Lace up your boots and pack a bag – these dreamy destinations boast sublime views and top trails for solo travellers of every fitness level.

Garda Trentino, Italy 

Nestled between Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, and the enchanting scenery of Trentino sits this photogenic region that offers a spectacular array of hiking routes for seekers of solitude.

All hiking trails can be found on an informative web page where listings include distance, duration, altitude and a difficulty rating, ensuring it’s easy to pick the perfect route. Even better? The area has a dedicated team, known as the Garda Rangers, who ensure that paths are well marked and maintained year round.

Highlights include The Cammino di San Vili, an epic 40-hour hike past towering mountains, crystalline lakes and through quaint villages, or the easier Cima Rocca loop that takes in views of the Ledro Alps facing Lake Garda. For each trek, a GPX route can be downloaded for free to provide live, up-to-date information – an important safety element for all hikers.

Pokhara, Nepal 

As a gateway to the awe-inspiring Himalayan mountain range, Pokhara suits travellers looking to escape the crowds that flock to Everest Base Camp.

There are plenty of trails to choose from in this area of Nepal, but perhaps the most rewarding is the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The multi-day adventure offers awe-inspiring views as it loops through ancient villages and climbs to altitudes above 4000 meters.

Tea houses offering basic bedrooms and traditional Nepalese cuisine such as dal bhat break up the route, ensuring there’s an affordable place to bed down each night (and meaning, more importantly, that you don’t have to carry camping equipment).

If you prefer to trek with a guide or porter who can help with lugging bags and reserving tea house beds in advance, it’s easy to connect with one in Pokhara, such as the all-female outfit, Three Sisters.

The Peak District, UK 

While England’s Lake District wows with mountains and walking trails aplenty, the lesser visited Peak District is equally impressive with a plethora of photogenic sights and far fewer people.

Fields ringed by dry stone walls, endless wildflower meadows, historic villages and ancient stone circles are just a few of the delights that await explorers in this area of the UK. I recommend making a base in the quaint village of Youlgreave, where hundreds of walking routes begin. While there, be sure to visit Arbor Low, a 6,000-year-old stone circle made up of 43 colossal stones, all of which have now fallen.

Beautiful to visit and hike around in every season, this area is particularly appealing in the British summertime when you can take advantage of the free, wild swimming spots that can be found in abundance here to cool off after a long walk.  

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand 

Azure lakes, active volcanoes and red craters conspire to make New Zealand’s Tongariro Alpine Crossing one of the best day hikes in the world. Culturally and spiritually important, the park's dual World Heritage status recognizes both the Māori culture that’s deeply embedded in the area and the landscape, protecting this sacred place for all to enjoy.

Yet what makes it perfect for solo hikers is the area’s well-worn pathways and sense of community. The route’s popularity, especially during spring and summer months, ensure passionate hikers and nature lovers can be found throughout the landscapes, meaning there’s always someone around to lend a helping hand if needed. 

San Miguel de Allende, México 

Think you can’t hike alone in Mexico? Think again. Close to the vibrant, safe, and colourful city of San Miguel de Allende sits El Charco del Ingenio, a sprawling nature reserve and botanical garden sanctuary covering around 200 acres.

The reserve is ringed by fencing and the entrance is just a 40-minute walk from San Miguel de Allende, ensuring you can combine hiking with the joys of this arty town.

Teeming with colourful birds, thousands of loud crickets, and a fascinating array of plantlife, including colossal cacti, El Charco del Ingenio also boasts a regional plants trail that’s fully signposted.

The on-site cafe, close to the park's entrance, serves authentic Mexican snacks and drinks, a great place to refuel after enjoying the views and wildlife.