A few months back, our team shared their favourite hikes across Australia. Now, with borders wide open and international travel on the cards again, we’re bringing you our top recommendations for hikes around the world. Get ready to feel all the wanderlust!
1. Roberts Point Track, West Coast, New Zealand
Distance: 11.8km return
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 5 hours
20 years ago, co-owner Danielle attempted the Franz Josef Glacier hike. She describes it as one of the scariest hikes of her life. The first 100 steps lulled her into a false sense of security and then things really got interesting. She passed by seemingly bottomless crevasses and towering pinnacles with no ropes or safety guides to hold onto. Danielle remembers the views were worth the risk though, recounting that the glacier looked like an ice wonderland.
It appears, however, times have changed and health and safety measures have improved! The hike Danielle embarked on no longer seems to be available so we recommend this alternative trek that still allows for great views of the glacier and a good physical challenge.
2. Ella to Ella Rock, Badulla, Sri Lanka
Distance: 9 kilometre loop
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 3-4 hours
They say that friends that hike together, stay together, right? When Topargee co-owners, Kylie and Danielle, travelled to Sri Lanka with their families, it was a given that hiking would be on the agenda. They left their hotel in Ella at 3:30am in the morning in the pitch black and trekked through tea plantations, across railway tracks and up hidden paths, all the while being led and guided by a dog! The hike took the team up into the clouds and they arrived at Ella Rock in time to watch a spectacular sunrise.
Later that day, they completed Little Adam’s Peak, a shorter, gentler hike that featured beautiful views of the town of Ella.
3. The Causeway Coast Way - County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Distance: 51km one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2-4 days
This multi-day hike from Ballycastle to Portstewart takes you to some of Northern Ireland’s most famous sites via stunning coastline. You’ll pass the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunseverick Castle and the Giant’s Causeway, and see views of the famous Rathlin Island (well worth the trip if you can make the time). Game of Thrones was filmed in the area so those super fans might be able to recognise a few of the scenes from the show.
Megan, our blogger, limped along this track earlier in the year after injuring her knee but says it was well worth pushing through the pain. She stayed in bed and breakfasts each night to rest up and refuel before the next day’s hike. Megan recommends packing wet weather gear because when the wind and the rain roll in, they mean business.
4. Mammoth Lakes, California, USA
There are lots of trails to explore around Mammoth Lakes so it’s easy to find a track that suits your experience and ability. Set in the Eastern Sierras, the area is host to volcanic craters, high-desert sage lands and the world’s largest continuous Jeffrey pine forest. In 2008, Danielle and James drove to a trailhead and took a short walk through the forest, breathing in the crisp fresh air. Keep your eyes peeled for chipmunks and bears, both known to
frequent the forest.
5. Mount Roberts Trail, Alaska, USA
Distance: 12.2km return
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 6-7 hours
Megan did this hike over 10 years ago and it sticks in her mind as one of the most beautiful places she’s ever been. The well maintained track takes you through beautiful boreal forests. The wildlife is abundant so don’t be surprised if you have a close encounter with an eagle, moose or even a bear. The views from the top are magical and likely to take your breath away.
Megan recommends that you pack layers as the temperature drops quite a bit as you ascend. The best time of year to visit is from March through to October, when there isn’t too much snow at the summit.
What are your favourite hikes from around the world? We’d love to know! Please share your recommendations in the comments below.
Don’t forget to check out our Adventure Range, perfect for all hikers, experienced or not.
Comments