We are spoilt for choice when it comes to hiking in the UK. From the undulating cliffs of the Cornish coastline to the Scottish highlands and everything in between, there is no shortage of walking routes on offer. But what about our European neighbours?
If you're a keen walker, hiker, rambler, or scrambler and planning your next holiday, then it's worth taking a look at the expansive network of European walking trails just waiting to be explored.
What are E-paths?
E-paths are long-distance hiking routes that connect some of the best cross-border walking paths across Europe. The routes use national and regional trails that link the North Cape of Norway to the southern tip of Sicily and southern Portugal across to Tallinn.
There are 12 official European E-paths, named from E1-12, which are all maintained and waymarked by the European Ramblers Association. You can find a comprehensive map of all verified E-paths here.
How to use an E-path on your next holiday
All verified E-paths are waymarked with the same symbol – a blue flag with E1-12 in the middle surrounded by yellow stars – so be sure to look out for these as you plan and hike your route. You can join an E-path at any accessible point and follow it for as long or as little as you like. E-paths can be used to traverse the continent in a multi-month adventure, or to explore for day, weekend, or week hikes when you're a little more time-restricted.
The best way to plan your trip is to hop over to the European Hiking Federation's website, which will point you to the right sources for regional maps and descriptions of the section of route you want to follow. If you're planning to follow any E-paths in the UK, then head over to our walks section to discover more.
Which E-paths go through the UK?
Currently, there are three E-Paths, the E2, E8 and E9, that travel through the UK. See more information on these paths and others below.
Discover the 12 European E-paths
E1: Nordkapp, Norway to Capo di Passero, Italy
Distance: 7,114km
Countries: 6
A bolt down the middle of Europe, the E1 passes from north to south along the entire length of Scandinavia, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and finally all the way down the heel of Italy to end in Salerno, Sicily.
E2: John o'Groats, Scotland to Nice, France
Distance: 5,540km
Countries: 7
Starting at the northernmost tip of Scotland, the E2 stretches the length of mainland Great Britain before jumping the channel onto its European leg. British hikers are likely more familiar with the E2 than they realise, first taking the John o'Groats Trail, it follows parts of some of Scotland's most iconic paths, including the Great Glen Way, West Highland Way, John Muir Way, Pennine Way and Hadrian's Wall.
The path then branches into two options: one to Harwich port to continue through the Netherlands' section of E2, and another to Dover to continue the E2 from France. The route then cuts through central Europe to the Med via Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and France.
E3: Santiago, Spain to Nessebar, Bulgaria
Distance: 9,370km
Countries: 12
Running west to east (or vice versa), the E3 begins in Santiago de Compostela and stretches across 12 countries to the Black Sea at Nessebar. It links famous pilgrimage paths like the Camino de Santiago with Central Europe’s forest trails, passing through cities such as Paris and Prague. The route weaves together historic trade routes, mountain ranges, and river valleys, offering one of Europe’s most culturally rich long-distance walks.
E4: Tarifa, Spain to Larcana, Cyprus
Distance: 12,070km
Countries: 10
The E4 begins in Tarifa, Europe’s southernmost point, and crosses 10 countries to reach Cyprus. It traverses dramatic landscapes, including the Alps and the rugged mountains of Crete, incorporating some of France's popular GR routes. The path blends Mediterranean coastlines with high alpine passes.
E5: Pointe du Raz, France to Verona, Italy
Distance: 4,120km
Countries: 5
The E5 path starts at the wild Atlantic cliffs of Brittany, France and crosses five countries to the historic city of Verona, otherwise known as the home of Romeo and Juliette. It passes through Paris and into the Alps, following sections of Germany and Austria’s well-marked walking networks before descending into northern Italy. The route is known for its more modest length compared to other E-paths, plus its classic Alpine crossings.
E6: Stockholm, Sweden to Alexandroupolis, Greece
Distance: 5,900km
Countries: 8
This north to south route begins in Stockholm and stretches to Alexandroupolis on the Aegean coast. Crossing eight countries, it links Scandinavian forests with Central European plains and the Balkans, passing near cities like Vienna. Sections follow historic paths along the Danube, offering a journey through diverse landscapes.
E7: El Hierro, Spain to Novi Sad, Serbia
Distance: 6,460km
Countries: 8
The E7 starts on the volcanic island of El Hierro and reaches Novi Sad along the Danube. It crosses mainland Spain, France, and Central Europe, connecting with routes like the Way of St James. The trail combines island scenery, mountain ranges, and river corridors.
E8: Dursey Head, Ireland to Svilengrad, Bulgaria
Distance: 6,640km
Countries: 11
The E8 begins on Dursey Island on the southeastern tip of Ireland and stretches across 11 countries to Svilengrad near the Turkish border. It includes parts of the Irish Kerry Way and crosses the UK and mainland Europe, linking rural landscapes with historic cities like Vienna. It’s one of the most geographically diverse E-paths.
E9: Tarifa, Spain to Tallinn, Estonia
Distance: 9,890km
Countries: 11
The gargantuan E9 path runs south to north from Tarifa to Tallinn, forming the world’s longest coastal walking route. It hugs the Atlantic and North Sea coasts through 11 countries, passing the capital cities of Lisbon and Brussels. Known as the European Coastal Path, it showcases cliffs, beaches, and maritime heritage throughout.
E10: Potsdam, Germany to Bolzano, Italy
Distance: 2,370km
Countries: 4
The E10 begins in Potsdam on the outskirts of Berlin and crosses four countries to Bolzano in the Dolomites. It passes through northern Germany and down the middle of the Czech Republic, before meandering through scenic sections of the Austrian Alps to reach Bolzano in northeastern Italy. Here then, is your gateway to the northern Italian lakes.
E11: Scheveningen, Netherlands to Tallinn, Estonia
Distance: 4,610km
Countries: 6
The E11 starts at Scheveningen and passes through cities like Berlin and Warsaw, often following historic trade and pilgrimage routes. The trail highlights northern Europe’s historic inland landscapes through Germany, Poland, and the Baltic states.
E12: Tarifa, Spain to Porec, Croatia
Distance: 1,490km
Countries: 5
The E12 is still currently in construction, but is set to be the 'Mediterranean Sea Trail'. The path will begin in Spain's southernmost tip and follow the coast, crossing five countries before reaching its endpoint in Croatia. It will follow the popular, sun-soaked Mediterranean coastline, linking beaches, ports, and historic cities such as Barcelona and Nice.
Top image: Birds eye view of the calanques of Marseille, France (Credit: Victor Lochon/Getty Images)
