Unique Walking Experiences of a Lifetime

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s perhaps no better way to do it than by setting out on a walking holiday. You don’t have to be the fittest person on earth to get the most out of it, and you don’t have to set yourself the challenge of summiting Everest either. Our Unique Walking Experiences are a guide to get out there and enjoy what our planet has to offer.

All it takes is a little imagination and the willingness to put one foot in front of the other. Once you do that, you’ll be well on your way to rest and relaxation, as the stress of life back home melts away and gives you some time to reflect. Let’s take a look at a few of the best trails out there, to help you start your next walking adventure.

The Appalachian Trail

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One of the most renowned walking routes in the world is the Appalachian Trail in the US. At over 2,200 miles long, it would be quite the achievement to tackle all of it on your first proper go. Which is precisely why you can choose just one leg of it, and have a great time without the added pressure of all those miles still ahead. If you want to explore rolling terrain with the odd mountain pass thrown in for good measure, this is a route that will long live in your memory.

The summer months may feel unseasonably hot if you’re used to milder weather, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. There are also plenty of opportunities for some amazing photography if you are so inclined. Pack your camera, pack a windbreaker and spare socks, and add plenty of film for the SLR to your day sack. Perfect for enjoying the trip from end to end.

The Camino de Santiago

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There’s perhaps nowhere better to get away from it all than the Camino de Santiago. With hundreds and hundreds of kilometers of trails to choose from, this is a destination that you can head back to over and over again for years to come. If you’re a lover of warm continental weather and walking in the beating sun, it is certainly worth taking a closer look. Depending on how hot you want things to get, you can book in early spring, summer, or late autumn. The different ways all require a slightly different level of fitness and experience, so make sure you give yourself an honest evaluation before setting out.

What makes the Camino so unique is the accommodation and the huge variety of people you are likely to meet on the road. You can spend the night at hotels, hostels or in special pilgrim hostels, where you can participate in the communal meal and get to know your fellow travelers.

The Outer Hebrides

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If you really want to get away from it all, the northern reaches of Scotland sound as good a place as any. The landscape is like nothing else you will have ever seen, and despite being inhabited for thousands of years it remains relatively untouched by man compared to the rest of the British Isles. The sweeping winds are far from gale force, but if you want to stay cool even in the summer months, this could be a nice alternative to consider if the continent is too hot for you.

With rolling landscapes, climbs, and plenty of wildlife to try and find this is one region that is set to see an explosion in walking holidays. Plan a route of your own that weaves between a few of the villages and you’ll be able to see more of the area whilst immersing yourself in the local culture at the same time.

The Peak District

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For those of you that like to be able to get some short and sharp climbs under your belt, the Peak District is the place to be. The climbs aren’t as daunting as they may look on Instagram, and you don’t have to be an Olympian to get to the top of them. Just set your own pace and tap out a steady rhythm until you get to the top. It’s not a race after all, so don’t feel disheartened if other people make lighter work of it than you do.

The views once you get to the top of the peaks are incredible and will certainly be worth the sweat you may have expended in getting there. Depending on what you want from a walking experience, you can tackle the peaks head-on and summit as many of them as possible. Or you could weave your way between them and only climb the ones whose views you’re desperate to take in.

Now that you’ve heard a little about the different unique walking experiences & locations that are out there, it’s over to you to decide where you want to stretch your legs. Sounds like a good problem to have!