Walking holidays are trending and show no sign of slowing down. Lacing up your hiking boots, picking a new destination and hitting the trail is a special type of solace — anyone fancy the Dolomites?

Fitness aside, these trips can be demanding. Navigation, logistics, accommodation and route selection are challenging. Here’s what to know when plotting the ultimate walking holiday.

 1. Choosing the Right Route

Picking the right route is arguably the most important choice you’ll make. Always evaluate your ability honestly, even if there’s time to train beforehand. It is essential to know exactly how fit you’ll be when hitting that trailhead, as it dictates your route choice. Will you choose a scenic day walk? Or a long-distance trail? Injuries and exhaustion aren’t enjoyable.

Next, decide whether you’d prefer a guided or self-guided walking holiday. And, importantly, what scenery tugs at your heartstrings? If you need inspiration, the England Coast Path is nearing completion, and the Pennine Way has just celebrated its 60th anniversary.

 2. Planning Logistics & Accommodation

Guided walking holidays handle all the logistics and accommodation. But if you decide to “go it alone”, this pre-departure planning falls on your shoulders. Research transfers, kit-drop services, luggage transfers and bothies. Some trails even offer luxury shepherd’s huts, but accommodation styles are highly route-dependent.

 3. Essential Gear & Clothing

We’re not just talking aesthetics. Similar to route-picking, choosing what gear and clothing to pack will dramatically shape your experience.

The typical must-haves are a solid pair of trusty hiking boots, breathable socks and waterproofs. For those navigating colder climates (or rising elevation, like Kilimanjaro treks), it’s also important to pack thermal base layers and down jackets to protect yourself from sub-zero temperatures. It’s worth choosing slightly looser fits when buying women’s and men’s jackets to allow for layering.

 4. Staying Safe and Sustainable

Navigation is the most obvious concern, but weather awareness is just as important. In bad conditions, even the simplest routes can become disorienting or dangerous. Before embarking on trails, it’s important to pack a first-aid kit and carefully monitor forecasts.

In terms of sustainability, always uphold the “Leave No Trace” rule. Minimise impact, avoid straying off designated paths and try to use shoulder seasons.

 5. Cultural & Seasonal Highlights

That said, nothing quite motivates hikers like an event. If you’d like some extra oomph behind your walking holiday, research cultural and seasonal highlights. A good example is the Pennine Way’s 60th anniversary, but there are others too, like the Stockton & Darlington Railway’s 200th anniversary. Similarly, walking the trails around Pendle becomes extra atmospheric around Halloween — where better to learn about the history of witchcraft and tragic trials?

The right walking holiday is a life-changing experience. Where will you go first?