Sponsored content
If you’re a keen rambler with a passion for adventure, you might want to think about a walking tour for your next holiday. Walking holidays allow you to appreciate the beauty and diversity of your surroundings on a deeper, more introspective level.
At one end of the world, you can trek past snow-capped peaks, gleaming lakes, and soaring pine forests, while, at the other, green rice paddies, temple-speckled towns, and legendary mountains await. In between, there are endless deserts, verdant valleys, mirror-like lagoons, and rolling sand dunes to explore.
To show you how inspiring these breaks can be, we’ve partnered with HF Holidays, one of the UK’s leading providers of walking tours. Driven by a passion to connect like-minded people with a love of the great outdoors, HF Holidays believes that the spirit of adventure lies in sharing your experiences with others. Their group tours are about immersing yourself in authentic cultural experiences, creating unforgettable memories, and forging lasting friendships as you go.
When you join an HF Holidays tour, you’ll be guided by local leaders who know the area best. Whether it’s exploring remote Himalayan villages or navigating tropical Vietnamese jungles, these experts go beyond the guidebooks to show you the walking trails, cultural experiences, and local secrets that make each destination unique. Plus, they take care of every detail of your trip, managing in-destination travel arrangements and making sure everything runs seamlessly from start to finish.
So, if you’re thinking about visiting a far-flung corner of the world and you want to spend at least some time exploring on foot, which destinations are best? Here are 10 walking adventures for a 2025 escape.
Aside from these 10 adventures, HF Holidays has over 260 walking holidays across 40 countries and six continents, so there’s something to suit most tastes, budgets, and abilities over on their website.
1. Northern Vietnam
Home to emerald rice fields, sheer limestone mountains, and dreamy white-sand beaches, Vietnam boasts an unusually varied landscape…but the northern half of the country is arguably the most diverse. So, why not uncover its beauty on HF Holidays’ Walking and Sightseeing in Vietnam tour? Step off the beaten path as you explore on foot, by bike, and by boat, diving deep into the country’s captivating history and cultural heritage.
Trek over the green peaks around Ninh Binh, hike through the rice paddy-covered valleys of Mai Chau, and cruise along the shimmering green waters of Ha Long Bay. The capital, Hanoi, also awaits, as does imperial Hué and the riverside city of Hoi An. As you take in the city sights, you can immerse yourself in the mouthwatering food scene: sample local cuisine, taste your way around night markets, and even try your hand at cooking some dishes yourself.
-
HF Holidays Walking & Sightseeing in Vietnam*
£100 off | Vietnam | 16 nights | Flights, Transfers & Accommodation Included
2. Laos and Cambodia
If Southeast Asia is calling you but you’re not sold on Vietnam, what about HF Holidays’ Laos and Cambodia Uncovered tour? During this 17-night adventure, you’ll experience the best of these two captivating countries, taking guided walks, touring temples, trekking through mountains, and enjoying scenic river cruises. Packed with cultural treasures and architectural wonders, this trip allows you to see Cambodia and Laos at their best.
In Cambodia, you’ll tour the UNESCO-listed Angkor temples, explore the vibrant resort town of Siem Reap, and trek through the forest-carpeted Kulen Mountains. In Laos, you can hike to the thundering Kuang Si Falls, cruise along the Mekong River’s winding waterways, and visit the historic city of Luang Prabang. Along the way, you’ll also visit traditional rural villages, connect with locals, spot unique wildlife, and feast on the fabulously fragrant local cuisine.
-
HF Holidays Laos & Cambodia Uncovered*
Cambodia & Laos | 17 nights | Flights, Transfers & Accommodation Included
3. Maritime Canada
The weathered coastline of Eastern Canada has long drawn travellers seeking adventure, and HF Holidays’ Maritime Canada tour is the ideal opportunity to uncover its beauty. This 11-night expedition takes you to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, where you’ll hike past many of Canada’s most impressive sights. Enjoy gentle strolls along the rocky shores of Peggy’s Cove and exhilarating climbs along Cape Breton’s Skyline Trail.
There are many opportunities to experience the local food scene, from feasting on fresh lobster during a cruise in Shediac Bay to wine tasting in scenic vineyards. At the Bay of Fundy, the world’s highest tides will take your breath away, while, in bustling Charlottetown, the birthplace of Canada, the region’s history comes to life. You’ll also learn about the indigenous Mi’kmaq people, tour Halifax and Sydney, and visit the world’s most famous lighthouse.
