At first mention, the prospect of a winter walking holiday may sound more chilly than enticing, but rosy-cheeked treks with frost crunching underfoot and temperate hikes at destinations further south offer hugely enjoyable ways to explore Europe’s Great Outdoors from November to February.
Forget weather worries, lace up your hiking boots and delve into frozen national parks from Finland to the Scottish Highlands to enjoy the haunting natural splendour of winter landscapes free from summer crowds.
Alternatively, if you’d rather escape the chill and forgo the need for snowshoes, jet to the sunnier shores of year-round mild islands in Europe’s southern reaches that won’t resemble winter at all.
Whether blowing off the cobwebs from too many days of festive family fun in December, committing to a New Year’s resolution to get your steps in, or shaking off the February blues, here are some of Europe’s best hiking holidays to inspire you.
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Camino de Santiago, Spain
Follow the Atlantic Coast along the ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The Camino de Santiago is a network of 9th-century pilgrimage routes through France, Spain and Portugal that culminate at the tomb of St. James the Great, an apostle of Jesus, in Santiago de Compostela, northwest Spain.
There are seven main camino ways well marked with scallop shells and yellow arrows, with the 500-mile Camino Francés and routes of northern Spain – the most popular paths – protected Unesco World Heritage paths.
Europe’s favourite pilgrimage attracts over 200,000 walkers each year and winter is a quiet time to stomp the frosty tracks in solitude.
How to do it
Walks Worldwide hosts a “Camino de Santiago: The Coastal Way” walking holiday comprising an eight-day, 75-mile trek on the ancient pilgrimage path from Baiona in northwestern Spain, following the Atlantic coast towards the Unesco-listed city of Santiago de Compostela. Holidaymakers will stay in quaint fishing villages and feast on fresh seafood while marvelling at views of the bays and Illas Cies National Park as they tread the coastal way. From £890pp, including all accommodation, continental breakfasts, international UK flights and luggage transfers.
Departs from 1 March to 30 November 2024.
The Dolomites, Italy
Go off-piste on a snowshoeing adventure…
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