Who said a walking holiday has to be demanding?

There is a lot of choice in walks that are on the easier end of the spectrum. Excellent for that first long-distance walking holiday of the season - or ever! They gently get you (back) into the outdoors. We grade our easy walks between 1: Introductory and 3: Moderate, depending on your level of fitness and past hiking experience.

If you are not sure where to start, below you will find 10+1 of the best easier walking holidays where you can take your time, explore at your own pace and smell the roses as much and where you want.

1. Loire Vineyard Trails, France – Grade 2

Famous for its spectacular chateaux, the Loire is France’s so-called ‘Valley of the Kings’. It is the countryside that inspired Balzac, where Leonardo Da Vinci spent his retirement and where Joan of Arc fought some of the battles of the Hundred Years' War. As one of France’s major wine-producing areas, it also has the advantage of being a great centre for cuisine and historical monuments. With most of this easier walk on old pathways, farm and forest trails, it has all the ingredients for a gentle active holiday. 

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2. The Great Gen Way, Scotland – Grade 2

This exhilarating long-distance walking trail takes you through the very heart of Scotland. The area is a magnet for walkers from all over the world and the route follows mostly canal and loch-side footpaths. Think of the world famous Loch Ness, whose shores are scattered with centuries-old forts and castles.

Tip: Fort William is at the foot of Ben Nevis and many travellers add an extra night at the beginning of their trip, so they don’t miss the chance to climb the UK’s highest mountain.

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Browse more than 100 trips graded between 1: Introductory and 3: Moderate.

3. The Dales Way, England – Grade 3

The Yorkshire Dales are often seen as the purest form of English highland landscape, with traditions and views that have remained virtually untouched for centuries. This much-loved, moderate-level long-distance path runs across the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the celebrated Lake District and is full of soft rolling hills, limestone edges, green valleys, waterfalls, old churches and even a Roman road. Some great real ale pubs also feature here; all the villages you will pass by are very proud of their heritage.

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4. Exploring the Cinque Terre Villages, Italy – Grade 3

With its cobbled narrow streets and virtually no cars, the rainbow-painted Cinque Terre are five small fishing villages dug into the cliffs. With sweeping views of the Med, explore on foot at your own pace through an extensive network of trails and live like a local for a week. Source your antipasti from the local grocery shops and start your day with an expresso in the village cafe. This is a centre-based trip staying in a traditional ‘albergo’, so on most days you can either walk straight from the hotel or take the train to start your next walk.

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5. Exploring the Cotswolds, England – Grade 2

If you are looking for a soft introduction to walking in the English countryside, look no further than the Cotswolds. Also known as the ‘Heart of England’, the landscape features a patchwork of gentle hills extending northeast of the city of Bath to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace. You will also find picture postcard villages and rustic old pubs (for leisurely lunches or dinners), as well as a wealth of historical interest, from ancient castles and manor houses to old abbeys and Roman villas.

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6. Majorca: Sierras and Monasteries, Spain – Grade 3

Away from the burgeoning resorts, there is a hikers’ paradise in Majorca. Along spectacular coastal footpaths such as the restored Pilgrims’ Way and the 19th century Archduke's Trail, this trip takes you to tiny sun-drenched beaches. The routes will also have you venture forth on hikes through shady forests, olive groves and ancient farmsteads. A very unique aspect of your walking holiday will be spending three nights in a traditional monastery, listening to the sound of nightingales from your bedroom window.

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7. Walking in the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus – Grade 3

A land of outstanding natural beauty, the island of Aphrodite is blessed with sunny skies and mild climate year round. On this walking trip you will leave behind the busy cosmopolitan towns and the crowded beach resorts and head towards the centre of the island. This way, you can experience the real Cyprus. Here you can hike through pine-clad landscapes and gentle orchards, visit Byzantine monasteries and explore the timeless villages of Cyprus’ biggest mountain range, Troodos.

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8. John Muir Way, Scotland – Grade 2

Known as the 'Father of National Parks', John Muir was born in Dunbar, on Scotland’s southeast coast, and as a child developed a deep love of the natural world around his home. Steeped in fine landscapes, the John Muir Way forms a Scottish coast-to-coast route. The walking path symbolically links Muir’s hometown with capital Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and Scotland’s first National Park the Trossachs. It concludes at the seaside town of Helensburgh in the west from where he departed for the USA.  

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9. Isle of Wight Coastal Walking, England – Grade 2

Spend a week circumnavigating the easily accessible Isle of Wight. Take in its great natural beauty, enjoying glittering sea views across the Solent and the English Channel, its well-known white cliffs and sea-stacks around The Needles, and of course miles and miles of beaches. Our easy walks follow mostly public footpaths and minor lanes and there are several attractions to break down each walking day. Wander around in timeless seaside resorts and visit the holiday home of Queen Victoria, Osbourne House.

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10. Exploring La Gomera, Spain – Grade 3

For Spanish atmosphere with an island twist and year-round pleasant temperatures, La Gomera is the place to go. Off the western coast of Morocco, it has survived from the frenzy of development seen elsewhere in the Canary Islands. It retains an old-world rural feel with homesteads, traditional dishes, rocky peaks and a unique laurel cloud forest. With free days to relax or explore further, plus 3 nights spent in your private apartment, this walk allows you to fully enjoy this hidden gem island.

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+1. Great Glen Barge Multi Activity Week, Scotland – Grade 1

Exploring Scotland’s picturesque lochs by barge is growing in popularity and this weeklong trip fits in as much or as little activity as you want. There are options not only to walk but also cycle or canoe sections of the iconic Great Glen Way. The barge stops are planned to suit the active stages, breaking them into manageable walks, cycles and paddles. Throughout your journey you will be guided by an experienced escort, who will be pointing out places of interest along the way.

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Find many more easy walking holidays in Europe and the United Kingdom that are graded up to 3: Moderate.