Europe’s 10 most scenic island road trips

Tenerife ranks first among Europe’s most scenic island road trips thanks to its volcanic landscapes and impressive elevation. The Canary Island reaches 3,715 metres at Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, offering views over lava fields, forests and the Atlantic Ocean. A drive through Mount Teide National Park reveals how quickly the scenery changes, from rocky volcanic terrain to green mountain slopes. Historic towns such as Garachico add cultural highlights along the route.

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Gran Canaria takes second place with a mix of volcanic mountains, beaches and traditional villages. The island’s varied terrain means that a single road trip can include coastal views, desert-like dunes and mountain landscapes. The route towards Roque Nublo is one of the highlights, offering wide views over the interior. Beyond the popular resorts, quieter roads reveal local communities and a different side of the island.

Madeira completes the top three thanks to its dramatic cliffs, green valleys and volcanic origins. The Portuguese island’s roads often run along steep slopes above the Atlantic Ocean, creating viewpoints throughout the journey. A full island circuit can be completed in around six hours, allowing travellers to experience many of its highlights. Hiking routes, natural pools and the island’s famous forests make Madeira a diverse road trip destination.

@xtravel.madeira Perfect 1-day Madeira road trip Funchal → Câmara de Lobos → Cabo Girão → Fanal → Porto Moniz → Seixal → sunset Feels like 5 different places in one day. After 3 years exploring Madeira, I created my INTERACTIVE MADEIRA MAP Link in bio I also do PRIVATE HIKING AND DRIVING TOURS #madeira #madeiraisland #visitmadeira #travel #portugalviral ♬ оригинальный звук – xtravel.madeira

La Palma stands out for its combination of volcanic scenery, forests and mountain views. Known as “La Isla Bonita”, the island reaches 2,426 metres at Roque de los Muchachos, providing panoramic views across the Atlantic. Drivers can explore Caldera de Taburiente National Park, discover volcanic landscapes and pass through small villages surrounded by nature. Its dramatic scenery makes it one of the Canary Islands’ most rewarding destinations by car.

Mallorca ranks fifth thanks to its mountain roads, historic towns and Mediterranean coastline. Although it is one of Europe’s most visited islands, travelling beyond the main resorts reveals a quieter atmosphere. The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range offers some of the island’s most scenic routes, with winding roads overlooking valleys and the sea. Villages such as Valldemossa and Deià add cultural charm to the journey.

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Corsica offers one of Europe’s most adventurous island drives, combining mountain scenery with Mediterranean coastlines. The French island reaches 2,706 metres at Monte Cinto, creating a landscape where alpine environments meet turquoise waters. Roads pass through forests, valleys and small villages, offering a strong sense of exploration. The combination of rugged nature and traditional culture makes Corsica particularly attractive for road trippers.

The Isle of Skye offers one of Europe’s most distinctive island drives, where dramatic scenery appears around every corner. Located off Scotland’s northwest coast, the island combines mountains, sea cliffs, waterfalls and small coastal villages. Natural landmarks such as the Fairy Pools and the Quiraing highlight the variety of views travellers can discover along the roads. Skye’s appeal comes from its wild atmosphere and ancient geological formations.

@ameliaxsalmon

the most beautiful two days in the Isle of Skye we only had two full days to explore the island, so we packed our itinerary … driving from Edinburgh we stopped at Glen Coe & the Glenfinnian Viaduct, arriving for dinner at Crouisk House day one: fairy pools, Portree, birch cafe + Staffin sauna and cold dip day two: lean to coffee, rainy cinema trip to Las Portree + Skye candles followed by a stop at Eilean Donan castle on the drive back home to Edinburgh !! honestly had the most magical time exploring (the views here don’t feel real!) & will be back to do the old man of stor in better weather !!

♬ Lovers by the Water – Makayla Marie Williams

Crete combines ancient history with varied scenery, making it one of Greece’s best islands for a road trip. The island reaches 2,456 metres at Mount Ida, creating routes that move between mountains, beaches and traditional villages. Travellers can discover archaeological sites such as the Palace of Knossos while also exploring natural areas including the Samaria Gorge. Crete offers a balance between culture, nature and local traditions.

