What are the benefits of going on a walking holiday?

When you picture going away, does your mind instantly go to sandy beaches or busy cities? You are not alone in this, and it’s no surprise considering both are amongst the most popular ways to travel. But, there are other ways to travel, and certain types of holidays are gaining momentum, with more people opting to do something different, instead of the same breakaway that they do every year. One type of holiday which you may have been hearing more about is a walking holiday. Over the past few years, more walking holidays have been booked, and it’s no surprise when you start looking into the benefits and the reviews.

walking sneakers

Not only does a walking holiday allow you to explore various landscapes (which can be unspoilt, tranquil, and often far removed from the usual tourist trail), but it also gives you the chance to catch up with your loved ones, without having a lot of distractions around. 

If you are unsure whether to book your hike in Spain – or any country for that matter – we have put together a brief guide on some of the benefits a walking holiday offers. 

You can continue to be active 

Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise. Unlike high-impact sports, it’s gentle on the joints while still strengthening muscles, improving cardiovascular health, and boosting stamina. If you are someone who has recently started to get active (or loves being active for that matter), a walking holiday allows you to continue building on that lifestyle while enjoying the added motivation of stunning scenery and new experiences. A holiday doesn’t always have to be about relaxing on the beach (although there is a time and a place for this). 

Spend quality time with your loved ones

When you go on a walking holiday – take these walking holidays in England as an example – you’ll get to explore over 50 miles of terrain, which gives you plenty of time to talk to each other without the usual distractions of everyday life (such as phones or screens). Walking side by side encourages natural conversation, whether it’s light-hearted chats, deeper discussions, or simply enjoying comfortable silences together. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with friends, family, or even meet new people along the trail.

The sense of achievement when completing the route 

A walking holiday may be accessible to all, but that doesn’t mean it’s not challenging at times. You’ll get to explore various destinations over several days (depending on how long you book for), which will challenge your body in different ways, whether it’s your strength or stamina. From steep hills to long, flat stretches, each route brings its own test, which can bring a huge sense of achievement once you have completed it. A lot of people finish their walking holiday, return home and are instantly looking to do another as they get so much enjoyment out of it. 

Are you going to be booking a walking holiday, and if so, where are you planning on going? What are the main benefits you think a walking holiday offers? Is there anything we have missed in our guide that you think we should be adding? Let us know in the comment box below. We look forward to hearing from you.