Season four of the BBC’s Race Across the World will air next Wednesday (10 April) and this year’s journey follows contestants on a journey through East Asia, starting in the northernmost region of Japan, Sapporo in Hokkaido. The five teams will be travelling through the most diverse terrain yet, crossing six seas, eight borders and racing to the finish line in Lombok, Indonesia.
Inspired by the adventurous spirit of the series, here are some alternative journeys for travellers looking to plan their own epic adventure…
Explore the wonders of Hokkaido, Japan
Follow in the footsteps of this year’s contestants and plan a journey to explore adventure-packed Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Known for being a powder paradise in the winter, Hokkaido also boasts mild summers meaning it’s ideal for long-distance hiking. Start the journey where the Race kicks off in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s main city, and home to Japan’s most well-known ski resorts – not to mention Sapporo beer, Sapporo ramen and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Journey to the other side of the island to explore the Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and off-the-beaten-track experiences which boasts some of Japan’s most pristine and unspoiled nature.
Those looking for a little more adventure can look forward to the Hokkaido East Trail, a new 370km hiking trail opening in October 2024 which will allow visitors to enjoy the seasonal natural beauty of eastern Hokkaido. The trail will connect Shiretoko National Park with Kushiro Shitsugen National Park – home to Hokkaido’s red-crowned cranes as well as Akan-Mashu National Park – home to the Lake Akan Ainu Kotan – one of Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu settlements offering a glimpse into the Ainu history, culture and oral storytelling traditions.
Hike the iconic Pacific Crest Trail
Topping a whopping 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada across three states; California, Oregon and Washington, the trail offers the perfect playground to recreate your own race around the world through the Western side of the states.
The longest section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) snakes through California giving hikers a diversity of landscapes to explore from the beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Those looking to experience a smaller portion of the trail in their very own race around the state, trail towns are a great place to start. Begin the route from Mount Shasta City, which fosters an incredible community as the first town to be recognised as an official PCT town. Starting at this point also offers great views of Mount Shasta as hikers make their way through the dense forests of the Klamath Range.
Northwards into Washington the PCT traverses through several stunning wilderness areas, including Indian Heaven, famous for its berries and lakes, and Mount Adams, with views of its namesake mountain. The trail continues up into North Cascades National Park, which is often described as the ‘American Alps’, characterised by its alpine lakes and jagged peaks. On the way up to the park, hikers will enjoy serene Alpine Lakes, Henry M. Jackson and Glacier Peak Wildernesses, Glacier Peak offers some truly unforgettable views along the way.
Visitcalifornia.com/stateofwatourism.com
Embark on an 11-day hike through Chile’s most dramatic landscapes
The Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia is a unique adventure for most. Unlike the popular W-Treck, this journey follows the Paine O circuit, offering a longer and less-travelled route with breathtaking views of granite towers, glacial lakes, and electric blue icebergs. Experience the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap, climb Grey Glaciers with expert guidance, hike through grasslands to turquoise lakes, and kayak amongst ice floes on Lake Grey. Stay in comfortable back-country huts or camp under the untouched sky. This adventure promises an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
Journey along the John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park, California
The John Muir Trail (JMT) passes through what many backpackers say is the finest mountain scenery in the United States. This is a land of 13,000ft and 14,000ft peaks, of lakes in the thousands, and of canyons and granite cliffs. The JMT is also a land blessed with the mildest, sunniest climate of any major mountain range in the world. The trail is 211 miles long and runs (mostly in conjunction with the PCT) from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, in California. Winding through the famed Sierra Nevada, the JMT visits some of the crown jewels of America’s park system, including Yosemite, John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.
Hike the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular natural sights, yet many only scratch the surface when they visit. For a truly immersive and fulfilling experience of this majestic beauty, get up close on a rim-to-rim hike. Not for the faint-hearted, the rim-to-rim trek is 38.6km long, descending from one rim, down to the canyon floor and back up to the other. The park service recommends hikers attempt the journey as a multi-day adventure, setting up camp along the way rather than completing it in a single day. Those looking for a quieter start should begin their trek at the North Rim and finish at the South Rim. Hikers should also be prepared for varying weather conditions as temperatures can differ significantly between the trailhead and the canyon floor.
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