The world is a big place. In fact, there is so much to explore that it’s difficult to know where to start. So to help you on your way, we’ve listed 10 of the best hikes in the world – some of them urban hikes that will only take a few hours, though to epic trails like the Great Wall of China, which will take several years. Or a life time for some.

URBAN/ NON-TRADITIONAL TRAIL

Tarmac to Trail (San Francisco – over Golden Gate bridge)

With 24 miles of trails to choose from, taking you past eight scenic vistas, the Presido is an historical gem of a park sitting at the gates of the San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge. Formerly a military fort, the trail uses old army roads and sidewalks to make up a network of trails that will give you an glimpse of period architecture, coastal buffs, dunes, a saltwater marsh and even a man-made forest.

Distance: up to 24 miles
Difficulty: 1/5
Best time to visit: All year round
How long? 5-6 hours

Great Wall of China

One of the few manmade structures visible from the Moon, who hasn’t heard of the Great Wall of China – regarded as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’? But what about hiking it? To hike the entire wall, much of it having been eroded, might take a while. But there are plenty of trekking companies that offer week long guided hikes. With rapid soil erosion affecting the Great Wall, make sure you tick this off your bucket list soon!

Distance: approximately 13,170 miles
Difficulty: 3/5
Best time to visit: September to November
How long? Several years

Continental Divide Trail (Canada to Mexico)

Starting at the Canadian boarder and passing 3,100 miles along the spine of the Great Continental Divide before finishing in Mexico, this is not for the faint of heart. Nor those short of time. But thanks to it passing through over dozens national forests, wilderness areas, national parks and 1 national monument, it promises to be a life-enhancing experience!

Distance: 3100 miles
Difficulty: 5/5
Best time to visit: June to August
How long? 12 to 18 months to thru hike

Thames Path (London)

Following England’s most famous river, the 184 mile long Thames Path is one of the UK’s 15 National Trails. Starting at the Thames source in the Cotswolds and finishing in the centre of London, it’s almost entirely flat, making it accessible to most levels of fitness. Being the only long distance path in the UK to follow a river for most of it’s length, this is a unique trail that will take you through some of England’s most picturesque counties.

Distance: 184 miles
Difficulty: 2/5
Best time to visit: March to October
How long? 14 days allowing for several days rest

Highline (New York)

Taking inspiration from the Promenade Plantee in Paris, New York City’s High Line is a former freight rail line on Manhattan’s West Side, turned elevated public park. Although only 1.45 miles long, this traffic free aerial greenway with views of Hudson River has become something of a must-do experience for anyone visiting New York City.

Distance: 1.45miles
Difficulty: 1/5
Best time to visit: All year round
How long?: 30-45 minutes

TRADITIONAL HIKING TRAIL

Inca Trail (South America)

Often referred to as South America’s most famous trek, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a classic and recently voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Set in the Andes, you’ll climb up to 4,200m at ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ – before eventually arriving at the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Due to it’s popularity, a maximum of 500 are allowed on the trail each day, so you need to book early. But it’s worth it!

Length: 26 miles
Difficulty: 3/5
Best time to go: May to September
How long? 4 days

Yoshida Trail (Japan)

Standing some 30,000ft high, Japan’s frequently snow capped Mount Fuji is a imposing sight. But it needn’t put you off, as tens of thousands of tourists hike up the mountain every year thanks to the 4.6 mile long Yoshida Trail, littered with plenty of huts and several first-aid stations, making it perfect for those lacking in mountain climbing experience.

Length: 4.6 miles
Difficulty: 3/5
Best time to go:
How long? 6 hours to go up and 3 hrs to get down

Bibbulman Track (Australia)

Passing through the heart of the south west of Western Australia, the Bibbulmun Track stretches almost 1000kms from Kalamunda, on the outskirts of Perth, to Albany on the south coast. Giant karri and tingle forests, enormous granite boulders, stunning coastal heartlands and beautiful national parks await you on this world famous linear trek.

Length: 625 miles
Difficulty: 2/5
Best time to go: April to November
How long? 6 to 8 weeks

West Highland Way (Scotland)

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s answer to the Appalachian Trail and is walked by thousands of people every year. Officially starting at the granite obelisk in Milngavie, the 96 mile Way follows a series of lochs, mountain ranges and forests before finishing in Fort William, near the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

Length: 96 miles
Difficulty: 3/5
Best time to go: May, although anytime from April to September is also possible.
How long? 6-7 days

Appalachian Trail (USA)

Following the Appalachian mountain range and passing through 14 states, the 2,180 mile long Appalachian Trail is one of the most famous national trails in the USA and one of the world’s longest ‘continuously marked footpaths’. Although several million will visit the trail, every year, close to 2,000 people will attempt to ‘thru-hike’ the entire Trail, ascending the equivalent height of climbing Mount Everest 16 times. Definitely one for the bucket list.

Length: 2,180 miles
Difficulty: 4/5
Best time to go: May, although anytime from April to September is also possible.
How long? 12 months