Hiking Vacations for Beginners​

20+ Years of Experience - We've walked the routes, refined every itinerary, and know these trails first-hand.

Handpicked Accommodations - Every B&B, guesthouse, and small hotel personally selected for comfort and character.

Luggage Transfers Included - Your bags travel ahead each morning. You carry only what you need for the day.

Fully Organized, Completely Flexible - Routes, accommodations, luggage transfers, and 24/7 support all handled. You choose your dates, pace, and travel companions.

Local Expertise - Insider tips on the best food stops, hidden viewpoints, and detours worth taking - a local's guide in your pocket.

Trusted by Thousands - 24,000+ reviews, Feefo Platinum Award, British Travel Award. Dedicated North American support line.

One of the most common questions we hear is: "Can I really do this if I've never hiked more than a day before?"

Yes. Absolutely yes.

The key is in the planning - and that's what we've spent 20 years getting right. Every beginner hiking tour in our range is graded for difficulty, with clear information on daily mileage, terrain type, and elevation. You'll know before you book exactly what to expect. And with our luggage transfers, detailed app-based navigation, and 24/7 support team, you're never out there on your own.

Do I need to be an experienced hiker to book one of these trips?
Not at all. Our beginner hiking tours are designed for people who are new to multi-day hiking. We'll recommend the right route for your fitness level, help you understand what to expect each day, and give you all the preparation guidance you need before you go.

How far can a beginner hike in a day?
Most beginners are comfortable hiking between 8 and 12 miles (13-20 kms) a day, depending on terrain and fitness. Our beginner routes typically average 9-11 miles (14-18 kms) per stage, with gentler options available at 6–8 miles (11-13 kms). We'll always recommend a distance range that suits your starting point - and most people are surprised at how quickly they build stamina over a multi-day trip.

How many miles should a beginner hike overall?
For a first multi-day hiking vacation, we usually suggest routes with total distances between 60 and 100 miles, spread over 5–8 days of hiking. This gives you enough days to settle into a rhythm without overloading your first trip.

What should a beginner hiker pack?
The essentials for beginner hikers are: well-fitted walking shoes or boots that have been broken in before your trip, moisture-wicking layers, a waterproof jacket, trekking poles (optional but helpful on hilly terrain), sunscreen, and a small daypack with water and snacks. Because we handle your luggage transfers, your main bags travel ahead - so your pack stays light on the trail.

How do I prepare for a hiking vacation as a beginner?
Start building your base fitness 6-8 weeks before your trip. Day hikes, walking in hilly terrain, and general cardio all help. Break in your footwear before you go - this is probably the single most important thing you can do. We send all our customers detailed pre-trip preparation notes specific to their route.

UK & Ireland

From the West Highland Way in Scotland to the Wicklow Way in Ireland and the coastal trails of Pembrokeshire in Wales - the UK and Ireland offer some of the best beginner hikes in the world. Dramatic scenery, great infrastructure, English-speaking hosts, and a walking culture that goes back centuries. A great first destination for hikers heading to Europe.

Spain & Portugal

The Camino routes - including the Camino Francés and Camino Portugués Coastal Way - are iconic for good reason. Well-signposted, well-serviced, and deeply rewarding. Portugal's Douro Valley and the trails around Lisbon and Sintra offer quieter alternatives with equally gorgeous scenery.

Spain & Portugal

The Camino routes - including the Camino Francés and Camino Portugués Coastal Way - are iconic for good reason. Well-signposted, well-serviced, and deeply rewarding. Portugal's Douro Valley and the trails around Lisbon and Sintra offer quieter alternatives with equally gorgeous scenery.

Italy

Tuscany, Lake Como, Umbria, and Puglia are all ideal for beginner hikers who want cultural richness alongside their trail time. Daily distances are gentle, food stops are frequent, and the countryside is exactly as beautiful as you're hoping.

France & Switzerland

The Dordogne, Burgundy, and Alsace offer easy-going hiking through some of France's most celebrated regions. Vineyard trails, riverside paths, and medieval villages - all at a pace that leaves room for a long lunch.

The Bernese Oberland in Switzerland is one of the best places to hike in Europe for beginners who want Alpine scenery without extreme terrain. Well-maintained paths, mountain railways for assistance, and some of the most dramatic mountain views in the world.

Croatia, Germany & Beyond

The Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, Germany's Moselle Trail, and destinations like Malta, Cyprus, and the Österlen Way in Sweden all offer accessible beginner hiking in beautiful, lesser-visited settings.