Alternative trails for popular hiking routes
Looking for a fresh take on a classic hike? While trails like the Tour du Mont Blanc, West Highland Way, and Camino Portugués are deservedly popular, they’re not the only options. Whether you’re after fewer crowds, a different challenge, or simply a new perspective, these alternative routes offer a fantastic hiking experience with just as much beauty, if not more. From the dramatic peaks of Monte Rosa to the wild coastline of Wales, here are some incredible trails to consider instead of the usual favourites.
The Tour of Monte Rosa (alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc)
Where: Italy/Switzerland
How long: 174km (108 miles)
How many days: 11 days
How hard: Suitable for experienced trekkers. There are two optional glacier crossings requiring micro-spikes or crampons. There are a number of unavoidably long days, as well as several +1500m climbs.
Season: July to mid-September
For those who love the idea of a high-alpine multi-day trek but want to avoid the heavy foot traffic of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), the Tour of Monte Rosa is an excellent alternative. This 174km circuit takes in spectacular views of the Monte Rosa massif, passing through both Italy and Switzerland. It’s a slightly tougher challenge than the TMB, with high passes and rugged terrain, but offers equally stunning scenery and a more remote feel.
Hiking the Tour of Monte Rosa
Trekking the Swiss and Italian Alps from Zermatt
£18.95
Guidebook to the Tour of Monte Rosa (TMR), a 174km (108 mile) circular trek through the Swiss and Italian Alps. Presented in 11 stages with variants and two optional glacier crossings, the route includes several iconic alpine passes. With trek planning resources, an accommodation guide and 1:100,000 maps for each stage.
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Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc
Classic 170km hut-to-hut hike with two-way route description
£17.95
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£10.77
Guidebook for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, one of the world's classic treks. The 170km (105 mile) TMB route via France, Italy and Switzerland typically takes 11 days, and can be walked in anti-clockwise and clockwise directions. With trek planning resources, accommodation guide and 5, 7 and 9-day options. A 1:25,000 IGN map booklet is available separately.
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Not the West Highland Way (alternative to the West Highland Way)
Where: Scotland
How long: customisable depending on options chosen
How many days: customisable depending on options chosen
How hard: Moderately difficult diversions above the West Highland Way including several full-on mountain days. Challenging backpack routes of 2 days upwards.
Season: Spring to Autumn, with May, June and September
For those who still want to experience the West Highland Way but with a more adventurous twist, our guidebook to WHW diversions and extensions offers 14 different route options, including Munro-bagging detours, two 2-day backpacking trips, and three extended multi-day adventures beyond the WHW. Whether you're looking for a mountain alternative or an intrepid side loop, this guide provides all the details on access, mapping, and mountain safety.
Not the West Highland Way: A Mountain High Way
Mountain alternatives and backpacking ideas to link with the West Highland Way
£16.95
Guidebook to the best mountain alternative routes deviating from Scotland's iconic West Highland Way. Includes 14 variants/side loops plus trail extensions, with options to bag nearby Munros. For intrepid walkers with an affinity for hills.
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The West Highland Way
Scottish Great Trail - Milngavie (Glasgow) to Fort William
£17.95
Guidebook to walking the West Highland Way National Trail, a 96 mile Scottish Great Trail route from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William, passing Loch Lomond and crossing Rannoch Moor. Suggested itineraries over 6 to 9 days. Includes accommodation guide and pull-out 1:25K OS map booklet.
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The Way of St Francis (alternative to Camino Portugués)
Where: Italy
How long: 518km (322 miles)
How many days: around 1 month
How hard: suitable for any reasonably fit walker
Season: Spring, summer and fall
The Camino Portugués is one of the most popular routes to Santiago de Compostela, but if you’re seeking a less-travelled pilgrimage experience, consider the Way of St Francis in Italy. This historic trail traces the footsteps of the famous saint through Umbria and Tuscany, offering beautiful countryside, historic towns, and a quieter, more reflective journey compared to the busier Camino routes.
The Way of St Francis: Via di Francesco
From Florence to Assisi and Rome
£18.95
Guidebook to walking The Way of St Francis pilgrimage trail in Italy. This 518km route from Florence, through Assisi and then to Rome and the Vatican City explores Tuscany and Umbria. Described in 27 stages, the guide to the month-long route includes detailed maps, profiles and accommodation and facilities on route. The trail visits major sites and towns famous for their connection to Italy's...
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The Camino Portugues
From Lisbon and Porto to Santiago - Central, Coastal and Spiritual Caminos
£18.95
The Portuguese Way (Camino Portugues) is a 620km long-distance route from Portugal's capital Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This guide splits the route into 25 stages, with two coastal options, and takes in historic and religious sites and stunning scenery. With information on preparation, planning and accommodation.
