Walking and climbing holidays: 5 top destinations

Guest Post

Are you considering a walking or climbing holiday sometime soon? The good news is that there is no shortage of outstanding destinations (either in the UK or in more exotic parts of the world) offering the chance to see some remarkable sights by foot. The only problem comes in ascertaining which holiday is right for you, given your level of hiking or climbing experience and ability.

Outlined below are five top walking or climbing destinations, each suited to a different level of hiking skill and ability or different age ranges. All you need to bring are your Scarpa shoes and Merrell boots!

Beginner – the Scottish Borders

The rolling hills of the Borders not only offer scenic countryside, but also over 1,500 miles of dedicated walking trials including three of the most popular walks in the UK, the Southern Upland Way, St. Cuthbert’s Way and the Pennine Way. Yet what makes this the ideal place for the beginner, is the hilly terrain, there’s no huge mountains to traverse and with many picturesque towns dotted along the route, there is always somewhere to stop and enjoy the fabulous local hospitality. For easy walking in a spectacular setting at any time of the year, the Scottish Borders are well worth a visit.

Intermediate – Sicilian volcano trekking

Seeing the sights of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, close up must be one of the biggest thrills for any hiker. This destination offers superb guided hikes around the Etna region and a chance to sample La Dolca Vita in a variety of local hotels and restaurants. The walking is taxing and a step on from the gentle hills and valleys of the Scottish lowlands, but anyone with reasonable fitness and mobility should be able to enjoy these walks.

Advanced – Amazonian adventure: Brazil’s highest waterfall

One of the most intriguing guided treks in the world, sample the incredible sight and sounds of the Amazon rainforest, sleep under the stars each night in bivouacs on a beach that has seen few visitors. Experience the thrill of trekking high above the forest canopy to the highest waterfall in Brazil. Once there, you are rewarded with stunning views of the Serra do Aracá region and its unnamed waterfall, cascading 360 metres down to the forest floor below.

Expert – High Alpine Trekking: Chamonix to Zermatt

Follow in the footsteps of adventurers before you, as you explore the Alpine region that links Mont Blanc to the famous Matterhorn. A combination of climbing ice glaciers and a high number of ascents and descents make this relatively short trek one of the most uniquely demanding for even the expert climber and hiker. Starting in Chamonix, you trek the 75 miles to Zermatt, staying overnight in mountain huts, scaling glaciers and snowy outcrops in order to complete the journey.

Families or older hikers – the Lake District

If you have young family or older members of your party, then you do not need to discount walking as a holiday option. Simply equip your holiday group with some sturdy Merrell shoes and head to Cumbria to the majesty of the lakes. A myriad of different walks of vastly different grades are available, as well as the famous Cumbrian hospitality for when you need to put up your feet and take a well-earned rest. From the gentle, meandering slopes of Helvellyn to the craggy peaks of Langdale and Scafell, the Lakes offer a perfect family destination to get out into the countryside and thrive.

Whatever your hiking ability, level of fitness or age, there is a walking holiday destination out there that will suit you. All you need now is to purchase a pair of sturdy walking shoes, get your map in hand and rediscover your sense of adventure! 🙂 – Travel Feeder, your ultimate photo travel guide to Europe

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.