The Long Way: Five Epic Treks That Will Change You Forever
There’s something primal about putting one foot in front of the other for days & weeks on end, dragging your weary bones through ancient landscapes, lost in the rhythm of your own breath. A long trek isn’t just a hike—it’s a slow-burning exorcism, a test of grit where blisters and bad coffee become sacred rites. Your legs become steel pistons while your mind wanders, and somewhere in the middle of foreign countryside, stripped of modern comforts, you find something raw and real. Maybe it’s ecstasy, maybe it’s madness—either way, you don’t come back the same.
On the trail miles from civilization, the noise of the world fades, replaced by the crunch of dirt under your boots and the occasional stare-down with your conscience. The physical grind chisels away the excess—the petty anxieties, the digital addictions, the pointless need for social acceptance. It’s replaced with the smell of salty ocean gusts, fresh mountain air, the cozy feeling of a sun-kissed face, and the daily pain in your legs and back that tell you – “I’m about to do something really fucking cool”. By the time you stagger into the final stretch you’ll have earned something worthwhile—call it wisdom, call it achievement, either way its something that sticks with you long after the dirt & blood wash off.
Hiking a long trek is a powerful space for transformation, an opportunity to build resilience, deepen your sense of purpose, and return home stronger but profoundly changed. In this article we offer five of the best long treks in the world, that will transform you. Lets Go!
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1. The Haute Trail, Switzerland
The Haute Route, also known as the High Route, is a stunning and challenging hiking trail that stretches across the Alps, connecting the French city of Chamonix to Zermatt in Switzerland. Spanning about 120 miles and passing through some of the most dramatic and breathtaking landscapes in Europe, the Haute Route is a premier hiking destination for adventurers seeking to test their endurance while soaking in the unparalleled beauty of the alpine environment. Often considered one of the best long-distance hikes in the world, it offers not just a physical challenge but also a spiritual and emotional reward for those who take it on.
What sets the Haute Route apart isn’t just the challenge—it’s the way it constantly reinvents itself. One day, you’re threading through meadows flecked with wildflowers; the next, you’re grinding through a glacial valley, the air thinning as you push higher, offering a sense of remoteness and tranquility. The solitude out here is real, but so is the camaraderie. Hikers from every corner of the world are treated to awe-inspiring vistas of towering peaks like Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. You will be swapping stories over bowls of steaming fondue in rustic mountain huts, bound by the shared experience of a mountain journey.
Hiking the Haute Route is both physically demanding and immensely rewarding. The trail’s elevation ranges from 3,000 to over 9,000 feet, which presents a real challenge, especially as it requires climbers to navigate steep ascents, rocky paths, and high mountain passes. While the terrain is tough, the effort is richly rewarded at the end of each stage with breathtaking views, the peace of being high in the mountains, and the satisfaction of making progress in an environment that feels remote and untouched.
At the end of the Haute Route, hikers are rewarded with the stunning sight of the Matterhorn and the charming mountain village of Zermatt. Completing the route provides a deep sense of achievement, not just from conquering a physically demanding trail, but from experiencing some of the most beautiful and pristine natural landscapes on Earth. The Haute Route is more than a hike—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that connects the body, mind, and soul to the majesty of the Alps.
2. El Camino de Santiago, Spain
The El Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James, is an ancient pilgrimage trail that spans across Europe, leading to the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. For centuries, it has attracted pilgrims and adventurers seeking spiritual growth, personal reflection, or simply the thrill of adventure. The trail is not just one path but a network of routes, with the Camino Francés being the most famous. It begins in the French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and covers over 500 miles, taking pilgrims through picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and rustic villages.
The Camino de Santiago isn’t just a hike—it’s a centuries-old pilgrimage, a slow and deliberate journey across the Spanish countryside where history clings to every cobblestone and sunrise feels like a fresh start. Winding for hundreds of miles from the French border to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the trail weaves through rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and stretches of open plains that swallow you whole. Unlike other treks that test your physical limits, the Camino impacts you differently—its rhythm pulls you inward, mile after mile, step after step, until the world you left behind becomes a distant echo.
