking Buck Canyon. Park at the Mesa Arch trailhead and follow the signs to join the trail. The arch is classified as a pothole arch because it was formed by sitting water that slowly eroded the sandstone rock. Through the arch, you’ll be able to see the snow-capped La Sal Mountains in the distance, and Washer Woman Arch off to the left. The best time to do this hike is at sunrise or sunset.

Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail 

Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail is located in Dead Horse Point State Park which sits 2,000 ft high on the rim of the Colorado River Canyon. It provides stunning views of the whole Moab area and tends to be quieter than some of the other local trails. 

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Utah, this trail takes you through high desert landscape and treats you to panoramic views across Canyonlands to the La Sal Mountains and down to the Colorado River. This hike is actually a combination of the East and West Rim routes that circle around the desert plateau. Park at the visitor center and pick up either trail – there are several overlooks along the way that are worth the diversion if you can spare the extra time and distance.

Landscape Arch  

Distance: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy

This hike features an easy paved trail to the biggest arch on the planet. Chunks of rock have broken off the arch over the last 100 years, some as large as cars, leaving the arch itself looking precariously thin, increasing the sense of urgency around seeing this arch soon lest it collapses completely. Park at the trailhead for Devil’s Garden Trail  in Arches National Park. The arch is located at the end of Devil’s Garden Trail and the walk there takes you through a playground of arches, spires, and fins which are narrow rock walls that eventually erode and give way to the formation of arches like Landscape Arch.

Grand View Point Trail 

Distance: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy

For unparalleled views over Canyonlands National Park, look no further than Grand View Point Trail. Stand at the viewpoint over 6,000ft above sea level and feast your eyes upon the deep rugged canyons cut by the Colorado and Green River spread out before you that seem otherworldly.

Pick up the trail at the parking area at the very end of Grand Point View Drive and after only 100 years of easy paved trail you’ll arrive at the first viewpoint. After this, the trail takes you down some steep rocky steps and continues to the very edge of the Island in the Sky Mesa where you can take in the views of Monument Basin before continuing on to the end for sweeping views of Canyonlands.

Hidden Valley Trail 

Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

The Hidden Valley Trail follows an ancient path used by Native Americans for the past two thousand years. This trail begins with a steep climb to a hidden valley in the cliffs south of Moab where you will find memorable vistas and Ute Indian rock art. 

Find the trailhead at the south side of the dirt parking area on the south side of Spanish Valley. The initial climb is steep, gaining almost 600ft in just over half a mile before levelling out into a dirt trail when you reach the valley. The shallow, wide valley is framed by sandstone cliffs capped with rounded Navajo Sandstone domes. The trail takes you to the western end of the valley and another short climb leads you to a saddle where you’ll find great views of Hidden Valley, cliffs, rock fins, and domes. Turn around here or follow the trail that goes west along a cliff band then scrambles up to the cliff base. Go left from the base of the cliff to find the ancient petroglyphs then return the way you came.

Fisher Towers Trail 

Distance: 4.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

The trail itself is the main attraction on this hike, the entire length of which is like a viewing gallery for an impressively large variety of ancient Indian rock art. Fisher Towers Trail takes you through the preternatural landscape of Fisher Towers, looming rock formations that have been sculpted from the soft red sandstone by wind and the rain. Park at the trailhead for Fisher Towers and pick up the well marked trail which takes you up close to the rock formations which are popular with rock climbers. The last major tower on the route is the Titan, about 1.5 miles in, after which the path leads you to a long ridge where you’ll discover a sweeping view of the Towers.

Grandstaff Canyon 

Distance: 5.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Unusually for a desert hike, this trail winds alongside a small creek in a scenic canyon with high walls that provide good shade, and ends up at another notable rock arch.

Begin your hike at the Grandstaff Trailhead above the banks of the Colorado River east of town. Enjoy the level ground for the first half mile or so before the climb to reach the canyon floor. The water from the creek provides a good habitat for plentiful green vegetation and hanging gardens. There are a few creek crossings here so waterproof shoes are a good idea. The trail leads you to Morning Glory Bridge, a massive arch crossing the back of the canyon. It is quite close to the rock behind it, making the view less spectacular on the approach but quite impressive up close.

Windows Loop Trail 

Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Windows Loop Trail packs quite a punch with an easy, short climb that delivers three stunning arches on the way making it a must-do hike in the Windows area of Arches National Park. 

Start at the Windows/Turret Arch parking area and go in either direction on the gravel trail. On the short loop, you’ll be able to walk under and through North Window and South Window which were formed from the same slab of sandstone as well as Turret Arch which is a relatively small and young arch. 

First protected in 1864, Yosemite’s place as one of the most famous national parks in the US is rightfully earned. Yosemite Valley cuts 3,500ft deep into the earth and is walled by massive granite summits like El Capitan and Half Dome. The glacier carved valley creates some of the longest and most stunning waterfalls you will ever see cascading over the edge of steep granite cliffs. Its 1200 acres are also  home to pine trees, tranquil lakes, colorful wildflower meadows and sun dappled giant sequoia groves. It is a playground for campers, hikers, bikers, runners and of course, rock climbers and a must-see for anyone who loves nature. Incredibly, all of this is just a four hour drive from San Francisco, or just over an hour from Fresno, home to an international airport.

Yosemite sits on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, so it boasts plentiful high country, but most of the park’s main attractions lie deep in two valleys carved out by Tuolumne River, which leads to the gorgeous Tuolumne meadow at the foot of the El Capital, and the Merced River which forms Yosemite Valley. Its tributaries are responsible for plunging falls like Yosemite and Bridalveil.

Yosemite Valley was home to the Ahwahnechee tribe before the gold rush brought European settlers in droves. Many of those pioneers started tourism outlets in the valley, while others like John Muir, who came to the valley to herd sheep, fought for the area to be protected – a request which was granted by congress in 1890.

Yosemite is open to visitors year-round barring severe weather conditions in the winter, but the best time to visit is in the spring when the snow runoff makes for thundering waterfalls. Weekends get very crowded so if you can avoid them and go during the week, do. In the autumn, the waterfalls will be less spectacular but the upside is there will be less bugs around, and naturally the summer months are the busiest. Driving into Yosemite will literally take your breath away, even if you’ve visited many times before, so plan to pull off at a designated viewpoint and breathe in the view upon arrival.

Though you really can’t go wrong with any hike in Yosemite, we’ve compiled a list of the best hikes in Yosemite National Park that will cover a lot of ground – though you can easily do all of these in just four or five days in the park. You’ll want your best hiking boots, day pack and walking poles to enjoy these stunning trails. 

Yosemite Falls 

Distance: 7.6 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the entire world, tumbling 2,425ft from a tributary of the Merced River over the high walls of Yosemite Valley. If you only have time for one waterfall hike, this one comes highly recommended. The Falls is actually a set of three waterfalls forming a cascade of mist and near-constant rainbows that can be seen from vantage points all over the park. The lower falls are wheelchair accessible and the middle cascades offer a great spot to turn around for a shorter hike or pause for lunch. The hike all the way to Upper Yosemite Falls is a strenuous stair stepper, but you’ll be cooled by the mist from the falls and be able to photograph the falls and Half Dome in one shot. The upper falls make for a challenging hike so don’t plan on doing much else on this day as your legs will be tired afterwards.

Bridalveil Fall

Distance: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy

At a mere 620ft, Bridalveil Fall may be smaller than other waterfalls in the valley, but it is absolutely stunning and because it is such a short hike, you can easily pair it with another hike on the same day. Bridalveil Fall is often the first waterfall you see as you drive into Yosemite Valley. The Ahwahnechee believed it to be a spirit protector of the valley and that inhaling the mist from the falls would increase your chances of marriage. The falls itself form a threadlike, wispy mist that on a breezy day look like a bride’s veil. The path to the falls is paved making it an easy but picturesque stop.

The Mist Trail 

Distance: 7.2 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Yosemite’s signature hike is absolute splendor. The rocky Mist Trail takes you up alongside the mighty Merced River as it roars over granite ledges to form both Nevada and Vernal Falls. This hike is unique in that it brings you so close to the falls that you’ll want waterproof gear for the section passing by the bottom of Vernal Falls, which is about 1.5 miles in. On a hot day, you can just pack a rain jacket and put it on when you reach the falls where you’ll almost definitely find yourself hiking through a rainbow. After this section there’s a single file only section cut into the rock face that requires focus and holding on to the ropes. 

It’s worth it to keep going to get to the top of Vernal Falls, where you can relax on giant rock slabs and watch the water tumbling out of view. You can turn around here for a fabulous three-mile hike, or keep going to Nevada Falls which is about two more  miles in and makes for a strenuous day hike. The crowds after Vernal Falls thin out considerably and Nevada Falls is another magnificent Yosemite standout that is worth the steps. 

You can return the way you came, but we recommend joining the John Muir Trail to make a loop offering a quieter return through the forest and different views of the Falls as well as Liberty Cap.

Mirror Lake Loop 

Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Mirror Lake loop offers a less strenuous hike that’s perfect for when your legs need a rest from climbing to all those waterfalls. Though it’s less of a physical challenge, it offers an equally stunning vista. The hike takes you along Tenaya Creek and around the lake and offers a true nature walk feel with abundant flora and fauna. Mirror Lake is the last remnant of a glacial lake that once filled the entire valley. Surrounded by pine and wildflower meadows, it sits in Tenaya Canyon between North Dome and Half Dome and on a still day, it offers near-perfect reflections of the surrounding cliffs.

Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias 

Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

After a couple of days, you’ll probably want to escape the hustle and bustle of the valley a little and there’s no better place to do that than under the shade of the giant sequoias. Tuolumne Grove is home to nearly two dozen giant sequoias, a species of redwoods which are the biggest trees in the world. Getting to the grove involves a ten-mile winding scenic drive – you’ll definitely want to stop at the viewpoints for photo ops on the way – and by the time you arrive, you’ll be at almost 6,000ft above sea level. Enjoy the cooler air here as you hike downhill from the parking lot into the grove and then take your time to feel the powerful presence of these immense trees. Giant sequoias are an endangered species to tread lightly. This is an incredibly peaceful place to enjoy a quiet walk and a picnic.

Whether you’re strolling around a picturesque alpine lake or scrambling the Keyhole Route to a rocky summit, the one thing that all the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park have in common is pristine preservation of Colorado’s wilderness.

Home to more than 100 peaks over 11,000ft and only an hour and a half drive from Denver, Colorado’s crown jewel makes both a memorable day trip and a rewarding adventure holiday. Rocky Mountain National Park sits near the scenic resort town of Estes Park in northern Colorado and its 415 square miles of stunning wilderness that attracts millions of visitors every year for good reason. The park offers the absolute best of Colorado’s Rockies, from elk, bighorn sheep and moose sightings to turquoise lakes and breathtaking peaks, much of it accessible by car. However, for this guide we take a deeper look at exploring its plentiful trails on foot. 

After reading this, you’ll want to grab your hiking boots and load up your backpack to begin your tour of some of the most scenic spots in the country. 

