We love a hiking holiday on a remote island, and there are few islands more remote than the Falklands. Lying some 300 miles off the coast of Patagonia, this unspoilt archipelago offers superb walking through vast open spaces, trails that wind along hidden coves and white sand beaches, and countryside where there’s no-one around for miles: just you, the sound of crashing waves, and the squawk of seabirds. You’ll also be hard-pressed to find air that’s fresher than the stuff […] The post Discover the best hikes in the Falklands appeared first on Wired For Adventure.
We love a hiking holiday on a remote island, and there are few islands more remote than the Falklands. Lying some 300 miles off the coast of Patagonia, this unspoilt archipelago offers superb walking through vast open spaces, trails that wind along hidden coves and white sand beaches, and countryside where there’s no-one around for miles: just you, the sound of crashing waves, and the squawk of seabirds.
You’ll also be hard-pressed to find air that’s fresher than the stuff you’ll breathe in the Falklands; whipped up between the mountains of South America and the waters of Antarctica, every breath is invigorating. Combined with utterly dark skies at night, and the Falklands are the ultimate place to slow down, de-stress, and reconnect with nature. Here’s our top five hikes in the Falklands to discover.
1. Stanley and Gypsy Cove
Distance: 12.9km
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
This cruisy stroll takes in the islands’ capital, Stanley, and its historic seafront before venturing out to a sheltered cove with white sandy beaches. Make sure to say hi to the penguins and check out the wreck of the Lady Elizabeth in Whalebone Cove.
2. Whale Way, Port Sussex
Distance: 13.5km
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This out-and-back hike on East Falkland sees you wander onto across a narrowing spit of land to reach a headland that offers expansive views across inlets, hills, and mountains. As the name suggests, it’s a great way to spot whales and other marine life.
3. Sand Pond and Steam Trail
Distance: 17.7km
Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
A circular walk around Fox Bay, taking in the rugged Sand Pond coastline and the waters of Annie Brooks Bay. Here, history is just below your feet, with the sedimentary rock beneath the surface filled with fossils – you might even discover one yourself.
4. Mount Usborne
Distance: 23km
Time: 8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
At 705m, Mount Usborne is the highest point in the Falklands, with scenery that’ll remind you of Scotland. At about 11km from the closest road, access can be a bit tricky, but you can probably befriend a local to help get you closer in a 4×4. For an easier trek, check out Mount Harriet or Mount Tumbledown, which are closer to Stanley.
5. North Point Circular
Distance: 21km
Time:fa 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
The Falklands is renowned for its birdlife, and this hike on Bleaker Island gives you the chance to spot over 40 different breeding birds, including multiple species of penguins, black-necked swans, Falkland steamer ducks, and Chiloé wigeons.
Discover the Falklands
It’s never been easier to discover the islands thanks to the new Explore Falklands app, which helps you uncover the best spots to visit and the stories behind them, thanks to the expert local knowledge that’s gone into building the app. Download the app today from the Apple Store or Google Play here. You can also find out more essential information and local tips about visiting the Falklands through the official website.
Best time of the year to visit the Falklands
Every season offers something special. You’ll have the best chance to spot wildlife and enjoy good weather between September – May, but the winter months of June, July, and August offer solitude and a unique way to explore the islands.
Getting there and around
It’s easier than you might think to travel to the Falkland Islands, and getting there is part of the adventure. By air, you can fly via Chile through LATAM, while the Ministry of Defence maintains a twice-weekly airbridge operating out of RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, which is available for civilian booking. You can also arrive by sea, with over forty cruise ships visiting the islands over the summer period. Once you’re there, car hire is available along with group tours, while ferries and domestic flights link the islands within the archipelago.
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