Outdoor Odysseys

More Outdoor Adventures: A Global Guide to Hiking, Walking and Cycling

Once, what you would have seen here was very bare: just lists of websites. That has changed, yet the idea is the same: offer a miscellany that inspires future outdoor activity. Aside from the first section, which is information source focussed, and the cycling section, which is global in reach, the rest of them are more destination specific. Ireland, the U.K., England, Wales, Scotland, the U.S.A., Canada and the Southern Hemisphere all get their slots.

While the last of these is more of a long shot for me personally, the others have seen my footfall at various times. Ireland is my place of origin, and the nations comprising the U.K. have been regular haunts over the years. Continental Europe began to see more of me following a family bereavement, starting a habit that continues still. Crossing the Atlantic has been fitful, not least because of the pandemic. Even so, there has been time spent in British Columbia and California, in 2019 and 2023, respectively.

Walking or hiking is my main form of self-powered exploration these days, though I have been known for cycling too. That was how things began until an evening cycle from Macclesfield to Buxton in August 2000. The ascent and descent that evening put me in my place, allowing walking and hiking to take over. Busy roads and a lack of trust in bicycle brakes have not helped, though there was an uptick in 2020. It is easier to stop for photographic capture when walking in any case, and one cuts down on intake of mechanical and fitness matters as well. Walking imbibes more of one’s surroundings and can be a gentler pursuit too.

For anyone seeking to plan their next outdoors outing, several digital platforms offer comprehensive tools and resources. Here then are some web resources with a global reach, and some have associated mobile apps too. Though at least one platform claims to vet their user submissions, anything user submitted still needs to be taken with a little caution, and it can be too easy to follow a GPS track recorded by someone else when what really is needed is the hiking of one’s own hike. We cannot all be copycats.

AllTrails stands as one of the most popular options, providing curated trail guides and maps for various activities including hiking, camping, and running. Its sophisticated search functionality allows users to filter trails based on multiple criteria such as location, activity type, difficulty level, and length. The platform’s premium features include offline maps and wrong-turn alerts, making it a valuable tool for both planning and on-trail navigation.

Walkingworld offers a particularly thorough approach to walking routes, especially in Britain and beyond, with an impressive collection of over 8,300 routes crafted by more than 400 dedicated walk authors. What sets this platform apart is its unique presentation format, featuring photographs at every crucial decision point alongside detailed Ordnance Survey (OS) 1:25,000 Explorer maps. Users can access routes in multiple formats – printed guides, digital mapping files for GPS devices, or through the Walkingworld app. The platform offers a try-before-you-buy approach, allowing users to sample one walk from their extensive library before committing to an annual £18 subscription for unlimited access. Additionally, subscribers can create free directory entries to promote related services such as guest houses, websites, or walking groups within the Walkingworld community.

For those drawn to mountaineering and climbing, SummitPost offers a vibrant collaborative community platform. Members contribute a wealth of content, including photographs, detailed trip reports, event listings, and personal logs. The site’s strength lies in its educational component, where experienced climbers share their knowledge through comprehensive how-to guides and informational articles.

Hiiker takes a more focused approach to trail navigation and planning. This application excels in providing detailed hiking maps and route-planning tools, while also helping users locate essential amenities along their journey, such as accommodation and dining options. Like AllTrails, it offers the crucial feature of offline map access for remote areas without mobile coverage.

Hiking Project distinguishes itself through a carefully balanced approach to community-driven content and professional oversight. The platform offers comprehensive coverage of trails worldwide, encompassing an impressive 276,000 miles of documented routes. What sets it apart is its commitment to maintaining guidebook-quality information through a thorough review process – every user submission, whether it’s a new trail addition, photograph, rating or improvement to existing entries, undergoes verification for accuracy and legality. This systematic approach helps protect both walkers and the trails they explore, whilst ensuring the platform’s content remains reliable and trustworthy. Unlike more specialised platforms focused on specific aspects of outdoor recreation, Hiking Project maintains a clear focus on walking trails, combining local knowledge from contributors with professional-grade curation to create a robust resource for trail enthusiasts.

Peak-baggers and mountain enthusiasts will find Peakery particularly useful for tracking their climbing achievements. The platform combines practical features like peak searches and mapping with social networking elements, allowing climbers to connect with like-minded individuals. Users can participate in various peak challenges, adding a motivational element to their mountain pursuits.

OuterSpatial casts a wider net in the outdoor recreation sphere, catering to diverse activities from hiking and camping to off-road adventures and fishing. The platform distinguishes itself by including pet-friendly options, such as dog-walking locations, while also providing essential safety tools, community events, and engaging challenges to encourage outdoor participation.

Outforia serves as a comprehensive knowledge base for outdoor enthusiasts, offering extensive information across various outdoor activities. The platform provides detailed articles, practical guides, and valuable resources covering everything from hiking and camping to wildlife identification and plant recognition.

For those with a specific interest in mountain statistics, PEAKLIST focuses on the fascinating aspect of peak prominence worldwide. This specialised resource allows users to explore mountains by region while offering historical context about peak prominence measurements and significance.

The Outbound rounds out these digital resources by emphasising community-driven adventure discovery. Its platform excels at helping users find local outdoor opportunities through carefully organised and mapped recommendations from fellow enthusiasts. The ad-free experience, combined with practical features like offline navigation and route planning, makes it a valuable tool for both discovering new adventures and executing outdoor plans effectively.