Tuesday 8 December 2015

Long walks / pilgrimages of the world

I have discovered that walking is one of the most powerful ways for me to truly experience a country and its people - the longer the better. I will gradually expand this list as I discover more long walks in different countries...

Australia
See John Chapma's list of long distance walking tracks in Australia. Most famous is the Overland Track in Tasmania. Generally, all tracks require you to be self sufficient, with food and a tent. Many tracks are in remote country.

Canada
Bruce Trail 850km from Niagara to Tobermory, with side trails extending out to 250km.

Israel
Israel National Trail 990kms.

Japan
Shikoku Pilgrimage 1,400km Accommodation in small, family-owned inns for 4,000-8,000 yen per night (depending on if you’d like food with your stay).

South Korea
Jeju Olle Trail New, 22 courses covering a total of 347km.

Spain
Camino de Santiago de Compostella Pilgrimage 800 kms from France to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. Many alternative routes and possible starting points much further afield. Lots of road walking through towns and villages. Lots of relatively cheap pilgrim accommodation available and meals.

United Kingdom
Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden in the north to the city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 162-km

USA
John Muir Trail 358km in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, from the Yosemite National Park to Mount Whitney. Best time to visit is from July to September, though snow may still linger on the higher passes. Free camping. Carry own tent and food.
Pacific Crest Trail 4,286 km bordering the Sierra Nevada mountain range, west side of USA. USA/Mexico border to Canada, passing through 25 national forests and 7 national parks. There is also a corresponding bike trail that runs parallel to the Pacific Crest Trail for 4,000 km.
Appalachian Trail 3,500kms in Eastern United States, from Georgia to Main National park Free camping Walk between March and October

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