A long-distance walking route that criss-crosses Europe, the E2 path takes you through some of the world’s most scenic countryside. And with thousands of miles of rolling hills, sandy beaches and lofty terrain, embarking on foot means you’ll be able to take the time to truly appreciate the route’s steadily changing landscape.
If you’d rather tackle the distance quicker, you can also choose to take on the route as a cycling tour. Ready to explore? Read our guide to the E2 European long distance path.
The E2 European long distance path route
The 4850km E2 path is made up of national trails across Europe which can be tackled individually or all in one. The official start is in Galway, but with the route currently closed off in Ireland, the temporary starting point lies in Stranraer, in Northern Scotland. When you get to England, it splits along the way.
We suggest opting for the western branch at the Pennine Way, which will take you through the ‘Heart’ of England. Head along Oxford’s Canal Path and the North Downs Way before hitting Dover, where you can take a P&O ferry from Dover to Calais for mainland Europe.
From Calais, the trail takes you to Zoersel in Belgium, Maastricht in the Netherlands, through Luxembourg and the idyllic Lake Geneva, before ending in Nice, in the South of France. While the path is primarily aimed at walkers, there are some parts which offer alternative routes for both cyclists and horse riders.
Things to know before you go
The E2 route highlights some of the most rugged, wild and beautiful parts of Europe, spanning the Pennines, the Peak District and the colourful Yorkshire Dales in Britain alone. Despite its popularity, the expanse of ground to cover means you’re likely to encounter plenty of blissful solitude along the way.
More often than not, you’ll be exposed to the elements on your trip, so be prepared for strong winds, rain and cold. For any days where you’ll cover lots of miles, be sure to plan in advance where you want to go, and have a clear idea about how long it will take – allowing one hour for every three miles walking is a good rule of thumb. Pack lightly, but be sure to bring some essentials, such as waterproof covers, compass, first aid kit, whistle, head torch and a good map.
The path itself is waymarked and maintained by the members of the European Ramblers Association. Often countries will adopt their own marking, however on E routes, you’ll also see a universal blue shield with the yellow stars of Europe, marked in the centre with the route number.
Other walking routes in Europe
If you need to ease into a walking tour before tackling the E2 path, there are plenty of shorter routes to choose from within Europe – particularly in France. Following a trail that cuts through the stunning French and Swiss Alps, the Haute Route (High Route) is one of the world’s most famous long distance walks, and promises to be an unforgettable adventure in the mountains. Burgundy’s Rhône Valley also offers incredible trails with wide open vistas that are perfect for uncovering the rich heritage and history of the area.
Inspired? Book your Dover to Calais ferry crossing today.
