E2 European long distance path

E2 European long distance path. It is one of the continent's major transnational hiking routes, designated by the European Ramblers' Association (ERA). The trail traverses a vast swath of Europe, connecting the North Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Its current alignment offers a continuous long-distance walking experience through several nations, showcasing diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.

Route description

The path begins in the coastal town of Galway in western Ireland, though a ferry crossing to Great Britain is required for continuity. In Scotland, it utilizes established trails like the Southern Upland Way before crossing into England. The route passes through the Pennines on the Pennine Way and continues southwards. After a Channel Tunnel shuttle or ferry crossing, the trail resumes in France, traversing regions such as Champagne and the Jura mountains. It then enters Switzerland, passing near Basel and through the Swiss Plateau. The final major section crosses the Alps via Switzerland and Italy, with a southern terminus at Nice on the French Riviera.

History and development

The trail's conception is part of the broader European long-distance paths network established by the European Ramblers' Association in the 1960s. Initial plans envisioned a route from Cork to Nice, but the Irish section was later realigned to start in Galway. Development has been a collaborative effort between national trail organizations, including Sport Ireland, Natural England, and the Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre. A significant realignment occurred in the 2000s, shifting the Alpine section from a route through Austria to its current path via Switzerland and Italy, thereby creating a more direct north-south corridor.

Geography and major landmarks

The route encompasses an extraordinary range of geographical features. It begins on the Atlantic coastline of Ireland before crossing the Irish Sea. In Great Britain, it traverses the rugged Southern Uplands, the peat moorlands of the Pennines, and the rolling hills of the South Downs. The continental section crosses the agricultural plains of Northern France, the forested ridges of the Jura Mountains, and the pastoral landscapes of the Swiss Plateau. Its most dramatic segment navigates the high Alps, offering proximity to iconic peaks before descending to the subtropical coastline of the Côte d'Azur. Notable landmarks along the way include Loch Trool in Scotland, the Kinderscout plateau in England, the Vosges mountains in France, and the Matterhorn visible from Swiss trails.

Connection to other trails

The path is intrinsically linked to the wider network of European long-distance paths. It shares significant concurrencies with other E-paths, most notably the E1 in Switzerland and the E7 in parts of France. In Great Britain, it is formed almost entirely by existing National Trails like the Southern Upland Way, Pennine Way, and South Downs Way. Within the Alps, it connects with numerous classic long-distance routes such as the Via Alpina and the Grande Traversata delle Alpi. These intersections provide hikers with numerous options for creating shorter loops or extending their journeys across the continent.

Practical information

Hikers typically plan the journey as a series of sectional treks due to its immense length. No single permit is required, but crossing international borders between Schengen Area nations is generally seamless for many passport holders. Accommodation ranges from formal Youth hostels and gîtes d'étape to wild camping where legally permitted, such as in parts of Scotland. Key guidebooks are published by entities like the Ramblers Association and Cicerone Press. The best hiking seasons vary by region: spring and autumn are ideal for Great Britain and France, while the high Alps are generally passable only from late June to September.