10 hikes through the cleanest air in the world

10 hikes through the cleanest air in the world

From Canada's wild hinterland to the jungles of Brunei, we share some amazing hikes through the cleanest air in the world

A few months after we moved to the country, some friends from London came to visit. “It feels like mountain air up here,” one commented as he got out of the car. I laughed and said, 'It's not that cold.' He shook his head and said, "I don't mean the temperature. I mean the quality."

I didn't think much of it until the next time I visited London and realized how greasy and dirty it left my skin. My pores seemed to darken after a week in the city. My shirt collars became visibly dirty and the dust and dirt felt oppressive.

10 hikes through the cleanest air in the world

Returning to Richmond, I realized how lucky we were to have such easy access to the Yorkshire Dales, branded as one of Britain's 'breathing respites' partly due to the air quality.

This made us wonder where we could find some hikes through the cleanest air in the world.

1. Laugavegurinn, Iceland

Distance: 77 km (48 miles) Duration: 4 days

alt="Iceland is one of our hikes in the cleanest air in the world">DreamtimeIceland's Laugavegurinn trail

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Iceland has some of the cleanest air in the world.

The country's Laugavegurinn Trail is ideal for hikers who want to experience the true Icelandic wilderness. It encompasses the twin craters of Magni and Móði (named after the sons of Thor) and winds through a diverse landscape of mountains, glaciers, roaring hot springs and a variety of waterfalls, including the 200-foot-high Skógafoss cascades.

Overnight accommodation is available in six huts along the trail (June to September; pre-registration) or at campsites near the huts. Wild camping is not permitted.

Further Reading: The Laugavegur Trail: A Hiking Companion to Iceland's Famous Trek

2. Tonquin Valley, Canada

Distance: 43 km (27 miles)Duration: 3-5 days

old=““>Tobin Akehurst/ShutterstockCanada's Tonquin Valley

This scenic hike winds through the high McCarib Pass to the Tonquin Valley and out over the Astoria River, offering breathtaking views of Canada's backcountry landscapes.

The region's majestic city walls, mighty glaciers, vast fields of flowers and sparkling Amethyst Lake paint a breathtaking picture amidst some of the cleanest air in the world. In fact, this is where legendary photographer Ansel Adams took his first trip as a Sierra Club photographer.

Visit July to September for the best weather, but be aware that it can snow at any time of the year.

Further Reading: Life of the Trail 6: Historic Hikes to Athabasca Pass, Fortress Lake & Tonquin Valley

3. Karhunkierros, Finland

Distance: 80 km (50 miles) Duration: 3-4 days

alt="The Bear Ring Trail in Finland has some of the cleanest air in the world - Finland">DreamtimeThe Bear Ring Trail in Finland

The Karhunkierros Trail, also known as the Bear's Ring Trail, winds through Finland's Oulanka National Park, past gorges, waterfalls, gorges and rapids.

Eight wilderness cabins line the route and there are several campfire sites and shelters (wild camping is not permitted). For the less adventurous, there is Little Bear's Ring, which is 12 km (7.5 miles) long and can be completed in a day. Visit June to October for the best weather.

Further reading: Lonely Planet Finland

4. Bukit Shahbandar, Brunei Darussalam

Distance: 3.4 km Duration: 2 hours

alt=“Brunei has some of the cleanest air in the world “>DreamtimeBrunei on the island of Borneo

Brunei, a tiny nation on the island of Borneo, is just two positions behind Iceland, according to the WHO.

Hiking trails here are limited due to strict regulations. Options include Bukit Shahbandar, a short trail through hilly terrain, or Ulu Temburong National Park. The latter is located within 500 km2 of pristine rainforest, but tourists are only allowed to visit one square kilometer of it and only as part of an organized tour.

Further Reading: Brunei Darussalam: The Country, the Sultan, the People

5. Arctic Circle Trail, Greenland

Distance: 165 km (103 miles) Duration: 7-10 days

alt="Innajuattoq Hut on the Arctic Circle Trail">Atlas & BootsThe Arctic Circle Trail

Hiking within the Arctic Circle may not be for everyone, but it offers breathtaking scenery amidst gloriously clean air. Peter (almost) completed the trail last year. Read about his adventures in Trekking the Arctic Circle Trail: a dream goes up in smoke.

