A family walking holiday is the perfect way to get everybody away from their screens and out and about in nature. They can be significantly more affordable than your regular holiday options, plus, your step count will be unrivalled!
Switch up your typical family holiday
Being out in nature is great for your mental health, so both the kids and adults will benefit from being away from the office and the classroom – and it’s a great chance for everybody to recharge their batteries. There’s plenty of family bonding to be done too! You’re spoilt for choice with walking holidays both in the UK and further afield in Europe. All you need to do is decide where to go…
Get prepared
Preparation is key, so make sure everyone has a good, sturdy pair of walking boots, a waterproof jacket and plenty of layers depending on the weather and destination you choose. The best kind of tops will made from a moisture-wicking material that’s light and breathable. Waterproof or quick-drying trousers are also recommended, as well as sufficient hiking socks. You should also consider sun protection like sunhats, sunglasses and SPF so that everyone is safe while out and about in the sun. And finally, a first aid kit containing plasters is a good idea in case anyone gets blisters!
French Pyrenees
If you want mountainous terrain with towering peaks, the French Pyrenees is ideal, offering gentle descents and challenging climbs to get your heart rate up. There are plenty of family-friendly routes and if the kids have a sense of adventure, they’ll absolutely love it.
The routes are mostly made up of alpine forests and large open valleys with several lakes to spot. Nothing beats the feeling of reaching great heights and looking out over the landscape below. Popular areas include the Faja Racon and part of the Camino de Santiago route.
Slovenia
While it may not be the first places that springs to mind for a family walking holiday, Slovenia offers a spectacle of brilliant viewpoints and glistening lakes to enjoy.
Head to the Bohinj Lake and circle it by passing through forest trails, fairytale-esque meadows and more. You can seek out the waterfall at Slap Savic before taking a dip in the lake itself and enjoying a spot of swimming. Other notable locations include Lake Bled, the Vintgar Gorge and Seven Lakes Valley for a walking holiday.
UK
If you’d rather stick a little closer to home, you won’t be any worse off, as the UK boasts many breath-taking walking destinations.
From the Lake District to Yorkshire, you can tackle great peaks as a family or venture over to the coast if you want to soak up some sea air. Dorset, Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, Northumberland and more offer serene coastal walks, with everything from coastlines filled with fossils to serene sandy beaches.
You can check out our other Days Out to see what else we’ve been up too!