Scottish doctors are prescibing nature to help combat stress, and we needn’t remind you about all the health benefits of walking. Here are some hikes that will take you to wild spaces of the globe with spectacular natural beauty.
1. Rim of Africa – Western Cape, South Africa
The Rim of Africa is a 650km traverse of the Western Cape’s mountains that begins in the Cederberg and ends at the foothills of the Outeniqua. The hiking trail is admittedly one for fit, experienced hikers, however it’s divided into nine stages, each made up of between six and eight days, and some hikers choose to spend a week or two doing it.
More info: rimofafrica.co.za
2. El Caminito Del Rey – Ardales, Spain
El Caminito Del Rey (The King’s Path) is a relatively short day-hike at only 8km long but it’s not for the faint-hearted or those who suffer from vertigo. It begins at the Count of Guadalhorce Reservoir in the town of Ardales in Spain’s Andalusian Province, and winds its way through canyons with dramatic rock formations, over bridges and along narrow walkways to end at the El Chorro Dam. The trail can be done in three to four hours.
More info: getyourguide.com
3. Milford Track – Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
4. Helvellyn – The Lake District, England
This 24km round-trip hike will take you to the top of the second-highest mountain in the Lake District, with views over Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. On a clear day you’ll be able to see the sea to the north and Scotland to the east.
Guided walks can be organised through thelakedistrictwalker.co.uk.
5. Simien mountains, Ethiopia
Described by Homer as the ‘chess pieces of the gods’, Ethiopia’s Simien Mountain range (in the north of the country) is a World Heritage Site in the Simien National Park and home the country’s highest peak, Ras Dashan. Expect to spot gelada monkeys with their long manes, and although rar, you may happen upon an Ethiopian wolf.
More info: simienmountainsnationalpark.org
6. Turaco Trail – Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe
Situated in the Mutarazi Falls National Park in Nyanga in Zimbawe’s eastern Highlands, this five-day, 62km trail makes its way to the summit of Chikorokoto and down the Pungwe Gorge and along the Pungwe River to its confluence with the Nyazengu, then ultimately over Zimbabwe’s highest mountain, Mt Nyangani. There are other, shorter routes available too.
More info: turacotrail.co.zw
7. St Marks Trail – Vancouver, Canada
The St Mark’s Summit hike takes about three to five hours to complete and forms part of the larger Howe Sound Crest Trail in Cypress Provincial Park, Vancouver. There are spectacular views over Howe Sound from the summit as well as from various vantage points along the way. The hike begins from the parking lot at the Cypress Creek Daylodge (ski lodge) and is best done in the warmer months between June and October.
More info: vancouverhiatus.com
Image credit: shemimages