Rhodes provides a road trip experience where history and nature come together. The Greek island is known for its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but its interior also offers forests, villages and mountain roads. Routes across the island connect archaeological sites, beaches and quieter communities. This variety makes Rhodes more than just a traditional sun and sea destination.

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La Gomera completes the scenic top ten with a landscape shaped by mountains, ravines and ancient forests. The Canary Island’s roads pass through Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting one of Europe’s best examples of laurel forests. Travellers can discover traditional villages, dramatic viewpoints and winding mountain routes. Its smaller size creates a road trip experience focused on nature and discovery.

Europe’s 10 best secluded island road trips

El Hierro ranks first among Europe’s most secluded island road trips thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and untouched surroundings. Located in the western Canary Islands, it receives far fewer visitors than Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Volcanic landscapes, natural pools and remote viewpoints make it ideal for travellers looking to slow down. The island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status reflects its focus on protecting its unique environment.

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Lesbos offers a quieter alternative to Greece’s better-known islands, with enough space to explore without large crowds. Its roads connect olive groves, mountain villages and coastal areas, creating varied routes across the island. Travellers can discover historic sites such as Molyvos Castle, relax at natural hot springs or explore the Petrified Forest. Its combination of culture and nature makes Lesbos well suited for a peaceful road trip.

Samos combines mythology, forests and beaches while maintaining a more relaxed atmosphere than many Greek islands. Located in the eastern Aegean Sea, it offers routes through green landscapes, traditional villages and coastal areas. Visitors can explore the ancient Heraion sanctuary, discover waterfalls and enjoy quieter beaches. Lower visitor numbers allow travellers to experience the island at a slower pace.

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La Gomera’s secluded character comes from its quieter atmosphere compared with neighbouring Canary Islands. While Tenerife attracts millions of visitors, La Gomera offers a slower experience with small villages, traditional agriculture and peaceful roads. The island’s routes lead to hidden viewpoints and remote corners where travellers can enjoy nature without large crowds. Its appeal lies in the feeling of discovering a lesser-known destination.

Gotland, Sweden’s largest island, combines peaceful roads with medieval history and Baltic scenery. The island is home to Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by a well-preserved medieval wall. Beyond the historic centre, travellers can explore rocky coastlines, countryside roads and unusual rock formations. Its relaxed pace makes it a strong choice for those looking for a quieter European escape.

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Korčula provides a more peaceful alternative to Croatia’s busiest coastal destinations. Roads cross vineyards, forests and small villages before reaching beaches and viewpoints along the Adriatic coast. The medieval streets of Korčula Town add cultural interest to the journey. The island’s combination of nature, tradition and manageable distances makes it ideal for relaxed exploration.

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The Faroe Islands offer one of Europe’s most remote and dramatic road trip experiences. The Danish archipelago consists of 18 volcanic islands connected by tunnels, bridges and ferries. Steep cliffs, green mountains and small villages create a unique setting that feels far removed from busy tourist destinations. Changing weather conditions add to the adventure and constantly transform the scenery.

Brač is another Croatian island where travellers can enjoy quieter roads and natural beauty. Known for its clear waters and traditional stone villages, the island offers a mix of coastal scenery and inland routes. Zlatni Rat beach near Bol is its most famous attraction, while the mountains and countryside provide a different perspective. Its compact size makes it easy to explore at a relaxed pace.

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Ultimately, Europe’s best island road trips are not necessarily about covering the greatest distance. From the volcanic roads of the Canary Islands to the rugged landscapes of Scotland and the quieter shores of the Mediterranean and Baltic, travelling by car offers the freedom to explore beyond the usual tourist centres.

The fact that islands such as La Gomera, La Palma and the Isle of Skye feature among both the most scenic and most secluded destinations also suggests that travellers do not always have to choose between spectacular landscapes and escaping the crowds. Sometimes, both can be found along the same road.

L’article Europe’s best island road trips: from volcanic peaks to hidden coastal escapes est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Wolf Trail runs through Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Slovenia, combining existing European long-distance paths into one continuous route. Designed by outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin, the trail is aimed at both experienced thru-hikers and travellers looking to complete individual sections.

