Outdoor Odysseys

Great Trail Journeys: Some of The World’s Classic Long-Distance Paths

Long-distance trails represent one of humanity’s most enduring ways of experiencing landscapes and cultures on foot. From ancient pilgrim routes to modern waymarked ways, these paths offer opportunities for both dedicated thru-hikers and those who prefer to explore section by section. They range from coastal paths tracing dramatic shorelines to mountain routes crossing remote wilderness, each with its own character and challenges.

The proliferation of such trails reflects a growing global appreciation for sustained journeys on foot. In Britain, the National Trails of England and Wales and Scotland’s Great Trails form an extensive network of well-maintained routes. Ireland’s diverse system of long-distance paths combines ancient ways with modern greenways, while continental Europe offers everything from high Alpine traverses to Mediterranean coastal walks. Beyond Europe, trails span the Americas, cross the Australian continent, and link the length of New Zealand.

These paths serve multiple purposes: they preserve historic routes, protect corridors of open space, connect communities, and provide access to landscapes that might otherwise remain remote or inaccessible. Whether undertaken as complete journeys or explored in sections, they offer walkers the chance to experience landscapes intimately and at a human pace. From the rugged challenge of America’s Pacific Crest Trail to the cultural immersion of Japan’s Kumano Kodo, each route has its own story to tell and its own rewards to offer.

This collection presents notable long-distance trails from around the world, highlighting their distinctive characteristics, practical information, and the unique experiences they offer. While some routes are centuries old and others newly established, all share the fundamental appeal of journeying through landscape on foot, connecting with both natural environments and human heritage along the way.

Regarding practicalities, all of this collation was found in the same place that you are reading now, until I realised how long it got. Thus, it got split up for readability, and the sections are listed on the sidebar. Just pick one of these to get a more bite-sized sample of what is out there. Anything is better than being told that something needs more than an hour to read, even if you used it as a look-up list, as was originally intended.

My own encounters with long-distance trails happen more because I walk parts of them while out on day hikes. Some like the West Highland Way and the Gritstone Trail have been completed by walking enough sections to complete the length. The same applies to most of the southern extent of the Pennine Way. Others that I have met sporadically include the Kerry Way, the Dingle Way, Offa’s Dike Path, Pembrokeshire Coast Path and the Isle of Man Coastal Path. Overseas trails are lesser frequented, though I have traipsed parts of the GR221 in Mallorca and Sörmlandsleden in Sweden. Others likely will get encountered as my wandering progresses.