European walking route E2, UK, Dover-Calais ferry

The European walking route E2 is a 4,850 km point-to-point international trail crossing the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg and France, with the UK West variant ending at Dover for the Dover–Calais ferry transfer. Cumulative elevation gain across the full network exceeds 30,000 m, topping out at the Col de l'Iseran (2,770 m). Rated moderate, it links national trails into one continuous Scotland-to-Mediterranean journey.

About the European walking route E2, UK, Dover-Calais ferry

The European walking route E2 is one of twelve long-distance paths in the International Walking Network (IWN) coordinated by the European Ramblers Association. Stretching roughly 4,850 km (3,010 miles), the full E2 is designed to connect Galway in Ireland with Nice on the French Mediterranean coast. The Irish section is not yet open, so most thru-hikers begin at John o'Groats in Scotland — a starting option formally added in 2025 — or join the route in northern England.

The E2 is not a purpose-built single path. Instead it stitches together established national trails: the Southern Upland Way, St. Cuthbert's Way and Pennine Way in Scotland and northern England, then the Thames Path and North Downs Way on the UK West variant, before continuing through Belgium, Luxembourg and France via the GR5 to the Alps. The segment covered by this guide is the UK West route, which threads through Oxford and Reading and concludes at the port of Dover, where walkers take the Dover–Calais ferry transfer to continue on the Continent.

Two midsection variants split in England and reunite in northern Belgium. The West route described here passes Oxford, Reading and the Kent downs to reach Dover; the East route runs through Hull, Lincoln and Cambridge to Harwich for the Hook of Holland crossing. Both rejoin near Antwerp and Bruges. Because the E2 follows waymarked national trails for most of its length, navigation is straightforward, but the sheer scale — multiple countries, two ferry options and an Alpine finale — makes it one of the world's most significant hiking routes.

Route Overview & Stages

The table below summarises the major sections of the E2 UK West route and its continental continuation. Distances are approximate, reflecting the national trails the E2 borrows; the Dover–Calais ferry transfer is the pivot point between the British and continental halves.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Dover and the White Cliffs — The dramatic chalk cliffs and Dover Castle mark the symbolic end of the UK West route before the ferry transfer.
• North Downs Way — A 246 km national trail across the Kent and Surrey downs, offering chalk grassland, ancient woodland and views toward the Channel.
• Oxford — The E2 West route passes through the historic university city, joining the Thames Path along the river.
• Reading and the Thames Path — Gentle riverside towpath walking links Oxford toward London's western reaches.
• Bruges, Belgium — On the continental side, the route passes the UNESCO-listed medieval canal city.
• Antwerp — A major Belgian hub where the West and East variants of the E2 reunite.
• Col de l'Iseran (2,770 m) — The highest point on the entire E2, crossed on the GR5 in the French Alps.
• Nice, France — The Mediterranean terminus, where the GR5 descends to the coast after the high Alps.

Best Time to Hike the European walking route E2, UK, Dover-Calais ferry

Because the E2 spans Atlantic Scotland to the Mediterranean, weather windows vary widely by section. For the UK West route to Dover, late spring and summer — May through September — offer the longest daylight and the driest conditions. The North Downs Way and Thames Path are walkable year-round, but winter brings short days and muddy chalk paths.

The single best month to hike the UK West route is June: long daylight (up to 16 hours), wildflowers on the downs, settled high-pressure spells, and ferry and accommodation availability before the July–August peak. If your plan includes the French Alps via the GR5, timing matters more — high passes such as the Col de l'Iseran are typically snow-free only from late June to mid-September. As of 2026, a Scotland-to-Nice thru-hike is best started in May from the south of Britain so you reach the Alps in the reliable July–August window. For UK-only walkers, June 2026 balances daylight, weather and trail conditions ideally.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The UK West route runs through populated countryside, so accommodation is plentiful. Expect B&Bs and inns at €70–€120 per night, youth hostels (YHA) at €25–€45 for a dorm bed, and campsites at €10–€20. Wild camping is restricted in England and Wales, so plan around established sites. On the continental side, Belgian and Luxembourg gîtes and the French Alpine refuges along the GR5 cost roughly €25–€55 for a bunk, often with half-board (demi-pension) for an extra €20–€30. Booking ahead is essential in July and August.