Bear Lake Nature Trail 

Distance: 0.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Bear Lake is easily one of the most popular destinations in the park, and while it’s true that its easy rating attracts large crowds, it offers truly spectacular views making it a worthy walk on your agenda.

Beginning at the Bear Lake Trailhead, simply follow the loop around the water’s edge which provides a mostly flat walk. This subalpine lake offers near-perfect reflections of the surrounding mountains on a still day and it’s worth starting early to grab some impressive photographs. Near the beginning of the loop you’ll enjoy the views of Hallet peak. The walk then takes you through lodgepole pine and aspen groves and you’ll be treated to stunning views of Half Mountain beyond the southern shore of the lake.

Emerald Lake 

Distance: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Framed by Hallet Peak in the distance, Emerald Lake is easily one of the most coveted sights in the park. This hike can also be paired with Bear Lake for a longer excursion.

Start out from the Bear Lake trailhead and take a left at the first junction to join the Emerald Lake trail. You’ll start climbing through the forest almost straight away and soon pass pretty Nymph Lake, which makes an excellent pit stop before the steeper climb that follows. Enjoy stunning views of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain before reaching Dream Lake. After the lake, you’ll climb through picturesque Tyndall Gorge towards Flattop Mountain finally arriving at Emerald Lake, an idyllic spot for a picnic lunch.

Ute Trail 

Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy

The Ute trail was used by Ute and Arapahoe tribes for hunting purposes and today offers incredible high alpine views without substantial climbing involved.

Beginning from the Ute Crossing trailhead means you’ll start above treeline in the alpine tundra and be able to enjoy a relatively flat hike, except for two short climbs. It also promises sweeping views of the park but little shelter from the elements so it's best on a sunny day. After the second climb, you’ll descend slightly until you reach Timberline Pass which is considered the end point for this hike. From this high vantage point, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of Longs Peak, Estes Park and Morain Park.

Chasm Lake 

Distance: 8.5 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

Chasm Lake sits in a bowl formed by Mount Lady Washington and Longs Peak and the high cliffs surrounding it make for a stunning backdrop. At almost 12,000ft above sea level, this challenging hike offers a dramatic alpine lake adventure.

You will start out from the Longs Peak trailhead and follow the East Longs Peak Trail for much of this hike. Start early and enjoy the shade of the lush evergreen forest for the first two miles or so. Once you leave the forest you’ll have views of Mount Meeker, Mount Lady Washington and Longs Peak as you climb through subalpine tundra. At about 3.5 miles, arrive at a signposted junction where you’ll leave the Longs Peak trail and follow the Chasm Lake Trail along the wall of a deep gorge which passes over a waterfall before opening into the basin that ultimately leads you to the lake. Expect some easy scrambling towards the end then relax and enjoy lunch at the lake.

Flattop Mountain Trail 

Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

According to the book Rocky Mountain National Park: A History, the Flattop Mountain corridor provided a common route for the Arapahoe tribe to travel between the Rocky Mountains and the hunting lands of the Great Plains. Today it is a well maintained trail offering dazzling views of the surrounding mountains and  perfect pit stops at the gorgeous Dream Lake Overlook and Emerald Lake Overlook.

Begin this hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead and start out following the Bear Lake Loop Trail. Skirt the eastern edge of Bear Lake for a short while before taking a right at the first crossroads and beginning your winding ascent through an aspen grove. After about half a mile, you’ll reach the junction with the Bierstadt Lake Trail and take a left. As you start to climb higher, make sure to pause to enjoy the abundant vistas of Longs Peak, the Keyboard of the Winds, Chiefs Head Peak and Pagoda Peak. At the next junction, join the Flattop Mountain Trail. From here, the climb becomes more challenging so be sure to take rest breaks at Dream Lake Overlook and Emerald Lake Overlook and drink in the views of Longs Peak. As the name suggests, the trail culminates with a rather mellower incline and the broad summit allows spectacular views of Notchtop Mountain and Ptarmigan Point.

Ypsilon Lake Trail 

Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

Nestled into the base of Ypsilon Mountain and Mount Chiquita, this waterfall-fed lake provides a charming destination at which to cool off after this challenging ascent.

Starting from the Lawn Lake Trailhead, begin a steep climb through dense pine. After about a mile, reach the banks of the Roaring River which was formerly dammed to create an alpine lake. The failure of the dam in 1982 was catastrophic and a good reminder of the awesome power of nature. You’ll reach the maximum elevation of this trail after about 3.5 miles when the trail flattens out at beautiful Chipmunk Lake, then begins to descend towards Ypsilon Lake. Be sure to make your way around to the opposite side of the lake when you arrive for the best views!

Mount Ida 

Distance: 9.3 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

Mount Ida is often voted best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, and it’s easy to see why. The panoramic views all the way up are absolutely stunning. Though with 2465ft of elevation gain it is rated as difficult, particularly towards the summit, it does not expose you to steep drop offs like some other park favorites.

The trail begins by circling part of pretty Poudre Lake before the ascent through subalpine forest begins. At the first junction, bear right to stay on the trail and soon you will be rewarded with views of the Never Summer Mountains. It’s only about a mile before you’re above treeline and hiking across alpine tundra. The climb gets steeper here and after about three miles you’ll arrive at another junction on top of an unnamed mountain where you’ll be treated to views of Specimen Mountain and Shadow Mountain Lake. Bear right again to descend the saddle between the peak and Mount Ida for about half a mile before beginning the gruelling final push to the summit. The trail can become a little difficult to follow so use the cairns to avoid the boulder field. At the top, enjoy outstanding views of the surrounding mountains.

Longs Peak 

Distance: 14.8 miles
Difficulty: Extremely difficult

For many visitors to Colorado, bagging one of the state’s 53 highly coveted 14ers (peaks higher than 14,000 feet) can be top of the list. Long’s Peak is the 15th highest in the state and its location inside Rocky Mountain National Park makes it a popular 14er to summit, but make no mistake: there is nothing easy about this hike.

With 3,825 feet of demanding elevation gain, Longs Peak is not for the faint of heart. It is the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park and its famed Keyhole Route takes you across treacherous boulder fields, hair-raisingly narrow ledges framed by dramatic steep drops and sheer vertical rock faces and then there’s the long, steep scramble to the summit. If you do attempt this fantastic feat of a hike however, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park and its 415 square miles of superb alpine and subalpine terrain.

Adventure’s collection of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales showcases majestic waterfalls, dramatic gorges, windswept moors and vast skies, for anyone seeking epic days on the fells.

The hikes are suitable for any level of experience; all you need is your best hiking boots, your best backpack and a thirst for adventure. Our selection of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales include stunning landmarks, like the limestone majesty of Malham Cove, the dramatic architecture of Gordale Scar and the awesome prospect of Hardraw Force waterfall. We venture high to tackle some of the national parks’ most beloved peaks, like charismatic Ingleborough, or the popular Buckden Pike. And, for those who love a challenge, we’ve included a traverse of the superb Howgill Fells and the region’s most notorious undertaking: the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

We’ve plotted each route as a komoot Tour – which you can save to your own device and edit as you please ­– and combined the Tours into a hiking Collection: Best walks in the Yorkshire Dales.

The best walks in the Yorkshire Dales: superb day loops

There are countless wonderful day walks in the Yorkshire Dales, from scenic riverside strolls to wild explorations of its sprawling fells, many of which are far less frequented than those in neighbouring Lakeland. Here, we’ve selected three routes that hikers have enjoyed for generations, starting with a stone-cold classic that’s up there with the finest in the country.

Gordale Scar and Malham Cove

Difficulty: The main challenge here is the scramble up Gordale Scar, which is a short but straightforward grade one scramble beside a tumbling waterfall. It’s perfectly avoidable if you don’t fancy the hands-on-rock action, though it is still worth wandering into the gorge just to take in its majesty. In terms of distance and elevation, this is the easiest walk in our selection.

Few routes in Britain are as varied, or reward you with quite as many scenic treats for so little effort, as this loop from the village of Malham. Tackle it anti-clockwise and enjoy, as you go from one highlight to the next, finishing with a grand climax at Malham Cove. Whether you sample Malham’s delightful pubs and tea rooms before or after your hike is up to you.

The whole walk is sublime, but this is a route characterised by standout moments. The first is the picturesque Janet’s Foss waterfall, set amidst sumptuous woodland. Soon you emerge into open countryside, before entering the jaws of Gordale Scar: a dramatic limestone gorge seemingly plucked from Tolkein’s Middle Earth. Revel in the easy scramble and emerge victorious, not quite believing such a place exists among the surrounding pastures. After a visit to beautiful Malham Tarn, you arrive on the magical limestone pavement above Malham Cove. Descend to the west of this great natural amphitheatre and take in its grandeur, before returning to Malham.

Ilkley Moor

Difficulty: An easy ramble on popular moorland trails, with the town of Ilkley always nearby.

Technically, Ilkley Moor is just to the south of the Yorkshire Dales, but it is such a characterful place to explore that we couldn’t justify leaving it off this list. Part of the mystical Rombalds Moor, Ilkley Moor is full of historical interest. Neolithic stone circles and Roman carvings vie for your attention alongside poems etched into rocks and plunge baths that were once enjoyed by Charles Darwin, among others.

You start and finish in Ilkley, a vibrant town full of great places to eat, drink and shop for all your hiking essentials. The route takes you on an anti-clockwise circuit of the Moor, visiting various sites of interest, such as the impressive, craggy outcrop of Cow and Calf Rocks and the ancient Twelve Apostles Stone Circle. Regardless of the season, you’ll want to bring extra layers. Yorkshire’s unofficial anthem On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at (on Ilkley Moor without a hat) hints at the Moor’s windswept nature.

Great Shunner Fell and Hardraw Force

Difficulty: Shunner Fell is the highest point above Wensleydale so it requires a decent amount of effort, however the gradients that support its huge mass are gentle.

This is a walk that combines a sprawling Pennine giant with England’s highest single-drop waterfall. Great Shunner Fell is a massive upland, the meeting point of five muscular ridges and wild and windswept in character – you may want a down jacket or similar up there. The bulk of its broad summit hides the valleys from view; what you get instead are large skies and distant vistas of the North Pennines, the Dales and the Howgill Fells. Hardraw Force waterfall is a stupendous reminder of the region’s long-vanished glaciers, crashing some 100 feet (30 m) to the pool below.

The route begins in the market town of Hawes, synonymous with Wensleydale cheese. The first half follows the Pennine Way, as you cross the River Ure via the Grade II-listed Haylands Bridge, pass through the tiny settlement of Hardraw and steadily ascend the fell’s south west ridge. After the summit, you leave the Pennine Way behind and return via the south east ridge, making sure to visit the spectacle of Hardraw Force before returning to Hawes.

The best walks in the Yorkshire Dales: hikes up iconic fells

Just as with the Lake District and the Peak District, the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales often hinge on the main objective of a significant summit. The national park is full of beloved and iconic high points. Here are a couple of super routes that take in splendid summits…

Ingleborough

Difficulty: Yorkshire’s second highest peak doesn’t give up easily, but reasonably fit walkers should have no trouble. There’s a small amount of straightforward scrambling through the gorge to Gaping Gill, but nothing too troublesome.

