Sian Victoria © - Couple with a sunset view of the Calf of man, Isle of Man

Best Things About Going on a Walking Holiday

We all love a city break; a lot of us also love a beach break, and in many ways, there is nothing wrong with that. It’s nice to go away and just relax on the beach with a cocktail in one hand and a book in the other. But it’s also nice to do something different every now and then and experience the world in a different way, which is why a lot of people are turning to walking holidays for this.

Walking holidays offer something completely different to a city break or a beach break. They give you the chance to explore, see different parts of the world and be active at thesame time. You can take them at your own pace (which is nice if you aren’t in a hurry), and they are a great way to catch up with loved ones, distraction-free from technology - the only time you're going to need your phone is to take a photo of your journeys.

Below we have put together our guide on what to expect when going on a walking holiday. Keep on reading to learn more about the best bits and why we think a walking holiday could be for you.

You’ll see places a lot of people don’t get to see

One of the best things about a walking holiday is the chance to explore places many tourists never get to see. Rather than simply visiting the main attractions, you’ll discover hidden trails, peaceful countryside, quiet villages and breathtaking viewpoints that are often inaccessible by car or public transport. This gives you plenty of opportunities to take some beautiful photos as well as relax - it’s extremely peaceful being somewhere where there aren’t a lot of tourists making the experience stressful!

You’ll spend a lot of time catching up, distraction-free

Modern life can feel incredibly busy, and even when we spend time with loved ones,technology often gets in the way - how many times have you been at a meal and seen someone at the table on their phone? Or someone having to quickly leave to take a phone call?

When you are away on a walking holiday, phones are often left in your bags (you should have them with you in case of an emergency). A walking holiday naturally encourages you to switch off from screens and focus on the people around you instead. You’ll have countless hours to talk, catch up and get into some deep, meaningful and playful conversations. It’s nice to have some time where you get uninterrupted conversations.

Sian Victoria © - Siting with a view on top of Malvern Hills

It’s a lot more relaxing than you may think

Although walking holidays involve being active, they’re often far more relaxing than people expect. Walking at a slower pace gives you the chance to properly unwind and clear your mind, which is something a lot of us often benefit from. There’s no pressure to rush aroundticking attractions off a list. Instead, the focus is simply on enjoying the hike and taking in your surroundings - you’ll see so many wonderful landscapes. What’s guaranteed is when you return home, you’ll feel a sense of peace and most likely want to book another breakaway to do one again.

Children will love it as much as adults

When going away, it can be hard to decide what to do if you have children. A walking holiday may not initially sound like a children's breakaway, but if your kids like being outside and exploring, then it very much is. From spotting wildlife and climbing trees to exploring forests, beaches and countryside paths, there’s a real sense of adventure that children naturally enjoy. You can take the routes at your own pace, meaning you pause when you think your children need a rest, and if you want, you can always go off the beatentrack slightly and turn simple walks into exciting mini adventures for the whole family - we often create small games which your children can play whilst exploring, such as a treasure hunt.

Evening meals taste that bit better

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sitting down for a meal after spending the day walking outdoors. Arriving at a pub for a pint or going for a Sunday roast for dinner, it hits differently. If your walking holiday is abroad, you can try some local cuisine and maybe a wine that is produced in the local region. After a full day of fresh air and exercise, you will properly appreciate the chance to relax and recharge - you will never sleep better than you do after going on a hike.

To conclude

Have you been on a walking holiday before, and what did you think the best things were about going on one? Are you planning on booking another one soon, and if so, where? Is there anything missing in my guide that you would like to share with our readers? Let us know. I'll look forward to hearing from you.