A stunning ‘hidden gem’ hiking trail on the west coast of Ireland has been named among the most beautiful hikes in the world.
A remote Irish hiking trail has been named one of the most beautiful in the world.
European fashion and lifestyle brand Zalando collated data from Instagram to rank the world’s most beautiful trails.
Zalando researched the world’s most popular hiking trails and the number of images posted to Instagram by people walking the route to come up with their results.
A stunning Irish trail – take in the scenery
Many people are looking to reconnect with the Great Outdoors after what has been a difficult year of lockdowns and restrictions. Thus, walking holidays are set to be a popular choice this year.
With online searches for ‘best hikes’ up 89% compared to 2019, Zalando has ranked the world’s most beautiful trails. And one stunning Irish hike made the cut.
The magnificent Dingle Way in County Kerry is the Irish hiking trail named one of the most beautiful in the world.
The Dingle Way – what you can expect
With 96 photos posted to the social media platform per mile of trail, the Dingle Way ranked number 34 for beautiful hiking trails.
Despite its beauty, however, you’ll have the trail almost entirely to yourself, thanks to its remote location.
The 162 km (101 miles) trail takes walkers along some of the most remote and scenic parts of the Kingdom of Kerry. Located in the far west of Europe, you will get to enjoy unrivalled views of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Thus, it is really no surprise this Irish hiking trail has been named one of the most beautiful in the world.
The most beautiful trails in the world – the most photographed hikes
Topping the list of the most photographed hiking trails worldwide is the Inca Trail in Peru. Famous for the Machu Picchu Heritage Site, this 42 km (26 miles) hike boasts 9255 pictures per mile.
In second place is the fantastic Camino de Santiago in Spain, with 3879 pictures per mile. Argentina’s Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral closely followed in third place, with 2030 pictures per mile.
The ominously named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda took fourth position, with 1840 pictures per mile. Then, Switzerland’s Eiger Trail followed in fifth with 1180 pictures per mile.
Stunning U.K. trails – not too far to travel
The Dingle Way is the only Irish hiking trail named one of the most beautiful in the world.
However, for those who don’t want to travel too far from Ireland, two U.K. hiking trails made the top ten.
The much busier West Highland Way in Scotland is recognised for its dramatic landscapes awash with flora and fauna.
Coming in sixth position, this scenic hike stretches 155 km (96 miles) through the Scottish Highlands. According to Zalando’s findings, it boasts an impressive 1180 pictures per mile.
Closing out the top ten is the beautiful South Downs Way. The trail, running for 160 km (100 miles) from Winchester to Eastbourne, came in tenth, with 652 pictures per mile.
