Are you looking for hiking trails that visit World Heritage Sites? Well you have found our expert-curated list of the best hiking trails in Europe for World Heritage Sites.
Imagine stepping into a world where history comes alive, where every stone and landscape tells a story of ancient civilizations and natural wonders. Visiting a World Heritage Site is not just a trip; it’s an unforgettable journey through time and culture.
There are features and places along all these trails that have the hallowed title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. This rare privilege is bestowed unto places that are judged to contain “cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity”. There as of 2024 just 1,223 places that qualify worldwide and just 400 in Europe. From our hillwalking tour catalogue we can offer you 4 such locations.
Hadrian’s Wall is the largest extant Roman fortification spanning the north of England in its hey day. Cornwall was once home to a thriving but now extinct copper and tin mining industry employing thousands. On the South West Coast Path is a region called the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site with an example of an actual working mine. On the north coast of the Island of Ireland is the geological wonder of the Giant’s Causeway also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and finally the Roman City of Bath on the Cotswold Way also has protected status with its elegant architecture and natural warm springs.
Explore the rich tapestries of heritage and history on offer as you undertake these wonderful trails for a hiking holiday of a lifetime.
If you’re in search of world heritage sites, look no further than the Antrim Glens & Causeway Coastline. We selected this trail as it is an exceptional destination for hiking trails that seamlessly blend natural beauty with world-renowned heritage sites. As you hike through the Glens of Antrim, a series of nine picturesque valleys, you’ll encounter breathtaking landscapes at every turn. Along the coast, you will witness the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a geological marvel of hexagonal basalt columns. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 due to these unique geological formations. You’ll also visit the ruins of Dunluce Castle, perched on a cliffside with stunning views. In addition, the trail passes the historic village of Bushmills, where you can admire the world’s oldest whiskey distillery. The Antrim Glens & Coastline is a perfect mix of nature, history, and heritage. Plus, it’s part of the International Appalachian Trail, connecting you with hikers worldwide.
The South West Coast Path is an official National Trail and the longest waymarked long-distance footpath in England and Wales. The Path was originally created by coastguards, patrolling the south west peninsula, looking out for smugglers of mostly tobacco and alcohol. In acknowledgement of centuries of tin and copper mining, six areas adjacent to the South West Coast Path are now part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage site, making the trail an unforgettable blend of nature and cultural heritage.
The Cotswold Way is a uniquely English trail that winds through quaint villages, wildflower meadows, lush farmland, old woodlands and ancient archaeological sites. Spanning over 164km (102 miles), it begins in the picturesque market town of Chipping Campden and concludes in the World Heritage City of Bath. The route passes historical gems such as the Belas Knap neolithic burial chamber, Hailes Abbey and Roman heritage sites in the city of Bath. Bath is actually a rare double-inscribed UNESCO Site. The town was first inscribed as a World Heritage Site in In 1987 and in 2021 received a second inscription as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. The Cotswold Way is a uniquely English experience with a Roman twist at the finish, making it a special trail with heritage and history at every stop.
Match the type of hiking adventure you are looking for by reading through our ‘Best For’ guides below.
Hillwalk Tours has over a decade of experience in organising self-guided hiking holidays. We take pride in specialising & crafting unique and unforgettable hiking tours across Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Spain and Portugal. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, we have a huge range of tours to match all fitness levels and interests, ensuring a walking holiday with Hillwalk Tours will be an experience of a lifetime.
Furthermore, our core purpose at Hillwalk Tours is to “create experiences that make people happy”, and we strive towards fulfilling this purpose in everything we do. The following are just some examples of what you can expect with Hillwalk Tours as standard:
