Avg.Time :  6 hours

Start / Finish :

• Gjendesheim – Memurubu
• Gjendesheim is accessible by regular public transport. See VisitNorway.com for details.
• From Memurubu you can catch one of the regular ferry boats back to Gjendesheim.

Season :  June to September

Maps / Info :

• The walk takes place in Jotunheimen, one of Norway’s most beautiful national parks.
• The excellent 1:100,000 Jotunheimen published by Ugland IT is all you need for navigation. It is widely available in bookshops and outdoor stores throughout Norway.
• Fill up your bottles before leaving Gjendesheim, as their is no water to be found until about half way through the hike.
• Outside of the hiking world, Bessengen is perhaps best known for being referenced in Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, Peer Gynt.

Route / Conditions :

• Well marked and easy to follow from start to finish.
• The walk is completely exposed. In fine weather this makes for incredible views. When the weather is not so great, you will definitely want to have a good rain jacket, an insulating layer and a sense of humour.

Sleeping :

• Accommodation is available at Gjendesheim Lodge, situated at the trailhead. See the Scandinavian Mountains website for details. Alternatively, start late afternoon and camp up on the ridge. Note: It can be chilly.

Overview :

• Justifiably Norway’s most popular day hike. Gorgeous views from start to finish.
• Avoid the crowds by overnighting at or near Gjendesheim, and making an early morning start the following day.

Avg.Time :  3.5 hrs

Start / Finish :  Mala or Kuniya carparks

Season :

• All year. Summers can be scorching hot, while winter nights can occasionally dip below freezing.

Maps / Info :

• Upon entering Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park, you will receive a brochure which contains information and basic walking maps for the park’s various hiking options. Alternatively you can download the same material at the Australian Government/Environment website.
• In regards to the rock itself, climbing Uluru is not recommended. Culturally speaking, Uluru is sacred to the Anangu people, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. From an environmental perspective, the high number of tourists who climb the rock every year results in both increased levels of erosion and pollution of the various water holes situated around the rocks base. How? There are no permanent toilet or waste disposal facilities on top of the rock. Where do you think everything is blown or washed away when the elements kick in?
• It is worth noting that the only reason the climb is still possible at all, is that big tour companies who use the climb as a selling point to their potential customers, pressure the government into leaving it open. If you are in any doubt in regards to whether to climb or not, have a chat to one of the Park Rangers, who can fill you in on the commercial versus environmental/cultural conundrum which faces the area. I don’t mean to sound all preachy, but Uluru truly is an incredible place. Play your part in preserving it for future generations.

Route / Conditions :

• This may be the easiest hike on the entire website! Nonetheless, it is one which should not be missed if you find yourself in this part of the world.
• In order to avoid both the crowds and the heat, this hike is best done very early in the morning (immediately after sunrise) or late in the afternoon.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.

Sleeping :

• Camping is not permitted within the park. Accomodation is available at Yulara resort village.

Overview :

• The world famous rock in Australia’s red centre lives up to the hype. It is one of the earth’s greatest natural wonders and there is no better way to see it than to take a mellow stroll around its circumference.
• Seeing you have come all this way, don’t miss the spectacular Valley of the Winds walk (7.4 km) at nearby Kata Tjuta.

Avg.Time :  8 – 10 hours

Start / Finish :

• Skogar – Thorsmork
• Both trailheads are serviced by regular public transport.  See NAT – Nordic Adventure Travel for bus timetables.
• It is 3 hours by bus from Reykjavik to Skogar and 3.5 hrs from the capital to Thorsmork.

Season :  June – September

Maps / Info :

• Landmaelingar Islands 1:100,000 Thorsmork / Landmannalauger.
• Lonely Planet’s Iceland guidebook contains a general overview of the hike.
• All supplies must be bought in advance. If starting in Skogar, the nearest supermarket is in the town of Vik, 30 minutes away by bus.
• Before starting your hike, set aside an hour or two to check out the fascinating Skogar Folk Museum.

Route / Conditions :

• An extraordinary hike which starts by the coast, climbs steadily past a series of spectacular cascades and eventually tops out at the snow-covered Fimmvorduhalsf pass (1100m).
• Inclement weather is common. Bring a fleece and good wet weather gear. Double check the forecast before setting out.
• If conditions turn nasty, you can take shelter in the mountain hut at Fimmvorduhalsf pass, where it is also possible to overnight if space is available (Note: Best to check in advance, as it is often booked out by tour groups).

