Discover the best budget-friendly trails
Some of the most breathtaking trails offer incredible adventures without stretching your wallet. Whether you're seeking the dramatic landscapes of Scotland, the sunlit shores of Spain, or the untamed wilderness of Eastern Europe, these four budget-friendly trails – Romania’s Carpathians, the Great Glen Way, the Camino dos Faros, and Montenegro’s mountain routes – promise unforgettable experiences for thrifty travellers. Here’s how to make the most of each destination while keeping costs low.
Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way stretches 79 miles from Fort William to Inverness, offering an affordable way to explore the stunning Highlands of Scotland. Whether walking or cycling, this iconic route takes you past lochs, forests, and historic sites. Here's how to enjoy this beautiful trail without straining your wallet:
- Wild camp or use budget-friendly accommodation: Wild camping is allowed in Scotland under the country’s right-to-roam laws, making it a fantastic option for those on a budget. There are also affordable bunkhouses and hostels along the way, offering cosy beds and self-catering facilities. Booking early can often secure the best rates.
- Pack your food: While small towns along the trail offer dining options, self-catering is a great way to save money. Stock up on supplies in Fort William before you start, as shops become more scarce in rural sections of the trail. Many hostels and campsites provide kitchens for preparing meals.
- Take the bus or train: Public transport to and from the trail is both reliable and inexpensive. A train from Glasgow to Fort William can cost as little as £20 if booked in advance, while local buses connect smaller towns along the route. Walking the trail itself is free, making it a wallet-friendly adventure through some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes.
Camino dos Faros
The Camino dos Faros, or 'Way of the Lighthouses,' is an 8-stage, 125-mile trail along Spain’s Galician coast, renowned for its rugged beauty and affordability. This route combines stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean with historic fishing villages and ancient lighthouses.
- Choose budget-friendly stays: Galicia is known for its pilgrim-friendly accommodation, with affordable hostels, known as albergues, available along the route. Many offer beds for as little as €10-15 per night, and some include kitchen facilities. Wild camping is not officially allowed in Spain, but discreet camping is sometimes tolerated in remote areas.
- Travel in off-peak seasons: The Camino dos Faros is less crowded than other Camino routes, but travelling outside of the summer months can save you money on accommodation and flights. Late spring and early autumn provide pleasant weather for hiking.
- Feast on seafood: Fresh seafood is a Galician speciality and on the route you can enjoy some of the best seafood in the world at very ordinary prices. Many local eateries offer menu del día (menu of the day) deals, which include a starter, main course, dessert, and drink for around €10-15. Stocking up on bread, cheese, and fruit at local markets can keep your on-the-go meals affordable.
Walking the Camino dos Faros
The Way of the Lighthouses on Spain's Galician coast
£14.95
Guidebook to walking the Camino dos Faros, the way of the lighthouses, along the Galician coast in northwest Spain. The 200km route is described across 8 stages of between 17 and 29km and takes in some of the area's most wild and enchanting coastal scenery, with dramatic cliffs and deep river estuaries. Incorporates some challenging walking.
More informationThe Mountains of Romania
The Mountains of Romania offer stunning hikes that won’t break the bank. With affordable accommodation, transport, and free access to many trails, the Carpathians and Apuseni provide fantastic options for budget-conscious adventurers. Here's how to explore the best of Romania’s natural beauty without spending a fortune:
- Travel by public transport: it's both affordable and a great way to meet locals, as Romanians are known for their sociability and might strike up a conversation with you. For example, a train journey from Bucharest to Brașov costs around £10. Trains offer a form of slow travel, often moving at a relaxed pace through mountainous terrain, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Buses are another option, though they can be more complex to navigate. Taxis are also very affordable, and hitchhiking is a common practice. Locals typically pay a small fee for a lift, but tourists are unlikely to be charged, though it’s polite to offer. Train and bus timetables are available online, but note that bus schedules can be unreliable, and reservations often require a phone call in Romanian. Read more about travelling by train in Romania here.
- Wild camp: Wild camping is permitted in most of Romania, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers. You could traverse the Făgăraș Ridge in five or six days, camping along the ridge at altitudes above 2,000 metres. However, if you’re hiking in a national park like Retezat, be aware that wild camping is only allowed in designated areas. Emergency refuges are also available but can be crowded, as they’re widely used for overnight stays. Alternatively, cabins, or cabanas, provide affordable and rustic accommodation and a glimpse into Romanian mountaineering culture.
- Book accommodation directly: search for accommodation directly by searching for contact details on Google or Google Maps instead of Booking.com, as properties often pass on commission savings. Standards vary by city, so check reviews. Sibiu, a charming medieval town, offers excellent apartments at hotel-room prices. There are also many delightful campsites, some with cabins or glamping tents. See this map.
- Buy food locally: Romania has a great climate for growing fruit and veg – Romanian tomatoes are famous and delectable. There's even an annual Romanian tomato fair in Brussels!
The Mountains of Romania
Trekking and walking in the Carpathian Mountains
£18.95
Guidebook to walks and multi-day treks in the Carpathian mountains of Romania. Includes routes in the Maramures and Bucovina regions, Piatra Craiului ridge, and the Retezat and Fagaras mountains.
More informationMontenegro
Montenegro, known for its breathtaking peaks and dramatic landscapes, is a hiker’s paradise – and it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. Trails like the Peaks of the Balkans trek provide affordable ways to explore this stunning region.
- Stay in mountain huts or private guesthouses: Montenegro’s katuns (traditional mountain huts) offer rustic accommodation at a fraction of hotel prices. Guesthouses in towns like Žabljak or Plav provide comfort, meals, and often insider tips for hikers. Camping is another cost-effective option, with designated sites in Durmitor and Prokletije National Parks.
- Opt for local transport or shared rides: Montenegro’s bus network connects most towns and is incredibly affordable. Hitchhiking is also common and culturally accepted, making it a free and adventurous way to get around.
- Shop local and cook your own meals: Supermarkets and small markets in towns like Kolašin and Podgorica offer reasonably priced fresh produce. Montenegro’s national dish, cevapi (grilled meat), is an affordable and filling meal at local restaurants.