-
Canada | 11 nights | Flights, Transfers & Accommodation Included
Discover the great outdoors with HF Holidays
As Britain’s leading walking holiday cooperative, with 48,000 members, HF Holidays bring together like-minded people together with more than 260 walking and activity holidays in the UK, Europe, and beyond.
4. Peru
If you’re intrigued by ancient civilisations, there’s a good chance you’ve always dreamed of going to Peru – and, in particular, Machu Picchu, the abandoned Incan mountain citadel. HF Holidays’ On the Trail of the Incas tour takes you to Peru’s most iconic sights, from Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, to colourful Rainbow Valley, which you’ll trek over. But the highlight of this 15-night adventure is hiking along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
As you walk, you can admire breathtaking views of the Andes, delve into Incan history and culture, and sample the delicious local cuisine. You’ll tour the sights of the Sacred Valley, explore the Spanish-Inca city of Cusco, try your hand at weaving on an Andean farm, and celebrate Peruvian culture at a folklore dinner. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll also explore Lima, the capital, cruise across the vast blue Titicaca, and visit the famous Pisac Market.
-
HF Holidays On the Trail of the Incas*
Peru | 15 nights | Flights, Transfers & Accommodation Included
5. Chile and Easter Island
South America isn’t short of intriguing sights and destinations, but one of the most mysterious is Easter Island. Located 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile, cast adrift in the Pacific Ocean, this legendary island is known for its moai – huge statues of bizarre human heads carved out of rock. On HF Holidays’ Chile Uncovered and Easter Island tour, you’ll discover the strange history of this unique island. But that’s only one part of the fun.
You’ll spend most of this 19-night adventure on the Chilean mainland, exploring its staggering diversity. Home to soaring mountains, ancient forests, gurgling geysers, and flamingo-filled lakes, you can admire the varied landscape on numerous guided hikes. Trek through the desolately beautiful Atacama Desert, explore the vibrant harbour city of Valparaíso, tour the snow-capped Osorno Volcano, and sample fabulous wines in the peaceful Casablanca Valley.
-
HF Holidays Chile Uncovered & Easter Island*
Chile | 19 nights | Flights, Transfers & Accommodation Included
6. Namibia
More drawn to Africa than South America? HF Holidays’ epic 16-night Wildlife and Dunes of Namibia tour might be the adventure for you. This is your chance to tick off Namibia’s most beautiful and compelling sights, from the Sossusvlei dunes of the Namib Desert to the ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein. If you’re as interested in wildlife and photography as you are in hiking, this is the trip for you, and animal lovers will be in their element too.
Spot elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and rhinos on a safari at Etosha National Park safari, search for the ‘Marine Big 5’ at Walvis Bay, and observe pelicans and flamingos in the lagoon. The granite landscape of the Erongo Mountains is ideal for hiking – and photographing – while the sky-high red dunes of the Namib desert are just as captivating. The small group sizes ensure an intimate experience, and you’ll learn all about the local flora and fauna as you go.
-
HF Holidays Wildlife & Dunes of Namibia*
£150 off | Namibia | 16 nights | Flights, Transfers & Accommodation Included
Discover the great outdoors with HF Holidays
As Britain’s leading walking holiday cooperative, with 48,000 members, HF Holidays bring together like-minded people together with more than 260 walking and activity holidays in the UK, Europe, and beyond.
7. Bhutan
Closed off to tourists until the mid-1970s, the hidden Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is still cloaked in mystery…but on HF Holidays’ Temples and Trails of Bhutan tour, you can discover its most intriguing secrets. Home to some of the world’s most spectacular peaks, the hiking is exceptional and there’s a good chance you’ll be left speechless by the sky-scraping mountain views. Led by local guides, you’ll trek through the valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro.
Exploring the magnificent Punakha Dzong Fortress, where Bhutan’s kings are crowned, is a highlight, as is visiting the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which clings precipitously to a 900m-high cliff face. Over 11 days, you’ll walk above the clouds on Bhutan’s highest road, witness a blessing ceremony performed by red-robed Buddhist monks, admire gleaming golden temples in verdant valleys, and even enjoy a tour of India’s energetic, culture-rich capital, Delhi.
-
HF Holidays Temples & Trails of Bhutan*
Bhutan | 11 nights | Flights, Transfers & Accommodation Included
8. American Rockies
The USA is home to many of the world’s most spectacular national parks, and on HF Holidays’ Highlights of the American Rockies tour, you’ll visit some of the most iconic. During this thrilling 14-day journey through the Rocky Mountains, you’ll step back to the time of the Wild West, following in the footsteps of the early pioneers, as well as local heroes like Buffalo Bill. But, while this tour has plenty of history, the highlight is the stunning natural scenery.