Sleeping :

• Although this walk is often done as a day hike, I would recommend taking your own shelter and camping close to one of the waterfalls. Alternatively, there are indoor accommodation options in Thorsmork. Click on www.thorsmork.is for details.

Overview :

• This may well be the greatest “waterfall” hike in the entire world! I kid you not, if you consider yourself a waterfall aficionado, this is the hike for you. If you have the time and/or inclination, I recommend continuing on from Thorsmork to Landmannalaugar, for a fantastic 3 – 5 day hike.

Avg.Time :  3 – 4 hours (not including obligatory food & wine intervals)

Start / Finish :

• Riomaggiore – Monterosso al Mare
• Both villages are accessible by way of regular rail services.

Season :

• All year.
• Tip: In my opinion the best time to visit the Cinque Terre is in winter. The temperature is neither too hot nor too cold, no crowds and lower prices.

Maps / Info :

• No maps necessary. Simply follow the coastline.
• The trail passes through five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.
• Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, a good appetite and a hat.

Route / Conditions :

• Well marked from start to finish (often with blue blazes), this easy to follow route hugs the Cinque Terre coastline. Although there is some climbing and descending involved, overall the route is far from strenuous and the biggest challenge you will most likely face, is resisting the temptation to stretch a mellow 12km hike into a multi-day culinary adventure.

Sleeping :

• Seaside accommodation is available at both trailhead villages. I rented an apartment in Riomaggiore and enjoyed it so much I ended up staying a week.

Overview :

• The Sientiero Azzurro is a jaw dropping meets mouth-watering fusion of  natural and culinary elements. Fantastically scenic from start to finish, I highly recommend extended stops in Manarola and Vernazza. This is one of those hikes where time seems to fly by. Before you know it, most of the day has passed , and you have become part of the furniture at a seaside cafe, taking in a gorgeous Mediterranean sunset pondering life’s conundrums over one too many red wines.

Avg.Time :  6 hours

Start / Finish :

• Mangatepopo Car park – Ketetahi Car park
• Both trailheads are serviced by regular shuttle buses from National Park and Whakapapa villages.

Season :  October to May

Maps / Info :

• The trail is well marked and easy to follow from start to finish.
• The basic trail map and trekking notes contained in the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Brochure is all you need for navigation purposes.

Route / Conditions :

• Although navigation should not be an issue, trampers must still be appropriately equipped for all conditions, as weather in this area is notoriously unpredictable at any time of the year.
• Weather permitting, side trips to Mt.Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro (particularly the former) are well worth the effort.
• For all you Lord of the Rings fans, Ngauruhoe doubled as Mt. Doom in Peter Jackson’s movie trilogy. Channel your inner Frodo and Sam and make the ascent!
• There is no water available between Mangatepopo and Ketetahi huts. Start early, wear a hat and bring enough water to last you through to Ketatahi hut.

Sleeping :

• Plenty of accommodation options available in National Park village and Whakapapa village.

Overview :

• The Tongariro is justifiably New Zealand’s most famous day walk. Spectacular scenery from start to finish.

Avg.Time :  6 – 8 hours

Start / Finish :

• Griesalp – Kandersteg
• Griesalp can be reached by means of Switzerland’s excellent Post Bus system.
• Kandersteg is accessible either by bus or regular train services. Click here for details.

Season : June – October

Maps / Info :

• The hike is covered by the following two Swiss Topo Maps:  #264 – 1:50,000 Jungfrau & # 263 – 1:50,000 Wildstrubel.
• See the Via Alpina website for both a map and altitude profile of the walk.
• The hike between Griesalp and Kandersteg is part of the Swiss Alpine Pass Route (which I walked in 1997) and also the Via Alpina, a 5000km + route which passes through 8 countries and consists of a whopping 342 stages!

Route / Conditions :

• The hike is well marked and easy to follow from start to finish.
• For a relatively short hike, there is a great deal of altitude gain (1370m) and loss (1602m). Hope you are in good shape!
• The highest point of the walk is Hohturli pass(2778m). The climb to the pass is steep at times, however, your efforts are rewarded by spectacular views, and the promise of much easier walking on the other side.
• Fill your bottles up before leaving Bundalp (about one hour’s walk from Griesalp), as there isn’t much in the way of reliable water sources until you reach the stunning Oeschinensee.

