Hiking can be a relaxing, healthy pastime that takes you along some picturesque trails.

On the other hand, it can also be a pulse-pounding, fear-inducing, death-defying walk on the wild side.

Depending on your experience, sense of adventure, and ability to cope with extreme heights, some of the world’s most dangerous hiking trails may appeal to you. If you’ve been looking for a new challenge to inject a little more zest into your walking, consider visiting any of these five trails during your next vacation …

Mount Huashan (China)

Just looking at hikers’ snapshots of this trail is enough to induce an immense terror of heights in anyone.

Mount Huashan is based close to China’s Huayin, and offers plenty of spectacular views – provided you can cope with the challenge, of course. There are various trails leading to the mountain’s five summits, and the number of tourists choosing to walk them led to a much-needed reinforcement-operation.

The trails are more secure than they were, but dozens of fatal falls are still believed to occur each year.

This is unsurprising, when parts of a trail are simply wooden boards bolted to the side of the mountain.

There are also parts boasting such intimidating names as Black Dragon Ridge and Hundred-Foot Crevice.

Taghia Trail (Morocco)

Next time you head to Morocco, be sure to try hiking the Taghia trail, which runs around the spectacular mountain, Oujdad.

You need to tread carefully here, as there are only rocks and logs leading you along solid wall. While these are secure and many people walk this trail safely, the narrow walkways and sheer drops are enough to put even the most seasoned hikers off.

El Caminito del Rey (Spain)

‘Little King’s Path’ is a definite challenge, with a walkway just three feet wide to tread. This is based more than 300 feet up from a river running beneath,

For some time, this was known as one of the most dangerous trails on Earth, due to its state of deterioration. In 2014, the trail reopened after restoration work was completed, and it’s now safer than it was.

However, the narrowness of certain parts and the brutal drops mean this is still a no-no for people likely to be overwhelmed.

Huayna Picchu Trail (Peru)

Peru’s Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most iconic sites, but hiking all the way up there is a challenge for even the hardiest hiker.

Huyana Picchu, the trail running up to the Incan spot, runs up to around 1,000 feet. It’s also so narrow and steep that you access is prohibited during most of the country’s rainy season.

While the reward for reaching the top is unquestionably worthwhile, the danger the trail poses is sure to put many of us off.

Bright Angel Trail (Arizona)

The Bright Angel Trail is based in the beautiful Grand Canyon National Park, and runs for more than eight miles.

Over the years, hikers have been at risk of flash floods, rockfall, unbearable heat, and even drowning. It is incredibly popular, but hikers are at risk without the proper gear and care.

When embarking on one of these trails, or any hike, having the right equipment is vital. Being under-prepared poses numerous risks, not least dehydration and extreme hunger if you pack too-little supplies.

You should make sure you have waterproof backpacks to keep your essentials dry in wet conditions, though these will also offer protection should your bag fall into water.

Hiking is a terrific way to stay fit and see the world, but do your research before trying trails known to be dangerous.