Wales Named Top Global Hiking Destination In New Index 

HIKING HOLIDAY GUIDE: NEW RESEARCH REVEALS WALES AS TOP GLOBAL HIKING DESTINATION

• New research by SportsShoes.com reveals the world’s best destinations for a hiking holiday, based on Instagram hashtag and Google search data 
• Spain is the most popular country for a hiking trip, followed closely by Japan and England  
• For those preferring a staycation, the UK featured four times in the top 10 best hiking destinations globally and Welsh hiking destination Snowdon ranks as the 2nd best hike worldwide

Following a long period of unsatisfied wanderlust and a surge in outdoor sports and activities, new research reveals the best countries around the world for a hiking holiday, now that many travel restrictions have been lifted.  

The study, conducted by SportsShoes.com, analysed Google searches for over 500 hiking routes, along with walking and hiking holidays in over 100 countries, before combining this with the number of Instagram hashtags for each, to create an index that unveils the best destinations for a hiking adventure.  

Offering shimmering coastal paths, rugged mountain ranges and an ideal climate for hiking, Spain tops the list as the best hiking holiday destination, with a staggering 170,830 annual searches and 3,100 hashtags associated with a hiking adventure there. Japan follows closely behind, likely due to its stunning range of snow-topped mountain climbs, lush green forest paths and cultural offering.  

In third place is England, boasting over 124,000 searches and 1,600 hashtags for hiking holidays, followed by Scotland. On the other side of the globe, Australia comes in fifth place, with over 20,000 searches and a massive 54,155 hashtags; Germany is sixth and the top 10 is rounded off by Northern Ireland.  

The World’s Best Hiking Holiday Destinations 

1. Spain 

1. Japan 

1. England 

1. Scotland 

1. Australia  

1. Germany 

1. France  

1. Wales  

1. Italy 

1. Northern Ireland 
   

Google search and Instagram hashtag data for over 500 hiking routes were also analysed to reveal the world’s best trails to explore. Camino de Santiago in Spain is officially the best hike to experience worldwide, followed by Welsh mountain Snowdon and Italian lakeside circular route Lago di Braies.  

The World’s Best Hiking Routes 

1. Camino de Santiago, Spain 

1. Snowdon, Wales 

1. Lago di Braies, Italy 

1. Camino Frances, France 

1. Ben Nevis, Scotland 

1. Caminito del Rey, Spain 

1. Manali, India  

1. Tre Cime de Lavaredo, Italy  

1. South West Coast Path, England 

1. Via Francigena, Italy 
   

The best hikes in Spain: According to the index, Sacred pilgrimage Camino de Santiago is the best hiking route in Spain. The full route takes over a month to complete and has been traversed for hundreds of years by travellers from all over the world. Caminito del Rey is the second most popular Spanish hike, and although much shorter than Camino de Santiago, coming in at just 7km, this steep trek is a bucket list item for adrenaline seeking hikers. The third best Spanish hike is the Cami de Ronda, a trail which hugs the rugged Costa Brava coastline, and offers different sections for those of any hiking level.  

The best hikes in Japan: UNESCO World Heritage Site Yakushima comes in as the best hiking destination in the Land of the Rising Sun, surrounded by lush tropical forests. For those keen to take in architecture during their climb, the Daibutsu Hike, which comes in second, allows hikers to explore atmospheric temples and beautiful shrines along the way. Coming in third, The Seven Waterfalls of Kawazu can be viewed on a stunning trail which winds its way through the forest for about 1 kilometre, and offers a hot spring resort at the base for travellers to relax and unwind post-hike.  

The best hikes in England: The index ranks England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, as the best hiking route for those holidaying in England. With sweeping views of the Lake District and the country’s highest war memorial, this is one not to miss. Up next is the South West Coast Path, the UK’s longest National Trail, which offers breath-taking nature and wildlife and due to its sheer length, is suitable for hikers of all levels, depending on where you hike from. Helvellyn, also in the Lake District, is a far easier climb and comes in as the third best English place to hike.  

The best hikes in Scotland: With its shimmering lochs, muddy terrain and changeable weather, Scotland is perfect for anyone looking to get stuck in and immerse themselves in nature. Ben Nevis, a bucket-list hike for many avid climbers, is the best hike in Scotland, according to the index data. Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the highlands – including Loch Lomond – on Scotland’s next best hike, the West Highland Way, which stretches to 154 kilometres long. Followed by a trip to The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye, which is the third best hike for those travelling in the country.  

The best hikes in Australia: Walking and hiking are embedded in Australia’s history, with their first inhabitants going “walkabout”, and it’s 80 kilometre bushwalk The Overland Track that is ranked as the country’s best hike. The route offers views of Tasmania’s waterfalls, forests and alpine peaks; whilst the next hiking option, the Larapinta Trail, snakes its way across the Northern Territory, allowing hikers to discover red deserts, beaches and wetlands. The Great Ocean Walk, a stunning coastal option, comes in third, starting in a seaside village and ending at national landmark 12 Apostles. 

For those eager to explore what Britain has to offer before venturing abroad, the study analysed over 50 British hiking routes to find out which are most popular. 

The Best British Hikes 

1. Snowdon, Wales 

1. Ben Nevis, Scotland  

1. South West Coast Path, England 

1. Pen-y-fan, Wales 

1. West Highland Way, Scotland 

1. Scafell Pike, England 

1. Coniston, England 

1. Helvellyn, England  

1. Buttermere, Scotland 

1. Old Man of Storr, England 

Hiking Snowdon: The highest mountain in Wales and England has six hiking routes, all of which lead to the snow-capped summit. Local village Llanberis is ideal for a refreshments pit-stop before and after a hike, and at the top a view of Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire, Ireland and Anglesey can be enjoyed. The Llanberis path is the easiest and longest of the six hiking routes, taking around six hours to complete, while conversely Crib Goch is an exposed grade 1 scramble, for experienced hikers looking to get their boots muddy.  

Hiking Ben Nevis: A 15.8 kilometre round trail beginning and ending at Fort William makes up the Ben Nevis Mountain Track, one of two routes up Ben Nevis. Rugged and rocky, hikers can enjoy waterfalls, greenery and wildlife as they make their ascent up Scotland’s tallest mountain. The other route, Mor Dearg Arête, is a far more challenging climb, reserved for keen hillwalkers, including both a ridge climb and two Munros.  

Hiking the South West Coast Path: The ultimate long-distance hiking challenge, this 630-mile trail curves through England’s south west peninsula, providing coastal delights throughout. The entire path would take 7-8 weeks to complete on average, although when broken down into sections, Somerset and Exmoor make up the shortest stretch, at 35 miles long.  

Hiking Pen-y-fan: There are four hiking routes leading up this Welsh peak in the Brecon Beacons National Park. All of the climbs offer views of the breath-taking, barren moorland, and the easiest route, starting at Pont ar Daf, is suitable for the entire family; whilst for those preferring solitude, the Cwm Llwch route is the quietest, most secluded route.  

Hiking the West Highland Way: Scotland’s second hike in the top five, the West Highland Way is one of the country’s best loved long-distance paths. Starting in Glasgow and tracing Loch Lomond through the Scottish Highlands, this is a bucket-list hike for many outdoor enthusiasts. There are several routes ranging from the gentle hikes such as Kingshouse to Fort William, to experienced hikes Crianlarich to Fort William or Rowardennan to Fort William, allowing travellers to vary their trip according to their ability.  

A full breakdown of all the best hikes in the top 10 hiking countries can be found at: https://www.sportsshoes.com/hiking-hub/motivation/hikingholidayguide/