Are you thinking about where to go on your next adventure in 2025? Here are some incredible places that may give you some inspiration:
1. Albania
Albania’s landscapes are breathtakingly diverse, from the rugged Albanian Alps to the serene beaches of the Ionian coast. Self-guided walking through the marvellous and unspoilt landscapes of this country allow travellers to discover hidden valleys, turquoise rivers, and pristine lakes at their own pace. A less crowded and touristed place to visit, you can enjoy perhaps a more quiet and secluded trip than you might find in the more visited areas of Europe.
2. Japan
Japan has been getting many mentions of late, but for good reason. This fascinating country blends ultra modern with deep traditions that make for a unique and interesting culture. Think incredibly efficient, bustling and clean cities whilst forested mountains, shrines, ancient temples and bamboo forests await once you step outside of the cities. It also happens to have some fantastic hiking trails, whether this be following ancient pilgrim trails in the Kii Peninsula on The Kumano Kodo trail or taking in the history along The Nakasendo Way, with its well preserved Edo era culture. You won’t regret a visit to this magical country.
3. Hungary
Hungary is home to arguably some of the most beautiful cities, each one full of history. It also has a distinctive culture and cuisine, and some beautifully scenic landscapes which make it a great hiking destination. Dotted with castles, it also has Lake Balaton, vineyards, the river Danube and Carpathian Mountains, rich in biodiversity and covered in dense oak & beech forests. With their combination of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, cultural sites, and relaxing thermal springs, Walking in Hungary offers an enriching hiking experience perfect for both adventure and relaxation.
4. Italy
Home to an incredible variety of landscapes, Italy is always a fantastic destination to visit. With some of the best food in the world, some of the richest history in the world and a hugely varied range of landscapes that range from the Mediterranean coastlines, to the volcanoes of the South and the lakes and mountains of the Dolomites and the Alps, it is of course home to many of the most famous cities in the world too – Venice, Rome, Florence, Pisa, the list goes on. Seeing the country on foot is a great way to take it all in, from dramatic coastlines to towering mountains, Italy’s varied geography provides trails for every type of hiker, from beginners to experienced trekkers.
5.United Kingdom
From the rolling hills and charming villages of The Cotswolds, to the dramatic Scottish Highlands or The beautiful coves and beaches of the Cornish coastline. The UK packs a lot of variety into a smaller country. It is a hikers dream, with footpaths criss-crossing the country that allow you access to all parts of the countryside whichever part of the country you might be in. Full of history, each region has its own strong identity in landscape and architecture and its own beauty too. If the conditions are right, it can equal some of the best hiking anywhere and at the end of the day you can reward yourself with a comfortable stop in a nice cosy pub.
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