What sets the Camino apart isn’t just the landscapes, but the people—pilgrims from every walk of life, each carrying their own reason for walking, their own story folded into their pack. It’s the kind of journey where strangers become friends over shared bottles of Rioja. And while the main route, the Camino Francés, sees the most foot traffic, veering slightly off-course leads to gems like O Cebreiro—a misty, timeworn Galician village where stone huts, called pallozas, sit in quiet defiance of the modern world. The pulpo a la gallega (Galician octopus) here is worth every step.
By the time Santiago’s cathedral comes into view, you realize the Camino was never really about the destination. Hiking the Camino is the real-life version of The Alchemist—a long, winding road where the treasure at the end isn’t the gold, but fulfilment & clarity. As Coelho wrote, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
3. John Muir Way, Scotland
The John Muir Way is a 134-mile long-distance trail in Scotland that offers hikers the chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish landscape while honoring the legacy of one of the country’s most famous environmentalists, John Muir. Known as the “Father of National Parks,” Muir’s passion for nature and conservation is celebrated along this scenic route, which stretches from Helensburgh on the west coast to Dunbar on the east coast, passing through diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to peaceful woodlands, rolling hills, and charming villages.
What makes the John Muir Way one of our five best hiking trails in the world is the rich blend of natural beauty, history, and cultural significance it offers. The route takes walkers through a variety of environments, showcasing the diversity of Scotland’s landscapes. Hikers can enjoy sweeping views of the rugged Clyde Coast, the serene beauty of Loch Lomond, the tranquil woodlands of the Trossachs, and the coastal cliffs near Dunbar, where Muir was born. Along the way, the trail also passes through historical sites, including castles & churches, allowing for a deeper connection to the history of the land as well as the environmental movement he helped inspire.
“May your blade be as sharp as your wit, and your course always charted by the stars.”
-Pirate, Captain Henry Morgan
Hiking the John Muir Way is an accessible adventure that rewards both novice and experienced hikers. The trail is well-marked and can be completed in several stages, making it manageable for those with varying levels of hiking experience. While it’s not as physically demanding as some of Scotland’s more rugged trails, it still offers plenty of opportunities to immerse oneself in nature, with the terrain ranging from coastal paths and farmland to forest tracks and peaceful countryside. The slower pace of walking the route allows hikers to truly appreciate the surrounding natural world, with highlights including the scenic views over the Firth of Clyde, the salt marshes near Aberlady Bay, and the lush forests of the Trossachs National Park.
The rewards of the John Muir Way go beyond the breathtaking views and fresh air. The experience of walking in Muir’s footsteps, surrounded by the wild and tranquil beauty of Scotland, offers hikers a chance to reflect on their connection to nature and to the larger world. It’s a journey that fosters a sense of peace and harmony, as well as a deeper appreciation for the natural environment. The quiet solitude of the trail, combined with moments of reflection and the sense of history surrounding Muir’s legacy, makes the John Muir Way a transformative and nostalgic experience.
Pro Tip: Near the trail’s eastern sections lies Pencaitland, a village offering serene woodland walks. These former railroad paths wind through lush forests, showcasing East Lothian’s natural beauty away from crowded routes.
4. Te Araroa, New Zealand
The Te Araroa, or The Long Pathway, is a 1,864-mile trail that stretches the length of New Zealand, from the top of the North Island to the southernmost point of the South Island. This epic trail is one of the longest and most diverse hiking routes in the world, offering a unique opportunity to experience the full spectrum of New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes. From tropical forests, volcanic plateaus, and alpine mountain ranges to coastal cliffs, golden beaches, and rolling farmlands, Te Araroa allows hikers to immerse themselves in the country’s stunning natural beauty while traversing its cultural and historical landmarks.
What makes the Te Araroa one of the best hiking trips in the world is its remarkable variety. The trail takes walkers through all of New Zealand’s diverse ecosystems, giving hikers the chance to witness the country’s varied flora and fauna, including native forests filled with ancient trees, pristine lakes, and sweeping mountain vistas. Te Araroa also offers a journey through New Zealand’s Maori heritage, with many sections passing by historical sites of cultural significance to the indigenous Maori people. The trail is not just about the physical challenge of hiking, but also about connecting to the land’s history, culture, and people.