@jackwolfskin Wolf Trail Europe's newest thru-hiking trail | 3493 km ~ 2170 miles | 4-6 months | info   The Wolf Trail is a new thru-hike that goes coast-to-coast from northern Poland to Trieste on the Adriatic Sea in Italy. It stitches together existing premier routes including the E9 (Coastal Path), E1, Nord–Süd Route, and the Via Alpina into one seamless odyssey. It crosses six countries through forests, countryside, mountains, and the Mediterranean. We're very stoked to launch this new thru-hiking trail   If you don't have the time to hike the full Wolf Trail, no worries, you can also very easily section-hike it   All stages   1⃣ Baltic Start, 428 km | 266 mi
2⃣ Rivers & Plains, 543 km | 337.5 mi
3⃣ The Green Heart, 487 km | 302 mi
4⃣ Forests & Wine, 583 km | 362 mi
5⃣ High Watch, 581 km | 361 mi
6⃣ Alpine Gateway, 394 km | 245 mi
7⃣ Alpine Crossing, 591 km | 367 mi   From the end of April, you can follow these amazing hikers on their journey, setting off in Poland and ending in Trieste:   @laurenroerick
 @timothyvslarsen
 @elinasborne
 @marc_is_walking   More info, the GPX, and everything else coming soon. Make sure you follow @jackwolfskin and @_thru_hiking for the latest updates!   See you on the trails!   Wolf Trail
 Thru-hike
 3493 km / 2170 miles
 4 to 6 months
 Hills, urban, forest, mountains, countryside
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#thruhiking #wolftrail #thruhike ♬ Wander On – Jeddy Knox

Covering approximately 3,493 kilometres, the full route involves around 78,400 metres of elevation gain, roughly equivalent to climbing Mount Everest nine times from sea level. Completing the entire trail is expected to take between four and six months.

The journey begins in Hel, on Poland’s Baltic coast, with a 430-kilometre section to Świnoujście. Hikers pass sandy beaches, coastal forests and landscapes including Słowiński National Park before continuing westwards into Germany.

From Baltic beaches to Alpine passes

The route becomes progressively more demanding as it heads south. After crossing the plains and forests of northern Germany, hikers encounter the Lüneburg Heath, Rothaar Mountains and Palatinate wine region before reaching the Black Forest and Lake Constance.

From there, the Wolf Trail enters Alpine terrain, passing through the Allgäu Alps before continuing towards some of the most dramatic landscapes of the journey. The final 558-kilometre section between Oberstdorf and Trieste crosses the Dolomites and Julian Alps, with mountain passes reaching between 2,500 and 3,000 metres.

Among the highlights are the UNESCO-listed Dolomites and Triglav National Park. The route eventually descends towards Trieste, where the journey finishes on the Adriatic coast.

Rather than creating thousands of kilometres of entirely new paths, the Wolf Trail connects established routes, including sections of the E1 and E9 European long-distance paths and the Via Alpina.

The complete journey has been divided into seven sections ranging from 373 to 573 kilometres. They can be tackled independently, allowing hikers without four to six months available to experience parts of the route over several weeks. Numerous access points also make shorter hikes possible.

Accommodation instead of wild camping

One of the challenges of creating a continuous route across Europe is the variation in camping regulations between countries and regions. Instead of relying on wild camping, the Wolf Trail has been planned around existing infrastructure, with hikers able to use approved trekking camps, mountain huts and accommodation in towns and villages along the way.

This also fits the concept of thru-hiking, where travellers follow a long, continuous route while regularly stopping in communities to obtain food and other supplies.

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Canadian long-distance backpacker Lauren Roerick has tested the route to assess its practicality and navigation. However, anyone attempting the complete journey will still need to plan carefully around the seasons.

The northern sections provide a relatively gentle introduction, but conditions become considerably more demanding towards the Alps. Given the duration of the full hike, timing is particularly important, with Alpine sections potentially exposed to severe weather and snow between autumn and early spring.

Beyond the physical challenge, the route offers a slow-travel journey through contrasting European landscapes and cultures, from Baltic fishing communities and German wine regions to Alpine villages and the multicultural port city of Trieste.

L’article New 3,500 km Wolf Trail takes hikers across six European countries est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The three-and-a-half-hour trail covers only seven kilometres but is not short on drama, crossing Madeira’s Central Mountain Massif and taking in three of the island’s highest peaks: Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres, and Pico Ruivo. It starts as it means to go on, with a stunning viewpoint at Pico do Areeiro and the famous “Stairway to Heaven” section early in the hike, before tunnelling through volcanic rocks, threading along ridges, and revealing more vertiginous vistas among the clouds.

