Literally ‘the blue path’, Sentiero Azzurro connects the quaint seaside villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Monterosso al Mare, and Vernazza in Italy’s famously beautiful Cinque Terre. At 12 kilometres long, this is one of the easiest and most popular trails in Italy. It’s so popular that there have been local plans to limit the numbers allowed into the park. The trail dates back to the early days of the Republic of Genoa in the 12th and 13th centuries, and was once the only practical way to get from village to village. It’s a quaint way to get about, but those planning the whole trail should check all parts are open at their time of travel. If they’re not, walkers should be capable of hiking the alternative routes offered.

Winding 1000 kilometres across Israel from the Red Sea to the Lebanese border, and passing ancient Roman ruins, this is one of the world’s most beautiful trails. The scenery changes from the north’s mountains, forests, springs, and coastlines, to the Negev Desert in the south, and many choose the desert section of the walk with miles of breathtaking views. The full trail can be completed in two months, and it’s rare to see other hikers on the route. Being less of a tourist trap, the trail is rough around the edges and less manicured – think a little rubbish in the north, not enough access to drinking water, and noisy campsites – but this is an authentic and worthy trail for the adventurous wanderer.

Western Australia’s own Bibbulmun Track stretches for more than a thousand kilometres along the coast. This is one for beginners and those seeking a leisurely – albeit long – stroll with a view to remember. From Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany in the South Coast, walkers discover towering ancient forests, expansive farmlands and wild beaches. Many undertake the walk in sections because the entire walk takes two months, following snake markers all the way. There are hikers’ huts and campsites dotted along the route, each about a day’s journey apart. A tree top walk in Valley of the Giants takes walkers over ancient karri and tingle forests to the town of Denmark, bringing them to eye level with the birds 40 metres above the forest floor.

One of the world’s most popular trekking destinations, Torres del Paine has icy glaciers, snow-covered mountains, crystal clear lakes and stunning valleys. The very ambitious (and fit) can complete the full circuit in nine days. The full experience should include driving, hiking, horseback riding, and boating in unpredictable conditions, and the rewards are unparalleled: sunsets on the lagoon, hikes to the edges of glaciers, and views so stunning you might even forget to Instagram them.

The narrowest section of Utah’s Zion Canyon features a gorge with walls thousands of feet tall. At some points the river is just 20 feet wide. You’ll definitely get wet walking in the Virgin River, wading upstream. Water fluctuates greatly from year to year depending on rainfall and melting snow, so most people undertake it in late spring and summer when the water level drops and the water is at its warmest, but this time of year does witness life-threatening floods. There’s no formal destination to this track so many hikers aim for Orderville Canyon – a creek two hours up from the shuttle stop.