Nine Great Multi-Day Walks of the World

Hiking is a beloved activity around the world, and for good reason. Lacing up your boots and hitting the trail is a proven way to boost your mood and energy which, combined with towering mountains, lush forests and rugged coastlines, promises the perfect recipe for time well spent.

While none of these epic multi-day treks are easy, even newbies can give some of them a whirl, so we’ve rounded up some of the best hiking trails across the globe for every type of hiker, no matter your experience level or destination.

Difficulty Level: Easy (ish!)

The Great Wall of China, China

Distance: Varies (typically 10-20 km for a day’s hike)

Duration: 1-3 days (for the popular sections)

The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, winding its way across 13,000 miles of stunning landscapes and centuries of history, and if you’re after an easy and relaxed way to explore it, the Mutianyu section is a great choice. This beautifully restored stretch has gentle paths and gorgeous forest views, perfect for a laid-back stroll. Plus, it’s less crowded than other parts, and there’s even a cable car to whisk you up, making it super accessible for everyone.

The Camino de Santiago, Spain

Distance: 800 km (500 miles)

Duration: 30-35 days – if you walk the whole pilgrimage

Ok, so it might not sound so easy, but hear us out – there are ways to walk the Camino de Santiago, Spain’s legendary pilgrimage, without having to take a whole month off work. For a gentler experience, the stretch from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela is a favourite - it’s the final 100 kilometres of the journey, offering charming villages, peaceful countryside and plenty of café stops along the way. The path is well-marked and manageable, making it perfect for first-timers or anyone looking to soak up the spirit of the Camino without overdoing it.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Inca Trail, Peru

Distance: 43 km (26 miles)

Duration: 4 days

A bucket-list adventure for hikers, combining breathtaking scenery, ancient ruins and the thrill of reaching Machu Picchu, to walk the Inca Trail in total takes about four days, winding through cloud forests, alpine passes and stone-paved paths crafted by the Incas. It consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day – the first is the longest of the three routes with the highest mountain pass and intersects with the Classic route before crossing Warmiwañusqa. It will be worth it when you reach the Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first awe-inspiring glimpse of Machu Picchu.

The Overland Track, Australia

Distance: 65 km (40 miles)

Duration: 5 - 6 days

A spectacular journey through the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness, typically completed in 5–6 days, the Overland Track is arguably Australia’s most famous hike. Kicking things off with the dramatic backdrop of Cradle Mountain, from there the trail winds through valleys beneath Mt Ossa - Tasmania’s highest peak at 1,617 metres - passing pristine alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls before ending at Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest lake. Divided into six sections, the route features public hiker huts and campsites for you to bed down in, but it’s worth keeping in mind that during the hiking season (October to May), the trail is one-way (north to south), with daily departures capped at 34 hikers. This requires advance bookings, which open on 1 July each year.

The Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

Distance: 55 km (34 miles)

Duration: 4 – 5 days

Regularly voted one of the most underrated hikes in Europe, this 55km route takes you through the heart of Iceland’s highlands, exploring rainbow-coloured mountains, hot springs and glaciers along the way. Ideal for those of us who love a bit of variety and drama from our landscapes, you’ll begin in the geothermally active Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve before heading up the shiny black slopes of Hrafntinnusker, across the barren ash plains of Mælifellssandur and into Þórsmörk, the lush “Valley of Thor,” tucked between three glaciers. A truly magical experience.

Difficulty Level: Hard

GR20, Corsica

Distance: 180 km (112 miles)

Duration: 12 – 16 days

Often dubbed the hardest walk in Europe, even an ‘easy’ part of this 112-mile walking trail on the French island presents challenges for mind and body. What makes it so difficult? Maybe it’s the fact that underfoot you could be dealing with anything from loose rock to snow to puddles; the extreme heat and cold that comes with that; the fact that the trail can demand over 1000m of vertical ascent in just 5km – and there’s not a single luxury hotel along the way. That said, get it done and the remoteness and mountain views make this a challenge with a huge sense of achievement.

Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal

Distance: 130 km (80 miles)

Duration: 12 – 14 days

A trail that needs no introduction, this world-renowned multi-day adventure journey through Nepal’s Khumbu region is on the bucket-list of every explorer. Starting in Lukla, the trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, rugged high-altitude meadows and ancient glaciers as you make your way to Everest Base Camp (5,380m). On the return journey, you’ll tackle the ascent of Kala Patthar (5,550m), a challenging peak that rewards you with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. Thankfully it’s not all hard work though – the trek is well-supported with easy permits, available guides and cosy teahouses offering delicious dal bhat, while camaraderie among trekkers makes the busy trails worthwhile.

Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile

Distance: 136 km (85 miles)

Duration: 8 – 10 days

While many visitors to Chile's Torres del Paine National Park may stop short and stick to the popular "W Trek" for an easier ascent, if you're feeling fit and up for an adventure, the full 9-day "O Trek" is the way to go. Why? Because it’s a non-stop feast for the eyes. Think picture-perfect rivers, dramatic mountain peaks, sweeping grasslands, ancient forests, glassy lakes and the stunning Grey Glacier, there’ a serious dose of variety for every mile trekked, but do keep in mind that planning is key - camping spots and refugios fill up fast, so be sure to book months ahead, especially for the busy November to March season, or risk missing out.

John Muir Trail, USA

Distance: 340 km (211 miles)

Duration: 3 - 4 weeks
California’s legendary 211-mile John Muir Trail delivers nonstop thrills as it winds through the Sierra Nevada, from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. Expect iconic sights like Half Dome, Vernal Falls, alpine meadows, sparkling lakes and towering sequoias, with views that only get better as you go. The trail also crosses the stunning Ansel Adams Wilderness and follows the most beautiful section of the Pacific Crest Trail, all blessed with mild, sunny weather. Most hikers tackle it July to October, traveling north to south to acclimatise (and build strength) before the 14,495ft ascent of Mt. Whitney.