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The protected landscape of the Central Mountain Massif also offers chances to get up close and personal with the island’s biodiverse wildlife. It is a haven for nature lovers and bird spotters, with some avian species unique to Macaronesia and the Madeiran archipelago.

Vereda do Areeiro is not the only Madeiran trail to come with an access charge, but it is the costliest. All other routes are priced at €4.50, or a reduced levy of €3 if the reservation is made in advance. Residents of the Portuguese Atlantic island, as well as children under the age of twelve, can walk the trails for free, but must be registered to do so, using the mandatory Simplifica portal. The fees go towards the upkeep of the trails, visitor management, safety measures, and efforts to protect habitats and the environment.

@s.x.traveler Stairway to Heaven on the PR1 Hiking Route in Madeira, Portugal Within 25-30 minutes from the Pico to Arieiro trailhead, you’ll find yourself immersed in epic scenery. The trail narrows with steep drops on either side, adding to the thrill. Even if you can’t complete the full route, reaching this spot is a must for its breathtaking views. Especially I would recommend to visit this place during the evening golden hour before sunset Ready for a stroll through the clouds? Discover more incredible places and helpful travel tips in my Interactive Guide with a Map of Madeira Link in bio #MountainTrail #Madeira #ScenicViews #HikingAdventures #ExploreTheOutdoors #MountainLovers #OutdoorExploration #EpicJourney #GoOutdoors #HikingLife #VisitMadeira #Narrow #HikingTrail #stairwaytoheaven ♬ nowhere to go – MitroWave & angelcry

The reopening of Vereda do Areeiro comes with some fanfare, timed to coincide with the Madeira Island Ultra Trail on 25 and 26 April—an event sure to attract visitors who love hiking and outbound activities. The island has proved increasingly popular, breaking its own tourism records in the last two years, with 12.8 million overnight stays in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 8.4%, and achieving revenues of €893.7 million, up over 17%.

But with overtourism in the rest of Europe increasingly criticised, destination managers Visit Madeira say they are committed to looking after the island’s natural attractions by “investing in infrastructure, conservation programmes and community-focused tourism activities.” That includes a public campaign promoting environmental awareness under the mantra “Explore. Respect. Preserve.” The new hiking charges reflect that sustainability-focused approach.

L’article Madeira’s “Stairway to Heaven” three-peak hiking trail reopens after wildfire closure est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The resort town of Magaluf, located within the municipality of Calvià in western Mallorca, has long been known as a nightlife destination. However, as tourism is evolving, so is Magaluf. In order for tourists and locals alike to get to know the destination under a new light, Calvià’s Town Council has installed a so-called selfie route.

The route was launched in April 2026 under the slogan ‘Magaluf for All’ and invites everyone to make the most of Magaluf’s picture-perfect landscape. With the help of a company called TURS, the municipality installed what they call “patented smart signage that allows visitors to take perfect photos and selfies independently”.

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The smartly-designed photo stations allow anyone to take a photogenic holiday picture, showing both themselves and the surrounding landscape under the best light and angle. The help of tripods, selfie sticks, extra-long arms, or strangers is thus no longer needed to take the perfect selfie.

At the inauguration of the trail, the selfie route included four different stops, each showcasing a different side of Magaluf. One focuses on Magaluf’s inland landscape and the historic Cas Saboners estate, a second stop looks out over the Torrenova peninsula, Magaluf’s natural wonder, Illa de Sa Porrassa, stands centre-stage at the third selfie stand, and its cosmopolitan vibe is showcased at the fourth station called Skyline. Visitors are encouraged to share their dearest memories of Magaluf online, thereby becoming the town’s best ambassadors.

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Aside from a photo station, each stop also features a QR code allowing tourists and locals to access a specifically-designed web app. The app includes detailed descriptions, photographs, and a multi-lingual audio guide of all viewing points. Moreover, the app gives visitors a handy overview of all events, hotels, restaurants, and local businesses in the surrounding area.

At the time of writing, three additional stops were being developed in order to expand the selfie route towards the Torre de Torrenova estate.

