If walking holidays conjur up images of soggy sandwiches, bunk beds and ramblers with leather sandals singing kumbaya, then think again.
Walking holidays have got cool, credible and luxurious. Thank god. And if you’re up for channeling your inner Reese Witherspoon from hiking blockbuster Wild, then these stomping holidays offer gourmet food, boutique boltholes to lay your head and all the fun of the outdoors with like-minded people (who don’t sing).
Lulworth Cove’s Lulworth Lodge
Lulworth Lodge sits nestled below Blindon Hill on the gently sloping, traffic-free approach to the stunning Lulworth Cove. The newly renovated lodge is stylish with a coastal-inspired decor, open fire place, bar and cosy living space.
There’s a drying room for boots and outdoor gear and a comprehensive map room, which is a great resource for those who enjoy self-guided days.
Lulworth Lodge in Dorset offers a bit of luxury and great food. The accommodation is all ensuite
What sets the lodge apart most, though, is the ski-chalet atmosphere; meals are enjoyed together in the dining room and the country-chic lounge is a convivial meeting place for guests.
The stylish ensuite bedrooms
There’s also a sun terrace where you can enjoy a sundowner after a hard day yomping and no doubt chat about the next days’ routes.
Luxury in Lulworth Cove
Comfort is a watchword at Lulworth Lodge and the accommodation is more like a boutique bolthole than walkers rest.
All bedrooms are ensuite and some have balconies with views out to the stunning cove.
The food is excellent, freshly cooked and features local produce, fresh fish and seasonal dishes.
The kitchen also caters very well to dietary needs with even the afternoon tea offering dairy-free and gluten-free cakes.
Walking in Dorset: Corfe Castle to Swanage
Our two guides for the weekend, Chris and John, had both been with HF Holidays for a number of years and were very knowledgeable. They managed to combine the more factual aspects of the routes with a gentle, good humour so it was more of a conversation with a friend than a guided walk.
The guided walks were not dowdy nor boring but actually fun and recommended. Photo from Visit England
Over dinner John and Chris described the two guided walks on offer the next day, one 3km and one 5km, in addition to several other self-guided routes. The map room was so comprehensive we decided to go for a self-guided walk the next day.
After dinner the lodge had laid on a guest speaker for us, the wonderfully entertaining Bonny Sartin. Born and raised in Dorset, Bonny provided a wealth of musical treats, anecdotes and ditties that made for a sociable and fun evening.
With its drink terrace and sociable open-plan lounge, Lulworth Lodge has a ski-chalet-style ambience
Saturday morning dawned with clear, sunny skies and after a heart breakfast enjoyed with our fellow walkers, we collected freshly prepared sandwiches, filled our flasks and selected goodies for our packed lunch, all provided by the lodge.
Self-guided walks in Dorset
The laminated route guides from the map room were a triumph as the walk was broken down into stages, giving distance per stage. Key signposts and landmarks were both described and photographed meaning that even the most inexperienced walker could follow with ease.
The scenery was breathtaking, with views of Bournemouth bay and the Isle of Purbeck along the way. I began to feel like Reese Witherspoon from Wild, trekking through the countryside, albeit with a comfy bed at the end of my route!
We completed our 11k within the estimated four hours and then took back to our car in Corfe Castle (the lodge can also organise taxis to the start points of some of the longer walks where necessary).
Lulworth to Durdle Door
Durdle Door was just one of the sights enjoyed on the walks. Photo from Visit England
On Sunday we opted for a guided walk with Chris to Durdle Door using the lesser known ‘Scratchy Bottom’ route! Normally not much of a geology buff, I found the guide’s passion for the area and rock formations actually really informative and fun. then it was back to the lodge and a fond farewell to Lulworth.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this contemporary style of walking holiday.The guides were fantastic and really brought the region to life and we are now considering a group trip with HF Holidays to Europe, one that will combine food, hiking and a little cycling.
Five of the best
Adventureline, The Isles of Scilly. 17-24 August
This lovely guided walking holiday includes some of the finest coastal walking in the world on a unique archipelago of beautiful islands with white sand beaches and sub tropical vegetation, 28 miles off-shore from Lands End, west Cornwall.
You’ll dine at some of the best restaurants and pubs on the island and enjoy fully guided walks on St Mary’s, St Agnes, Bryher, Tresco, St Martins and, if weather allows, the uninhabited island of Samson.
Staying on Tresco, walkers will also enjoy boat rides between the islands to explore new routes in land.
The holiday incororates downtime where you can explore for yourself.
Arlberg Mountains, Austria
Enjoy three days of guided walking and discover the panoramic trails originally set by the Walsers, mountain people who settled in Austria in the late 10th century.
Guests stay at the family-run Hotel Goldenerberg, located in the pristine village of Oberlech high in the Arlberg Mountains, Austria, and can enjoy on-site yoga, meditation, spa and saunas.
Chic Collection offers walking holidays with Hotel Goldenerberg from €309 per person based on two sharing a double room for four nights. Price includes 3 days of individual guided hiking from the hotel, daily breakfast and four course dinner, daily vitality (stretching, meditation, yoga) a Lech Card for activities in Lech and full use of the spa. To book call 0203 735 5033.
Footpath Holidays – Daypack Hikes (no packing needed)
The key with the Daypack Hikes is that you can stay where you want – as luxurious as you wish – and you don’t need to pack your rucksack and move on at all. Guided walks start from a pre-arranged point every morning, with transport laid on to each new start point. You can then enjoy a days’ hiking, and then be ferried back to your accommodation before dinner.
The flexibility of this package enables campers, caravaners, spa-lovers and self caterers to enjoy the guided walks but stay somewhere that suits their needs and budget.
Daypack hikes are run around the UK, including the Pennine Way, Chiltern Way West and Coast to Coast through the Lake District.
Awaken Holidays Guided walk in Andalucia
Take a walking holiday to Spain
Choose your grade of walking, from easy to more difficult, and enjoy this five or seven-day walking holiday around the beautiful villages and nature reserves in Andalucia.
You will be staying in Torrox, a pretty traditional, whitewashed Spanish village with narrow medieval streets. Prices from £475 per person.
Walking holidays for singles
With no single supplements and active tours, foodie walking holidays and different trips to suit all types of walkers, this is a great way to meet new people and enjoy the outdoors.
If its your first solo trip, there’s no need to worry as the breaks start from just two nights. See Short Breaks For Singles for more information.
Locations include Shropshire, Cornwall, Derbyshire and the Wye Valley and extend to Portugal and other beautiful European destinations. Guided walks mean your holiday can be hassle-free.