Hadrians wall stretches from the west to east coast of Britain

Love your guided trekking? Here are the 5 essential ones you just have to do at some point.

1. Inca Trail

The most famous and the busiest guided trek in the world, thousands trek this trail every year. With good reason – the spectacular views and fascinating ancient ruins create a unique unforgettable experience.

Be prepared for steep ascents and descents – there is very little flat country. Also be aware this is high altitude – starting around 3000m and rising as high as 4000m, so every bit of extra fitness will go a long way.

It’s cheap and you don’t have to pre-book. Just turn up in nearby Cusco and there is an entire Inca trail industry offering treks leaving daily. During the worst of the rainy season the trail can be closed though so be sure to check that before you leave. The rainy season is between January and April.

2. Nepalese Himalaya

Perhaps the most spectacular place on earth, the Himalaya provide a strong allure to all trekkers. Accessing the Himalaya from Nepal is the best option – it is where the majority of guided trekking are and provides the best access to the mountain range.

Lots of choice here. You can either book before you go or make your own way to Kathmandu and find your guide there.

3. Milford Track, New Zealand

It you hadn’t had strong desire to trek in New Zealand already, the Lord of the Rings films probably sealed the deal. Undoubtedly the most famous trek is Milford Track at the stunning Milford Sound in New Zealand’s Fjordland at the bottom of the South Island. This trek was described by Rudyard Kipling as ‘the finest walk in the world’.

Don’t just think you can turn up though. Visitor numbers are restricted to preserve the environment and you’ll likely need to pre-book your guided trek. And funnily enough the track can only be walked in one direction. While researching this trek remember the Kiwis call trekking ‘tramping’.

4. Torres del Paine, Patagonia

Right at the southernmost point of South America lies another trekking mecca – the Patagonia region. The classic trek here is the Torres del Paine. Featuring glaciers, mountains, wildflowers and wildlife this expansive wilderness also has a plethora of guided trekking options.

Make sure you have plenty of time – treks take 8 days or more, and be prepared for wild weather changes. In any case you’ll be glad you went.

5. Hadrians Wall, United Kingdom

Some may think this a bit of an unusual choice for a guided trekking experience, but definitely a uniquely worthwhile experience. Nearly 2000 years ago Roman emperor Hadrian built a wall from the West coast of England to the East. That’s about 117km or 74 miles. The wall is a UNESCO world heritage site.

The fantastic part about this trek is the variety of history and culture you will encounter. Roman ruins, cottages from the middle ages, rugged landscape, castles, country pubs, farms, modern towns – you can take in two millennia of English culture in one guided trekking experience.

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