Steps to heaven

Put on your hiking boots and tackle these famous trails

- BY SARAH MARSHALL

Walking is one of the best ways to enjoy a landscape, taking time to look at surroundings and stopping to admire views.

Used for centuries by pilgrims, traders and travellers, hiking trails connect some of Europe's most famous historic sites and areas of natural beauty. So check out these top trails.

Spain's Camino de Santiago

Several pathways make up this ancient pilgrimage route which ends at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the reputed burial place of St James.

The most popular, the Camino Frances or French Way, runs 500 miles from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrenees. You're guided by scallop shell markers through medieval towns, vineyards, and countryside.