Walking is one of best ways to travel. You have got time to slow down and drink it all in: the fresh air, the scent of a wildflower on the breeze, the tinkle of a cow bell in the distance. A good walk should be about relaxation, getting away from the stresses of everyday life - and that's exactly the secret to what makes our most popular walking holidays such firm favourites.
There's such a wealth of variety of scenery on offer - with breezy coastal routes, rolling agricultural hills, or dramatic mountainous panoramas, there's no shortage of stunning viewpoints and vistas to discover on foot. We've hunted down the very best of each region to reveal to you what makes them so special, from the perfect places to stay to the hidden gems that make your holiday unforgettable.
Enjoy our selection of favourite walking holidays.
This triple centre holiday explores the unspoilt north western tip of Sicily and the nearby Egadi islands. It's a relatively undiscovered region where highlights include pristine sandy beaches, coral-lined grottoes, ancient hill villages and marvellously preserved nature reserves.
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There are few places in Italy as stunning as the Amalfi Coast with its emerald seas, plunging gorges and pastel villages linked by ancient walking paths. This linear walk follows the coast from elegant Ravello to chic Sorrento, taking in en route vertical Positano and (optional) the beautiful island of Capri.
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Based at the exclusive Ta Cenc Hotel, the tiny island of Gozo offers secluded beaches, Arabic-style honey-coloured houses, lemon groves, palm trees, red GPO phone boxes and 'Dixon of Dock Green' police stations!
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The wonderfully unspoilt Venetian countryside is only an hour or so from the great city of Venice, but couldn't be more different! Here is a landscape of rolling hills, shady forests, vineyards and fields ablaze with colourful flowers.
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The Italian Dolomites are a Mecca for high-level walkers and this holiday combines superbly varied walking by day with luxury 4 star comfort at night - a highly sought-after mix! Excellent birdspotting, stunning flowers and unrivalled Alpine views.
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Perfect for year-round walking, the floating garden of Madeira is a paradise of tropical flowers, exotic birds and trees, romantic gorges and emerald seas. Luxury 4 and 5 star hotels throughout provide exquisite local cuisine with possibility of sampling the island's famous full-bodied wine.
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The Kerry Way is the Emerald Isle's longest trail - at 210km, it offers fantastic views of the unspoilt landscapes - a walk here will swathe you in 10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history. Admire crisp blue lakes, pretty waterfalls, lovely little villages and velvety green pastures.
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This walk along Hadrian's Wall, from West to East, starts at Lanercost Priory and ends in Corbridge, taking in some of the best-preserved Roman sites in the UK. The route also passes the world-famous Sycamore Gap as well as some fabulous rolling Northumberland countryside and craggy hillsides, such as those of Walltown, Winshield and Sewingshields Crags.
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A 5 night self guided walking holiday taking in the famed cobbled causeway of St Michael's Mount to the wild serpentine cliffs of Lizard, this is an invigorating and unforgettable walk. Experience the the culinary delights of Porthleven, the magnificent views of Mullion and Kynance and the booming fog horn of Lizard lighthouse.
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This twin centre walking holiday incorporates some of the best walking on both the northern and southern sections of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Stay in pretty St David’s, Britain’s smallest city and discover its immaculate beaches, tranquil harbour villages and rugged cliffs,. Then head to Tenby for superb walks with extensive sea views, passing Norman castles, towering sea stacks and unspoilt bays.
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Beautiful circular walk in Catalonia taking in lovely coastal stretches and unspoilt country landscapes. Fabulous bird and plant life; very good hotels and swimming opportunities every day. Two nights are spent in a luxury castle.
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A 5 night self guided walk along the Northern Cornish coastline, explore this magnificent coast between two of Cornwall's most famous summer get-aways, Padstow and Perranporth, spending 3 nights in pretty Padstow and 2 nights in popular Newquay. From headland to cove and on to golden sands, the scenery changes as fast as the weather. The shorter daily distances give plenty of time soak up the views and the wild rocky coastline has to be seen to be believed. Bedruthan Steps and Holywell Bay, Newquay town beaches all add their atmosphere and charm to this great walk.
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The Lake District National Park is England's most visited national park and this 6 night self-guided walking holiday takes in some of the highlights. Whether you're visiting the home of William Wordsworth while nibbling famous Grasmere gingerbread, surveying Lake Windermere from the top of Latterbarrow Fell, or following the Cumbria Way through beautiful country estates owned by the National Trust, you'll be sure to enjoy an authentic Lakeland experience!
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A glorious mix of spectacular scenic views, wooded forest trails and picture-perfect 'chocolate box' villages await as you pass crystal-clear lakes, babbling streams and secluded bays.
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A warming winter walking discovery allowing you to see the best of the unspoilt Western Algarve region. The lush flora and diverse fauna of the Algarvian hinterland compliment the dramatic seascape scenery of the Atlantic coastline perfectly. The hotels are a brilliant mix of rustic charm and stylish grandeur, complete with swimming pools and serving the best of local Portuguese cuisine.
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Here, in the 'jewel in the crown' of classic Switzerland, you'll find many of the highest peaks, the deepest valleys, the tallest waterfalls, the oldest glaciers and the most beautiful mountain lakes in the country.
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This walking holiday explores the limestone cliffs, wooded valleys and beautiful medieval villages that are so unique to France's Dordogne region. World famous prehistoric sites and fine local wines add a further dimension to a stay here.
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You walk through timeless white washed villages, along flower decked paths - poppies, wild iris, and pink oleander - and there's a good chance of spotting golden eagles soaring overhead.
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Walk through some of the finest North Cotswold villages with shorter walking days allowing you the maximum time needed to explore the villages and walk at a relaxed pace. Visit beautiful villages including Guiting Power, Broadway and Chipping Campden as well as places of historical interest and some spectacular gardens.
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This is one of Europe's classic walks following one of the most ancient pilgrimage routes in the world! There's a real sense of camaraderie and achievement as you chat to fellow walkers from all parts of the globe.
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Superb hotels, world-famous wines and exceptional cuisine are just some of the reasons to choose this 8-night walking holiday! The route takes you through softly rolling hills, sun-drenched hamlets and via the pretty wine towns of La Morra and Barolo.
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