Spanish steppes: an epic hike across the wild plains of Extremadura
The Via de la Plata is one of Spain’s toughest pilgrim routes, weaving through a landscape of isolated steppes and fortress cities in the country’s least-known region
From the Peloponnese to the Pyrenees: readers’ favourite long-distance walks in Europe
Pull on your walking boots and immerse yourself in magnificent scenery on these long-distance trails, chosen by our tipsters
Hiking Cheshire’s Baker Way: the joy of a less-known walking trail
They get less fanfare and footfall than the UK’s famous long-distance paths, but trails such as this – which starts in Chester and saunters through the local countryside – are just as rewarding
‘Reconnecting with our glorious woodlands’: why we should all get out into the forest
With the leaves turning golden, now is the time to visit the woods, says the author of a new book, and perhaps learn how to better protect them too
‘A wildly beautiful place for autumn colour’: readers’ favourite UK forest trails
From Japanese acers at Westonbirt arboretum to the pines of Loch Ard, our tipsters share their top woodland days out
Walking the Celtic Camino: new coast path links sacred sites in Ireland and Wales
Ancient chapels, neolithic sites, vast beaches and live music are among the highlights of a new pilgrimage route from Wexford to St Davids
A cycling, walking and running break in France’s best area for trails
Bagnoles de l’Orne in Normandy is a traditional spa town reinventing itself with new hiking and cycling routes – and a focus on sustainable tourism
Walks with a focal point: five of the best UK hikes with extras
From a wire bridge near Ben Nevis to a wild swim in Devon, these walks come with a unique manmade or natural element to look forward to as you stroll
‘The hike of a lifetime’ – a circuit of the Écrins national park in France
The Tour des Écrins in the Hautes-Alpes is one of Europe’s finest long-distance walks, and offers a chance to reflect on how best to live alongside nature
One Spanish region where tourists are welcome – especially spaghetti western fans
A new walking route around Burgos, in northern Spain, offers film pilgrims a close-up of the iconic locations used in Sergio Leone’s movie The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
In the footsteps of DH Lawrence: across the Alps from Germany to Italy
More than a century on, the route from Konstanz to Como across lakes and Swiss mountains must also contend with traffic, but it still inspires a novel
Leaving the herd behind on a family trip in the peaceful southern French Alps
Rugged scenery, an insight into shepherds’ culture, delicious food and remote mountain stays make for a memorable few days hiking in France
How I found my Dartmoor moment with the gift of wild camping
The freedom to wild camp can make hiking among the majestic tors and ancient forests even more rewarding, but this right is at risk
‘I inched across rock faces, explored sea caves and plummeted off cliffs’: readers’ favourite active holidays in Europe
Island-hopping in Sicily, saving turtles in Cephalonia, coasteering in Pembrokeshire, e-biking in Andalucía and more – courtesy of our readers
Walking the Netherlands’ new long-distance Salt Path
A new hiking route in the far north of the country is helping to connect visitors with rural communities and giving churches a new lease of life as B&Bs and art studios