The initiative is part of an awareness campaign highlighting sustainable tourism in Mallorca, driven by the Balearic government and funded through the Sustainable Tourism Tax. According to the council, the selfie route should encourage “responsible behaviour among tourists and residents, fostering coexistence and environmental stewardship”.

L’article Mallorca welcomes selfie route showcasing other side of Magaluf est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The plan to turn England’s coastline into one large walking route took off in 2009 and was led by Natural England, the government body responsible for the natural environment in England. Over the years, it has taken a lot of work and even a new legislation (the Marine and Coastal Access Act) to turn that vision into a reality. In 2024, as a way to commemorate the coronation, the project was renamed as The King Charles III England Coast Path.

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Although a big part of England’s coastline was already equipped with its own walking route, hikers still had to leave the sea behind quite often if they wished to walk the entire way. Some 1,000 miles worth of new paths have been created for the project, while a big part of the rest of the walking ways were given a makeover.

The project also caused a couple of novelties to be born. The so-called coastal margin, aka the land between the path and the sea, will almost entirely be accessible to those walking the route, giving the public access to some unseen beaches, dunes, and other remarkable landscapes. Although the area will allow people to walk, use mobility aids, climb, and picnic, camping, cycling, and horse riding are not permitted.

Moreover, a ‘roll back’ rule was introduced, meaning that the course of the path can be easily altered when affected by natural disasters such as erosion or slips. An important notion given the current climate change, and one that was already put to good use in February 2026, when part of the path on the cliffs outside Charmouth in Dorset was lost due to a landslip.

Walk all the way

Overall, the King Charles III England Coastal Path is divided into eight sections: North East & East Coast, Lincolnshire, East Anglia, South East, King Charles III England Coast Path South, King Charles III England Coast Path South West – Channel Coast, King Charles III England Coast Path South West – Atlantic Coast, and North West. The hike can be walked in small sections or in its entirety. Those who wish to make a walking loop while never leaving the coast behind will need to include the Wales Coast Path in their journey, a walking route following the Welsh coastline for 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) completed in 2012.

Since February 2026, more than 2,000 miles of the King Charles III England Coastal Path have been completed and are thus open to public use. 556 miles are still being worked on at the time of writing, while the completion of the path will only be possible once the government decides on the last 78 miles.

L’article World’s longest coastal path named after King Charles III set to open by summer 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

For the first time since the establishment of the Dinara Nature Park in 2021, Croatia has added a new nature park to its collection. The Zagorje Mountains Nature Park marks the country’s 13^th protected nature reserve, meaning some 38.6% of Croatia’s land surface is now protected.

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At a one-hour drive from the Croatian capital Zagreb, the new nature park spans over a surface of 30,000 hectares, including hills, forests, castles, and idyllic villages. It stretches over two counties, Krapina-Zagorje and Varaždin, in Northern Croatia.

“Croatia is known for its coastline and islands, but this new nature park highlights the extraordinary landscapes of our inland regions. The Zagorje Mountains offer a different perspective of Croatia – one of forests, hills, castles and outdoor adventure, and it’s just a short journey from Zagreb,” Bisera Fabrio, director of the Croatian national tourist office in the UK, told Time Out.

Some of the highlights of the newly-created nature park include the 13^th-century Trakošćan Castle, the prehistoric Vindija Cave, the Ravna Gora mountain, and the Ivanščica Mountain.

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Standing at 1,061 meters above sea level, Ivanščica is the highest mountain in northwestern Croatia, and a popular spot for outdoor lovers. The area offers both family-friendly hikes and trails for those who are keen on adventure. The so-called Pyramid on the mountain, an iron tower dating back to 1929, offers some of the best views over the region, reaching as far as the Slovenian Alps and Hungary.

The project to turn the Zagorje Mountains into a nature park dates back to 2009, and a final report confirming the region’s outstanding natural value was handed over in 2024. This is further underlined by the fact that part of the new park is part of the European ecological network Natura 2000.

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While nature parks are managed less strictly than national parks, thus allowing the daily lives of their inhabitants to continue, all while paying attention to the natural surroundings, as a nature park, the region will have easier access to funding to protect its biodiversity. According to Croatia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection, approximately one-fifth of the total Croatian flora can be found within the park, including 1,200 species and subspecies.