Sleeping :

• See the Via Alpina website for accomodation options in Griesalp and Kandersteg.

Overview :

• Beautiful walk. Very popular during the summer months; particularly on weekends and holidays.
• Try to leave Griesalp as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

Avg.Time :  5 – 6 hours

Start / Finish :

• Eagle Creek Trailhead. About 45 minutes drive from Portland. Only two miles walk from the cool little town of Cascade Locks, situated on the Columbia river.
• See the Portland Hikers website for details on getting to and from the trailhead.

Season :  All year

Maps / Info :

• The trail is well marked and easy to follow. See Oregon.com for a basic sketch map of the walk.
• Due to the trails popularity, it has been reported that numerous break-ins have occurred at the Eagle Creek trailhead car park. Probably a good idea to take your valuables with you on the hike.

Route / Conditions :

• From the trailhead, simply follow the path along the true right side of Eagle Creek until you reach Tunnel Falls. Then walk back again.

Sleeping :

• There are numerous overnight options in Cascade Locks. I splashed out and stayed at the ‘Best Western’ in 2007. Despite the mixed reviews you read on the internet, I heard mostly good reports from other hikers in regards to the more economical ‘Bridge of the Gods Motel’.

Overview :

• I did this walk as an alternate route during my Pacific Crest Trail hike in 2007.

Distance :  6.2 km (the shortest hike on the entire site!)

Avg.Time : 4 – 5 hours

Start / Finish :

• Karimabad
• Situated just up the hill from Aliabad, Karimabad is serviced by regular minibuses to and from Gilgit.
• If you miss one of these buses, simply head down to Aliabad which is situated on the Karakoram Highway. From there you can either head south west towards Gilgit or north east towards Passu.

Season :  May to October

Maps / Info :

• Lonely Planet, Pakistan & the Karakoram Highway, has a basic sketch map and trekking notes. All you need for navigation purposes. That being said, you really don’t need anything at all, as you can see where you need to go from the village of Karimabad.
• Whilst in Karimabad, don’t miss eating at the Hidden Paradise restaurant. Disregard the somewhat cheesy name;  the food at this place is fantastic.

Route / Conditions :

• Climb north out of the village, passing the spectacularly set Baltit Fort.

Sleeping :

• There are various good accommodation options in Karimabad. I recommend the Mulberry Inn, where I stayed on and off between hikes in 2008. Friendly staff, clean rooms, great location.

Overview :

• The Hunza valley is simply one of my favourite places in the world. The scenery is invariably spectacular and the people are amongst the most friendly and hospitable you are ever likely to encounter.

Distance : 58 km approx.

Avg.Time :  2 or 3 days.

Start / Finish :

• Settlement Campground, Springbrook National Park – O’Reilly’s, Lamington National Park.
• See the QLD Government Environment and Resource Management website for information on getting to and from the trailheads. Note that public transport options are limited. If you don’t have your own car, you may have to organize a ride with a tour company. Contact O’Reilly’s for more information.

Season :  All year.

Maps / Info :

• 1:25,000 Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk Topographic Map is all you need for navigation purposes. This map can be purchased at most camping stores in SE QLD or alternatively at either O’Reilly’s or Binna Burra.
• Bring all supplies from the Gold Coast or Brisbane. Binna Burra and O’Reilly’s both have restaurants; the food is expensive, but good.
• Water is available at all campsites with the exception of Woonoongoora Walkers’ Camp. Officially it is recommended that all water be treated. Unofficially, I have been drinking untreated water from these campsites for years and have never once had a problem.
• Springbrook and the world heritage listed Lamington National Park, boast an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Situated less than an hour from where my family live, this is the place where my love of hiking and backpacking really began in the early 1990′s.

