Ways hikers can look forward to - Three epic hiking trails debut by 2026 across England, South Korea and Slovenia
Three major long-distance hiking trails are set to open by 2026, offering adventurers new routes across England, South Korea, and Slovenia. The King Charles III England Coast Path will become the world's longest managed coastal walk, while South Korea's Dongseo Trail and Slovenia's Pohorje-Kozjak Trail provide fresh challenges for hikers of all levels.
England's King Charles III Coast Path, stretching roughly 4,345 kilometres along the entire coastline, will be fully completed in 2026. The route is so vast that hiking it in full would take several months. New sections, including the stretch from South Hayling to East Head, were officially opened in early 2026.
Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines is preparing its first cross-country hiking route, the Dongseo Trail. Spanning 849 kilometres from Anmyeondo to Uljin, it will be divided into 55 sections and is designed to mirror the Camino de Santiago. Around 90 villages along the way will act as base camps, offering rest stops for walkers.
For those seeking a shorter challenge, Slovenia's Pohorje-Kozjak Trail will open by summer 2026. This circular route covers nearly 174 kilometres across 20 stages, linking the regions around Maribor. Hikers can complete the entire trail in about 59 hours, making it a less demanding alternative to longer routes.
The three trails cater to different levels of experience, from multi-month coastal treks to weekend-friendly loops. Once fully open, they will expand long-distance hiking options in Europe and Asia. Officials expect the routes to attract both local walkers and international visitors.