Whernside may be higher, but few would contest that Ingleborough is Yorkshire’s most charismatic peak. Its huge, wedge-shaped profile catches the eye from a distance and has lured scores of hiking shoes to its grand summit over the years. As well as its distinctive form, it is characterised by the many karst features found among its limestone bedrock, such as dry rivers, holes, chasms and caves.

This route from the small village of Clapham showcases scenic gorges, a cave big enough to house St Paul’s Cathedral and superb limestone pavements. For many, the highlight is the traverse of the summit plateau, with glorious views across to neighbouring Pen-y-ghent and down onto Ribblesdale.

Buckden Pike

Difficulty: An easy hill walk; slots nicely into a morning or an afternoon.

Wharfedale is a quintessential Yorkshire Dales valley, with patchwork pastureland, drystone walls, vestiges of an industrial past and charming little settlements. At the head of the valley, above the village with which it shares its name, rises Buckden Pike – the seventh highest peak in the county at 2,303 feet (702 m). Its great stature and position in the centre of the national park make it a wonderful vantage point, with neighbouring Great Whernside rising splendidly to the south east.

Starting in Buckden, this walk leaves the characterful cottages and rough farmland of the valley behind, climbing onto Buckden Pike’s windswept moorland. After enjoying the views from the summit trig point, pause for a moment of reflection at a poignant memorial to the Polish crew of an RAF bomber that crashed here during the Second World War. The descent brings you to Starbotton, where the 400-year-old Fox & Hounds offers refreshment, before you finish with a delightful walk alongside the River Wharfe back to where you began.

The best walks in the Yorkshire Dales: adventurous hikes

Unlike in the Lake District, where individual summits are packed tightly together on rollercoaster ridge lines, the fells of the Yorkshire Dales are broad and sprawling, which makes them gentler but also means that substantial distance must be covered should you wish to claim multiple summit ticks in a day. However, those of an adventurous disposition will not be deterred and a study of the maps reveals many exciting permutations. Here are two classic long expeditions within the national park.

The Traverse of the Howgill Fells

Difficulty: No technical challenges and relatively gentle gradients make this a straightforward but lengthy hill walk. The broad and featureless nature of the Howgills’ sheep-grazed terrain make them a navigational challenge in poor visibility.

Part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park despite being part of Cumbria, the Howgill Fells are unique in character. They’re just as compact as the neighbouring Lakeland Fells to the west, but gentle and serene like their Pennine counterparts to the east. Their rounded forms will be familiar to anyone who has driven along the M6 or travelled by train along the West Coast Mainline between Kendal and Penrith. Grassy slopes rise imperiously, dwarfing the seemingly inconsequential human influence of tracks, trains, cars and lorries, like little toys far below.

Legendary fell walker Alfred Wainwright famously described the Howgills as being like a “herd of sleeping elephants”. A traverse of these noble fells reveals this description to be apt, as their green, velvety folds and wide panoramas make themselves known. The Calf is the highest point, at 2,218 feet (676 m), and rewards with majestic views, particularly to the west where the Lake District’s tumultuous skyline forms an exciting horizon. Bring the binoculars.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks

Difficulty: Easily the most challenging hike on our list of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales. Although technical difficulties are few, it is a strenuous outing with over 4,500 feet (1,400 m) of elevation gain to contend with – comparable to climbing Ben Nevis – and around 22 miles (37 km) of distance to cover.

The ever-popular Yorkshire Three Peaks takes in the iconic trio of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent in one epic outing. Set in gorgeous Ribblesdale which – with its charismatic family of shapely fells and the spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct – is arguably the most spectacular of all the Dales, this is the kind of hike that will remain etched in your memory for life.

The ascents are short and sharp, each revealing stupendous views across the national park. Circuits usually begin from either Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Chapel-le-Dale or from Ribblehead Station.

Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado, the picturesque college town of Boulder offers a laid back culture of arts and music, a thriving food and microbrew scene, and best of all, virtually unparalleled easy access to the outdoors. With 155 miles of glorious hiking trails listed by the City of Boulder to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin, so we set out to uncover the best hikes in Boulder, Colorado. 

Without straying far from Boulder’s bustling downtown, you can really run the gamut of Colorado hiking here, from Disney-esque wildflower meadows to dramatic jagged peaks. Though it was settled in the 1850s by gold miners, the Boulder of today is shaped by its progressive-leaning university, and teeming with tech start ups and creative industries. But one thing all Boulderites seem to have in common is an unrelenting fervor for the outdoor lifestyle, and it’s no surprise, with hundreds of miles of surrounding unspoilt natural beauty including the iconic Flatirons, Eldorado Canyon and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Perched at over a mile above sea level, this high altitude town enjoys a dry climate and averages some 245 days of sunshine each year, translating into a high stoke environment where you can hit the trail on almost any given day and still be back on historic Pearl Street in time for some lively street performances and a gourmet dinner.

Here, we‘ve compiled our list of the best hikes in Boulder, Colorado with descriptions of what to expect as well as details on difficulty level and trip length. Remember that all Colorado hiking is high altitude hiking and bear and mountain lion encounters are not uncommon. Plan ahead, pack plenty of water, sling on your best hiking boots, and seize the day.

Advnture's best hikes in Boulder, Colorado

Mount Sanitas 

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.1 miles out and back or a 3.2 mile loop

With sensational views of Boulder and a heart-pumping ascent, this is the smallest of Boulder’s five peaks and a favorite among locals. Beginning just a few minutes walk from downtown, this short hike packs a surprising punch in terms of difficulty and scenery.

Find the trailhead just west of the intersection of 4th and Mapleton, and take the first left to begin with a steep but shaded ascent where you’ll pass several rock formations popular with the local bouldering community. The climb is largely unrelenting until you reach the summit, though don’t be surprised to find locals sprinting past you on their daily run. At the summit, pick a rock slab to stretch out on and catch your breath while you soak in views of downtown Boulder, the Flatirons and Indian Peaks. Return the same way you came up, or continue on down the East Ridge Trail for a rewarding loop and enjoy views of the Flatirons from a unique perspective. Back at the trailhead, it’s an easy walk back to town for a refreshing drink.

Bear Peak Trail 

Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 7.4 miles out and back or an 8.4 mile loop

Standing at 8,461 feet, Bear Peak is the second tallest of Boulder's five peaks and provides a strenuous challenge for even seasoned hikers. This one starts out as an idyllic stroll over Boulder Creek and through the wildflower meadows of South Mesa but don’t be fooled – after the first mile it becomes a gruelling rocky climb that is popular with ultrarunners and other world-class athletes.

From the South Mesa Trailhead off of Eldorado Springs Drive just South of Boulder, head west towards Shadow Canyon. Take a left at each intersection until you emerge on the saddle between South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak. Follow the signs for Bear Peak and take your time on the short scramble to the summit. The granite summit offers a great spot to recover with splendid views of both the plains to the east and Rocky Mountains to the west, so it's well worth the grind if you’re up for it. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can also summit Boulder’s tallest peak, South Boulder Peak, on the way up and return via Fern Canyon for an adventurous loop.

Green Mountain Loop via Chautauqua Trail 

Difficulty: Moderate - Challenging
Distance: 7.2 miles

No visit to Boulder is complete without taking in beautiful Chautauqua Park, a generous portion of wild land at the foot of the Flatirons that has been a preservation area since 1898 and boasts 40 miles of hiking trails. You can stop in at the Ranger Cottage and ask the friendly guides to recommend a hike, or try our top pick and tackle the Green Mountain Loop Trail via Chautauqua Trail. 

From Chautauqua Trailhead, take the Meadow Trail to  the bridge at the Gregory Canyon Trailhead. From here you can either go either way to enjoy the loop. With 2,400 feet of elevation gain, this hike offers a true peak experience culminating in panoramic views without actually leaving Boulder city limits. There are several different routes up Green Mountain, but we like this loop for its gentle beginning through a meadow of wildflowers and an unparalleled view of the Flatirons up ahead on the approach before a tough ascent leads you to breathtaking views of the Rockies to the west.

Flatirons Loop 

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.7 miles

When you picture Boulder, chances are you think of the fabulous Flatirons. These five slanted triangular slabs of sandstone that form part of the foothills west of town are the first thing you notice upon your approach into Boulder. They provide a paradise for climbers and hikers alike, and while you’d want ropes to get to the razor’s edge tops of them, the Flatirons Loop Trail is a terrific way to experience them without gear or a massive climb.

Start from Chautauqua Trailhead and follow the signs for the Flatiron Loop Trail. You will enjoy the moderate two-mile trail that winds through the open meadow and ponderosa pine forest. Follow the signs for "3rd Flatiron Climbing Access" and "Royal Arch Trail" which will lead you to the base of the second Flatiron after about a mile, where you can get a true feel for the magnitude of these 290 million year-old rock formations. Return via Bluebell Road Trail for a rewarding loop.

Royal Arch Trail 

Difficulty: Moderate - Challenging
Distance: 3.5 miles

Colorado’s neighbor to the west, Utah, undoubtedly holds the title for most sensational sandstone rock arches and is worth a separate trip, but you can get a small taste of these geological phenomena with the Royal Arch trail which begins from the Chautauqua Park trailhead. 

Follow the signs for the Chautauqua Trail to the Flatirons Loop Trail, then you'll see signs for the Royal Arch Trail. Begin this hike early in the morning and you’ll have a better chance of sighting the birds of prey which nest in Bluebell Canyon through which you initially descend before attacking the steep, stair-stepper climb up to Royal Arch which is neatly hidden in the shadow of the Flatirons. This imposing, naturally formed sandstone arch beautifully frames Boulder in the background for a quintessential Colorado photo op, and if it’s clear enough you’ll be able to see Denver in the background, too.

Gregory Canyon 

Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 3.6 miles

With its ponderosa pine forests, stunning rock outcroppings, abundant wildflowers and clear creek waters, this pristine canyon offers a glimpse into Colorado’s pre-settler past. The old mining road to nearby Black Hawk that ran through the canyon has long been closed in favor of a faster route, and the canyon is now a protected habitat that offers a respite from the bustle of busy Boulder only two miles east.

From Baseline Road, take Gregory Canon Road to find the Gregory Canyon Trailhead and follow the trail towards Realization Point. It’s not unusual to encounter a bear or two on this trail, and while locals won’t bat an eye, you will want to give them a wide berth. Like many local trails, this one makes up for its brevity with intensity – 900 feet of elevation gain in the first mile or so is likely to have you gasping for breath, but it also delivers you quite quickly to outstanding views of Green Mountain and the plains. Though the views are suitably breathtaking, the canyon itself is perhaps the main attraction, as it is home to abundant wildflowers and songbirds. 

Rattlesnake Gulch Loop 

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.6 miles

Located just south of town in Eldorado Canyon State Park, Rattlesnake Gulch Loop marries local history with natural beauty. Eldorado Canyon is world renowned among climbers who are enticed by its more than 500 technical climbing routes, but there’s ample opportunity to explore the towering sandstone cliffs on foot. 

