A great hiking holiday does not have to mean an expedition to the other side of the world. For UK walkers, some of Europe’s most rewarding landscapes are either at home or only a short flight away. The best hiking holidays UK and Europe can offer in 2026 range from gentle lakeside paths and coastal walks to demanding Alpine journeys.
The key is choosing a destination that matches your fitness, confidence and preferred travel style. Some people want luggage transfers, comfortable hotels and a guide who handles navigation. Others would rather carry a pack and set their own pace. The destinations below cover both approaches.
Best hiking holidays in the UK
Lake District: the best all-round choice
The Lake District is one of the most flexible destinations for walking holidays UK travellers can reach without flying. Its famous fells attract experienced hikers, but the region is equally good for valley walks, lakeside routes and accessible paths. That range suits couples or groups with different fitness levels.
Ambitious walkers can plan classic fell days, while beginners may prefer sections of the Ullswater Way or the national park’s Miles without Stiles routes. Staying in Keswick, Ambleside or Windermere also gives you transport links and alternatives when the weather changes.
Eryri: dramatic mountain scenery in Wales
Eryri National Park offers sharp ridges, glacial valleys and routes leading towards Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales. Reaching the summit is not the only reason to visit. The circular walk around Cwm Idwal gives a comparatively approachable introduction to the landscape, while the Mawddach Trail offers flatter walking with estuary views.
This is an excellent location for guided walking tours if you want to attempt a summit but lack mountain experience. Conditions can change quickly, and a local guide can help select a route that suits both your ability and the forecast.
South West Coast Path: flexible stages and sea views
Running for 630 miles, the South West Coast Path is too long for most single holidays, but that is part of its appeal. You can choose a section in Cornwall, Devon or Dorset and create a trip lasting from a weekend to two weeks. Clifftop views, fishing villages and beaches keep the walking varied.
Coastal walking is not always easy. Repeated climbs and descents can make a modest distance tiring. First-time long-distance walkers should consider shorter stages, luggage transfer and accommodation booked in advance.
West Highland Way: a classic Scottish journey
The West Highland Way is one of the best hiking routes for travellers who want a clear sense of progression. It begins near Glasgow and continues through lochs, moorland and Highland scenery before finishing in Fort William. Established accommodation and baggage services make it suitable for a first multi-day trek.
The terrain becomes more exposed as the route continues, so waterproof clothing and broken-in footwear are essential. Midges can be troublesome in warmer months, while shoulder-season conditions may be colder and wetter.
Best hiking holidays in Europe
Madeira: levadas, peaks and year-round greenery
Madeira suits walkers who want dramatic scenery without committing to one continuous trail. Its network includes levada paths through forest, waterfall walks and steeper mountain routes. Staying in one hotel and taking day trips makes planning simpler than a hut-to-hut holiday.
For 2026, access to Madeira’s classified PR trails requires advance reservation, and a general visitor fee of €4.50 usually applies. Trail status can change because of weather or maintenance, so check the official listing before setting out. Easier levadas suit moderately active travellers, while exposed summit paths require experience and good conditions.
Tour du Mont Blanc: the iconic Alpine circuit
The Tour du Mont Blanc passes through France, Italy and Switzerland, circling the Mont Blanc massif through high passes, valleys and mountain settlements. It is one of the best-known hiking trails Europe offers, but consecutive days of ascent and descent demand proper preparation.
You can walk the complete circuit, choose a shorter section or join an organised group. Guided trips work well for first-time Alpine hikers, while self-guided packages often include route notes, accommodation and luggage transfers. Book early because popular summer dates fill quickly.
Dolomites: hut-to-hut walking and exceptional scenery
Italy’s Dolomites combine pale limestone towers, high meadows and a strong network of paths, lifts and mountain huts. Experienced walkers can follow multi-day high routes, while less confident visitors can use cable cars to reach panoramic paths and return to a valley base.
Read route descriptions carefully. Some paths are straightforward walks, while others include exposed or protected climbing sections. Choose a true hiking itinerary unless you have the equipment and skills required for technical terrain.
Slovenia’s Julian Alps: a quieter alternative
The Julian Alps offer peaks, forests, rivers and glacial valleys in a compact area. Bases such as Kranjska Gora, Bohinj and the Soča Valley let you combine day hikes with lakes, villages and local food. The Juliana Trail is appealing to walkers who want Alpine views without spending every day on exposed summits.
Experienced hikers can tackle higher routes in and around Triglav National Park, while beginners can choose gentler trails near lakes and valley floors. A guide is sensible for demanding mountain objectives.
How to choose the right hiking holiday
Start with the daily experience you genuinely enjoy. Check distance, ascent, terrain and the number of consecutive walking days. If you normally walk on flat ground, train gradually with hills and a loaded daypack before travelling.
Decide how much support you need. Guided walking tours provide reassurance and local knowledge. Self-guided packages offer independence while arranging accommodation and luggage. Fully independent travel requires stronger navigation and contingency planning.
For mountain or coastal routes, check current conditions shortly before setting out. Carry layers, water, food, sun protection and an offline map. Travel insurance should cover the altitude and activities in your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hiking holiday for beginners?
The Lake District, Madeira and the Julian Alps all offer gentle routes alongside harder options. A single-base holiday with flexible day walks is usually better than a demanding continuous trek.
When is the best time for hiking holidays in Europe?
Late spring and early autumn suit many lower-level destinations. High Alpine routes are generally better in summer, although conditions vary and local trail advice should always be checked.
Are guided walking tours worth the cost?
They are valuable when navigation, weather decisions or unfamiliar mountain terrain are concerns. Guides also reduce planning and provide useful local insight.
How fit should I be for a multi-day walking holiday?
You should be comfortable walking for several hours on consecutive days. Train on similar terrain, increase distance gradually and practise using the footwear and pack you will take.
Plan a hiking holiday that fits you
The best hiking holidays UK and Europe offer are not necessarily the hardest or most famous. A successful trip matches your ability, leaves flexibility for weather and gives you time to enjoy the landscape. Whether you choose the Lake District, a coastal trail, Madeira’s levadas or an Alpine circuit, thoughtful planning will make 2026 a memorable year to explore on foot.