Iconic Hiking Trails Around the World and Singapore

There’s something special about being out on a trail — the fresh air, the sounds of nature, the crunch of gravel beneath your feet, and the sense of accomplishment when you reach your destination.

People hike for many reasons: to stay fit, to clear their minds, to spend time with loved ones, or to explore places they’ve always dreamed of visiting. Whatever your motivation, hiking is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to stay active, with real benefits for both physical and mental well-being.

Here are some of our favourite hikes we have done over the years.

Camino de Santiago (Spain)
Distance: 780 km (Camino Francés route)

The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, is a world-famous pilgrimage that typically takes 4–6 weeks to complete. Routes begin across Europe and converge at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The most popular section is the final 100 km of the Camino Francés, usually completed in 5–7 days. To earn a certificate of completion, collect stamps on your Pilgrim Passport and walk at least 100 continuous kilometers on the same route to Santiago. With long daily distances and varied terrain, trekking poles can help reduce knee strain and manage fatigue day after day.

Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
Distance: 50-98 km

There are many routes leading to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, also known as the Roof of Africa. At 5,895m, it’s the highest mountain on the African continent and tallest free-standing mountain in the world. A hike to the peak brings you through five distinct ecological zones – the cultivation zone, the rainforest zone, heath and moorland, the alpine desert as well as the arctic summit zone where glaciers can be seen. The hike is non-technical and you will often hear guides saying “pole pole”, which is Swahili for ‘slowly, slowly', making it suitable for hikers of all ages.

Routeburn Track (New Zealand)
Distance: 33 km

New Zealand is known for its breathtaking landscapes. Its 11 Great Walks are premier hiking tracks that showcase the country’s most spectacular scenery. One of New Zealand’s most popular Great Walks, Routeburn Track is known for its alpine scenery, waterfalls, and beech forests. On steep descents, hiking poles help take the strain off your knees and improve stability.

Hikes Around Singapore

Coast-to-Coast Trail
Distance: 36 km

A full-day journey across Singapore linking up our nature areas and parks. Enjoy the lush greenery from Jurong Lake Gardens in the west to Coney Island in the northeast.

Bukit Timah Hill Trails

Standing at 163.63m, Bukit Timah Hill is Singapore's highest natural peak and a favourite training ground for hikers preparing for bigger adventures. Beyond the Main Summit Road, trails like Jungle or Rengas offer steeper climbs and there you will often spot determined hikers in full gear building strength for their next overseas trek.

MacRitchie Reservoir Park Trails

From the easy Prunus Trail (3 km) on the boardwalk to the popular Tree Top Walk (10 km), MacRitchie offers routes for every fitness level. For longer adventures, trails connect to nature reserves such as Dairy Farm Nature Park (15 km) or Lower Peirce Reservoir Park.

Why We Recommend Using Hiking Poles

Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trek overseas or a weekend walk closer to home, having the right gear makes all the difference. And one piece of gear stands out: a good pair of hiking poles.

Poles redistribute 15-20% of body weight to your upper body, reducing the impact load on your legs, especially on downhills.

They also improve balance on uneven, muddy, rocky or wet terrain by providing additional points of contact.

The benefits accumulate over long distances and reduce the risk of injuries.

We're proud to carry Black Diamond Hiking Poles. They are ultra lightweight, which makes a difference over long distances where every gram matters. They are also foldable, making it super portable and convenient to bring around.

Explore Our Black Diamond Hiking Poles

We've used our Black Diamond Hiking Poles all around the world — from Kilimanjaro to New Zealand to the Camino — in real conditions where reliability matters.

Built to support you on every step of the journey regardless of whether you're preparing for a major adventure or simply staying active on your favourite local trail.

Distance Carbon Z: Our top pick. Ultralight and great for long hikes.
Distance Carbon FLZ: Lightweight with adjustable length. Perfect for varied terrain, steep climbs, and sharing between users. 
Distance Z: Strong aluminium construction. A dependable choice if durability matters more than weight.