With a drought in holidays for everyone, and continued growth in people looking to rediscover the outdoor s, a new study has found the best countries in the world for a hiking holiday – and of course, Scotland made it into the top 10.
The study, conducted by SportsShoes.com, analysed Google searches for over 500 hiking routes, along with walking and hiking holidays in over 100 countries, before combining this with the number of Instagram hashtags for each, to create an index that unveils the best destinations for a hiking adventure.
Scotland is only beaten by Spain, which came out on top with a staggering 170,830 annual searches and 3,100 hashtags associated with a hiking adventure, Japan and England.
Sitting fourth on the list, Scotland has become known for its epic scenery and challenging mountainous terrain.
Ben Nevis, the West Highland Way and a trip to The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye all made it into their top British hikes list.
When it comes to best hikes to enjoy in our wee country, the SportsShoes team wrote: "With its shimmering lochs, muddy terrain and changeable weather, Scotland is perfect for anyone looking to get stuck in and immerse themselves in nature.
"Ben Nevis, a bucket-list hike for many avid climbers, is the best hike in Scotland, according to the index data.
"Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the highlands – including Loch Lomond - on Scotland’s next best hike, the West Highland Way, which stretches to 154 kilometres long.
"Followed by a trip to The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye, which is the third best hike for those travelling in the country."
They also offered advice on how to tackle the Ben Nevis hike.
Hiking Ben Nevis: "A 15.8 kilometre round trail beginning and ending at Fort William makes up the Ben Nevis Mountain Track, one of two routes up Ben Nevis. Rugged and rocky, hikers can enjoy waterfalls, greenery and wildlife as they make their ascent up Scotland’s tallest mountain.
"The other route, Mor Dearg Arête, is a far more challenging climb, reserved for keen hillwalkers, including both a ridge climb and two Munros."
The top 10 World’s Best Hiking Holiday Destinations
1. Spain
2. Japan
3. England
4. Scotland
5. Australia
6. Germany
7. France
8. Wales
9. Italy
10. Northern Ireland
The World’s Best Hiking Routes
Camino de Santiago, Spain
Snowdon, Wales
Lago di Braies, Italy
Camino Frances, France
Ben Nevis, Scotland
Caminito del Rey, Spain
Manali, India
Tre Cime de Lavaredo, Italy
South West Coast Path, England
Via Francigena, Italy
For those eager to explore what Britain has to offer before venturing abroad, the study analysed over 50 British hiking routes to find out which are most popular.
The top 10 Best British Hikes
Snowdon, Wales
Ben Nevis, Scotland
South West Coast Path, England
Pen-y-fan, Wales
West Highland Way, Scotland
Scafell Pike, England
Coniston, England
Helvellyn, England
Buttermere, England
Old Man of Storr, Scotland
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