Lacing up your hiking boots and discovering the world one trail at a time is a fantastic way to explore any country. For many people, hiking holidays offer the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, giving you the chance to escape your busy daily routine and reconnect with nature. Ireland is blessed with some wonderful trails, from peaceful forest paths to dramatic cliffside walks, but there is no shortage of breathtaking routes across the UK and Europe too.
If you’re looking for a different change of pace with a more active holiday that will get your legs moving, these hiking holiday destinations are all worth the effort, promising to provide an unforgettable experience. From the Wicklow Mountains to Snowdonia and even the Alps, here are some of the best locations to consider for your next trip.
You don’t have to travel too far to find some of the most rewarding hiking routes in Europe, as Ireland offers everything from gentle countryside strolls to dramatic mountain climbs. The Wicklow Mountains are a favourite for many walkers, with their well-marked trails and sweeping valleys in the heart of County Wicklow. You can find all the Wicklow trails on the National Parks website, and with it being Ireland’s largest National Park at 23,000 hectares, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
For those who want rugged coastal scenery, you can’t go wrong with heading to the Wild Atlantic Way that delivers unforgettable cliffside walks, sea views and a sense of total escape. Further north across the border, the Mourne Mountains in County Down offer exactly what you’d expect from walking through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with the highest peak of Slieve Donard providing a challenge for those up for it.
If a hiking staycation sounds ideal, each region brings its own charm, and with so much variety close to home, Ireland continues to provide endless opportunities for hikers of all levels to enjoy meaningful time outdoors.
The UK has always offered an exceptional variety of hiking experiences, making it a natural next step for those seeking new landscapes to explore without venturing too far. Last year, nearly 3 million people visited the UK from Ireland, according to data from Statista, and whilst many would have headed to popular city locations, there is much to be found once travelling out into the countryside.
The Lake District is one such example, with its famous rolling hills, shimmering lakes and various walking trails that are suitable for both novice and pro hikers. Trails like Catbells and Helvellyn attract visitors year after year thanks to their panoramic views and accessible pathways, but there are plenty more depending on how strenuous you want to go, with Scafell Pike being the most challenging.
Heading over to Wales, Snowdonia provides a spectacular mix of peaceful valleys and the famous climb to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, which stands at over 3,000 feet. It is a destination that rewards every level of hiker, from slow-paced nature lovers to energetic adventurers who want to reach the summit as quickly as possible.
Lastly, Scotland’s West Highland Way offers something entirely different, offering a long-distance walk of 96 miles for those feeling energetic, stretching across wild glens, lochs and untouched landscape. The UK certainly provides a diverse range of hiking holidays that are just a short ferry or flight away.
Mainland Europe may have some of the most breathtaking locations you’ll find anywhere, none more so than the Alps. As one of the most celebrated regions in Europe, and visited, you have an envious pick of mountain ranges and trails to try that are well-maintained and appeal to all levels of walker. This includes the world-renowned Walker’s Haute Route, or ‘High Route’, which journeys between Mont Blanc and Matterhorn that has stunning views you won’t find anywhere else, and numerous different trails to take.
The Camino de Santiago is another standout choice, drawing hikers from all over the world who want to experience its history, spirituality and rewarding long-distance walking. It provides a network of 9 routes starting from Spain, France and Portugal. Whether you complete a full route over multiple days or tackle a shorter section, it can provide an unforgettable experience, with the Camino Frances one of the most popular, stretching 485 miles.
Over in Italy, the Dolomites are another tempting challenge with dramatic limestone peaks and some of the most scenic multi-day circuits in Europe, including the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop trail.
For something a bit more remote, you have Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail, offering you a completely different atmosphere from the rest. Colourful mountains, black sand deserts, and steaming geothermal wilderness await for a hiking experience like no other.
Whilst it’s easy to focus on the routes, gear and where you’re going to stay, making sure you’re prepared for the unexpected on your hiking holiday is crucial. With hiking often taking you into more remote or unfamiliar areas away from tourist hotspots, unexpected issues such as injuries or sudden weather changes can quickly interrupt your plans. Being able to travel with confidence is always important, and having the right travel insurance from providers like Staysure ensures you’re covered for anything unexpected.
Hopefully you won’t need to use it, and your trip will all go to plan, but just in case anything does come up, you’ll want comprehensive cover for everything from emergency medical expenses and repatriation, to trip cancellation as well as cover for any pre-existing medical conditions. This will provide reassurance that you are covered if something goes wrong. Choosing a policy that includes cover for any adventure activities and emergency assistance ensures you can enjoy every trail with peace of mind.
Once you have made a choice (tough we know), you’ll need to start preparing for the trip. If you’re a seasoned walker, you may already have all of the essentials ready to go, but here’s a simple checklist to help if not.
With the right gear and preparation, you can focus on the scenery and enjoy every moment of your hiking adventure. Mountaineering Ireland has a handy checklist to help you stay safe, including plenty of advice too.
Have we got you convinced on making your next holiday a hiking one? It’s one of the most refreshing as well as active ways to explore Ireland or anywhere in Europe. The destinations above are just a flavour of what’s out there, and that’s before you start searching globally too.
Why not reconnect with nature and explore landscapes that stay with you long after the trip ends? With careful planning, the right gear and reliable protection in place, you can set out confidently and enjoy every step. Now is the perfect time to start planning out your route and discovering the hiking experiences that suit your pace, interests and love for the outdoors.
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