L’article Croatia unveils its 13th nature park with 150 kilometers of hiking trails est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The trail, known as the Gran Recorrido del Llevant and also called the East Mallorca GR-226, runs through the Llevant region on the island’s eastern side. Completed in January, the route covers a vast area known for its natural landscapes, historic towns and archaeological heritage.

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The GR‑226 is divided into four roughly equal stages that can be completed over several days. The trail begins at Cales de Mallorca and leads to Manacor (24.99km), then continues from Manacor to Son Carrió (22.99km). The third section runs from Son Carrió to Artà (23.19km), with the final stage taking hikers from Artà to Cala Mesquida (22.63km) on the northeastern coast. Each stage covers just over 20 kilometres, and the largest climb in a day reaches around 248 metres, making the route manageable for hikers of different experience levels. 

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Additional access points along the route include Son Macià and Costa dels Pins, giving walkers the option to join or leave the trail at different locations and adapt their journey depending on the distance they want to cover.

The trail also highlights several cultural and historical sites across the region. Among them is the prehistoric settlement of Ses Païsses near Artà, which dates back around 3,000 years, and the 13^th-century Bellpuig Monastery. The route also passes the 14^th-century Capdepera Castle, the Cala Rajada Lighthouse, the Church of Sant Joan Baptista, and the Son Carrió Railway Museum. Along with historical landmarks, the trail connects several towns and villages in eastern Mallorca, offering visitors opportunities to experience local traditions and culture. 

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Running from Cales de Mallorca to Cala Mesquida, the route passes through a variety of landscapes, including coastal cliffs, sandy coves, forests and farmland. Walkers following the trail travel through both inland and coastal sections of eastern Mallorca, offering views of the Mediterranean as well as rural scenery. 

Further information about the trail, including maps and directions, is available through the official Gran Recorrido del Llevant website.

L’article Mallorca unveils new 104km hiking trail through scenic eastern coast est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Spanning 109 km from Rocky Mountain House to Nordegg, the trail follows the former route of the Canadian Northern Railway (CNoR). The 50 km western segment from Nordegg towards Saunders is currently fully accessible, and the final stretch to Rocky Mountain House is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

Once completed, the developers envisage it as part of a multi-trail system that will connect with other regional trails and the trail networks of the Bighorn Backcountry, an area of outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance.

Located in Alberta’s Clearwater County, the trail winds through the mixed wood forests and valleys that are characteristic of the Canadian Rockies’ foothills. Frequently spotted wildlife includes elk, deer, and moose, while the forests and wetlands also shelter smaller mammals and birdlife typical of the region, as well as grizzly and black bears.

The trail passes through not only forests, but also eerie and fascinating ghost towns such as Saunders and Alexo.

As it follows a former rail track, the route is flatter and easier to navigate than many challenging alpine treks in nearby Jasper. It is ideal for those not looking for overly strenuous outdoor activities.

A major stop between the two ends of the trail is the 220-metre Taunton Trestle Bridge, a centrepiece of the route. Recently upgraded, it now features a dedicated parking lot for RVs, an outhouse, and a formal observation deck offering panoramic views of the Clearwater County foothills that are a true feast for the eyes and soul.

The landscape is a vibrant mix of forests and valleys. In the summer heat, the air is heavy with the sweet, medicinal scent of trembling aspen and balsam poplar. When autumn arrives – the season that Albert Camus famously called “a second spring when every leaf is a flower” – the willows and water birch turn to gold.

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When winter transforms the trail into a snow-covered wonderland, the scent of the lodgepole pines stands out sharply.

Designed for year-round use, the trail is popular with hikers, cyclists, and horse riders in summer, and also permits quads and off-highway vehicles (OHVs). In winter, the path belongs to cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and dog sledging teams.

Built between 1911 and 1914, the railway line was the lifeblood of the region, transporting coal across Canada and fostering the growth of local mining communities.

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However, demand for coal declined after the Second World War, resulting in the closure of mines and a slowdown in rail traffic. The town of Nordegg is named after the entrepreneur Martin Nordegg, who was forced to leave Canada during the First World War due to his Austrian origins. He returned in 1920 to continue his work.

Today, the trail can be accessed from either Rocky Mountain House or Nordegg, both of which are about two hours’ drive from Calgary. As development continues, this path serves as a bridge between Alberta’s industrial past and its ecological future.