Travel from the gleaming lakes and snowy peaks of Wyoming to the red-hued lunar-like landscapes of Utah, visiting national parks including Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone. Enjoy guided hikes over wild frontiers where wolves, bears, elk, and bison roam, and bald eagles and osprey soar overhead. Plus, at Yellowstone, you’ll get to see the world’s most active and impressive geysers and thermal springs bubbling away frenetically.
-
HF Holidays Highlights of the American Rockies*
USA | 14 nights | Flights, Transfers & Accommodation Included
9. The Atlas Mountains
Morocco has been luring adventurers for centuries, thanks, in part, to the magic of Marrakech. But the country’s lesser-visited mountains have just as much going for them. If you’re a keen hiker, the rugged beauty of these peaks might be just what you’re looking for. HF Holidays’ seven-day Walking in the Atlas Mountains tour takes you along ancient paths through landscapes including orange-hued gorges, fruit-rich orchards, and startlingly-green valleys.
Scattered through the Atlas Mountains are traditional Berber villages, and you’ll visit many of these, sampling local food and staying in riad-style lodges under the starry skies. As you hike, you’ll be able to admire scenery including the cascading Ouzoud Falls, the hulking M’Goun mountain, and the serene Aït Bouguemez valley. And, of course, you’ll tour Marrakech, losing yourself in the maze-like medina and soaking up the sights of Jemaa el-Fanna square.
-
HF Holidays Walking in the Atlas Mountains*
Morocco | 7 nights | Flights, Transfers & Accommodation Included
Discover the great outdoors with HF Holidays
As Britain’s leading walking holiday cooperative, with 48,000 members, HF Holidays bring together like-minded people together with more than 260 walking and activity holidays in the UK, Europe, and beyond.
10. Nepal
If you enjoy hiking through soaring peaks, what about trekking through the world’s most iconic mountains? Nepal is home to the most famous stretch of the Himalayas and, if you’re looking for a seriously intrepid adventure, HF Holidays’ Nepal: Walking in the Himalayas tour might be it. Led by an expert leader, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to tour dense jungles, mountain villages, golden temples, and the world’s highest peaks.
On a trail few tourists are aware of, you’ll ascend to heights of over 3,500m above sea level, where you can soak up jaw-dropping views. There’s plenty of culture, too, from the UNESCO-listed Boudhanath Stupa monastery to traditional Nepali cooking lessons. You’ll also tour Kathmandu, Nepal’s intoxicating capital, visit the juggle-swathed Chitwan National Park on a quest to spot rhinos, and enjoy sunrise views over the Himalayas.
-
HF Holidays Nepal: Walking in the Himalayas*
Nepal | 14 nights | Flights, Transfers & Accommodation Included
Final thoughts…
Whichever of these destinations is calling you, an HF Holidays walking tour promises the adventure of a lifetime.
As Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative, HF Holidays aims to connect like-minded people with a love of nature and the outdoors. Not only will you get to see some of the world’s most dazzling and awe-inspiring landscapes, but you’ll be able to share the joy of discovery as you go.
With over 110 years of experience under their belts, booking a break with HF Holidays means you can explore the world with confidence, knowing that support is with you every step of the way, and experienced leaders are on hand to inspire and guide.
The 10 walking tours featured give you a small taste of the type of adventure you can have with HF Holidays. There are over 260 walking holidays across 40 countries and six continents, so there’s hopefully something to suit most tastes, budgets, and abilities.
Are you interested in any of these walking tours? Have you been on walking holidays before? We’d love to hear about your travel plans and experiences in the comments below.
Selene Nelson is an author, freelance journalist, and lifestyle writer for Rest Less. After graduating from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature, Selene began contributing to many major newspapers and websites, and has written for the BBC, The Sunday Times, The Independent, Town & Country, and HuffPost. Her specialist subjects include food, travel, and health, though she enjoys writing about a wide range of topics (e.g. her two books are about veganism and psychopathy, respectively!). She enjoys cooking (particularly pasta and Asian noodle soups), reading, travelling, hiking, attempting to keep fit, and watching animal videos on YouTube.
* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.
Search over 2,000 holiday deals
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute getaway, city break or the trip of a lifetime – our travel section has over two-thousand deals from top providers, with options to suit all budget levels.