5 best hikes in Europe

Want to take on an inspirational hike but unsure where to go? Check out these fab five trails, covering France, Spain and the UK

1 Mt Buet, Aiguille Rouges, France

There are many beautiful sights to behold in the Chamonix valley, dominated by Mt Blanc. However, rather than the often busy Tour De Mont Blanc route that follows the valley, we recommend sliding off to complete the Tour De Aiguilles Rouges, a four or five day hut-to-hut meander that culminates in the rugged 3096m Mt Buet. The views are wall-to-wall alpine mountains, interspersed with chocolate box villages. Easy access via Geneva airport and a shuttle bus makes this an ideal weekend trek.

2 GR20, Corsica

A great summer hike, the mighty GR20 crosses Corsica diagonally, running some 180km in total and passing through some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in Europe. It’s a real challenge too, with 19,000 metres of ascent and descent, spread over around 15 days with more than six hours walking each day. The trail is split into two broad sections, north and south, with the northern section being more challenging and mountainous. Access to the Northern starting point, Calenzana, is by bus from Sainte Catherine Aeroport.

3 Helvellyn, Lake District, UK

Helvellyn holds an almost mystical place in the UK hiking community. Without being the tallest or the hardest, it’s well regarded, especially when ascended via Striding Edge, a spectacular affair culminating in a narrow and breezy ridge. A mere seven and a half- odd miles and just under 1,000m of ascent might make this seem like an easy option, but do not be fooled: this is proper mountain hiking. The easiest access is by car, from the car park in Glenridding, but train then bus from Penrith is also possible.

4 Barre Des Ecrins from La Bérarde, France

Head south for the summer with this hike into the hanging valley of Vallon du Borne Pierre beneath Europe’s southernmost over- 4,000m peak. Notching up more than 1,000m of vertical ascent, the latter part switchbacking up a steep moraine (Glacier de Borne Pierre), this is a strenuous yet impressive day hike out of the scenic base of La Bérarde, itself on the doorstep of the Ecrins national park. Shuttle buses run from Grenoble Isère airport and Lyon.

5 The Central Picos Circuit, Picos De Europa, Spain

The jewel in the crown of the Picos De Europa mountain range is the Central Picos Circuit, a five- or six- day ramble combining the Central Picos Transverse with the Cares George and the Jermoso Transverse, giving you an astounding week of hut-to-hut walking in meadows and steep limestone crags. It’s among the highest- quality alpine walking in Europe. Access is via the town of Cangas de Onís, from where a bus runs to the trailhead at Ercina Lake.