
From newly opened paths in the Canadian Rockies to legendary Himalayan routes and volcanic landscapes in France, 2026 offers an incredible array of trekking experiences. Hiking continues to be one of the most popular adventure activities globally, with hundreds of millions taking to trails each year[citation:1]. Whether you seek multi-day challenges, coastal wanders, or remote wilderness, these destinations—curated from BBC, AllTrails, and adventure travel experts—promise physical, mental, and emotional wellness with every step.
Carefully curated destinations for every kind of travellers.
Top ratedDiscover Slovenia's uncrowded eastern corner—a natural amphitheatre of forests, waterfalls, and peaks
Scheduled to open in June 2026, this 174km circular route starts and ends in Maribor, Slovenia's second-largest city. The 15-day, moderate-difficulty trail winds through the Pohorje and Kozjak mountain ranges, passing primeval forests, ski slopes, waterfalls, and summiting Črni vrh (Black Peak) at 1,543m. Mountain huts provide welcome rest along the way, making it perfect for trekkers seeking to explore beyond Slovenia's well-trodden Julian Alps[citation:1].
Top ratedA repurposed railway through the Canadian Rockies' formerly inaccessible wilderness
Located east of Banff and Jasper national parks, this 109km moderate-to-challenging trail follows an abandoned historical rail line, offering a rare glimpse of Alberta's pioneering past. About 50km from Nordegg to Jackfish Creek opened in autumn 2025, with new sections opening throughout 2026. Highlights include the restored Taunton Trestle bridge, dense forests, lakes, and valleys. Designed for year-round recreation, it welcomes hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders—and in winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoers[citation:1][citation:4][citation:6].
Top ratedThe world's longest managed coastal path—circumnavigating England's entire shore
When completed in summer 2026, this monumental trail will stretch over 2,700 miles, circumnavigating the entire English coast. Already more than 2,000 miles are open, winding through beaches, farms, estuaries, fishing villages, castles, and cities like Brighton and Portsmouth. In the north-west, it links with Hadrian's Wall Path. Hikers can tackle sections or attempt the full five-month journey, experiencing unparalleled diversity from Roman ruins to seabird cliffs[citation:1].
Top ratedPoland's #1 national park—alpine drama straddling two nations
Rated the top national park in Poland, the Tatra Mountains form a stunning natural boundary between Poland and Slovakia. AllTrails highlights this destination for its unique flora, diverse wildlife, and weather patterns that change with elevation. Trekkers can choose trails on either side of the border, each offering breathtaking alpine scenery and challenging ascents[citation:3][citation:7].
Top ratedSeaside views, Bronze Age ruins, and white-sand beaches—all in four days
Completed in January 2026, this 100km easy trek traverses Mallorca's north-eastern lobe in four rolling stages of about 25km each, with a maximum elevation gain of 248m. Starting in Cales de Mallorca, the route heads inland through farms and vineyards to Manacor, then swings back to the coast before passing the 13th-century Bellpuig Monastery and the 3,000-year-old Bronze Age site Ses Païsses. Finish on the white sands of Cala Agulla or Cala Mesquida[citation:1].
Top ratedKorea's first coast-to-coast trail—a 55-stage journey across the peninsula
Inspired by Spain's Camino de Santiago, this 849km trail stretches from Anmyeondo Island on the west coast to Uljin on the east when fully completed in 2027. More than 70% (about 600km) is already open, with remaining portions expected by end of 2026. Following the rugged Baekdu-Daegan Mountain Range, it takes trekkers through sandy beaches, dense forests, UNESCO World Heritage sites, rice fields, 225 villages, and thousand-year-old Buddhist temples[citation:1].
Top ratedThe only Aussie destination on AllTrails' 2026 must-visit list—wineries, karri forests, and ocean trails
Margaret River earned its spot on AllTrails' Travel-Worthy Trails for its unique blend of ancient karri forests, limestone caves, seasonal wildflowers, and coastal heathlands. The iconic 140km Cape to Cape Track takes five to six days, while shorter options include the Wadandi Track (built on a former railway), Margaret River Explorer loop, and Cave to Coast Trail. Best visited in shoulder seasons (March–May or September–November), the region also offers world-class wineries and surf breaks[citation:3][citation:8][citation:9].
Top ratedThe adventure capital of the world—where epic hikes meet extreme thrills
The Queenstown Lakes District winds through Mount Aspiring National Park and the Remarkables Conservation Area. AllTrails recommends both easy walks like the Queenstown Gardens Loop and challenging ascents like the Ben Lomond Track, which features a 3,316-foot elevation gain. Beyond hiking, Queenstown offers legendary trekking routes like the Milford and Routeburn Tracks, plus year-round adventure activities from bungee jumping to jet boating[citation:3][citation:5][citation:7].
Top ratedHike ancient volcanoes and soak in hot springs—France's hidden volcanic wonderland
For trekkers dreaming of volcanic landscapes, the Massif Central delivers. AllTrails notes that these are difficult journeys through steep inclines, old volcanoes (inactive for 10,000 years), and natural hot springs. The region offers a unique combination of challenging terrain, geological wonders, and the reward of thermal baths after a long day on the trail[citation:3][citation:7].
Top ratedThe ultimate Himalayan adventure—home to eight of the world's fourteen highest peaks
Nepal remains the cornerstone of high-altitude trekking. In 2026, iconic routes like Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit continue to offer life-changing experiences through Sherpa villages, prayer flags, and ancient monasteries. For those seeking solitude, trails like the Manaslu Circuit and Upper Dolpo provide remote wilderness. With improved sustainable infrastructure and community-based tourism, Nepal balances legendary adventure with cultural immersion and spiritual depth[citation:5][citation:10].