L’article Canada opens historic railway trail through the Rockies est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Coast-to-Coast Walk, originally mapped by legendary UK walker Alfred Wainwright over 50 years ago, has now been upgraded to National Trail status. From St Bees Head on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea, the walk traverses the “grandest territory in the north of England,” Wainwright said, noting that “two-thirds of the route lies through the areas of three national parks.”

Covering over 308 km, the walk connects the westernmost point on the Cumbrian coast—a dramatic red sandstone headland characterised by towering cliffs and a seabird reserve—to a significant bay terminus on the North Yorkshire coast, linked historically to smuggling. The trail passes through scenic landscapes such as the UK’s Lake District, known for its associations with the romantic poet Wordsworth, and the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, forever linked to the Brontë sisters. The relaunch coincides with a resurgence of interest in literature-inspired tourism around the world.

It is set to open formally in spring 2026, following works to improve signage, visitor information, and wayfinding to services. There are now better access opportunities for people with reduced mobility, plus alternative routes for cyclists and horse riders. In addition, wildlife habitats have been restored, and local communities engaged, including through economic opportunities for local businesses.

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What’s more, a local sculptor, Steve Iredale, has been commissioned to carve a new sculpture within Little Beck nature reserve, near Whitby, along the walk, at a point where ancient woodlands meet a river tributary, and bluebells, primroses, and ferns dot the countryside. The poem “Peace” by the African, Native American, and English poet Georgia Douglas Johnson provided the inspiration for his sculpture, and its words, written in 1916 at the height of the First World War, are a call to the calming influence of nature, where one can lose oneself and find refuge from the world’s tumult.

A Community Interest Company offers a “passport” for walkers of the trail, allowing participants to record the stages of their journey by collecting unique stamps from 29 different places. The passport also gives access to discounts on refreshments and walking gear en route, as well as admission to a range of attractions, and wellness treats such as a massage. Walkers who have completed the hike are entitled to a free Completion Certificate at the end point.

L’article Newly designated coast to coast walking trail across England due to open soon est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Leading through the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark, the Roof of England was developed by the North Pennines National Landscape team as a way of making the public more acquainted with a lesser-known part of England, sprawling with natural wonder. Along the way, walkers will come across multiple highlights of the North Pennines, including High Force, Low Force, Cross Fell, High Cup Nick, the Nine Standards, Upper Teesdale, Upper Weardale, Hexhamshire, Blanchland, and the Upper Derwent Valley. 

“It’s a blank on the map for a lot of people, a huge area between Hadrian’s Wall and the Yorkshire Dales that they don’t really know. The North Pennines is a historic, vibrant landscape and a UNESCO Global Geopark. This walk is about introducing more people to it,” Shane Harris, the project’s lead, told The Guardian.

14-day hike through England

The 301-kilometre-long trail should take experienced hikers some 14 days to complete, starting from and arriving at Appleby-in-Westmorland. However, according to the team behind the walking trail, it is also possible to walk one-day or part-day linear walks, as well as to complete the trail in four multiple-day legs – Middleton-in-Teesdale to Appleby-in-Westmorland, Appleby to Haltwhistle, Haltwhistle to Wolsingham, and Wolsingham to Middleton-in-Teesdale – all of which are accessible by public transport.

While beautiful, the route is not necessarily accessible to all. Globally speaking, the hike in is described as challenging, crossing a range of terrain including moorland paths, riverside trails, and some of England’s highest footpaths. Wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts will be able to marvel at all the blanket bog, hay meadows, woodland, and rivers have to offer.

“We have worked with our partners in the visitor economy and access teams in our Local Authorities to develop the Roof of England Walk. We are very pleased to have reached the milestone of making this route available and to be able to share a new way to explore the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark. Since the very first Roof of England walking festivals in the 1990s, we have encouraged walkers to explore the high uplands of the North Pennines. The name captures the sense of elevation and space offered by a walk through this very special landscape,” said Chris Woodley-Stewart, director of the North Pennines National Landscape. 

While more detailed information about the accommodation options en route is yet to come, enthusiastic walkers can already consult a list of possibilities through the Roof of England’s website. 

L’article North Pennines welcome new multi-day walking trail Roof of England est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.