I've done solo hikes in Europe for 15 years, these are the best for a long weekend

Over 15 years, I have walked more than 1,000 miles on some truly stunning European trails. I have gasped at the turquoise water and towering rock faces of one of France’s finest gorges. I have shivered as one of Europe’s most vertiginous cable cars whisks you up to the Carpathian Mountains’ second-highest summit. I have rowed a boat between islands on Scandinavia’s most epic archipelago treks.

The common denominator: these experiences can all be had on solo hikes over a long weekend. From dense forests to craggy coastline and ridgetop rambles, these are my tips for trails to try requiring no more than four days of walking.

Powescourt Waterfall in Wicklow Mountains National Park (Photo: Chris Hill/Getty)

Wicklow Way, Ireland

Start/Finish Marlay Park, Dublin/ GlendaloughDistance/time 36 miles (59km)/three days