Our pick is the Rattlesnake Gulch Loop which starts at the west trailhead of the Fowler Trail about 1/2 a mile into Eldorado Canyon. This route takes you via the canyon where you can pause to watch the rock climbers before continuing onwards to the ruins of the historic Crags Hotel, a hillside resort built in 1908 and reached by funicular that burned down in 1912. From there, continue on for the grand prize of sweeping views of the Continental Divide from which the state’s drainage system divides into two flows leading to the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean Basins, giving you a real sense of how special Colorado’s geography is.

Longs Peak 

Difficulty: Extremely Challenging
Distance: 14.8 miles

For many visitors to Colorado, bagging one of the state’s 53 highly coveted 14ers (peaks higher than 14,000 feet) can be top of the list. Long’s Peak is the closest 14er to Boulder at just 24 miles away, but make no mistake: getting there from Boulder is the only easy thing about this hike.

With 3,825 feet of demanding elevation gain, Longs Peak is not for the faint of heart and can only safely be attempted during the summer months due to its high altitude. The trailhead is at the Longs Peak Ranger Station which is signposted from Colorado Highway 7 and the trail is well marked. Longs Peak is the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park and its famed Keyhole Route takes you across treacherous boulder fields, hair-raisingly narrow ledges framed by dramatic steep drops and sheer vertical rock faces and then there’s the long, steep scramble to the summit. If you do attempt this fantastic feat of a hike however, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park and its 415 square miles of superb alpine and subalpine terrain.

Dartmoor National Park is, in my humble opinion, one of the best places on the planet. But then I’m biased: I’ve been living here most of my life. The bleak moorland, the bog and the rain all have a very special place in my heart. But don’t worry, it’s not all like that. There are plenty of fair weather days in the summer, and a lovely selection of footpaths and woodlands around the fringes of the moor. Although it’s still possible to experience four seasons’ worth of weather in one day. In August.

One of the things that makes Dartmoor so interesting is the sheer amount of local history. And I don’t mean that in a boring, afternoon-in-a-museum kind of way (no offence to museums). On almost all of the walks on Dartmoor you’ll encounter remnants of the people who have come before – whether that’s ruined tin mines and granite quarries, or Neolithic tombs and ancient crosses. If you’re at all interested in the past, you can have a field day here.

Dartmoor is characterised by its tors: granite outcrops that are spread across the moors. They are parts of the granite bedrock, revealed and shaped by erosion. It’s this layer of granite that helps to make Dartmoor so notoriously boggy, a place where not wearing your best hiking boots is sure result in a pair of soggy feet. With its undulating, featureless landscape, it’s also no wonder there are so many stories of people getting lost in the mist – if you're planning a trip here, be sure you know how to read a map and how to use a compass.

We’ve chosen eight of the best walks on Dartmoor to help ensure you enjoy all that this wonderful National Park has to offer. These make use of the many paths on the moor and most also take in some items of local historical interest and a fair few tors besides.

Advnture’s 8 best walks on Dartmoor

1. Yes Tor from Meldon Reservoir

Climb to the top of the moors for the chance of great views north across Devon

• Distance: 10km (6.17 miles)
• Ascent: 350m (820 feet)
• Start/finish: Meldon Reservoir Car Park (paid)

This walk takes in the second-highest tor on Dartmoor, one of the few that tiptoe into mountain territory. Watch out before you go – the route goes into the Okehampton Military Range. Check out the Dartmoor Firing Times so that you don’t get shot (no joke!). Start your walk from the car park at Meldon Reservoir. Turn left and head towards the reservoir, crossing it at the dam, then continue uphill. You’ll pass nearby the old mine workings of Okehampton Wheal Maria, a copper mine that was last worked in the 1920s. After a while, your path peters out, but it’s clear where you’re headed: uphill. Head straight up the hillside, through the clitter (a Dartmoor name for chunks of splintered granite), to the summit of Yes Tor. There are great views out across Devon on a good day.

From the summit, head northeast towards West Mill Tor. You should be able to cross the river at stepping stones. Although slightly smaller than Yes Tor, at 541m, it has an impressive granite stack. From West Mill Tor, continue north until you reach the well-made track at Blackdown. Follow this track all the way back to Meldon.

2. Tor-Bagging loop from Belstone

A full day’s outing taking in some of the best peaks in the north east corner of Dartmoor

• Distance: 14km (8.7 miles)
• Ascent: 340m (1115 feet)
• Start/finish: Belstone

This walk also pops into the Okehampton Military Firing Range. Do check the Dartmoor Firing Times before you leave. Start your walk from Belstone village. There is a large parking area to the north of the village. Head past the old post office and uphill to the moor gate. Follow the well-made track out onto the moors and around the bottom of Belstone Tor. The track passes Winter Tor on your right and soon fades into a grassier track up the side of Oke Tor.

Pass Oke Tor, descending until you rejoin the military track. As it reaches the river, cut off the track and cross the river, making a very steep ascent up the aptly named Steeperton Tor. From here the footpaths are less obvious and you may have to find your own way. Head east to Hound Tor and then curve north to Little Hound Tor, past the stone circle. There is a vague path here. Continue up the massive lump of Cosdon Beacon, then descend to the River Taw – aim for the footbridge west of Ivy Tor. Finally, follow the track and then road back to Belstone.

3. Fingle Bridge and woods from Moretonhampstead

A beautiful woodland and riverside walk, with great views down the Teign Valley – one of the best walks on Dartmoor for an all-day adventure

• Distance: 20.3km (12.6 miles)
• Ascent: 570m (1875 feet)
• Start/finish: Moretonhampstead town centre

Head out of Moretonhampstead, towards Moreton Hospital (you should be able to follow Dartmoor Way signs). Turn down the road uphill of the hospital and follow it to its end, where it turns into footpath. Keep following the purple Dartmoor Way signs over Butterdon Hill and through Cranbrook until you start your descent into Fingle Woods. This beautiful deciduous wood is being restored and protected by the National Trust and the Woodland Trust.

After the long, winding descent on a good track, you will arrive at Fingle Bridge over the River Teign. Cross the bridge and walk up the lane until you reach a footpath on your left, heading almost back on yourself and up into the trees. Take this and follow it for excellent views across the Teign Valley and its outcrops. The path passes the back of Castle Drogo then descends and returns to Fingle Bridge along the riverside. Cross back over Fingle Bridge and continue downstream along the river. At the tip of a big meander, take the permissive path uphill into the forest that climbs over Wooston Castle fort and back downhill to a road. Continue on footpaths, crossing two more roads, until you end up at Shute Lane on the outskirts of Moretonhampstead.

4. A Fernworthy Reservoir loop

Tors, ancient standing stones and a forest-clad reservoir: this is one of the best walks on Dartmoor for those who want to see a bit of everything

• Distance: 10.3km (6.4 miles)
• Ascent: 205m (675 feet)
• Start/finish: Fernworthy Reservoir car park (paid)

Start from the main Fernworthy Reservoir car park, by the public toilets. Head down to the reservoir and turn right, following footpaths by the shoreline and across a footbridge behind the dam. Sticking to Open Access Land, cross the field system until you reach the top of Thornworthy Tor. You should be able to see you next summits, Middle Tor to the right and Kestor Rock to the left, ahead of you. From Kestor Rock, follow the wide grassy path, past the Shoveldon Longstone (an ancient standing stone) to the boundary wall of Fernworthy Forest. Follow the wall around the corner until you reach a large double gate above a clapper bridge. Go through the gate, into the forest, and follow the stony track back to the car park. You will pass several stone circles, stone rows and a cist in a clearing on your left.

5. Golden Dagger, Challacombe and Grimspound

Explore ruined mines and a medieval village, plus Dartmoor’s most famous prehistoric site – from the inn whose fire never goes out

• Distance: 11.1km (6.9 miles)
• Ascent: 236m (775 feet)
• Start/finish: Warren House Inn

Start from anywhere along the road between the Warren House Inn and Bennett’s Cross. There are several small car parks. The tall granite cross is at least 300 years old and very close to the main road. From Bennett’s Cross, follow the clear Two Moors Way path across the hillside and up to Hookeny Tor. Below the tor, in the valley, is the huge prehistoric settlement ring of Grimspound - one of the highlights of all the walks on Dartmoor featured on our list. After exploring the settlements (see if you can find the tiny cross inscribed in the rock of the south east gateway), continue uphill to Hameldown Tor.

Continue along the wide ridgeline, past crosses and ancient barrows, until you reach the corner of a wall. At the wall corner, turn right and follow the wall downhill to the road. A left turn and short section along the road will take you to a footbridge over the stream and into Challacombe Medieval Village. After exploring the ruins, follow the track roughly west and bending around the hillside back towards the car park. You’ll pass through the remains of Golden Dagger Mine and then Vitifer Mine, both former tin mines. At Vitifer, cross the many-span clapper bridge and follow the path uphill, past the post, until you are back at the Warren House Inn.

6. Ivybridge ridgeline loop

A ridgeline walk encompassing stone rows, ancient granite crosses and a Neolithic tomb – one of the best walks on Dartmoor for history lovers

• Distance: 12.9km (8.0 miles)
• Ascent: 335m (1,100 feet)
• Start/finish: Ivybridge Station

Leave the station car park, heading roughly west on the road beside the railway line. Cross the railway at Stowford Bridge and take the stony track on your right just along the lane. This leads to the Ivybridge moor gate. Turn right and take the path up to the top of Western Beacon, then north along the ridgeline to Butterdon Hill. You’ll pass lots of interesting old boundary stones. Continue along the line of these boundary stones - and a stone row - until you meet the clear track of the Two Moors Way. Follow this track until just past an embankment with a boundary stone on top, to your left.

Step off the path and follow the new line of boundary stones south and downhill. You’ll pass a longstone and Hobajon’s Cross. At the bottom of the hill pick up a grassy path due east that will take you to Spurrell’s Cross – a lopsided granite cross that dates to the 15th century. Next, head south, contouring the hills to your right and keeping the river to your left. Inside the enclosure is Cuckoo Ball burial chamber, a neolithic tomb. Finally, climb the hill back to the summit of Western Beacon and return to Ivybridge via your outward route.

7. Ancient ways from Shipley Bridge

Follow the course of dismantled tramways, ancient footpaths and cross one of Dartmoor’s oldest clapper bridges

• Distance: 11.6km (7.2 miles)
• Ascent: 260m (850 feet)
• Start/finish: Shipley Bridge

From Shipley Bridge, head north along the tarmac road a little way then take the path to your left by the Hunter’s Stone. The path bands back on itself before curving round the hillside and heading uphill onto Brent Moor. This path is a dismantled tramway, but is not always clear on the ground and can be very boggy. Follow it as best you can, passing a boundary stone and Petre’s Cross until you reach the crossways, just before Redlake tramway. Turn right and follow a grassy path steeply downhill to the River Avon. There is a very grand clapper bridge to help you cross in all but the wettest weather. You are now on a section of the Abbot’s Way – an ancient pathway used by monks travelling between Buckfastleigh and Tavistock Abbeys.

