Are you a lover of long walks on the lookout for your next exciting escapade? Or perhaps you’re more of an armchair adventurer who still likes to appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors, just from the comfort of your own home? Either way, settle down for a dose of pure trekking inspiration as we run through the 7 most epic hiking trails in the world.

West Highland Way, Scotland

This 96-mile trail starts from the outskirts of Glasgow and runs deep into the famed Scottish Highlands. Along the way, you’ll pass vast lochs, tramp through dense woodland, and take selfies in front of countless picturesque waterfalls before eventually arriving triumphant in the centre of Fort William. The route follows centuries-old paths whose turbulent history is as breathtaking as the surrounding scenery.

Kungsleden - The King’s Trail, Sweden

Kungsleden doubles as both a popular hiking trail during the permanently light summer months and a well used long-distance skiing path in the winter when it’s covered in snow. Located in Sweden, it takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in a country known for its landscapes. You’ll pass in the shadow of Sweden’s tallest mountain, Kebnekaise, and navigate rivers and lakes along the way, with guaranteed sightings of the abundant wildlife that roams here.

The Inca Trail, Peru

One of the most iconic treks in the world, the Inca Trail is a magical journey to the mystical city of Machu Picchu. It’s hard to believe that this mountaintop path, lined almost completely with stone, was painstakingly built hundreds of years ago by the Incas. Arriving at sunset to the tiered layers of stone that comprise the city of Machu Picchu itself is an emotional experience.

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Unless you’re an experienced mountaineer with years of extensive training and planning in the bag, not to mention a good few thousand in the bank, reaching Everest’s fabled peak is unrealistic. But a visit to the starting point of this climb known as base camp is undoubtedly the next best thing. From here you’ll get views of three of the world’s highest and most formidable mountains and walk in the footsteps of some of history’s most legendary explorers.

Sunshine Coast Trail, Canada

This 110-mile path along Canada’s West Coast is well known for the wealth of wildlife that walkers encounter along the way. This includes racoons, elk, bears, wolves and cougars on land, but you’ll also get spectacular views out to sea where you can spot creatures like whales, dolphins, sea lions and otters.

Rim to Rim Grand Canyon Hike, U.S.A

Often referred to as the U.S’s greatest natural wonder, the sheer size and scope of the Grand Canyon is truly humbling. Navigating a portion of it by foot is a wonderful way to get an idea of the scale of this vast crevice, and the Rim to Rim hike provides the perfect opportunity. The layers of rock reveal a surprising array of wildlife as well as numerous contrasting landscapes in a relatively short distance.

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Despite standing as Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro has a number of routes to the top which cater to a wide variety of fitness levels making it extremely accessible. Summiting the snow-capped peaks of this giant rock will reward you with a magnificent vista over the contrasting surrounding dry savannah plains. On a clear day you can see for so far that it’s even possible to make out the curvature of the planet.