10 Great Urban | Wild Hikes

"You'd be forgiven for thinking that hiking isn't among the must-try activities in Hong Kong - that the only place you'll cop an eyeful of green is in Yau Ma Tei's Jade Market. But a quick look at a map tells a different story: the territory is mostly painted in swathes of emerald and azure, fringed with a little sandy gold, not skyscraper grey."

"Opened in 2004 following a decade-long campaign led by Green party MEP Michael Cramer (whose most recent achievement is the Iron Curtain Trail), the trail is built along the path of the former patrol roads used by East Germany’s border guards. The relaying of pathways and installation of signposts, information boards and memorial sites cost €10m and took three years but has been a success with locals and visitors."

"While the latter tend to cluster around the trail’s best-known sections – Checkpoint Charlie, the East Side Gallery, Bernauer Strasse – there are many more fascinating stories awaiting anyone who follows its zigzagging course through the centre."

"Since its opening in 1935, the Griffith Observatory has become one of L.A.'s great cultural icons. The Observatory is located above Los Feliz on the southern slope of Mt. Hollywood, and offers some of the best views of L.A. , from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown."

"The Tijuca Forest Tour , is probably one of the top 5 most popular tours in Rio de Janeiro city. The forest is considered to be the largest urban forest in the whole world. It represents 7% of the whole city`s territory, and it is also known as the lungs of Rio. Visiting the city without seeing the forest is like going to New York city and not seeing the central park. Rio is all about nature, wild places and beautiful views. All of these 3 things can be seen and enjoyed in Tijuca Forest."

"Traverse Sydney's entire, spectacular coastline - from Barrenjoey in the north to Cronulla in the south - on this unique week-long adventure. You can walk in either direction and hop on and off the trail as you wish. Do day walks, short scenic sections or any of the many walks looping off the main trail."

"Follow the greatest river in England for 184 miles from its source in the Cotswold hills to the sea. Passing through peaceful water meadows, unspoilt rural villages, historical towns and cities, and finally through the heart of London to end at the Thames Barrier in Greenwich."

"If you're looking for something for the whole family to do, or want to base a day, weekend or whole holiday on the Trail, the list of attractions and events here will help you see what's on offer."

"The Smitswinkel Section Cape Point to Smitswinkel, Moderate - 15km Discover the "Jewel of the South" - the Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park - a treasure trove of fauna and flora, and the most southwesterly point of Africa."

"Just over 20 miles from downtown Phoenix, South Mountain Park is the largest municipal park in the country, and the largest desert mountain preserve in the world. It's 3 mountains, Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe, stretch diagonally from northeast to southwest across more than 16,000 acres."

"The Coast to Coast Walkway is a great way to get a little exercise and discover more about the history and unique features of Auckland. Plus you'll be able to tell your friends that you walked from one side of New Zealand to the other!"

"Welcome to Stanley Park, Vancouver's first, largest, and most beloved urban park! Designated a national historic site of Canada, Stanley Park is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the heavily built urban landscape of Vancouver. Explore the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall."