Best Walking Vacations To Stay Active

Walking vacations are a great way to stay active while exploring new destinations. Not only do they provide a low-impact form of exercise, but they also allow you to immerse yourself in local culture and scenery at a slower pace. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike through nature, a cultural walking tour of a city, or a combination of both, there’s a walking vacation out there for everyone. Here are some of the best walking vacations to stay active and healthy.

The Best Walking Vacations To Stay Active

1. Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of Saint James, is a network of pilgrimage routes that lead to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The most popular route is the Camino Francés, which starts in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and covers approximately 780 kilometers (485 miles) over the course of 30-35 days. The journey takes you through rolling hills, lush forests, and quaint villages, offering breathtaking views of the Spanish countryside along the way.

Walking the Camino de Santiago is a challenging, yet rewarding experience. Not only will you get plenty of exercise, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet fellow pilgrims from all over the world and connect with local communities. Most people walk the Camino for spiritual reasons, but it’s also a great way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and focus on physical and mental well-being.

2. The West Highland Way, Scotland

The West Highland Way is a 96-mile (154 km) trail that runs from Milngavie, near Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The route takes you through breathtaking scenery, including the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the Rannoch Moor, and the Glencoe valley. Along the way, you’ll also encounter historic sites such as medieval castles and ancient standing stones, as well as friendly villages and bustling towns.

Walking the West Highland Way is a great way to stay active and explore the rugged beauty of Scotland. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, with plenty of accommodation options, including campsites, hostels, and hotels. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, the West Highland Way is a must-do for anyone looking for a walking vacation that combines exercise with breathtaking scenery.

3. The Cotswolds, England Walking Vacations

The Cotswolds is a picturesque region of rolling hills and quaint villages in South-Central England. The area is known for its charming countryside, historic market towns, and thatched-roof cottages, making it the perfect destination for a walking vacation. There are numerous walking routes to choose from, including the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile (164 km) trail that runs from Chipping Campden to Bath, and the Heart of England Way, a 170-mile (274 km) trail that runs from Birmingham to Bath.

Walking in the Cotswolds is a great way to stay active and explore the charming countryside of England. The routes are well-marked and well-maintained, with plenty of accommodation options along the way. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing walk through the countryside or a more challenging hike, the Cotswolds has something for everyone.

4. The Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy that is renowned for its picturesque towns, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. There are several walking routes to choose from, including the Path of the Gods, a scenic trail that runs along the coast

Here are some of the best walking vacations to stay active and healthy:

1. The Pacific Crest Trail, USA: Walking Vacations

The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,650-mile (4,265 km) trail that runs from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. The trail offers stunning views of the Pacific coastline, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the Cascade Range. Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is a challenging and rewarding experience that can take several months to complete.

2. The Appalachian Trail, USA:

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190-mile (3,529 km) trail that runs from Georgia to Maine through 14 states in the eastern United States. The trail passes through forests, over mountains, and along streams, offering stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and the surrounding countryside. Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a popular adventure for those who enjoy backpacking and long-distance hiking.

3. The Camino de Santiago, Spain: Walking Vacations

The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes that lead to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The most popular route is the Camino Francés, which covers approximately 780 km (485 miles) over the course of 30-35 days. Walking the Camino de Santiago is a challenging, yet rewarding experience that provides a low-impact form of exercise and allows you to immerse yourself in local culture and scenery.

4. The West Highland Way, Scotland:

The West Highland Way is a 96-mile (154 km) trail that runs from Milngavie, near Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The route takes you through breathtaking scenery, including the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the Rannoch Moor, and the Glencoe valley. Walking the West Highland Way is a great way to stay active and explore the rugged beauty of Scotland.

5. The Cotswolds, England:

The Cotswolds is a picturesque region of rolling hills and quaint villages in South-Central England. The area is known for its charming countryside, historic market towns, and thatched-roof cottages, making it the perfect destination for a walking vacation. There are numerous walking routes to choose from, including the Cotswold Way and the Heart of England Way.

These are just a few of the many walking vacations available around the world. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike through nature, a cultural walking tour of a city, or a combination of both, there’s a walking vacation out there for everyone. So why not pack your walking shoes and start exploring today!