Ramble Worldwide has revealed its top 10 walking holidays for beginners – a curated selection of gentle to moderate breaks designed specifically for newcomers to walking adventures, and those wanting to explore at a gentler pace, including small group, guided tours of the UK, Greece and Portugal.
Walking holidays have been widely recognised as a rapidly growing travel trend, increasingly being chosen by travellers of all ages, seeking meaningful experiences which support both physical and mental wellbeing. Gentle exercise in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, support cardiovascular health, and enhance overall fitness, making these trips ideal for those wanting a restorative break with a sense of achievement. Walking in small groups also fosters connection and community, allowing like-minded travellers to share experiences, build confidence together, and discover some of the world’s most beautiful places with the support of an expert leader.
Wayne Perks, MD of Ramble Worldwide, said: “At Ramble Worldwide we have seen a 15% increase in passengers over the last year and we’re seeing more first-time walkers than ever. It is clear that travellers are increasingly seeking gentle, accessible ways to improve wellbeing and explore the world. Our beginner-friendly walking holidays make that first step both achievable and deeply rewarding.”
Ramble Worldwide offers 300 guided small group and self-guided tours across 40 countries, walks are ranked from Grade 1 “Gentle” to Grade 9 “Challenging”, enabling walkers to select the pace and terrain that best suits their comfort level.
Top 10 walks for beginners
These new-to-walking holiday recommendations feature walks from Grades 1 to 4, offering the perfect introduction to the joy of exploring at walking pace in small, guided groups, combining nature exploration with local cultural and culinary experiences.
The Algarve and Andalucia – 7 nights from £1,899pp | Grade 1 “Gentle”: A relaxed exploration of the Eastern Algarve and southern Spain. Wander through charming seaside towns, enjoy lunch on Tavira Island, discover the islands of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa by boat and hop across the border to Ayamonte for authentic Spanish tapas. Price is for 7 nights bed & breakfast including flights and transfers, five dinners with wine, one tapas lunch in Spain and one lunch on Tavira Island.
Bologna – La Rossa – 7 nights from £2,259pp | Grade 1 “Gentle”: An introduction to Italy’s culinary heartland. Learn about Bologna’s world-famous produce, wander the Apennine hills and explore the historic delights of Parma, Modena, Ravenna and Bologna itself. Price is for 7 nights bed & breakfast including flights and transfers and six dinners.
Gardens of the Channel Islands – 6 nights from £1,999pp | Grade 1 “Gentle”: Discover Guernsey, Sark and Herm on a floral-focused adventure. Walk through colourful cliffside paths, explore public and private gardens and soak up the unique history and beauty of the Channel Islands. Price is for 6 nights half-board, including flights and transfers.
Kissamos – A Cretan Delight – 7 nights from £1,599pp | Grade 2 “Leisurely”: Discover Cretan Island charm, explore ancient sites, scenic plateaus, and beautiful harbours. Enjoy leisurely walks, delicious cuisine, and the allure of the Mediterranean. Unwind on sandy beaches and savour the essence of Greece. Price is for 7 nights half-board, including flights, transfers, local transport, guide and entrances.
Medieval Portugal – 7 nights from £2,189pp | Grade 2 “Leisurely”: Follow in the footsteps of civilisations past and the Knights Templar. Explore historic towns and monuments while enjoying leisurely walks through some of Portugal’s most culturally significant regions. Price is for 7 nights half-board, with most dinners taken in local restaurants with wine included, including flights and transfers.
Malvern & Worcester, 4 nights from £689pp | Grade 3 “Leisurely” Beautiful countryside, culture and history dating back to the Norman conquest. Worcester is well known for its civil war connections, beautiful cathedral, cricket ground and sauce. Whilst the Malvern Hills offers a classic British countryside ramble along great paths with views across the heart of England. Price includes 4 nights half board, daily guided walks and local train transfers.
Morocco: Atlas & Ocean – 7 nights from £1,589pp | Grade 3 “Leisurely”: This is a holiday that offers 7 days in what might well seem like another world. Take a fascinating culture far removed from our own, add sweeping Atlantic beaches lit by magical sunsets, views across rugged barren Atlas Mountain peaks, mountain villages where life hasn’t changed much over centuries and kasbahs which assault the senses. Price is for 7 nights bed & breakfast, including flights and transfers, with two lunches and four dinners.
Loire – Chateaux & Vineyards – 7 nights from £1,799pp | Grade 3 “Leisurely”: Discover the tranquillity of Chinon, with its cream-stone architecture, riverside beauty and rich heritage. Enjoy leisurely walks among vineyards, historic châteaux and some of the Loire’s finest landscapes. Price is for 7 nights half-board, minus two dinners, including return train travel from London St Pancras to Tours.
The Lake District & Hassness Country House, 4 nights from £549pp | Grade 4 “Moderate”: One of the UK’s most beautiful, dramatic and iconic walking locations, a compact area of mountainsides, summits and ridges, lakes and lakeside paths with guided trails for all abilities. Discover the lesser visited Western Lakes in the Buttermere Valley whilst staying at the quintessentially English Country House. Price includes 4 nights full board, daily guided walks and renowned welcoming Hassness hospitality.
Tenerife – 7 nights from £1,699pp | Grade 4 “Moderate” or Grade 6 “Challenging”: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Tenerife with two awe-inspiring grades of walking. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes and seascapes that surround you, all while relishing panoramic views of Mount Teide, the towering active volcano that stands as the highest peak in Spain. It is a truly unforgettable island adventure. Price is for 7 nights half-board, with dinners in local restaurants, including flights and transfers.
For more information see rambleworldwide.co.uk
Image: Gardens of the Channel Islands (Credit: Ramble Worldwide)