The hiking experience on Te Araroa is physically demanding, with hikers crossing rugged terrain, mountain ranges, river valleys, and sometimes navigating dense forest or swampy land. However, the rewards are profound. Along the way, hikers are treated to the raw beauty of New Zealand’s untouched wilderness. Many sections of the trail offer solitude, allowing adventurers to fully embrace the quiet beauty of the land and the sense of peace that comes with being immersed in nature.
A “not to miss” stop along Te Araroa is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, located in the heart of the North Island. This section is often regarded as one of the most spectacular day hikes in the world. The trail passes through Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers hikers the chance to witness the stark beauty of New Zealand’s volcanic landscape. With dramatic views of active volcanic peaks like Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu, the Crossing takes hikers through alpine meadows, emerald lakes, and craggy ridgelines. It’s a challenging yet rewarding section of the trail that allows hikers to experience the raw power of the earth beneath their feet, making it an unforgettable highlight of Te Araroa.
In addition to the natural beauty, the sense of community among Te Araroa hikers adds to the experience. Along the way, many hikers form bonds, sharing stories and advice while enjoying the camaraderie of those walking the trail. The long distances and the varying conditions of the trail mean that each day on Te Araroa feels like an adventure—whether it’s navigating the wilderness, encountering wildlife, or celebrating the small victories along the way.
Completing Te Araroa is an immense accomplishment. The trail is not just about physical endurance, but also about connection—to the land, to New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage, and to fellow travelers. It offers an opportunity to slow down, take in the sights, and reflect on the beauty of nature while traversing one of the most diverse and stunning landscapes on the planet.
5. Cinque Terre Trail, Italy
Calling the Cinque Terre Trail a ‘long trek’ is a stretch—it’s more of a sun-soaked, wine-fueled odyssey along Italy’s most seductive coastline. At just eight miles one way (sixteen if you’re stubborn enough for the round trip), it’s less about endurance and more about immersion. You’ll trace ancient footpaths carved into the cliffs, weaving through terraced vineyards, lemon groves, and pastel-colored villages that cling to the rocks like they’ve made a deal with the devil. It’s a hike, sure—but it’s also a slow, sensory overdose of salt air, espresso stops, and the kind of views that make you question your life choices up to this point.
Spending a few days on the Cinque Terre Trail isn’t about racking up miles—it’s about slowing down, settling into the rhythm of coastal Italy, and letting the place seep into your bones. The mornings start early, when the light is soft and the crowds haven’t yet spilled off the trains. Leaving Monterosso, the scent of salt and citrus clings to the air as you climb past weathered stone terraces, olive groves, and sleepy vineyards. By midmorning, the Mediterranean is a postcard below you, shimmering in that impossible blue, while old men in sun-faded caps sip espresso outside tiny cafés that most tourists blow right past.
Pro Tip: The Cinque Terre is one of the best hiking trips in the world. The trick is knowing when to step off the main drag. In Corniglia, where most people just pass through, take the unmarked path behind the village up to San Bernardino—a tiny hamlet with jaw-dropping views, a quiet church, and a lone, family-run trattoria where you can sip Sciacchetrà (a golden dessert wine) without selfie-stick morons hovering over you. Further down the trail, as you wind through Riomaggiore’s pastel chaos, duck into A Piè de Mà—a bar hidden on the cliffs where you can drink local Vermentino while waves smash against the rocks below. Laslty, if you have have time, hike up past Vernazza in the late afternoon and find the hidden coves along the coast—places where you can strip down, dive into the cool green water, and float while staring up at the cliffs.
By the last day, the trail has worn into you—the sting of sunburn on your neck, the steady burn in your legs, the way the sea breeze mixes with the smell of warm basil and distant woodsmoke. You’ve learned to eat slow, drink well, and let the moment stretch. The best part? No schedule, no rush—just the simple truth that the best way to see Cinque Terre isn’t by train, but by walking it, one sun-drenched step at a time.
And So It Goes …
These five long treks aren’t just lines on a map or suggestions—they’re invitations. The best hiking trails in the world offer a chance to step away from the familiar, to push yourself, to see the world at a slower, more deliberate pace. Whether it’s the rugged backroads of the Camino, the high passes of the Haute Route, or some other winding path that calls to you. The journey is always more than just miles underfoot. It’s about what shifts inside you along the way—the clarity, the resilience, the quiet understanding that sometimes the long way is the only way that really matters.
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