Half Dome, USA
What: Reaching the peak of this 2700-metre Yosemite icon is no walk in the park. The round trip is 14 to 16 miles, takes 10 to 12 hours and is not recommended for the unfit, but the knockout views from the top make it worth the effort. You’ll need to pick up
a permit to do the hike and it’s advisable to leave at sunrise
to make it home before sunset.
See: nps.gov/yose
Mount Olympus, Greece
What: Home to the Gods
of Greek mythology, Mount Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain at 2917 metres.
It takes trekkers two days
to climb to its highest peak,
Mytikas. Sign the visitors’ register at the top.
See: visitgreece.gr
Ben Nevis, Scotland
What: It should only take about three-and-
a-half to five hours to reach
the top of Britain’s highest
mountain. Avoid the hike between November and May, or in bad weather which can leave walkers stranded.
See: visitscotland.com
Mt Fuji, Japan
What: The highest mountain in Japan is 3776 metres tall and can be seen from Tokyo. July and August is climbing season, but visit on the shoulder months to avoid the crowds. Just a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Tokyo, the climb takes four and a half hours.
See: jnto.go.jp
Table Mountain, South Africa
What: Cape Town’s famous flat-topped mountain offers more than 300 hiking routes. To reach the summit without breaking out in a sweat, take the Jeep Track via the Back Table. Feeling lazy? Take the cable car to the top.
See: southafrica.net
