Walking Holidays: A Month By Month Guide

With year-round sunshine and mild, yet pleasant temperatures throughout winter, the Canary Islands of La Gomera and Tenerife are an ideal destination for a February walking holiday. Trek through the mysterious laurisilva cloud forests and walk around the moonscape plateau of the perfectly formed cone volcano, El Teide, for far-reaching views of mighty canyons and jagged rock formations.

Head to Turkey for an unforgettable moderate walking holiday along the Lycian Way. From glistening turquoise waters and golden sand beaches to ancient villages and age-old relics, this spectacular trail has plenty to offer. Head here in April to see the pretty coastal paths lined with colourful wildflowers and incredible views of verdant valleys against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountain peaks. After a busy day's hiking, take a dip in the calm waters of Patara Beach and sip sundowners in the beautiful port of Kas.

Steeped in a semi-nomadic shepherd culture and offering unspoilt wilderness, Kyrgyzstan is the best place in Central Asia for a walking holiday. While temperatures are higher in June, on our moderate-graded Walking in Kyrgyzstan tour you'll average walks of 5 to 15km a day, so it won't feel too challenging. Sprawling lakes, snow-covered peaks and alpine meadows... you won't know which view to take in first! This Kyrgyzstan walking tour is topped off with an overnight stay at a nomadic yurt camp.

August is one of the best months to join a walking holiday in Canada, and even more so in the Canadian Rockies, where there tends to be cooler temperatures. Our two-week trip sees you get as close to nature as possible, as you traverse iconic national parks, marvel at rugged peaks and unwind in hot springs. Follow the scenic Stanley Glacier trail in Kootenay National Park and take in wild roses, blue clematis, and yellow columbine as you ascend the summit of the Kindersley-Sinclair.

Challenge yourself with a hike to the vast natural amphitheatre of Nepal’s Annapurna Sanctuary in October. Dry days and clear skies will provide spectacular views over the snow-tipped peaks of these majestic mountains, and lush green terraced fields will glow brightly on the hillsides. You may also experience the vibrant celebrations of the Dashain Festival at this time of year, when colourful kites fly from the rooftops, and the chimes of spiritual melodies drift through the valleys.

For a Christmas break with a difference, head to Madeira to explore its mossy levadas, ancient footpaths and clifftop passes by foot. Navigate your way through dark tunnels and dare to step onto the famous Balcony Walk cut into the cliff. Uncover magnificent waterfalls tumbling down the hillsides and take a refreshing dip in the plunge pools below. You can also join in with Madeira’s Christmas festivities: browse Funchal’s all-night Christmas market and listen to carols while sipping on traditional poncha, a sweet alcoholic tipple made from sugar cane and lemons.