Back in 2019 – which makes it sound like 2019 was a long time ago when it was only 4 years ago but in many ways, it feels like ages ago – I finally took the plunge and ventured on my first long distance walk solo. Now, I’d traveled solo many times, even moved abroad solo a few times, but it was my first solo long distance walk. Actually, it was my first multi-day walk/hike, although I’d done dozens of day hikes, including many on long distance routes, and I walk pretty much everywhere. As I wrote about then, I decided to stop waiting until I found someone who also loved walking/hiking and just go. I loved it! And I was hooked.
Once I got back, I immediately started thinking about other long distance walks I could do and being who I am, created a long-term plan to build up to a really long one for my 50th birthday as it was my next milestone birthday. But then my dad got sick (cancer sucks!) and the pandemic hit. 2020 and 2021 were spent hunkered down, trying to avoid the plaque. And my five year plan… became a completely changed, sort of three year plan. But I still want to do an epic walk for my 50th, it just might be a shorter epic as 2024 is just around the corner.
So which walks were/are on my list?
The Speyside Way
This was the walk I was going to do in May 2020. It’s located in the Speyside area of Scotland (hence the name) and is 137 km long (it was 106 km but they expanded it in 2021), plus a 25 km spur. I love whisky and Scotland, so it seemed like a good choice for my second walk. I would still like to do it, especially as I have it all researched for my cancelled trip (the original 106 km + 25 km spur) and am hoping to do it in 2025 as I’m not sure it’s epic enough for my 50th.
The Confederation Trail
I was originally thinking about doing part of it in the fall of 2019 before my father got sick. It’s located in PEI, Canada and is 273 km long. Then PEI opened the Island Walk, which adds onto the Confederation Trail to circumnavigate the island so I decided to do part of it as my second walk in 2022. It turned out not quite as expected (see my “Not quite Island Walk” post if you want to learn more) but I would like to go back and do the Confederation Trail.
The East Coast Trail
While I had originally planned on a different trail for my 50th epic adventure, over the last year, I’ve been leaning towards the East Coast Trail as it’s extremely beautiful. It’s located in Newfoundland, Canada and is over 336 km long. I just need to decide if I’m going to stay in BBs, camp, or do both. I’m leaning towards staying in BBs as it means I don’t have to carry as much, although it would be beautiful to camp (if the weather cooperated) a few nights.
West Highland Way
I know I walked about half of it in 2019 but I’d love to do it in its entirety. I absolutely loved it and I would love to hike all 154 km from Milngavie (a suburb of Glasgow) to Fort William in Scotland.
Tour du Mont Blanc
While I’m sure the elevation changes will kick my butt as it’s hard to train for the Alps in Toronto, I would love to do this 170 km hike through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The views would be amazing!
Cape Wrath Trail
While I would love to walk the entire Scottish National Trail, it’s 864 km and I don’t have that much vacation time. However, the part of it that most fascinates me is the last section, the 330 km Cape Wrath Trail. A Scottish backcountry trail that’s often referred to as the most difficult UK trail but gorgeous. This was to be my original 50th epic adventure but I’d like to get a couple more trails completed until I tackle it.
Inca Trail
This is one that probably on everyone’s hiking bucket list and one I would do on a tour, not solo, but this 42 km ancient trail through the Andes in Peru to Machu Picchu is one I would love to do.
Grand Canyon Rim to Rim
The only American trail currently on my bucket list, I had actually planned to do in years ago when I was 21 and living in Colorado but my friend chickened out (at the Grand Canyon so I at least have photos). So the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim in Arizona, an approx. 40 km hike is still on my list.
Long Range Traverse
The second of the Newfoundland trails on my list, this 40 km backcountry hike in Gros Morne National Park is one I can’t wait to do. The photos I’ve seen look stunning.
Sentier Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail
I added this 150 km backcountry trail in New Brunswick after reading about it in National Geographic. It looks beautiful and a lovely way to explore the East Coast.
La Cloche Silhouette Trail
This 80 km challenging backcountry loop trail in Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario (my home province) has been on my list for a while. Like the other backcountry trails, I was hoping to find a hiking partner, both for safety and to share gear/weight which is why it’s not check off yet.
Hebridean Way
Another Scottish trail on my list, I was a very small part of it on the Isle of Harris when I was there in 2019 and it made me want to do the entire 253 km. The long distance walk spans 10 islands and requires two ferry rides. Hm, this might be a good epic 50th walk.
Final Thoughts
There are a mixture of backcountry hiking trails and long distance walks on this list because I enjoy both. And while I’m sure I’ll add more as I cross some off, the 12 trails above are all ones I can’t wait to do.
Have you walked any of them? Which walks/hikes do you want to do? Which would you recommend?
Rambles and Walks 