National walking month 2026

Grab your boots for National Walking Month. From lakeside strolls to scenic mountain climbs, May is all about putting your best foot forward.

To celebrate National Walking Month, we’re shining a spotlight on some of Europe’s most spectacular walks - the kind that are worth packing a bag (and your boots) for.

And to celebrate, we’ve teamed up with Austria Tirol to bring you the Inghams Tirol Trails Challenge.

What is National Walking Month?

It’s a simple idea. Get more people walking and enjoying the great outdoors.

National Walking Month is all about encouraging everyday movement. Not marathons. Not big hikes. Just getting out and walking more.

It’s led by the UK charity Living Streets, who champion easy ways to build walking into daily life, from Walk to Work Week to Walk to School Week.

It also follows National Walking Day in April, launched by the American Heart Association back in 2007.

Think of it as a gentle nudge. Nothing extreme. Just a reminder that a few more steps can go a long way.

How to Celebrate

The perfect way to celebrate National Walking Month? Start walking.

Get up, get moving, and set yourself a daily step target. Better still, bring others along for the ride. A walking group can make every stroll feel more sociable, and give you that extra nudge to go a little further.

You could even set up a walking challenge with friends or family. And if wellbeing is your thing, check out Mind Over Mountains. They’re championing mental health and fitness through day walks and walking retreats. Fresh air, open space, a proper reset for body and mind.

It’s all about making your steps count and enjoying every stride along the way. Add a motivational playlist packed with your favourite songs, and suddenly even a quick walk feels a little more uplifting.

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 Austria

As walking destinations go, we need to talk about the Austrian Tirol. Big views, fresh mountain air and trails that make you want to keep going just to see what’s next.

Flower-filled meadows, dramatic peaks and lakes so clear you’ll probably stop for a photo (and stay for a swim).

The paths are easy to follow, the scenery does most of the motivating, and there’s usually a mountain hut at just the right moment. Coffee, cake, something hearty. You’ve earned it.

And if you like the idea of someone else taking the lead, we’ve got that covered too. At selected destinations, you can join our Guided Walks. They’re led by expert guides who know the best routes, the hidden spots and all the local stories along the way.

Whether you’re in the mood for a gentle wander or a full day out, the Austrian Tirol delivers.

Seefeld - Three Lakes Hike

This is the kind of walk that keeps things interesting. On our Guided Walk of the Three Lakes, you’ll head out across the Karst Plateau, ticking off not one, not two, but three natural lakes.

The trail winds through quiet woodland, with clear views over Seefeld and the surrounding mountains.

An easy to moderate walk, ideal for a relaxed day outdoors – but still enough to feel like you’ve earned putting your feet up at the end.

Grade: Easy to moderate

Walking time: Around 4 hours

Ellmau - Ellmau Circuit

A relaxed loop through Ellmau’s best bits, where farms, riverside paths and mountain views unfold along the way. The route blends quiet roads with paths through meadows and forest, so you can properly switch off and go at your own pace.

There’s plenty of opportunities to pause when something catches your eye. Take a break at a local restaurant or visit KaiserBad waterpark to break the day up.

Low effort, high reward (just how we like it).

Grade: Easy

Walking time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes

Söll, Sonnbichl Circular Route (self-guided)

Short simple - and, some days, exactly what you need. This gentle circular walk takes you just outside Söll, through meadows and quiet forest paths to the peaceful Moorsee.

There’’s barely any climb and it’’s a nice, steady wander from start to finish, with plenty of views towards the Hohe Salve too.

You’’ll pass a war memorial, amble through meadows and forest paths, then find yourself at the peaceful Lake Moorsee (a good spot for a little pause).  After that, it's a gentle loop back to the village.

Because there’s little ascent, and parts of the route go through forest trails, the Sonnbichl Circular Route is a great shout for those hotter days, and it’s also a short, easy stroll near town.

Perfect for when you want the benefits of a walk, without it turning into a whole expedition.

Grade: Easy

Walking time: Around 1 hour

More walks we love in Europe

Merano, Italy – Tappeiner Trail

Enjoy panoramic views over the town below on this beautiful trail, easily reached from several spots in the heart of Merano.

Along the way, palms, magnolias and olive trees sit among a bright mix of flowers, adding colour throughout the route.

Bring your camera - there are plenty of views and standout details worth stopping for.

Selva, Italy - Val Gardena Railway Trail

The Dolomites is one of Europe’s best walking destinations, packed with great bases like Canazei, San Cassiano and Kronplatz. Whichever way you turn, you’re onto a winner.

For something a little different, try the Val Gardena Railway Trail from Selva. This 3.5km route starts in Santa Cristina and finishes in Ortisei. Taking around an hour, it’s a comfortable, easy walk with panoramic views along the way.

The real standout, though, is the story behind it. Information boards with photos trace the history of the Val Gardena Railway, which ran from 1916 to 1960. Views, fresh air and a little local history along the way.

Lucerne, Switzerland – The Weggis to Vitznau lakeside walk

This self-guided walk is a lovely, easy option for a relaxed day out along the shores of Lake Lucerne.

The path is mostly flat and follows the water’s edge, so you can take it at your own pace while enjoying views across the lake and up to the surrounding mountains.

Along the way, you’ll pass well-kept gardens, historic buildings and plenty of quite spots to sit and soak it all in.

It’s especially beautiful in spring and summer, when the flowers are in full bloom.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland – Alpine flower trail

The Alpine flower trail is a walk that asks a little more of you – but gives plenty back.

This moderate to challenging walk starts above the Kreuzboden cable car station, where the path quickly opens out into a natural mountain garden, lined with alpine flowers as you go.

Around Grundberg, you may spot Edelweiss, a rare and protected flower that’s best admired where it grows.

The trail then leads you down over the Triftbach bridge and through cool, shaded forest, finishing in Saas-Grund.

Nature lovers, this one’s for you.

Lake Bled, Slovenia – Hill to hill around Lake Bled walk

If you want something more challenging, the Hill to hill around Lake Bled walk, is a great option. This self-guided route links the peaks that circle the lake, each one offering a different viewpoint.

Dobra Gora is peaceful and rich in wildlife, while Straža Bled has a more active feel with its fitness trail.

Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica are favourites for photographers, and Stan offers a quieter spot to watch the Bohinj railway line. 

From Viševnik viewpoint, you’ll get one of the classic views of Bled Castle. It’s a challenging walk if you do the full loop in one go. Good fitness helps. Or break it up and take on each hill separately.

Either way, you’ve earned a Bled cream cake at the end.

Caniço, Madeira - 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 UNESCO-protected.

 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, Madeira - 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.

Arinsal, Andorra - 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.