Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity for travellers, but if you're looking for a new hiking challenge, you'll be able to tackle a new 300km trail in Slovenia from April 2019. The Julian Alps Hiking Trail will be divided into various stages of approximately 20km, and it is planned to incorporate cycling trails in the future.

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A valley with exposed rock in Triglav National Park. Slovenia. Image: Matic Štojs/Alamy Stock Photo

The trail starts and ends in Rateče at the state border between Slovenia and Italy. It mainly runs through villages, and it will be possible to use public transport in some areas along the way. It is hoped that each stage will start at a railway station or bus stop, and hikers can spend the night at the beginning or end of the stage and buy food and drink there. It is also envisaged that they will be introduced to local myths and legends, unique craftwork and culinary treats along the way.

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The Church of St. John the Baptist in Ribcev Laz at the shore of Lake Bohinj, Slovenia. Image: Matic Štojs/Alamy Stock Photo

The Julian Alps offers incredible views and its peaks can reach a height of more than as 2500m. It encompasses Mt Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain, which is at the centre of a national park of the same name. Hikers and cyclists will encounter a rich diversity of landscape along the way, passing rivers, lakes, waterfalls, forests, trees, colourful flowers and unusual rocks.The area is also famous for its stunning rivers, which send rapids of blue-green water washing over white rock in places.

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The blue-green waters of the Soca river in Slovenia. Image: Tomas1706/Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Julian Alps Hiking Trail will be fully marked by next summer and a digital guide will be available at that point. You can read more detail about what is planned for the trail here.

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