Cross the clapper and turn right, following the river until you reach Avon Dam Reservoir. Continue alongside the reservoir and then the river again, beyond the dam. Your path will gradually improve from grass to track to tarmac. Keep following it until you arrive back at Shipley Bridge.

8. Tors, leats and pools from Norsworthy Bridge

A mixture of small tors, modern forest and historic waterways in the Burrator area make this one of the most varied walks on Dartmoor

• Distance: 7.7km (4.8 miles)
• Ascent: 198m (650 feet)
• Start/finish: Norsworthy Bridge

From Norsworthy Bridge car park, head north along the road, crossing both bridges and then turning immediately right along the river. There is a footpath sign and a gate that takes you uphill into the trees. Follow this path until you reach a leat, then turn right and follow the wide forest track alongside. This is the Devonport Leat, built in 1790s to supply fresh water to Plymouth. Out of the forest, continue along the leat, crossing back and forth on the little clapper bridges as needed.

Where the leat takes a sharp right turn, beside the aqueduct, take an uphill path from the corner to reach Black Tor. Next, take a small path down to the river and across on stepping stones, then curving up and left to Hart Tor. There is a grassy path from Hart Tor to Cramber Tor, although it is most easily seen in the summer. From Cramber head directly south, again on a path if you can find it, back to the Devonport Leat. Cross the leat at a bridge and pass Crazywell Pool: said by local legend to be bottomless. Keep heading roughly south until you reach a clear, stony track. Turn right and follow it back into Burrator.

Snowdonia National Park – or Eryri, to give the park its Welsh name – is a sprawling area that covers 823 square miles of beautiful North Wales. The best way to explore it all is undoubtedly on foot, and this selection the best walks in Snowdonia offers a range of spectacular hikes suitable for hardened hillwalkers and casual strollers alike. You’ll visit cascading waterfalls, tumbling river gorges, narrow passes and lofty peaks – most famously Snowdon itself, which at 1,085 metres (3,560ft) is the highest mountain in England and Wales.

Of course, the best walks in Snowdonia have far more to offer than Snowdon alone. Get off the beaten track and you can still find peace and tranquillity in the hills and mountains, leaving you to enjoy glorious vistas and panoramic views in splendid solitude. But like all of the UK’s national parks, this is also a living and working landscape. Today, tourism and recreation play a big part in the life of the park – meaning that adrenaline-seeking visitors can take on everything from the world’s fastest zipline to the swells of an inland surf lagoon. But Snowdonia is also rich in history, culture and tradition, all ready for you to explore. You’ll likely see this first-hand in the region’s magnificent medieval castles, ancient archaeological sites and the scattered industrial ruins of the once mighty slate industry.

What can you expect from the best walks in Snowdonia? The terrain is notoriously steep, rocky and rugged – more so than in most other national parks – so be prepared for uneven ground and some lung-busting ascents. Wear sturdy footwear if you’re tackling any of Snowdonia’s summits. Take a good waterproof too, since the Welsh weather can also be wet, wild and windy. Even on a rainy day, however, the terrain has a certain majesty, as slate-strewn  hillsides shift from dull grey to shimmering purple. 

But North Wales shows its true splendour on clear, dry days, when intrepid hillwalkers are rewarded for their efforts with exhilarating views of undulating ridges, craggy summits and mysterious llyns (lakes and pools). You might even spot the odd mountain goat. It is the perfect backdrop for challenging and adventurous days out – and to help you make the most of your visit, here is our list of eight of the best walks in Snowdonia.

• Tackle any terrain on your trip with the best hiking boots
• Shrug off wet weather in Snowdonia with the best waterproof jackets
• Stay warm in the mountains with the best down jackets and puffers

Advnture's 8 best walks in Snowdonia

1. Snowdon

Climb majestic Snowdon via a quieter route, avoiding the crowds found on the more popular paths.

• Distance: 14.8km (9.2 miles)
• Ascent: 1,080m (3,543ft)
• Start/finish: Nant Gwynant

Snowdon is Wales’ highest and best-known mountain. And unlike any other mountain in the UK, you don’t actually have to climb it on foot to enjoy the summit views, thanks to the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which runs from Llanberis to the summit station at the top. While that means that it is often busy, there are lesser trod paths that make for a spectacular day of walking, without the crowds.

Our route starts by heading up the Watkin Path from Nant Gwynant. Your uphill efforts are soon rewarded with stunning views down the valley and as you climb you’ll pass tumbling waterfalls on your right. On a clear day, you’ll be able to enjoy the falls against the impressive backdrop of Snowdon. You’ll reach a path junction, where you want to take the left path, climbing steeply up to Bwlch Cwm Llan. Take the path on the right to continue the ascent atop Clogwyn Du before reaching Bwlch Main, which takes you to the summit. To descent, retrace your steps slightly and take the Watkin Path down to Bwlch Ciliau, before heading right and winding your way back down to reach the famous Gladstone Rock. Just beyond this you’ll join your original path and retrace your steps back down to Nant Gwynant.

2. Cnicht from Croesor

Small in stature but offering spectacular summit views, Cnicht has been dubbed the ‘Welsh Matterhorn’.

• Distance: 11.2km (7.0 miles)
• Ascent: 560m (1,837ft)
• Start/finish: Croesor

As you approach Cnicht (‘the knight’ in Welsh), it’s easy to see how it acquired the nickname of the Welsh Matterhorn. Seen from certain angles, it shares the same classic ‘jagged tooth’ shape of the Alpine giant, a silhouette that renders it instantly attractive to aspiring summiteers. But if you manage to climb this petite peak on a clear day, the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. The 360-degree panorama stretches as far as Snowdon and Cadair Idris, and out over the beautiful Dwyryd Estuary.

From the car park in Croesor, head up the hill past the old school. Continue through a gate to climb up through woodland, until you reach another gate on your right. Head through this and follow the path towards Cnicht. At the brow of a hill you will head right, and from here the way to the summit is obvious, straight up the ridge. Don’t be fooled by the false summits on the way up, keep climbing and you’ll eventually reach the true summit where you’ll want to pause to take in the views. Rather than re-tracing your steps back down, you can carry on ahead, descending in the direct of Llyn Yr Adar. At a path junction, take the right hand path down towards Llyn Cwm-y-foel, skirting around the edge to reach the dam. From here, pick up a path that descends into the valley, heading along Cwm Croesor before returning to the village. Alternatively, you can carry on past Cwm Croesor to the Rhosydd quarry and follow the track west back to the village.

3. A Carneddau Round

An epic circular route that takes in three of the seven highest peaks in Snowdonia, exploring the windswept mountains of the Carneddau.

• Distance: 20.4km (12.7 miles)
• Ascent: 990m (3,248ft)
• Start/finish: Llyn Ogwen

Even when the tourist season is in full swing and the Llanberis Path swarms with hordes of tourists heading up to the summit of Snowdon, the Carneddau range to the north tends to be much quieter. However, it is no less spectacular. In fact, the Carneddau are well known for their sweeping vistas. This route bags three summits including Pen-yr-Ole-Wen, Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn. On a clear day, it offers up mega views back towards hulking Tryfan and the shattered tops of the Glyderau.

From the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen the route heads up the east ridge of Pen-yr-Ole-Wen to the summit. It is a stiff climb but once you reach the summit of Pen-yr-Ole-Wen you’ll have completed the majority of ascent for the day, and now have a lofty ridge walk to enjoy. Continue to the summit of Carnedd Dafydd before passing the Ysgolion Duon and ascending to the highest point of the day at Carnedd Llewelyn. From here, you’ll descend via Penywaun-wen ridge down to Ffynon Llugwy Reservoir before returning to the road.

4. Tryfan and the Glyderau

A challenging loop stacked with incredible landscape features, including the twin rock pillars of Adam and Eve on Tryfan’s summit, the Glyderau’s teetering cantilever stone, the shattered ‘castle of the winds’ and a descent through the Devil’s Kitchen.

• Distance: 10.6km (6.6 miles)
• Ascent: 880m (2,887ft)
• Start/finish: Llyn Ogwen

If you relish big mountain days with the chance to get your hands on rock then this is the route for you. Locals say you can’t reach Tryfan’s summit without using your hands, and that you never go up the same way twice. With plenty of opportunities to pick your way among boulders and crags, a scramble to the summit of this much-loved mountain always feels like a real adventure. The steep terrain also means you eat up the ascent super quickly. Tie that in with a loop that also bags Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr, with their shattered rock formations and lunar-landscape summits, and you’re guaranteed a mega mountain day.

Park at one of the car parks along the shore of Llyn Ogwen and depending on your skill level and how adventurous you are feeling, decide whether you want to climb Tryfan via its technical North Ridge, or the slightly less challenging Heather Terrace. At the summit you’ll spot the stone pillars known as Adam and Eve and if you’re feeling brave, take a leap between them. Descend to Bwlch Tryfan, before starting the climb up to Glyder Fach, passing the Cantilever Stone just before the summit. Head for the aptly named Castell-Y-Gwynt, which translates to castle of the wind, before summiting Glyder Fawr. You’ll descend via the Devil’s Kitchen to Llyn Idwal, before dropping back down to Llyn Ogwen.

5. Rhinog Fawr from Cwm Bychan

Rugged and wild, this exhilarating hike explores some of the most isolated and challenging terrain in the whole of Snowdonia.

• Distance: 9.5km (5.9 miles)
• Ascent: 600m (1,969ft)
• Start/finish: Cwm Bychan

The Rhinogydd occupy an oft-neglected part of the Snowdonia national park that is ripe for discovery. These rocky, heather-clad hills offer a wilder and more isolated experience for walkers than the more popular Glyderau, Carneddau and the central Snowdon massif. The terrain is about as rugged as it gets in North Wales, so this is a hike for experienced hillwalkers in search of a challenging yomp.

From the basic campsite at Cwm Bychan where you can park, follow the sign for the Roman Steps. Climb through a pasture and woodland and follow a stream uphill through the Roman Steps, which was once an ancient packhorse route between Chester and Harlech. Climb up to Bwlch Tyddiad. Beyond this take a path to the right heading up to Llyn Du and skirt the lake edge before heading left to ascend the northwest flank of Rhinog Fawr. It is a hard climb, but rewarded by great views from the trig at the summit. Retrace your steps back to the start.

6. The Dyfi Ridge

A real hidden gem, this panoramic ridge walk in southern Snowdonia is far from the beaten track, but offers lofty views and the chance to spot RAF jets taking on the famous ‘Mach loop’.

• Distance: 12.5km (7.8 miles)
• Ascent: 1,020m (3,346ft)
• Start/finish: Dinas Mawddwy

East of the mighty Cadair Idris in southern Snowdonia lies a little known and rarely walked hidden gem of a ridge. The Dyfi Ridge stretches some 13 miles and takes in half a dozen peaks. Each high point is connected by a rocky crest offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, a stunning series of vistas that can be enjoyed in splendid isolation.

