Grab Your Boots For National Walking Month 2024
Calling all walkers and nature lovers - National Walking Month is almost upon us.
And it’s the perfect excuse to lace up those walking shoes and hit the great outdoors.
To celebrate, we’re giving you the inside scoop on some of the best walks in Europe and you can experience these on our walking holidays to Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Madeira, Switzerland and Andorra.
Why stick to the same old scenery this May when you could be exploring Europe’s finest landscapes?
It’s the scenic upgrade your walking routine has been waiting for. Walking with a side of ‘wow’.
National Walking Month 2024
What is National Walking Month? | Our Favourite Walks in Europe | Our Guided Walks in Europe
What is National Walking Month?
National Walking Month springs from a heartfelt mission to inspire more of us to walk our way to health. It’s tied to the UK’s Living Streets organisation, which champions walking initiatives like Walk to Work Week and Walk to School Week, adding an extra spring to our steps.
The celebration follows close on the heels of National Walking Day, introduced in 2007 by the American Heart Association which takes place every April.
How To Celebrate
The perfect way to celebrate National Walking Month? Simply start walking!
Get up, get moving, and aim to hit your daily walking targets. Consider forming a walking group. Walking with others not only keeps the activity more enjoyable but also encourages you to walk further.
You can even set up walking challenges with your friends and family - it’s all about making those steps count and enjoying every stride along the way.
Why not create a motivational playlist with your favourite songs? It’s a great way to enjoy your walks even more.
Looking to take your walking to the next level? Book a walking holiday with us and discover beautiful places while keeping active.
Our Favourite Walks in Europe
View our recommended walks
Italy | France | Austria | Switzerland | Slovenia | Madeira | Andorra
Italy
Merano – Tappeiner Trail
Experience sweeping panoramic views of the town beneath you on this beautiful trail, easily reached from multiple spots in the heart of Merano.
This path is a feast for the eyes, boasting a variety of palms, magnolias, olive trees, and a colourful array of flowers.
Don't forget your camera - you'll want to capture every stunning view and botanical wonder you encounter.
Lake Garda - Beautiful lakeside walks
In Lake Garda, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, stunning scenery and picturesque trails from which ever elegant lakeside town you decide to stay in.
For an easy stroll, there’s wide lakeside promenades that link resorts like Bardolino and Garda. The southern resorts have some nice routes, which tend to be more flat or gently lead up into the hills for those lake panoramas.
If you want a challenge, head to the mountainous North where you’ll find steep paths and unrivalled views. The Old Ponale Road Path is a firm favourite which takes you from Riva towards Limone. Take the old road which once linked del Garda with the Ledro valley where you can enjoy breath-taking panoramas over the Lake.
France
Chamonix – Walk the Grand Balcon Sud to Flégère
The Grand Balcon Sud path is on the sunnier side of the Chamonix valley and this walk is above the tree line so perfect for admiring some of the most spectacular views in Europe. You look across to the Mont Blanc Massif and the Aiguilles Rouges peaks and this walk can be done in both directions with lifts at either end, helping your calves on the way up and your knees on the way down.
Take the Brévent-Planpraz lift up to the mid-station at 2000 metres. Directly ahead is a restaurant but follow the path to the left and you will pick up signs for the Grand Balcon Sud and La Flégère.
The trail drops downwards to start with, twisting through boulders covered in thick bracken and wildflowers and whilst there’s a bit of up and down to contend with, this hike ambles fairly gently along a path that once passed through old grazing pastures.
Small streams run alongside the path and there are many places where you can stop to admire the views, take the perfect photo or stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. Listen out for the whistling marmots, they’re well camouflaged but you’re never far away from them up here.
Lake Annecy - Walk the Bout de Lac Reserve Naturelle
The Bout de Lac Reserve Naturelle is an easy, flat circular walk which takes about 30 minutes to complete. This beautiful untouched shore of Lake Annecy, offers the perfect opportunity to discover the stunning local flora, fauna and aquatic wildlife. It also offers stunning views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains.
For families, this walk’s wide wooden walkways are perfect for buggies as well as wheelchairs. It also has explanatory panels along the way so the whole family can remain engaged whilst learning lots about the history of the nature reserve.
Austria
Mayrhofen – Ahorn Sunrise Walk
You need to be a morning person, but even if you’re not, we think it’s worth it. Between 5am and 6am, take the Ahornbahn gondola up to the Ahorn Plateau, Mayrhofen and watch the sun rise over the Alps with a hot cup of tea. You’ll see the sun’s rays turn from a bluish purple to bright pink, then to warm gold. You’ve even got the option of having breakfast up there too – there’s no better way to start the day.
Another top tip is to go up the Ahorn mountain on the cable car for the lovely loop walk. There’s a daily birds of prey show and barbecue area, as well as some tougher hikes up to the Ahornspitze.
