Thinking of trekking the Camino Trail in northern Spain or New Zealand’s Tongariro Crossing? Get a dose of the great outdoors with these epic hikes and mountain terrains where you can challenge your inner adventurer and team it with your 7Across vacation.
Hiking through ancient rainforests, snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes, you’d be forgiven for thinking Cradle Mountain was in another world. One of Tasmania’s most popular destinations, you can experience this pristine environment any time of year – in winter expect epic frozen waterfalls, or fields of wildflowers in summer. The Overland Track offers 5 to 6 days of hiking, suitable for any level with well-formed tracks throughout.
Where to stay: Cradle Mountain is easily accessible from Shearwater Resort in Devonport on Tasmania’s northwest coast – providing the best of both worlds from the coast to the island’s mountainous interior. Book it with 7Across.
Set within New Zealand’s oldest national park and a dual World Heritage Site, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing attracts hikers from all over the world. One of the most popular day hikes in New Zealand, the 19.4km journey has a diverse range of landscapes, from streams and waterfalls to craters and lakes – and is world-renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance.
Where to stay: Available through 7Across, Turangi Leisure Lodge is one of the closest accommodation options – located just 20 minutes from the start of the Tongariro Crossing trail.
The Canadian Rocky Mountains span between British Columbia and neighbouring Alberta and are considered one of Canada’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions. On the sunny BC side, there’s golf, fishing and forests to explore plus an endless number of hikes and trails. For a challenge, the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park is one of the harder multi-day hikes, however the reward is eyefuls of alpine lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and the Rockwall itself.
Where to stay: Fairmont Hot Springs is just a short drive from the Kootenay National Park. DAE has several resorts around the destination available on Exchange so you can soak in the natural, mineral-rich waters to warm your soul after days spent in the mountains.
The ancient pilgrimage of Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is one of the world’s most popular walking trails, with a number of routes taking the spiritual, religious and adventurous alike across the foothills of northern Spain. It’s estimated more than 300,000 people from all walks of life trek the month-long journey each year to the town of Santiago de Compostela – considered to be the final resting place of St James the Apostle.
Where to stay: Time your trek before or after a stay on the glorious south coast of Spain with 7Across Travel
The Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world, estimated to be over 21,000km long. Hebei – the province surrounding China’s capital, Beijing – is one of the best places to explore the eastern end of the Great Wall. Arguably the most impressive sections of the Wall are located in Hebei province, yet with fewer crowds. From Qinhuangdao you can walk the Shanhai Pass – one of the three most important passes of the Great Wall – and traverse the section known as Laolongtou, or Old Dragon’s Head, where the Great Wall meets the sea.
Where to stay: Call your Getaway Guide to see what properties are available in the Hebei province and across China.
While Mount Everest gets most of the attention as the world’s highest peak, the Himalayas offer so much more to those seeking adventure in the famous mountains. The North Indian state of Uttarakhand lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, with countless mountain trails and peaks to trek in the Garhwal Himalayas. Himachal Pradesh is also considered one of the best trekking destinations in the Himalayas and is easily accessible from the hill stations of Dharamshala and Manali.
Where to stay: 7Across has properties available in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in North India. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, these popular destinations book out early, so plan ahead or place a request!
For serious hikers, the Appalachian Trail is the pinnacle. The longest hiking-only trail in the world at around 2,200 miles (or 3,500 km) long, it stretches across 14 states in the Eastern United States. The section of the Appalachian Trail through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee offers day hikes, from relaxing walks ending at waterfalls, to strenuous mountain climbs right to the top. Here you’ll also find Clingmans Dome – the highest point on the Appalachian Trail.
Where to stay: 7Across can get you to the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee with several resorts in the area.
Mount Kenya is a stunning National Park where you can combine hiking with a side of wildlife spotting. Around 15,000 people take on the mountain in East Africa each year, with the majority summiting at Point Lenana – resting 4895 metres above sea level and taking around 5 days for the return journey. The trek winds through a landscape dotted with glaciers, rock spires, incredible flora and fauna and the highlight – an amphitheatre of cliffs known as The Temple.
Where to stay: For the mountainous adventurers, plan a Mount Kenya summit followed by a relaxing stay on Kenya’s impressive coastline where 7Across has a number of properties available to book.