On face value, choosing a walking holiday might seem a little bit strange. After all, why take a vacation, if you just intend to be even more active than usual? Well, actually it’s important to note that there are many different types of a walking holiday.

Each walking holiday provider will name the different levels of their walking holiday something different. To generalise a little bit more, each of the descriptions match roughly what you’ll be doing.

Just so that you can get an idea of the different levels of walking holidays, and why you should make your next holiday a walking holiday.

Introductory Walking

This is more for people who don’t take regular walks at home, and probably don’t have the highest fitness level. Introductory walking will be the starting point to your walking adventures. You don’t really have to have any experience here, but being healthy enough to work 4 to 5 hours is best.

Most often these will be flat terrain, so you won’t have to worry about climbing hills. And often there is something delightful at the end of it, like wine tasting, or getting to see a stunning sea view.

Introductory walking will require you to have some comfortable shoes, but we will go through more of the equipment that you will need later on.

Medium Level

This is for those who are quite often walking up hills on the weekend but still prefer a little bit flatter. You’ll have more stamina than introductory level walkers, and are more likely to want to walk for 5+ hours per day.

Some days will be much longer than others, but you will most likely have rest days in between, or for each location that you walk to will have a delightful B&B or hotel waiting for you.

It won’t be all uphill but it certainly won’t be flat. And you will feel invigorated, refreshed, and your calves will undoubtedly have been stretched by the time you finish this walking holiday.

Point to Point

A point to point walking holiday means that you will walk from one sleeping location to the next sleeping location. The reason that point to point walking holidays are so popular is that the almost entire journey will be covered by foot and that can feel very satisfying. Usually on a point to point walking trip there will be a mix of terrain.

However, you would be more than likely off the beaten path and experience some of the most stunning views.

Centre-based Walking Holidays

Centre-based walking holidays are where you stay in a hotel or another style of accommodation for the entire trip. You don’t have to unpack and repack every day, and you know exactly where you’ll be sleeping each evening.

These options tend to have plenty of time to relax and are great for groups of friends, couples, or those who enjoy meeting new people.

Centre-based walking trips are usually ideal for people who are entirely new to walking activities, so they make great short breaks for people who want to get into walking.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are exactly what they say on the tin, and an experienced walking guide will be able to take you round to all of the most beautiful views along the path. You have the opportunity to chat with other people who are walking, and it is ideal even if you’re travelling alone.

You get to experience all of the local knowledge with your guide as you walk. Each group is typically between four and 16 people which allows for a very personalised tour.

And by the end of your week-long walking holiday, you’ll know everyone pretty well.

Self-guided Tour

Self-guided tours can be the most relaxing way to enjoy a walking holiday. Because you have complete flexibility about when you decide to walk and where. You can choose the places that will interest you most, which means you will really maximise your walking holiday time away.

Often your choosen tour operator will be able to provide you with comprehensive routes and directions, as well as a list of great places to stay to eat or drink on your walk. There will be several days that are noted as the stay put, these are perfect days to walk around the local area and check out the attractions there.

What to Pack on a Walking Holiday

It doesn’t matter if you have booked a self-guided walking holiday or a guided walking holiday. Much of what you will pack will be the same.

It should be noted that many walking holidays do include the transport of your luggage between any accommodation you will be staying in, so you won’t typically have to carry your luggage with you as you walk.

But several things can make you more comfortable during your long walk.

Baselayers

To be the most comfortable, and deal with any of the different weather conditions, a range of base layers is the best option. A few short-sleeved T-shirts and some long sleeve tops will be ideal.

Try to opt for Marino or yak wool if you’re going to be wearing your layers for more than one day. Synthetic products typically will make you hotter, more uncomfortable, and after a few days of use will not smell very fresh.

Trousers and Shorts

The weather will really dictate which one you’re going to need. But it is important that your legs are incredibly comfortable while you are walking. Seams and hems will rub against your skin and can make for a very uncomfortable walk.

Try to opt for fabrics that are very breathable if it’s going to be sunny, and ensure that they have a high sun factor protection. If you want to maximise your bag, you can choose a pair of trousers that zip off into shorts.

Walking Footwear

Depending upon the terrain will make the difference as to which boots or shoes that you should choose. You must have worn in the boots or shoes ahead of the holiday.

Many experts will be able to tell you how long you should wear them for before they make the ideal walking holiday companion.

You can visit a specialist outdoor store to discuss the right footwear for your holiday.

Waterproof Outer Layers

If the location that you are travelling to tends to rain you are going to want a waterproof jacket and trousers. Choose waterproofs according to the weather conditions that you expect.

If it is likely to be a small chance of rain, take something lightweight that can roll down and fit in your backpack.

If there is the chance that it could be cold and wet on your walk, then you’re going to have to pack winter quality waterproofs. Most often these are light enough to be put into the bottom of your daypack and forgotten about until needed.

Accessories

Gloves, hats and glasses are going to be essential for you. If you typically wear glasses you might want to buy a spare pair, or one that can be transformed into sunglasses, see all options here. If it’s going to be sunny, make sure that you take a brimmed hat or a peak cap with you.

If it’s cold a beanie hat is obviously the best option. And remember that even in a sunny location in the mornings can be quite chilly.

Your daypack is going to need to be big enough to keep everything in it, but incredibly lightweight. A daypack will be with you every day when you are walking, so try to make sure there is room for: a water bottle, fold-down walking poles, and essential extras like suncream, a camera, blister plasters, headache tablets and insect repellent.

Walking holidays are not only great for your fitness levels but an ideal way to explore a location safely on foot. Walking holidays are now becoming more and more popular, with less need to head abroad to enjoy some delightful sites.