From Dinas Mawddwy you’ll head through a forest, climbing up through a disused quarry, before contouring around the hillside of Foel Dinas to Bwlch Siglen. It is a steep climb up to Maesglase, but with plenty of distractions in the form of tumbling waterfalls and quite often RAF jets swooping down the valley and up into the skies on one of their frequent low-level test flights. Follow the ridge to Maen Du and on to Craig Portas, before turning right to head to Cribin Fawr. From here you get great views of the ridge you are about to walk up to Waun-oer, and beyond to Cadair Idris. From Waun-oer, carry on along the path and head towards Mynydd Ceiswyn, eventually crossing a ladder stile on the right and heading downhill until you eventually reach the A487.

7. The Nantlle Ridge

Arguably the most enjoyable ridge walk in Snowdonia, the snaking Nantlle Ridge offers spectacular vistas without the crowds, making for a truly memorable mountain day.

• Distance: 13.8km (8.6 miles)
• Ascent: 830m (2,723ft)
• Start/finish: Rhyd Ddu

The Nantlle Ridge might not be as famous as Snowdon’s Crib Goch, but this works in its favour, as it is far less likely to get snarled up with other adventure-seekers. It’s also a ridge that can be walked rather than requiring scrambling skills, without the exposure that often unsettles novice hillwalkers. As an end-to-end route, it can be logistically tricky to walk in its entirety, as it means having to arrange transport from the finish point. However, a little prior planning is well worth the effort. Once you’re up on the lofty, undulating, snaking ridge, we can guarantee you won’t want to cut it short.

From Rhyd-Ddu you’ll take a path across a field and cross the river before starting the hard ascent up Y Garn.  From the summit descend to a col before scrambling up Mynydd Drws-y-Coed. You’ll then enjoy a spectacular section of the ridge along a path to Trum y Ddysgl and Mynydd Tal-y-mignedd before dripping down to Bwlch Dros-bern. From here you climb up to Craig Cwm Silyn and head south west up and over Garnedd Goch, dropping down before turning towards Mynydd Graig Goch, which marks the end of the Nantlle Ridge. From here head down to Nebo.

8. Cadair Idris

The titan of southern Snowdonia, Cadair idris is a peak steeped in legend that offers serene views of the stunning Mawddach estuary, as well as the pristine glacial lake of Llyn Cau.

• Distance: 9.8km (6.1 miles)
• Ascent: 830m (2,723ft)
• Start/finish: Rhyd Ddu

As legend has it, this mountain is named after a giant called Idris. Translated, Cadair Idris means ‘chair of Idris’ and as you climb its flanks, you can quite imagine a giant using it as his throne. There are a few different routes up and down Cadair and none will disappoint. At 893 metres (2,930ft), this is the highest mountain in southern Snowdonia, and it is undeniably a strenuous climb. But once on the summit, Penygadair, the views out as far as the Llŷn Peninsula and over the nearby hills are truly spectacular. You may even be tempted to take a nap in the stone shelter at the summit, but be warned: it is said that if you sleep on the mountain you’ll wake as either a madman or a poet.

Follow the Minfordd path, climbing through woodland and the Nant Cadair Gorge, heading up the never ending steps, stopping to admire the tumbling water in the gorge. You’ll skirt around the south and west sides of the glacial lake of Llyn Cau, climbing higher to reach Craig Cau. Cross a stile before starting the final ascent up to the summit, Penygadair. To descend, continue eastwards to bag another summit, Mynydd Moel. Make sure you glance back here to take in the impressive ridge you have just walked and views of Penygadair. From here, you’ll start the descent to Moelfryn, before picking up the Minfordd path once more to return to the start.

The best walks in the Lake District transport you into a hillwalking paradise, blessed with a myriad of breathtaking hikes. From towering summits like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Blencathra to dinky but delightful fells such as Latrigg, Cat Bells and Helm Crag, there is something for everyone in the Lake District – whether you’re a super-fit mountain aficionado hoping to bag all 214 ‘Wainwright’ fells in Lakeland or a total beginner intrigued by countryside walks.

The national park, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, attracts millions of visitors every year, lured by the idyllic scenery and spectacular walks – and it’s easy to see why. The Lake District is where William Wordsworth ‘wandered lonely as a cloud’ amongst the dancing daffodils; it’s where Beatrix Potter was inspired to write about Peter Rabbit and his friends; and it’s the landscape where guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright discovered ‘an inspired and inspiring vision of loveliness...lakes and mountains arranged to perfection’.

What can you expect from a walk in the Lakes? The terrain can be rough, uneven and steep, so be prepared for a challenging hike, and (of course) the weather can be rather wet and wild. But, if you’re lucky enough to get a sunny day, you’ll be treated to a heavenly landscape. Think wobbly dry stonewalls, cute-faced Herdwick sheep, sweeping mountain ridges, jaw-dropping cliffs and crags, towering peaks, tumbling streams and glistening lakes. It truly is a magical place – and to help you discover its wonders, here’s our list of eight of the best walks in the Lake District.

• Keep the wind and rain at bay in the Lakes with the best waterproof jackets
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Advnture's 8 best walks in the Lake District

1. Scafell Pike

A wonderful walk to England’s highest peak, along an exciting and less-rambled route

• Distance: 14km (8¾ miles)
• Ascent: 1,100m  (3,609ft)
• Start/finish: Seathwaite

Scafell Pike is England’s highest, and perhaps most iconic, mountain. But standing atop its towering 978m (3209ft) summit is not simply about bagging the country’s loftiest peak. Scafell Pike is also the nation’s greatest war memorial; a place of beauty and grandeur to pay tribute to fallen heroes. In 1919, the mountain was bequeathed to the nation in ‘perpetual memory of the men… who fell for God and King, for freedom, peace and right in the Great War’. So, when you’re hiking this glorious route up Scafell Pike from Borrowdale, spend a quiet moment to think of those men.

Scafell Pike is commonly climbed from Wasdale, but the tourist route is busy and rather boring. Instead this option is an exciting (and challenging) way to reach the roof of England. Starting in the hamlet of Seathwaite (the wettest place in England), this walk climbs gently to Styhead Tarn before picking up the Corridor Route – a traversing path over rocky, rugged terrain – to Lingmell Col. Next comes a steep climb to Scafell Pike’s summit, before looping back to the start via Esk Hause and Grains Gill. It’s a truly intrepid outing.

2. Latrigg

• Distance: 10km (6 miles)
• Ascent: 450m (1467ft)
• Start/finish: Keswick

Arguably the Lakes’ loveliest short outing, this circular walk takes you to the top of iconic Latrigg

This might just be the best short walk in the Lake District. Climbing Latrigg from Keswick is a classic outing that can be fitted into just a few hours – a walk so good it’s almost become a rite of passage for lovers of Lakeland. At only 368m (1,207ft), Latrigg is a small fell, but it offers big views – particularly from a perfectly positioned bench half way up the ascent. The panoramas down to Keswick, over the north-western fells, and across Derwentwater are simply mesmerising.

Our chosen route starts in Keswick and takes the Cumbria Way path northeast before turning south to climb Latrigg. It’s a family-friendly ascent on good, well-maintained paths. Rather than descending the same way, we suggest a circular by returning via Brundhulme Wood and the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail. The latter was severely damaged by flooding during Storm Desmond in 2015, but finally reopened fully in December 2020 after a £7.9 million renovation project to rebuild three bridges, install new tunnels, and resurface the track.

3. Helm Crag

A hike through an enchanting and enigmatic landscape to the Howitzer – an optional scrambling challenge that will separate the lions from the lambs

• Distance: 13km (8 miles)
• Ascent: 750m (2,461ft)
• Start/finish: Grasmere

Rising gently over picturesque Grasmere, Helm Crag initially appears dumpy and unremarkable – and then you spot its knobbly, gnarled summit. Alfred Wainwright labelled the summit of Helm Crag as one of the very best in Lakeland – a ‘rather weird and fantastic place’ blessed with a ‘remarkable array of rocks’. This walk explores all of these rocky wonders. After a delightful ascent from Grasmere, you encounter The Lion and The Lamb, a dramatic rocky outcrop on the south-eastern end of the ridge, which, well, resembles a lion and a lamb (from the valley). But this isn’t the true summit. Beyond lies The Howitzer, a fear-inducing slab of angled rock that can only be gained with some skilled scrambling. Intrepid and confident souls might give the nerve-jangling scramble a go (extreme caution advised), but don’t worry if you don’t fancy it – Alfred Wainwright famously wimped out of it. Once the drama of Helm Crag’s summit is over, this route ticks off two more Wainwrights – Gibson Knott and Calf Crag – before returning to Grasmere via the delightful Far Easedale valley.

4. Cat Bells

A classic Lakeland day outing, starting with a boat ride across Derwentwater before a hike to the top of Cat Bells and peek at Peter Rabbit’s scrumping ground

• Distance: 12km (7.5 miles)
• Ascent: 550m (1,804ft)
• Start/Finish: Keswick

A firm family favourite, Cat Bells is a classic Lakeland outing for young, old and everyone in between. Sweeping aesthetically above Derwentwater with a distinctive profile, it is a little fell with big features: a taste of scrambling, a domed summit and mind-boggling views of the Borrowdale valley. It does have downsides – it’s super-popular and often over-crowded. But who cares when the views are this good? Our suggested route is something a bit different. Start in Keswick and enjoy a ride on the Keswick Launch boat, a brilliant way to enjoy the beauty of Derwentwater. Hop off at Low Brandelhow jetty and begin your walk back to Keswick. The route explores the majestic western lakeshore before a stiff climb up Cat Bells. Next comes a descent of the mountain’s northern ridge towards Portinscale and a loop east back to Keswick. For a coffee and cake – and to explore the walled gardens, which Beatrix Potter credited as her original inspiration for Mr McGregor’s garden in The Tale of Peter Rabbit – The Lingholme Kitchen is a brilliant stop-off along the way.

5. Wansfell

Putting the amble into Ambleside, this half-day walk with wonderful Windermere views goes via Baystones, Troutbeck and Skelghyll Wood

• Distance: 12.5km (7¾ miles)
• Ascent: 700m (2,297ft)
• Start/finish: Ambleside

Climbing Wansfell from the bustling town of Ambleside is undoubtedly a popular outing. But too many tourists do it the wrong way, trudging uphill to Wansfell Pike – which isn’t actually the true summit – before boringly heading down the same way they came up. This route is far more authentic and appealing, visiting the Wainwright-approved summit – known as Baystones – before completing a circular loop via Troutbeck and Skelghyll Wood. It’s probably the best half-day walk you can start in Ambleside. The unquestionable highlight is the view across Lake Windermere, which stretches sumptuously into the distance.

