With the news that England’s entire coastline is set to become accessible for the first time thanks to the completion of the England Coast Path, you might be inspired to don your hiking boots and embark on a walking holiday in 2020. To help you make tracks, we’ve picked some of the newest and best coastal trails around the world.
Hump Ridge Track, New Zealand
The Hump Ridge Track was named New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk in 2019. This 61km (40 mile) loop through Fiordland National Park, located in New Zealand’s South Island, offers ramblers a mix of coastal forest and mountain scenery, with sweeping views of the Southern Ocean and Stewart Island. Although only some stretches are currently open to the public, the full signposted trail is anticipated to be completed by 2022. As with the other Great Walks, the Hump Ridge is designed to be undertaken as a multi-day trek, requiring overnight stays along the way.
Michinoku Coastal Trail, Japan
Japan’s newest coastal walk, established in June 2019, is a series of trails that wind through the Pacific coast of Japan’s Tohoku region. This trail provides hikers with the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path paths while supporting communities still in recovery following the catastrophic events of 2011. A writer who visited the 1000km-long (621 mile) trail in November described it as the “best hike” he’d ever done; captivated by its otherworldly landscapes and the resilience of the communities encountered along the way. Although the trail takes 44 days to complete on foot, it can be tackled in more manageable, bite-size sections with various accommodation options throughout.
Grand Sentier de la Côte Bleue, France
The Grand Sentier de la Côte Bleue (or the Big Blue Coast Trail) is a new 62km (38 miles) hiking path that connects Marseille and Martigues in the south of France, featuring almost continuous sea views along the entire route. This picturesque path follows the shimmering shoreline of the Provence-Côte d’Azur and offers breathtaking panoramas as it meanders through charming fishing villages and holiday resorts. Though it was officially unveiled in 2018, it integrates 17 long-established hiking routes, varying between 6km (3.7 miles) and 24km (15 miles) in length.
Pismo Preserve, California
Pismo Preserve is a newly established conservation area in San Luis Obispo, which opened to the public earlier this year, featuring a hiking and biking trail managed by the non-profit Land Conservancy. This 11-mile (17.7km) trail traverses the hills above Pismo Beach, running through oak woodlands and canyons while offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, extending from the Irish Hills down to Point Sal. Moreover, this trail is likely the most gentle option on the list, providing hikers with a meditative experience as they traverse California’s beautiful Central Coast.
