STRIDERS ON THE STORM

THINK CARAVANNING OR OVERLANDING ON A MOTORCYCLE WOULD BE YOUR LIFE'S GRANDEST ADVENTURE? TAKE A HIKE INSTEAD. THE BEST AND PUREST FORM OF SLOW TRAVEL IS THE OLD LONGDISTANCE TRAIL, AND QUITE A FEW OF THEM ACROSS THE WORLD ARE ON THE HORIZON NOW.

-  PRANNAY PATHAK

The idea of the road and LONG FOOT JOURNEYS is as old as the notion of travel itself. In a post-pandemic context, with slow travel fast becoming a necessary concept, the great long-distance hike is again on the horizon. Earlier this year, the long-awaited Trans Bhutan Trail-an ancient trade route that has also seen military advances and pilgrimages-was announced. Elsewhere in the world, caminos, thru-hikes and national trails cutting through entire countries and regions, have come up in recent years, revealing stunning pastures and settlements at a pace that advocates of mindful travel find more suited to their yen of exploration.

Spurred by urgent action from communities incentivised by the promise of better economic prospects, some of these run like spines along the mainlands or coastlines of countries, while others exist as the spirited bones of grand routes of the future, undaunted by land borders or geopolitical conflicts. Here are 16 that deserve your attention right now.

EL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO, SPAIN