Route / Conditions :

• Well marked and easy to follow from start to finish.
• The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a 54 km hike which links Springbrook to O’Reilly’s. Although a fine walk, it bypasses some of the most scenic sections of Lamington National Park.
• The route I suggest mirrors the Great Walk from Springbrook up until Binna Burra. However, for the final section from Binna Burra to O’Reilly’s, I suggest forgoing much of the recommended Border Track, and instead taking two significantly more scenic alternative sections, namely the Coomera and Toolona Creek Circuits. This will add on approximately 4 km to your overall distance.
• Both alternative sections are choc full of  incredible waterfalls. Many of the cascades boast swimming holes which resemble something out of a Tahitian postcard. Don’t forget your trunks!
• After rain, leeches can be an issue. Long pants and gaiters are recommended.

Sleeping :

• Camping is possible at Springbrook, Woonoongoora Walker’s Camp, Binna Burra and O’Reilly’s. Permits are required. See the QLD Government Environment and Resource Management website for details.

Overview :

• The diverse range of flora and fauna, scores of waterfalls and the magical natural soundtrack which accompanies any walk in the rainforest, all combine to make Lamington National Park one of my favourite hiking destinations on the planet.
• If you have time on your hands and are looking to do some extra day hikes, I recommend the following three walks: 1. Warrie Circuit – 17km (Springbrook); 2. Ships Stern Circuit – 19km (Binna Burra), and; 3. Albert River Circuit - 20.6km (O’Reilly’s).

Avg.Time :  4 hours (add on at least another four to explore the impressive rock-cut, fresco-laden churches along the way)

Start / Finish :

• Ihlara Village – Selime
• Public transport is available to both villages/trailheads from the town of Aksaray (1 hour). If you are staying in Goreme, regular minibuses make the 1.5 hour journey to Aksaray, where you will need to transfer.
• Tour companies out of Goreme run trips to Ihlara, but most of these are rushed affairs which only take in a portion of the gorge, before zipping off to their next destination.

Season :  April – November

Maps / Info :

• No map necessary. Simply follow the gorge in your chosen direction.
• An important monastic centre during the Byzantine period, Ihlara Gorge is famed for its many churches. Carved from the rock and decorated with religious iconography, some of the more impressive examples include Kirk Kilisesi (Church of St.George), Direkli Kilise (Church of Pillars) and Agicalti Kilises (Church under the Tree).

Route / Conditions :

• The walking is easy and pleasant, following the course of the largely shaded Melendiz stream as it meanders its way through the gorge.
• All water taken from Melendiz stream should be purified.
• Food can be bought in Ihlara, Selime or the village of Bellisirma, roughly situated at the midway point of the gorge. The latter of the three alternatives makes for a great lunch stop.

Sleeping :

• To give yourself as much time as possible, I recommend overnighting in either Selime or Ihlara. Make an early start the following morning and chances are you will have the gorge all to yourself (at least for the first few hours).

Overview :

• The Ihlara Gorge represents a wonderful fusion of natural, artistic, historical and spiritual elements. Just far enough away (2 hours) from Goreme that it is not overrun with tourists.
• Highly recommended.

Avg.Time :  10 – 12 hours

Start / Finish :

• Happy Isles Trailhead, Yosemite Valley.
• The Park’s shuttle bus system provides regular services to many of Yosemite’s more popular areas. Happy Isles is stop #16.
• Yosemite National Park is about 3-4 hours drive from San Francisco.
• Public transport is available from various parts of California. See the National Parks Service website for details.

Season :  Mid-May to mid-October

Maps / Info :

• Beginning in 2011, permits are now required to hike to the summit of Half Dome. See the National Parks Service website for details. Note, you can still hike to the base of the summit without a permit.
• The 1:62,500 USGS Yosemite quadrangle covers the hike. It is more than sufficient for navigation purposes. If you are looking for more detail, try the 1:24,000 Yosemite Falls & Half Dome quadrangles.
• There are no reliable water sources above Little Yosemite Valley. Note that any water taken from the Merced river should be purified.

Route / Conditions :

• The trail is well marked and easy to follow from start to finish.
• From Happy Valley to the summit of Half Dome entails an altitude gain of more than 4800 feet. Carrying a light pack will definitely help your cause.
• Between Vernal Falls bridge and the top of Nevada Falls there are two alternative routes. I recommend taking the Mist Trail on the outward journey and the John Muir Trail on the return.
• The final 400 feet to the summit are navigated by means of steel cables and wooden cross-boards. Gloves can be obtained at the base of the climb.
• Outside of hiking season, the boards and the poles are removed, and the cables lie flat. Unless you have a good head for heights and reasonably good climbing skills, attempting the summit at these times is not recommended. That being said, if you do meet the aforementioned criteria, you will avoid the crowds and probably have the place all to yourself.

