Walking holidays are shifting toward shorter routes, richer local experiences, and slower exploration—appealing to both seasoned and new travelers. New 2025–26 itineraries reflect this growing demand.
Today’s walking holidays are evolving to suit a broader range of travellers.
Leading walking holiday specialist Walkers’ Britain & Europe has seen an increasing number of travellers requesting trips with shorter daily walking distances – not because they want to walk less but because they want to experience more.
With more than 50 years of experience – Walkers’ Britain & Europe was established in 1973 – the travel company has seen in the recent years a noticeable demand for trips where travellers want to spend fewer hours walking each day, allowing for more time to connect with the places they visit, explore at their own pace, savour local culture and truly unwind.
The trend appeals not only to experienced walkers, who are increasingly drawn to the idea of taking their time to enjoy the journey, but it also opens up walking holidays to a new demographic of travellers who previously thought they are not for them – for example, travellers who choose a walking trip for the first time or when there are varying fitness levels within their travel party.
In response to customers expressing interest in shorter trips or asking to break up longer days, Walkers’ Britain & Europe launched earlier this year a new collection of short walking holidays to some of the UK’s most classic destinations, featuring shorter daily distances, easier grading and more upmarket accommodation. Up to six days long, the Taste of trips give travellers more chances to enjoy a leisurely morning before setting off, linger over lunch in a cosy pub and visit local museums and attractions without having to feel rushed.
The new range has been so popular that it has grown already to feature eight trips, including Cornwall, the Cotswolds and the Lake District, with plans to expand further in Scotland and continental Europe in 2026.
In addition, next year Walkers’ Britain & Europe will be adding its longest itinerary ever on its most popular trip, which it has been operating for 40 years: England’s Coast to Coast. One of the few travel companies to offer so many choices on Wainright’s beloved path (there are more than 10 different options available), the new trip will be unique to Walkers’ Britain & Europe. Compared to the classic Coast to Coast route, which is made up of 13 walking days, the new version will take 20 days to complete, making it accessible to more walkers and making it easier for them to set their own pace and appreciate the finer details.
Commenting on the latest trend and the launch of the new trips, Els van Veelen, