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Looking for a new adventure in 2025? Whether you’re into pilgrimages, island hopping, or long-distance loops, here are eight exciting hiking trails in the UK and Europe to check out.
1. Cammino Retico, Italy
- Start/Finish: Aune (near Belluno)
- Distance: 170km (106 miles)
- Highlights: A circular hike through northern Italy’s scenic Trentino and Veneto regions, this route traces ancient Roman roads and cultural landmarks like the 12th-century sanctuary of San Vittore. Enjoy stunning views of valleys, rugged peaks, and Lake Corlo. The trail celebrates the Raeti people and their Alpine traditions.
- Bonus: Collect stamps along the way with a walker’s passport (€5) and access discounts at local spots.
2. Llwybr Cadfan, Wales
- Start/Finish: Tywyn / Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island)
- Distance: 206km (128 miles)
- Highlights: This pilgrimage route retraces the steps of Saint Cadfan from Brittany to the sacred sites of North Wales. Spanning 12 stages, hikers will pass historic churches, holy wells, and breathtaking coastlines, culminating in a boat trip to Bardsey Island.
- Bonus: Discover spiritual and historic landmarks, including St Cybi’s in Llangybi, known for its healing properties.
3. Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Sweden
- Start/Finish: Arholma / Landsort
- Distance: 270km (168 miles)
- Highlights: With 30,000 islands in the archipelago, this trail offers a manageable yet expansive journey across 21 islands. The route weaves through forests, along rocky shores, and past lighthouses, offering spectacular views and opportunities for wild swimming.
- Bonus: The use of public ferries between islands makes for a seamless hiking experience. The route extends the region’s tourist season into the shoulder months.
4. GR-226, Mallorca
- Start/Finish: Cales de Mallorca / Cala Mesquida
- Distance: 94km (58 miles)
- Highlights: A new route on Mallorca’s lesser-known eastern side, the GR-226 features stunning coastal landscapes and historic towns. Highlights include the dunes of Cala Agulla and the Punta de n’Amer nature reserve.
- Bonus: Explore Mallorca’s unspoiled natural beauty while passing through quaint villages and pristine beaches.
5. King Charles III England Coast Path, England
- Start/Finish: Various
- Distance: 4,345km (2,700 miles)
- Highlights: Nearly complete, this monumental coastal path encircles England, with recent additions opening up the birdwatching haven of The Wash and the Orwell Estuary in Suffolk. The route blends industrial landscapes with nature, offering diverse terrain and rich history.
- Bonus: Walk through history, with sights like the Pilgrim Fathers’ memorial and beautiful coastal scenery.
6. Historic Routes, Guernsey
- Start/Finish: Various
- Distance: From 3.6km (2.3 miles)
- Highlights: Explore Guernsey’s wartime history with three new trails commemorating the island’s liberation from Nazi forces. The routes include historical landmarks like Fort Hommet and the Liberation Monument.
- Bonus: QR codes along the trails link to stories and ‘then and now’ photos.
7. Rhins of Galloway Coast Path, Scotland
- Start/Finish: Stranraer
- Distance: 134km (83 miles)
- Highlights: This circular trail explores the rugged beauty of Scotland’s southernmost peninsula. From Loch Ryan to the Mull of Galloway, hikers can enjoy cliff-top ruins, tranquil bays, and ancient memorial stones.
- Bonus: Additional short loops offer a taster of the full route, including a scenic walk to Sandeel Bay’s healing caves.
8. Pequeños Recorridos, Ibiza
- Start/Finish: Around Sant Joan de Labritja
- Distance: Between 13km and 20km (8 miles and 12.5 miles)
- Highlights: Ibiza’s wild north unveils seven new hiking routes, such as Route 4, which leads to secluded coves and cliffs, and Route 1, which explores rural Ibiza with its traditional dry-stone walls and vibrant flora.
- Bonus: Experience the island’s tranquil side, away from the party scene, and discover the rural beauty of Ibiza’s northern landscape.
Ready to Lace Up Your Hiking Boots?
With these diverse and picturesque trails across the UK and Europe, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking spiritual journeys, coastal wonders, or mountain treks, there’s a new adventure waiting for you!
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