Getting There & Back

The northern Scottish start at John o'Groats is reached via Wick airport or the train to Thurso (around 4.5 hours from Inverness). For the West route's Dover finish, Dover Priory station connects to London St Pancras in about 1 hour 10 minutes via high-speed rail. The Dover–Calais ferry transfer itself takes roughly 90 minutes; from Calais, the continental E2 picks up toward Belgium. London's airports (Heathrow, Gatwick) and the Eurostar at St Pancras make both ends easy to reach internationally.

Permits & Fees

No permits are required to walk the E2 in the UK, Belgium, Luxembourg or France — all sections follow public rights of way and national trails open to all. The only mandatory cost on the West route is the Dover–Calais ferry ticket, typically €35–€50 for a foot passenger as of 2026. Some French Alpine refuges and a few campsites charge nightly fees, and certain protected areas may ask hikers to stick to marked paths.

Gear & Packing List

A multi-week international thru-hike demands a light, durable kit. For the rolling UK West route, a comfortable 40–55 litre pack handles food and shelter without strain; the Arc Haul Ultra 50L is a strong ultralight choice, while the supportive Atmos AG 50 suits hikers carrying more between resupplies. If you continue into the Alps, the volume of the Aircontact Core 50+10 accommodates extra warm layers for high passes. Pack reliable rain protection — Britain and the Ardennes are wet — plus sturdy footwear for chalk, cobble and Alpine scree. Our guide to the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 compares seven tested packs to help you choose. Fuel matters on long days: review how many calories you need hiking a full day to plan resupply weight.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the scale and country-crossing character of the E2 appeals, these long-distance and high-mountain trails offer the same sense of commitment and reward. For a similarly demanding alpine traverse, see how hikers tackle the Theth to Valbona trail in Albania.

• Pacific Crest Trail (United States)
• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (United States), 4,988 km
• Half Dome Trail (United States)
• Angels Landing Trail–West Rim Trail (United States)
• Mount Whitney Trail (United States)

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the E2 UK West route?
June is the single best month for the UK West route, with up to 16 hours of daylight, dry chalk paths and settled weather before the summer holiday crowds. May to September all work well. If you continue onto the GR5 in the French Alps, aim for the snow-free window of late June to mid-September on the high passes.

How difficult is the European walking route E2?
The E2 is rated moderate overall, but difficulty varies by section. The UK West route to Dover is gentle, following river towpaths and chalk downs with modest climbs. The French Alps via the GR5 are far harder, crossing the Col de l'Iseran at 2,770 m. Stamina for consecutive days, rather than technical skill, is the main challenge.

How many kilometres per day should I plan?
Most hikers cover 20–30 km per day on the flatter UK and Belgian sections, where towpaths and downs allow steady progress. In the French Alps, plan for 15–20 km per day because of the elevation gain and altitude. At those rates, the full 4,850 km E2 takes roughly five to six months of continuous walking.

What accommodation is available along the route?
The UK West route passes towns and villages with B&Bs (€70–€120), YHA hostels (€25–€45) and campsites (€10–€20). On the continent, gîtes and French Alpine refuges cost €25–€55 per bunk, often with optional half-board. Wild camping is restricted in England, so book established sites; reserve ahead during the July–August peak season.

Do I need permits to walk the E2?
No permits are required. The E2 follows public rights of way and waymarked national trails through the UK, Belgium, Luxembourg and France, all open to walkers without charge. The only unavoidable cost on the West route is the Dover–Calais ferry ticket, around €35–€50 for a foot passenger as of 2026, plus nightly fees at some refuges and campsites.