6. Mosedale Horseshoe

Possibly the Lake District’s finest horseshoe hike, this rugged ramble takes in a handful of Wainwrights

• Distance: 17km (10½ miles)
• Ascent: 1,450m (4,757ft)
• Start/finish: Wasdale Head

There is fierce competition for the title of ‘best horseshoe walk’ in the Lake District. Some favour the undulating splendour of the Kentmere Horseshoe, others prefer the mountain drama of the Newlands Round, or Coledale Horseshoe. But, perhaps, the greatest of all these high-level, circular ridge walks is the Mosedale Horseshoe. Starting at Wasdale Head, under the shadow of Scafell Pike, this route loops the remote, bowl-like valley of Mosedale via a series of iconic peaks. The walk ticks off five Wainwrights – Pillar, Scoat Fell, Steeple, Red Pike and Yewbarrow – and serves up stunning views of others including the Scafell Massif and Great Gable. It’s a rough and rugged hike, with steep ascents and a touch of scrambling. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the ample rewards are well within the grasp of the average hillwalking enthusiast. It is a classic Lakeland mountain walk with steep and rocky ground, boulder fields and sections of scrambling on Yewbarrow, but generally follows good paths and hill lines.

7. Coledale Round

A bigger round for peak-bagging enthusiasts, this cracking circular route ticks off eight Wainwrights and takes in some of the best vistas in the Lakes

• Distance: 18km (11 miles)
• Ascent: 1,500m (4,921ft)
• Start/finish: Braithwaite

The Coledale Round, or Coledale Horseshoe if you prefer, is a high-level, summit-bagging loop of Coledale Beck. It is one of the finest walks in the north-western fells – and an efficient outing for anyone ticking off the Wainwrights. There are many versions of the round: extremely energetic hikers opt for up to 10 summits, but here we exclude Grasmoor and Wandope to complete a more than adequate eight Wainwrights in a single walk. Starting with an ascent of Grisedale Pike’s shapely eastern ridge, you are greeted with panoramic views over Keswick, northern leviathan Skiddaw and ahead to the dark, brooding cliffs of Hobcarton Crag, plunging dramatically into a secret, craggy amphitheatre. And the delights keep coming. Hopegill Head has grandstand views of the Vale of Lorton; the lumpy-bumpy ridge from Scar Crags to Causey Pike’s knobbly summit is airy and delightful; and the grassy humps of Outerside and Barrow feel like two freebies for your Wainwright box-ticking. If you're looking for a circular hike, this is undoubtedly one of the best walks in the Lake District.

8. Low Fell

A family friendly fell walk, offering big views for a relatively short walk and easy climb

• Distance: 7.5km (4½ miles)
• Ascent: 400m (1,312ft)
• Start/finish: Thackthwaite

Low Fell serves up a view of “classical beauty”, as Alfred Wainwright put it. Crummock Water stretches out majestically into the distance, framed by Mellbreak’s sweeping ridgeline and Grasmoor’s looming bulk, while on the horizon Great Gable and Haystacks tower over Buttermere. It’s a small, easy fell that can be climbed in a matter of hours on easy, grassy paths – but it feels like you’re rewarded with panoramas from the loftiest of all peaks. The bang for your buck with Low Fell is phenomenal. For families, beginners and older walkers, it’s a top-notch choice. As Wainwright explained: “The lesser heights and foothills of Lakeland, especially those on the fringe, are too much neglected in favour of the greater mountains, yet many of these unsought and unfashionable little hills are completely charming. In this category is Low Fell.” This route, starting in Thackthwaite and taking in Fellbarrow too, crescendoes with the Low Fell summit – a stunning short walk.

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The Peak District occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of walkers in the UK. It was here, in 1932, that the Great Trespass took place, an event that resulted in much greater levels of access to wild places eventually being extended to the public, and in 1951, it was the first area in Britain to be designated a national park. 

Thanks to its geographical location, ‘the Peaks’ remains the most accessible national park in the country to the greatest number of people, and yet for the most part it still feels like a wilderness waiting to be explored. If you’re not sure where to find the best walks in the Peak District (and there are multiple entry points), we’re here to help.

Spanning five counties – Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester – we’ve put together a guide to eight of the best walks in the Peak District, covering leisurely rambles that explore the tranquil countryside to routes that take in the striking Gritstone outcrops and views of the rolling moorland the Peak District is famous for.

Interestingly, the name ‘Peak’ does not relate to mountains (as there are none) – it is thought to derive from the Pecsaetan, an Anglo-Saxon tribe who settled the area. Villages of interest include Castleton (famous for caverns, the ‘shivering mountain’ of Mam Tor, Winnat's Pass and Peveril Castle), Eyam (the pretty ‘plague village’) and Hathersage (reputed grave-site of Robin Hood’s big buddy Little John) – all of which are in close proximity to some of the best walks in the Peak District.

The 8 best walks in the Peak District

1. The Great Ridge – including Mam Tor

A majestic ridgeline that commands  some of the grandest views from one of the highest peaks in the area.

• Distance: 9.8km (6.1 miles)
• Ascent: 310m (1,025ft)
• Start: Castleton Car park
• Finish: Castleton Car park

Taking in one of the classic routes on every Peak bagger’s list, this iconic route traces the fault line between Dark Peak and White Peak, starting from the picturesque village of Castleton and following the well-marked path of Odin Sitch. The majestic ridge commands your attention as you walk through the lower plains, going past Knowledgates Farm and taking the track below Little Mam Tor. Head through the woodlands and track uphill – you are now climbing the paved slopes up to Hollins Cross. The path steepens until you reach the iconic Hollins cross, the site of an old packhorse route that used to span from Castleton to Edale. Pause to enjoy the view, before heading uphill on the wide path along the ridge. The path steadily rises until you push through to the final climb to the summit of Mam Tor. Descend easily with the track (paving slabs), keeping to the footpath signs which cut off the busy road, and head towards Winnat's Head Farm, before picking the path towards Blue John Cavern and over to Treak Cliff Cavern. Descend steeply, taking care with your steps, as the path leads to another cave of interest, Speedwell Cavern. Follow the footpath here, rather than the road, and descend past Peak Cavern. Finish on the quieter side roads, which lead you easily to the car park.

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2. The Gritstones Paradise – Stanage to Hathersage

World-class rock climbing destination through a picturesque valley.

• Distance: 8.1km (5 miles)
• Ascent: 270m (900ft)
• Start/finish: Hathersage car park
• Public transport available: Train from Sheffield to Hathersage and also from Manchester, 272 bus from Sheffield

A walk that’s lovely in its own right – which can be shortened if you just fancy walking along the tops of Stanage. But why would you, when you can escape the hustle and bustle of the popular high street and find peace and quiet in the rolling fields, secluded woodland, followed by a striking view that inspired Charlotte Bronte as she penned Jane Eyre? The tops of Stanage Edge – where Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Bennet muses about Mr Darcy – is stunning, and you can be sure to see climbers scaling the gritstone towers all year round. The walk along the tops of the edge can be made as long or as short as you like, and other points of interest include Robin Hood’s cave, where it’s rumoured Robin Hood once sheltered, safely hidden from the Sheriff of Nottingham. Care is required to access it from the top, with some scrambling down uneven rocky steps. The route also swings past North Lees Hall, its fortress-like top believed to be the inspiration for Thornfield Hall (from the roof of which Mr Rochester’s wife throws herself). Descend through fields and past the historic church, built on a spot that has been a site of religious workshop for over 1,000 years, and see ‘Long John’s grave’ in the cemetery (supposedly the resting place of Robin Hood’s bestie).

3. To Millstones and beyond – via the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail

Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the woodlands and spot the Millstones – remnants of an industrial past.

• Distance: 11km (6.8 miles)
• Ascent: 260m (853ft)
• Start/Finish:  Hathersage Youth Hostel

Full of curiosities that will amuse and delight, this is a peaceful walk that follows the meander of the River Derwent, taking in the rocky outcrop of Millstone (just visible above Hathersage). Further afield, you can see Higgar Tor and the widest rocky outcrop, Stanage. Set off by walking through farmers’ fields on easy and well-signposted footpaths on the Derwent heritage trail, before the route starts to climb through the trees of Coppice wood. As you climb out of the trees, it feels like you are in a woodland paradise – millstones with hollowed out middles provide ample seating spots. Follow the footpaths that take you to Grindleford train station (where the route can be cut short if you wish). From here, take the path that climbs steeply through Bolehill quarry, and into the silver birch–lined track that skirts below a quarried rock-face – Lawrencefield. Pass the lines of millstones before you get to the main road crossing (take care here) and then head over to the path that runs below Millstones Edge, the badass older sibling of Lawrencefield. This route skirts away from the climbing, but there are paths that take you closer to the action. Take care with the steep ground and possibility of loose rock – do not disturb any of the old pegs, or move anything here. The route takes you past Owler Tor, a natural outcrop of gritstone, before taking you via a rain gauge and on to the side road to Higgar Tor. Follow a gravel track to Mitchell Field and Scraperlow, where some soaring views over Hathersage Village can be viewed from up high. Descend through steep woodland, which spits you out on to the main road leading back into town.

4. Birchens to Gardoms, Baslow and Chatsworth

A nautical inspired route that pays homage to Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar, with sculptural rock formations and a romp through Chatsworth Park.

• Distance: 13.3km (8.3 miles)
• Ascent: 230m (775ft)
• Start:  Robin Hood Car Park
• End: Robin Hood Car Park/ Baslow Car Park if doing the extension

If your idea of the best walk in the Peak District starts and ends with a pub, then this might be the hike for you. Start at Robin Hood Inn (park in the Eastern Moors–managed car park) and head up the footpath towards Birchen Edge. The path leads you to the edge, which is much smaller in height than its fellow gritstone escarpments, Froggatt Edge and Curbar Edge, but it is still visually interesting, with a trio of nautically named boulders known as ‘The Three Ships’. There is also a monument to Nelson at the top, and rock climbers can usually be seen frequenting this crag. Head towards the trig point at 310m (1,017ft) and continue until you nearly reach the road, before looping back on yourself. Following the edge of the road, walk until you see a well-defined path heading towards the trees. This is the start of Gardom's Edge, a less frequented spot that feels sheltered in the tree line. It has a more wooded feel than Birchen, but it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds. Walk along the path towards the Three Men (triplet piles of stones) and re-join the main footpath that leads back to the main road. This walk can end here, at the car park where you started, but if you’re eager to get a closer look at Chatsworth, cross the main road and pick up the footpath over to Robin Hood and up onto Dobb Stones. Follow a wide track and head through the private woods of Chatsworth – passing the hunting tower – and then loop back through the park. Take the main footpath back, following the River Derwent, to end up in Baslow (where you could park a second car). If you haven’t arranged a car drop, walk back along the road to the Robin Hood Car Park.

5. Langsett Reservoir

A moorland classic that is on the very tip of the peak district, easily accessible from Manchester and Sheffield.

• Distance: 6.3km (3.9 miles)
• Ascent: 100m (325ft)
• Start/Finish:  Langsett car park

A perfect, non-complicated stroll that wanders around Langsett Reservoir (which can make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a lakeside in North America), this route takes you through photogenic woodland, along babbling brooks and across open moorland – all on a decent, relatively flat path. To start, follow the bridleway until you reach the top of the reservoir. Turn left and head down the lane to Brookhouse Bridge over the Little River Don, also known as the Porter. The river is very picturesque, and this is a perfect spot to stop for a brew, a picnic or a paddle in the summertime. Follow the path as it steadily climbs through access land and on to open moorland. At the marker post, take the wide path off to the left rather than either of the bridleways, which lead on to Mickleden and Derwent Edge, popular with mountain bikers. Pass the North America farm and stay on the bridleway to Upper Midthorpe, until you reach the end of the reservoir. Follow the easy path back to the car park.

