ENJOY FRESH AIR AND SCENERY ON A WALKING HOLIDAY
Walking holidays are very popular and are an incredibly exhilarating experience. Walking is often the best way to experience every sight, sound and smell of a country at leisure. You can tailor your walks through the magnificent Alpine landscape to suit your ability and fitness. Choose from challenging, peak-topping hikes to leisurely ambles through picturesque meadows and forests.
Setting off across grassy foothills or through verdant summer valleys on foot is simply the most wonderful way fully to appreciate the natural beauty of the Lakes & Mountains resorts. It is no wonder that so many of you return to the lure of the Alps year after year.
GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAYS
Many tour operators have guided tours. Your guide will show you places of interest and will share their wealth of knowledge about the wildlife, geography and history along the way.
Inghams holidays for instance have a guided Wanderwalk programme, which run in various resorts two or three times a week. Each Wanderwalk is run by a professional guide for a nominal charge and are scenic walks suitable for anyone with an average walking ability.
Walking weeks are a popular walking holiday option too. From a single resort centre, discover the surrounding mountains with a qualified guide. Up to four organised walks take place per week, with one or two days free in between. A perfect mix of activity and relaxation for that ideal walking holiday.
Also, many hotels and local tourist offices offer a free walking programme with professional guides which you can enjoy at your leisure.
INDEPENDENT WALKING HOLIDAYS
Enjoy the freedom of point-to-point independent walking holidays without the hassle of your luggage! During these multi-centre unescorted walking tours, your bags are transferred from hotel to hotel whilst you enjoy the adventure.
Or walk in your own time and explore local trails independently, from gentle strolls to all day hikes. A good quality walking map of the local area is crucial for independent hikers. Some operators offer these maps free for early bookers.
WALKING GRADES
Walking holidays offer varying levels of difficulty to suit walkers, ramblers and hikers. Holidays in Europe range from gentle strolls to extremely challenging mountain hikes!
The usual grading is:
- Easy: Gentle walks with some uphill sections
- Moderate*: Pleasant rambles, mostly on well marked paths, over varied terrain. More uphill/downhill than easy walks
- Slightly Challenging*: More demanding hikes over varied terrain, sometimes at altitude. Some trails may be less defined in parts, so reasonable health and fitness is required
*There is often a minimum age of 14 on these walks
WHERE TO GO ON A WALKING HOLIDAY
- AUSTRIA is a walker's paradise. The captivating views, fresh mountain air and abundance of cable cars, buses and lifts make for an incredibly rewarding, exciting and accessible experience. Recommended resorts include: Alpbach; Ellmau, Filzmoos; Fuschl; Igls; Ischgl & Galtür; Kitzbuhel, Lech; Mayrhofen; Neustift; Niederau & Oberau; Obergurgl; Pertisau / Lake Achensee; Saalbach & Hinterglemm; Seefeld; Söll; St Anton; St Gilgen; St Johann; St Wolfgang; Westendorf and Zell am See
- ITALY: The summer hiking trails in the Dolomite Mountains are equally as exciting in the summer as they are in the winter, with a huge network of well-marked paths to explore. Also navigate yourself around the lakes of Garda, Bolsena and Trasimeno
- SWITZERLAND has some truly incredible walking opportunities in spectacular scenery. Highlights include Davos; Grindelwald; Interlaken; Kandersteg; Klosters; Merligen; Mürren; Saas Fee; Wengen; Wilderswil and Zermatt
- FRANCE: Chamonix is another great choice for walkers, whether you prefer gentle strolls or challenging hikes. Use the ski lifts and the Mont Blanc express to take you deep into the mountains and then make your own way back along some spectacular routes. Also recommended are Les Houches and Morzine
- SLOVENIA is another gem for walkers. Kranjska Gora; Lake Bled; Lake Bohinj are favourites
- ANDORRA is fantastic destination for walkers of all standards. The terrain is varied and there are lots of different walks to keep you on your feet. Particularly impressive are the lakes and the array of flora and fauna. Try Arinsal & Ordino or Soldeu