A walking holiday is a great way to see a region on a more intimate level. Up close with nature, you can stroll peacefully along riversides and through Alpine meadows, or you can hike up the Picos de Europa and along the jagged coastal paths of Italy. Walking allows you to take in the detail of the scenery, and you are constantly rewarded with new vistas - from pretty hamlets nestling in the distance to spectacular panoramas of seas and mountains. You can embark on a guided tour and have the highlights pointed out to you, or take a map and some itineraries and travel at your own pace: whether you want a challenging hike or a gentle ramble, walking holidays offer something for everyone across all the UK, Europe and beyond. For more information on walking, check out the Ramblers' Association or the British Walking Federation, and below we've got some of the best, greenest, and most easily accessible (by rail and ferry) walking holidays around:
Jebel Toubkal is North Africa's highest peak. The trek around the mountain, culminating in its ascent, is one of the world's greatest walks. Completing this itinerary in just a week is a fine challenge for regular hillwalkers.
£395
8 days
29 May, 19 June, 17 July, 31 July, 11 September, 18 September, 2 October
Discover Loch Ness and see Scotland's most famous castle, walk around windswept Skye and the coast offering views of it on two full-day hikes and experience dramatic, unforgettable scenery.
A flexible, independent walking holiday in the stunning upland scenery of Slovenia's Julian Alps. From a comfortable base in a farmhouse B&B or an apartment, enjoy glorious walking through limestone mountains and by the emerald-green Soča river.
£290 (3 nights) - £560 (7 nights) based on two people sharing. Extra nights £75 per night. Discounts for children and families / groups available. Single supplements and solo traveller prices apply.
The Hebridean Isles of Harris, Lewis and Skye are abound with history and legend. This 8-day guided walking holiday covers remote parts of the islands as well as the chance to taste some local flavours from the land and sea.
£725 based on two people sharing (£100 single supplement)
Discover one of Switzerland's best-kep secrets - fantastic walking right off the tourist trail with a choice of routes every day. With snow-capped peaks, postcard-pretty villages and meadows ablaze with wild flowers.
A single-centre walking holiday in Austria's stunning Carinthian Alps, with a choice of self-guided & organised walks, accommodation in a traditional, family-run Gasthof and delicious packed lunches each day. And no need for a hire car to get around!
£830 based on two people sharing.
8 days
23 May, 20 June, 25 July, 08 August, 19 September (all Sun to Sun)
Superbly varied walking through the bright red poppies, sunflowers and broom of southern Tuscany. Visit lovely hilltop villages, Mediaeval walled towns and the great art city of Siena.
Enjoy a walking holiday in the idyllic Engadine Valley in easternmost Switzerland, and discover carpets of wildflowers amidst wonderfully unspoiled scenery, on expertly guided walks from a truly wonderful hotel.
£598 (£995 including rail) based on two people sharing
Discover the wonderfully unspoilt scenery of pinky-gold cliffs and forgotten river valleys as you travel from one characterful hotel to another. Visit beautiful mediaeval villages and world-famous pre-historic sites.
Explore the beautifully unspoilt Langhe region of Piedmont where vineyard paths and sun-dappled hamlets await. Stay in wonderfully varied hotels including an 18th century villa and a charming family-run hotel with stunning Alpine views.
