Lace up your boots, pack the granola, and ready your chic wilderness gear for one of the best hikes in Europe and the UK.
From the rugged cliffs of England to highest peaks in France, Europe has some of the absolute best countries for hiking no matter your skill level.
Skip the rental car and worry only about your backpack when you explore these hiking trails around Great Britain and Europe via train.
Rail to Trail: How to Hike Europe by Train
With few luggage restrictions and the ability to bring food/drink on-board, many train’s amenities offer a flexible way to hiking through Europe. As you leave city centers, many railway stations are located in villages and towns surrounded by unspoilt natural bliss. Here a few tips to make the the journey smooth:
- Download the Trainline app. E-tickets you can buy and store right on the app make more sense that assuming your paper ticket can survive out in the wilderness.
- Pack for safety. Even if you’re hiking a beginner’s route near a town, you should always be prepared for worst case scenarios. Fresh water, a first aid kit, a whistle, and a rain poncho can all come in handy on the trail.
- Choose routes near towns for day-long hikes. We’ve all lost track of time on a hike, and if you’re pre-purchased your return train ticket, there’s a chance you could miss it. For day trips from London, for instance, choose routes around English hiking towns in places like the Cotswolds or the Lake District that have overnight accommodations if you’re stranded.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Comezora. Image Location: Mont Blanc, France
Best Places to Hike in Europe
Tour du Mont Blanc | France
Closest station: Chamonix Mont Blanc
Three days, three countries, ten really sore toes: the Tour du Mont Blanc is a 105-mile mountaineering trek around Mont Blanc via France, Switzerland, and Italy that some rather enthusiastic hikers accomplish in a long weekend. Don’t feel obligated to share such ambition; simply choose a leg such as Chamonix to Les Houche, then take a cheap 16 minute train ride back.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Palatinate Forest Nature Park
Palatinate Forest Nature Park | Germany
Closest station: Lambrecht (Pfalz)
Western Germany is one of the best places to hike in Europe thanks to the fantastical Black Forest, but while tourists take their walking sticks to these fairytale-like towns, you’ll have Palatinate Forest Nature Park in the north all to yourself. This protected forest has dozens of trails leading to ruins and castles.
Tomb Lauredià | Andorra
Closest station: L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre (France)
Cross the micronation of Andorra off of your list while trekking the five-mile Tomb Lauredià route. This circuit loop takes you through villages to a wonderful viewpoint of the valley that requires a little extra effort to earn.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Armando Oliveira. Image Location: Andorra la Vella, Andorra
Best Places for Hiking in Great Britain
Ben Nevis Mountain Track Trail (Scotland)
Closest station: Fort William
Hiking in Scotland is quite difficult: even the flattest of trails are surrounded by such whimsical scenery that will move your soul while keeping you frozen in awe. Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK, is a must for hikers of all levels, especially with the Mountain Track trail’s accessibility for beginners. Plan the whole day for this excursion.
White Cliffs of Dover (England)
Closest station: Dover Priory
Hiking in England need not require hiking shoes, at least at the White Cliffs of Dover. It’s more of a pleasant sightseeing stroll around the walking paths that a pair of sneakers won’t weep at. Keep a raincoat on hand (the clouds have mood swings with a moment’s notice) and you’ll be all set.
Offa’s Dyke Path (Wales)
Closest station: Chepstow
Offa’s Dyke National Trail is 177 miles long, zigzagging across the Wales/England border 20 times en route from Sedbury Cliffs to Prestatyn. Begin your hiking in Wales near Chepstow at the start of the trail and wind along the River Wye until you reach the Devil’s Pulpit for a selfie stop then return to Chepstow.
Looking for a more remote trekking experience in the UK? Find the train stations in the farthest corners of Wales, Scotland, and England where you can spend days hiking Great Britain’s rugged landscape.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, © Peter Lourenco. Image Location: Ben Nevis Hiking Trail, Scotland, UK