Kitzbühel - Walks to panoramic mountain views
The paths in the Kitzbüheler Alps have everything from scenic easy walks to longer panoramic trails on the famous Hahnenkamm mountain and the Kitzbüheler Horn, which you can get to by gondola.
Try the Kitzbüheler Horn – it takes about 2 hours and is an easy walk. It goes from the Alpenhaus cable-car, and from there it’s a good stroll through the Alpine flower garden to the Gipfelhaus Alm. Get your camera out for some panoramic views of the Kitzbüheler Alps and the Hohen Tauern National Park.
For something more challenging, you’ll want the Pengelstein & Usterkarsee Lake walk. It’s 4 and a half hours, and is a stunning ridge walk from the top of the Hahnenkamm gondola. It passes two lakes, with views you’ll never be bored of. Either come back via Aschau or Kirchberg, by bus.
Switzerland
Mount Rigi & Lake Lucerne - Easy walks to spectacular alpine views
Enjoy a day trip from Lucerne, Weggis or Vitznau and take a ride on Europe’s oldest mountain railway up the Rigi mountain, named the Queen of Mountains, where you can enjoy spectacular views over Lake Lucerne. Easy to do as a round trip, there’s lots of easy walks and things to do in summer and winter.
There’s a whole network of footpaths that offer gentle to more demanding hikes out in the fresh mountain air that all offer panorama views across Lake Lucerne.
With plenty of restaurants and even a mountain top spa and an Alpine dairy where you can watch the cheese maker at work, there’s plenty of pit stops for a rest.
Davos - Tranquil walks in the Alpine Botanical Garden
Take the mountain railway from Davos to Schatzalp to visit this beautiful botanical garden which is located 1,800 metres above sea level. The Alpinium houses approximately 5000 different plant species from mountains from all over the world, and is rich in endemic Flora. There are lots of easy walkable trails in the area, and nature lovers are sure to marvel at the diverse range of alpine plants that line the pretty paths.
Slovenia
Lake Bled - Pretty lakeside walks
Lake Bled is known as the jewel in the crown of Slovenia’s beautiful landscapes and is renowned for its fairytale-like surroundings. Its historic castle and stunning mountain vistas offer an unforgettable setting for scenic walks around the lake. Whether you choose to take in those pretty lakeside views or venture onto well-trodden countryside paths, there’s trails for all levels of walkers. Velika Osojnica, in the south western corner of the lake, offers gentle walks for those looking for a relaxing stroll.
Kranjska Gora - The Bedanc Trail
This gentle walk starts on the cart track through the meadows where you can watch the cattle grazing. With the Julian Alps close by, you’ll have the opportunity to walk to some beautiful viewpoints including the Robe pastures.
Madeira
Caniço - Discover Caldeirão Verde
Spend a day walking to Caldeirão Verde, where you'll see a beautiful waterfall, enjoy views of São Jorge village, discover different plants, and see tall mountains.
Halfway there, walk along a water channel in the Laurissilva Forest, a place so special it's protected by UNESCO since 1999.
Remember to bring a flashlight for the tunnels you'll pass through, leading you to a stunning waterfall dropping into a crystal-clear lagoon.
Funchal - Paradise Valley
Walk to Paradise Valley with Tea Take a relaxing walk by a water channel with great views of mountains and the sea, ending in a valley filled with wildflowers and amazing views.
The walk finishes at a cosy tea house where you'll enjoy afternoon tea with sweet potato bread, homemade jams, cakes, and fresh fruit, all while looking out at the beautiful surroundings.
Andorra
Arinsal - Cami Del Jou-Roc De La Cauba
Gear up for a moderately challenging hike as you ascend 489 meters on this picturesque path. Stroll through the forest until you reach a viewpoint where you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of La Massana and its neighbouring villages.
It's a beautiful walk, but be aware there are significant drops along the way, which might not suit those uneasy with heights. The path climbs steeply through the woods, leading to breath-taking scenery.
Continue your walk to the tranquil Jou forest, a perfect spot for a rest while you take in the views of the majestic Scots pines around you.
Remember, this path doesn't circle back, so you'll need to walk back the way you came.
Our Guided Walks
Celebrate National Walking Month by joining us on guided walks, included in many of our holidays.
You'll have the chance to explore beautiful trails with a small group, led by an expert guide. Choose from an easier walk or a more challenging hike each week, without worrying about planning or gear.
These walks start and end at your resort the same day, so you're all set for dinner afterwards. Simply give us a call to book your holiday.
Limited spots available! Book your spot early when you book your holiday or add a walk later through 'Manage My Booking.'
How to Book Your Walking Holiday
Book your perfect trip online or by phone. Our travel experts are here to provide advice and help you book.
Get Inspired
Walking Grades
Discover our walking grades. Easy, challenging, or everything in between - find your perfect walking holiday adventure.
Responsible Walking
Enjoy stunning nature walks responsibly and leave no trace behind - learn how to be a Rambling Robin Hood for the outdoors!