This path, one of the most remote in the world, winds through the “Land of a Hundred Lakes” and touches the soul with its ringing emptiness. It runs from the inland settlement of Kangerlussuaq to the town of Sisimiut on the west coast.

There are eight sleeping huts along the trail that typically only accommodate 4-10 people. This gives you an idea of ​​how few attempt the trip.

Further Reading: Trekking in Greenland: The Arctic Circle Trail

6. Queen Charlotte Track, New Zealand

Distance: 70 km (44 miles)Duration: 3-5 days

old=““>Milosz Maslanka/ShutterstockQueen Charlotte Sound in New Zealand

This year-round trail winds through the sunlit hills of the South Island's Marlborough Sounds. Starting from Ship Cove, visited by Captain Cook in the 17th century, the trail follows the ridge between Queen Charlotte Sound and Kenepuru Sound and winds its way to Anakiwa.

You can camp the entire way or stay in comfortable lodges in Furneaux, Punga Cove and Portage. Note that most of the trail is open to mountain bikers. Visit between December and February if you prefer a quieter hike.

Further Reading: New Zealand – The Great Walks: Includes Auckland & Wellington City Guides

7. Kungsleden, Sweden

Distance: 105 km (65 miles) Duration: 3-5 days

alt="Best National Parks in Europe sarek">DreamtimeKungsleden or ‘The King’s Trail’ in Sweden

Located a hundred miles beyond the Arctic Circle, Kungsleden or “The King’s Trail” can be hiked from north to south or south to north (choose the former to keep the sun on you).

From the mountain station of Abisko to the village of Nikkaluokta, the trail winds through birch forests, open tundra and magnificent glaciers before crossing Sweden's highest peak, Mount Kebnekaise, which stands at 2,111 m (6,926 ft).

Huts stand a day apart and offer solace in the barren expanse of the far north.

Further reading: Kungsleden: The Royal Road through Arctic Sweden

8. Croagh Patrick, Ireland

Distance: 13 km (8 miles)Duration: 1 day

old=““>Douglas Grey/ShutterstockSt. Patrick is said to have spent 40 days and nights in prayer at the summit

Legend has it that climbing this 764 m (2,507 ft) peak seven times will guarantee your place in heaven (but once is enough for most mortals). The rocky climb is certainly steep, but take comfort in the fact that more than half of the visitors are not hikers but pilgrims.

St. Patrick is said to have spent 40 days and nights in prayer at the summit, a story that inspires visitors from around the world. Hikers and pilgrims alike are rewarded with breathtaking views of Clew Bay and County Mayo beyond.

It may also be heartening to know that a Guinness at the century-old Campbell's Pub is the usual finishing touch. Spring to fall is the best weather, but the climb can be done all year round if the summit is clear of snow.

Further Reading: Croagh Patrick: A Place of Pilgrimage. A place of beauty

9. Bay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia

Distance: 26 km (16 miles)Duration: 4 days

old=““>Visual Collective/ShutterstockBay of Fires in Tasmania

Tasmania prides itself on its fresh air and clean living. Try it first hand on this breathtaking hike from Stumpy’s Bay to Bay of Fires Lodge.

Overlooking endless expanses of fine white sand, turquoise Tasman waters and surreal rock formations covered in red lichen, the trail propels hikers up and out of the bays.

October to May is the best time to visit and hikers must join a guided tour.

Further reading: 40 Great Walks in Australia

10. Shackleton's Route, Antarctica

Distance: 35 km (22 miles)Duration: 1-2 days

alt="Antarctica has some of the cleanest air in the world">DreamtimeNot surprisingly, Antarctica has some of the cleanest air in the world

Antarctica is truly the last frontier for adventure travel and the landscape is untouched. So it's no wonder that hikes through the cleanest air in the world are at home here. Hiking Shackleton's route from King Haakon Bay to Stromness is an epic undertaking over unpredictable crevasses and magnificent glaciers.

The black beaches of South Georgia are full of penguins and countless species of birds line the route. The trail ends in Stromness, at the same spot where Shackleton and his crew finally completed their epic journey to rescue.

Further Reading: In Shackleton's Footsteps: A Return to the Heart of Antarctica

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Mission statement: Dreamstime

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