WA hiking route named among world’s ‘most beautiful’ in new study
Jemima Skelley
Updated . First published at
Whether you're embarking on a ten-day trek or a quick hour-long trail through the bush, hiking is one of the best (and free) activities to do while travelling. To find the most beautiful hikes across the globe, hiking shoe company SportsShoes.com conducted a global eye-tracking study. It analysed which hiking scenery caught participants’ attention the quickest, as well as how long it held their attention. Here are the trails that came out on top.
Attribution: iStock
15. Trolltunga, Norway. This incredibly hard hike is steep, muddy, and takes about eight hours to complete. But you're rewarded with epic views like this one, making it a popular hike for locals and tourists alike.
Attribution: iStock
14. Mist Trail, USA. This is one of Yosemite's most iconic and scenic hikes, famous for its dramatic, up-close views of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall.
Attribution: iStock
=11. Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile. It takes four to five days to complete, winding through the Ascencio Valley, French Valley, and Grey Glacier. Proper advance bookings for park entry and campsites are essential.
Attribution: iStock
=11. Kalalau Trail, USA. This rugged clifftop trek shows off the best side of Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast in Hawaii. The trail is famous for its stunning coastal views, but also for its steep, muddy terrain.
Attribution: iStock
=11. Mount Rainier Skyline Trail, USA. The most popular day hike in this national park, it's got something for everyone: lush vegetation, glacier views, rivers, waterfalls, and incredible views of the surrounding area.
Attribution: iStock
10. The Causeway Coast, Ireland. This 52-kilometre trail takes two to three days to complete, and was the backdrop for many Game of Thrones scenes. A highlight is the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, a formation of 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity.
Attribution: iStock
9. Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk, England. This trail takes you past seven distinct peaks in the dramatic white chalk cliffs, with views of the English Channel. It's also easy to access by train, making it even more popular.
Attribution: iStock
8. The Loop, Australia. This trail winds through Kalbarri National Park in WA, and climbs down the cliffs into the riverbed. It also passes Nature's Window which offers great views of the park.
Attribution: iStock
7. Étretat Cliff Walk, France. A five-kilometre coastal trail, this walk hugs Normandy’s Alabaster Coast with epic views of the ocean. You can even visit a shipwreck survival cave below the Aval cliff.
Attribution: iStock