Sleeping :

• The nearest campground to the trailhead is Upper Pines.
• If you would prefer to do the hike over two days, you can overnight at the “walk-in” campground of Little Yosemite Valley (permit needed), situated approximately 5.5km  from the summit of Half Dome.

Overview :

• The High Sierra of California is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Thundering waterfalls, majestic granite  peaks, glacial carved valleys and magnificent conifer forests.
• To avoid the crowds, try hiking very early or very late in the season.
• Note: The final two photos in the gallery below, were taken during my 2007 John Muir Trail hike.

Avg.Time :  4 hours

Start / Finish :

• Jinshanling – Simatai
• Public transport is available to both trailheads. That being said, a quicker, easier option is to hire a taxi or arrange private minibus transport with your hotel in Beijing. Generally takes about 2 to 3 hours to either trailhead.

Season :

• All year.
• Spring and fall offer the best chance of fine weather. Winter can also bring clear skies, however, snow and ice can make conditions a bit on the slippery side. Summer is generally hot and hazy.

Maps / Info :

• No map necessary. Simply follow the wall.
• Bring all water and supplies. Alternatively, you may be able to buy both at elevated prices from vendors situated near the beginning and end of the walk.
• Admission fee needs to be paid at either Simatai or Jinshanling.
• Avoid the crowds by steering clear of weekends and public holidays. If you make an early start (ie. overnight in Simatai or Jinshanling), you may have the entire walk to yourself!

Route / Conditions :

• Thousands of steps, loose stones and quite a bit of elevation gain and loss, make this short hike a challenging proposition for those that are low on fitness and/or lacking appropriate footwear (ie. something with good grip).
• Spectacular views from start to finish.
• Once you reach Simatai, I recommend continuing on just a little further by climbing up to Simatai ridge. Incredible views on a clear day; reasonably good on a hazy day.

Sleeping :

• Most people do this walk as a day hike out of Beijing. If you decide to overnight in either Simatai or Jinshanling, there are multiple accommodation options in both locations.

Overview :

• If you happen to be travelling in this part of the world, walking along the Great Wall of China is an experience not to be missed.
• The first four photos seen in the above gallery, were taken by my cousin Nathan Larsen. He and his family, all of whom are keen hikers, visited China during the winter of 2005.

Distance :  12 km approx.

Avg.Time :  5 hours

Start / Finish :

• Rowardennan car park
• Approximately one hour’s drive from Glasgow to the trailhead.
• There is no public transport to Rowardennan. Buses are available from Glasgow as far as Balmaha. From there it is another 7 miles to Rowardennan.

Season :

• All year. Ice axe and crampons may be needed in winter.
• May to September offers your best chance of fine weather.

Maps / Info :

• OS Explorer 364 Loch Lomond North or Landrangar 56 – Loch Lomond Inveraray.

Route / Conditions :

• I recommend taking the wide and easy to follow ‘tourist path’ on the ascent, and the more challenging Ptarmigan track on the way down.
• Check the weather forecast before setting out. Scottish weather is notoriously unpredictable. No matter what the season, come prepared.

Overview :

• Fantastic views over Loch Lomond in fine weather.
• After finishing your walk, stop in for a pint or four at the Rowardennan Hotel.

Avg.Time : 6 – 7 hours

Start / Finish :

• Mendenhall Lake Campground
• Juneau city buses will drop you at the junction of Mendenhall Loop and Montana Creek Rds. From this point it is one mile walk to the trailhead.

Season :  June to September

Maps / Info :

• USGS 1:63360 Juneau B-2

Route / Conditions :

• The trail is well signed and easy to follow up until the rocky outcrop viewpoint, which signifies the end of the West Glacier Trail.
• From there, the route is sporadically marked with cairns up until the summit of Mt.McGinnis.

Sleeping :

• Scenic camping options above the tree line.

Overview :

• Jaw-dropping views of Mendenhall Glacier and Auke Bay make this one of Alaska’s finest day hikes.