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The Wales Coast Path (alternative to the South West Coast Path)
Where: Wales
How long: 1400km (870 miles)
How many days: 2-3 months (but can easily be broken down into smaller sections)
How hard: reasonable difficulty
Season: summer is best
The South West Coast Path is a spectacular coastal route in England, but for a less crowded and equally scenic experience, the Wales Coast Path is a fantastic alternative. Spanning the entire Welsh coastline, this 870-mile trail passes through a diverse landscape of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and historic castles. While you don’t need to complete the entire route, sections like Pembrokeshire and the Llŷn Peninsula offer particularly breathtaking scenery.
Walking the Wales Coast Path
Llwybr Arfordir Cymru
£17.95
A single guidebook to walking the whole Wales Coast Path - 1400km (870 miles) the length of Wales from Chester to Chepstow, including Anglesey, described in 57 stages. The route passes through the Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire National Parks and many AONBs and can be linked with the Offa's Dyke Path for a complete circuit of Wales.
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Walking the South West Coast Path
National Trail From Minehead to South Haven Point
£17.95
Guidebook to walking the entire South West Coast Path National Trail. The route stretches 630 miles from Minehead to Poole along the north Devon, Cornish, south Devon and Dorset coastline. Divided into 45 stages, this national trail could be completed within 4 weeks, or walked in sections. Guide includes maps and essential information.
More informationA Lesser-Known Dolomites Trek (alternative to Alta Via 1)
Where: Italy
How long: 11 to 41km (7–25 miles), with daily distances of between 5 and 15km (3–9 miles)
How many days: multi-day walks mostly circular and 2-4 days long
How hard: Moderate and challenging routes
Season: Mid-June to late September
For those looking for an alternative to the famous Alta Via 1, our guidebook to multi-day walks in the Dolomites explores 25 different treks across the region. Mostly circular and ranging from 2 to 4 days, these routes take in the Marmarole, Marmolada, Civetta, Sella, and Cortina Dolomites, among others. With options from moderate to challenging, including mountain traverses with some scrambling and exposure, this guide provides invaluable information on accommodation, wildlife, transport, and practical tips for exploring the Dolomites beyond the well-trodden Alta Via 1.
Walking in the Dolomites
25 multi-day routes in Italy's Dolomites
£17.95
Guidebook to 25 multi day walks in the Dolomites mountains of northeast of Italy. The walks are mostly circular and 2 to 4 days long, and take in the Marmarole, Marmolada, Civet, Sella and Cortina Dolomites among others. Includes notes on accommodation, wildlife, transport, equipment, a glossary and other practical information.
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Alta Via 1 - Trekking in the Dolomites
Includes 1:25,000 map booklet
£18.95
Guidebook describing the 115km Alta Via 1, a hut-to-hut long-distance trail through the magnificent Italian Dolomites. Easier than the other AV trails, the route extends from Lago di Braies to La Pissa and is described in 11 stages. It offers majestic mountain vistas, including views of the Marmolada, Pelmo and Civetta. Includes 1:25K map booklet.
More informationThe Pyrenean Haute Route (alternative to GR10 or GR11)
Where: France, Spain and Andorra
How long: 800km
How many days: around 45 days
How hard: difficult – only suitable for experienced hikers
Season: between late June and early October
The Pyrenean Haute Route (HRP) offers a demanding alternative to the GR10 or GR11 for those looking for an even tougher challenge in the Pyrenees. While the GR10 stays on the French side and the GR11 on the Spanish side, the HRP follows a high-mountain route along the spine of the Pyrenees, crossing between France, Spain, and Andorra. This route is more remote, often unmarked, and involves significant navigation and logistical challenges. It’s a spectacular option for experienced hikers seeking solitude, adventure, and breathtaking alpine scenery.
The Pyrenean Haute Route
The HRP high-level trail
£18.95
Guidebook to trekking the Pyrenean Haute Route, which zigzags across the Franco-Spanish border, staying close to the main ridge in the highest and most spectacular Central Pyrenees. It covers 750km with over 40km of ascent, so is suitable for experienced mountain walkers only. The largely unwaymarked route is presented in 44 stages.
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Trekking the GR10
Through the French Pyrenees: Le Sentier des Pyrenees
£18.95
Guidebook to walking the GR10, the Sentier des Pyrenees, a 955km trek across the French Pyrenees from Hendaye on the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean coast at Banyuls-sur-Mer. The book describes 55 stages, with information on planning, transport, accommodation and facilities. Walk the entire GR10 in around 45 days or in shorter trips.
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Trekking the GR11 Trail
The Traverse of the Spanish Pyrenees - La Senda Pirenaica
£18.95
The GR11 trail traverses the Spanish Pyrenees from Irun on the Atlantic coast to Cap de Creus on the Mediterranean. Leading over high passes and through sweeping valleys, the 850km route is presented in 47 stages. Trekkers require experience of high mountains.
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