6. Lose Hill and Win Hill

Two moorland classic peaks, visible for miles around – not to be missed.

• Distance: 15.8 km (9.8 miles)
• Ascent: 830m (2,700ft)
• Start: Heatherdene car park
• Finish: Hope (park car here)

This linear route, which explores two pointy peaks in the Peak District, is one for those after a bit of calf burn, with at least 600m of ascent packed into a fairly short distance.

Park at Heatherdene car park – there are also some free parking spots along the edge of Ladybower reservoir. (If you’re a photographer, don’t waste too much time trying to capture the Ladybower Bridge shot, you’ll get a more dramatic perspective up high.) First you need to climb the relentless, thigh-burning gorge that is Parkin Clough (which gets muddy during wet weather), before things start to ease as you emerge out of Win Hill plantation. You approach the peak from the east side, where there are some boulders and an iconic trig point at 462m (1516ft). Descend via the western path (also a popular way of doing Win Hill from Hope) and head down the steep slopes in a southwesterly direction, through open moorland to farmland near the outskirts of Aston. Walk towards Fulwood Stile Farm before crossing the railway for your second peak-bagging experience of the day: Lose Hill. After crossing the Townhead bridge, get those thighs reactivated as you climb towards Lose Hill, thankfully a gentler experience than Win Hill, before hitting the summit at 476m (1,562ft). Admire the views and see if you can spot the sign dedicated to events during the Mass Trespass. Descend the way you came up, but pick up the footpaths through farmland towards Losehill Farm and back towards Hope. The thought of coffee / beer / cafes should help propel you downhill. Finish up with refreshments in iconic Hope village, where smart walkers will have parked a second car.

Note: Those who would like to complete this walk as a circular route should head up Win Hill from Aston, following the small country roads, before hitting the footpaths described on the descent.

7. Lud’s Church and The Roaches

A memorable meander along The Roaches skyline, with open landscapes and beautiful rocky features, plus a visit to a deep moss-covered chasm.

• Distance: 11.8km (7.3 miles)
• Ascent: 270m (900ft)
• Start/Finish: Parking Bays below Hen Cloud (alternative parking near Bearstone rock, but be mindful of local restrictions)

What do mermaids, secret places of worship and tumbling rock faces all have in common? They can all be found in The Roaches, a Peak District delight situated just above Leek and Tittesworth reservoir, discoverable on this route, which takes in Hen Cloud, The Roaches Upper Tier and Skyline. Legend has it that a mermaid inhabits the Doxey pool, a small body of water at the top of The Roaches – the nasty ‘nymph’ waits just under the surface, ready to grab unsuspecting children. Survive that and you can visit Lud’s Church, once a site of clandestine worship – a moody, moss-lined chasm located in the depths of dark woods, where ‘Lollards’ (followers of the early church reformer/ ‘heretic’ John Wycliffe) practised their faith in secret during the 15th century.

As you drive out of Upper Hulme and park in the marked bays just below the rocky outcrops, pause as you consider the magnificent scale of the rock faces, which attract trad climbers and boulderers. Follow the steady track to The Roaches House and keep to the footpath, which takes you through quarried woodland reminiscent of a mini Fontainebleau, and climb steeply up the peaty side of Hen Cloud. As you reach its dizzying heights, look over to the tumble of rocks – one lower and one slightly higher up. The path skirts to the right, as you wander over the back of the Upper Tier of The Roaches. Descend, before climbing back up the hill to the main ridge, keeping your eyes peeled for climbers clinging to the bold slabs and distinctive pinnacles. Pass by Doxey Pool, and walk along the rocky ridge, just above the treeline. The path continues to climb until you reach a trig point – plenty of photo opportunities here – before descending past some of the most rounded and crinkly crisp-like rock formations on your descent down to the road. There is the option to head back to the car park here – but if you want the full hillwalking tick, crossover and follow the ridgeline with the signs to Lud’s church. Note that the ridge gradually descends, with the chasm located well within the woods, so confidence on steep, muddy ground and potentially slippery rocky steps is required for this section. From the path turning, it’s a short walk to the chasm – an eerie sight! The route can be retraced, or, for a more satisfying finish, walk through the woods above Black Brook on a muddy footpath, before you reach the road junction, where you can easily head back on the road to the car park.

8. Exploring the Gorge-ous Chee Dale and Monsal Head

Take a walk on the wild side and explore tunnels and gorges on the White Peak’s most stunning landscape – this is one that’s only for the brave!

• Distance: 8.5km (5.3 miles)
• Ascent: 170m (575ft)
• Start/Finish:  Topley Pike Parking Bays 

If you enjoy your hikes a little on the wild side – then why not check out one of the best walks in the Peak District that takes in part of the Monsal trail, and part of the spectacular limestone formations in the Wye Dale? But be warned – while much of the first half of this walk is on flat, disused railway gravel track, the real excitement comes on the footpaths that follow the River Wye, as it descends over rocky limestone pavement, tree roots, saturated mud and vegetation. But it’s worth it for the stunning views and the dramatic limestone cliffs, which have been popular as esoteric sport-climbing crag destinations for the fit and strong. There’s also a very exciting set of steppingstones, which are crossable (albeit with care required when the water levels are high). It’s certainly a challenging walk, and not one recommended for those who prefer their feet to remain dry, but if that doesn’t deter you, then you’ll enjoy experiencing some delicately managed woodlands en route. A whole wealth of flora and fauna can be seen in this Wildlife Trust–managed valley, including plants such as mossy saxifrage and bright blooming globeflowers.

If you're new to Komoot use our Advnture voucher code to get an offline region map bundle for free. Head to www.komoot.com/g and enter the code ADVNTURE. Valid until December 31, 2021.

If you hang out with hikers and bikers of one ilk or another, you’ve likely come across someone talking or posting about how they have logged their latest walk or cycling adventure on komoot.

Or, perhaps this name is entirely new to you, but you’re looking for a tool to help you plan, record and share outdoor escapades and experiences, which isn’t driven by competitiveness and full of people obsessing about how fast they’re going.

Komoot is exactly this: an app that values experience over performance. With a unique and ever-evolving suite of tools, it enables you to research new walking, running and riding routes, navigate your way around them with ease, and then share the experience and some of the highlights with a wider community of likeminded adventurers.

It has been soaring in popularity over the last year or so, and for good reason. This is social media for outdoor-active types, minus all the misinformation and one-upmanship. And the basic package, which is super functional, is free.

If you're new to Komoot use our Advnture voucher code to get an offline region map bundle for free. Head to www.komoot.com/g and enter the code ADVNTURE. Valid until December 31, 2021.

Scroll down to learn more...

Planning

A good starting point is to use komoot to map out a route you want to take on upcoming adventure, which you can then use to navigate while you’re out on the trails, and share with anyone else who intends to join you for the entirety of the outing, or just meet you along the way to do a section of it.

To do this, you open the app, navigate to the start point of your escapade, select your activity type – from a menu that includes walking, mountain biking, gravel cycling, trail running, mountaineering, road riding and bike touring – and enter your fitness level (from a scale that begins with ‘Couch Potato’ and extends to 'Pro'). You can then choose to plot a round trip, or a one-way A-to-B journey. With either option, you can plan the route so it takes you via various waypoints, highlights, facilities and points of interest, such as cafes, viewing points, historical markers, public toilets, and – of course – pubs.

While you’re planning – on your laptop, tablet or phone – you can toggle between various overlays on the map to get a really good idea of what the route looks like on the ground.

Designed and operated by outdoor enthusiasts for outdoor enthusiasts, the app has an inbuilt understanding of what walkers and bike riders are looking for. That means komoot will select appropriate trails according to your activity choice – so it will preference footpaths over roads if you’re hiking, and bridleways if you’re mountain biking (and if you insist on including a waymarker that is only accessible via a pedestrian-only path while plotting a cycling route, it will warn you that you’ll need to dismount for that section of the route). 

Komoot wants you to enjoy the experience too, so if your route includes a savagely steep ascent, it will warn you that you might be pushing your bike for a bit – giving you the opportunity to revise the plan.

Once you have finished plotting the route, komoot will reveal the exact percentage mix of terrain (paved/unpaved) and waytype (bridleway/road/footpath/singletrack) you will encounter. It also tells you what elevation gain to expect, and you can check to see if there are any current warnings. If there are, or if you want to change or update the route, you can simply alter it by dragging waypoints on the map.

On the trail

Once you’re happy with the route you have created, you can upload it to your account and komoot’s app for iOS or Android will turn your smartphone into a GPS device, complete with voice navigation prompts to keep you on track when you’re out on the trails.

And once your route is saved to your device, it will work offline, so you can venture deep into the wilderness without having to worry about losing signal or reception.

Komoot is integrated with Garmin and other GPS devices for data syncing, and they recently launched an advanced proprietary app for Garmin, which can be downloaded from the Garmin Connect IQ store.

Inspiration

If you are visiting a new area and you’re after some advice on where to go and what to do, you can punch in your pursuit of choice and browse komoot’s ‘Guides’, which will suggest a range of ‘Tours’ taking in the most scenic routes for walkers, runners, cyclists, based on information uploaded by users of the app.

On top of that, recommendations from local hikers and regular runners and riders appear on the map as ‘Highlights’, indicating the location of anything from a jaw-dropping view to cracking café or a walker-friendly pub, a particularly sensational stretch of trail or an amazing wild-camping spot.

You can, of course, pay this on and nominate ‘Highlights’ of your own, or save routes you have pioneered as a ‘Tour’, so that others can enjoy the treasures you have discovered on your trail travels.

Community

You can of course simply use the app as a planning tool and navigation aid, but most users record their adventures for posterity and to share the experience with others. You can also upload images to accompany your activity, and friends and family (and others, depending on the privacy settings you select) can choose to follow you.

Unlike most other activity-focused apps, komoot is powered by community ethos rather than competitiveness, which is a big part of its appeal for many, especially hikers and mountain bikers, and people who prefer to enjoy time spent outside as a quality experience, rather than treating each outing as a training session.

With multiple language settings, the app has rapidly become very popular across the planet, and more than 16 million people are regularly using it to enrich and expand their outdoor adventures and horizons. There are literally millions of Tours spread across the globe for people to explore, and in Europe, komoot is home to the largest digital group of outdoor experts on the continent.

Start exploring

Komoot is free to download and to use, so you can sign up and start exploring straight away. With the free-to-use version, maps can be purchased for offline use for £3.99 each, £5.99 per bundle, or you can unlock the entire world for £29.99.

And for the more adventurous outdoor enthusiast and cyclist, komoot recently launched a premium version aimed at those among its community who would like to go that bit further. Komoot Premium has advanced features such as dynamic, on-Tour weather forecasting, a multi-day Tour planner and sports-specific maps.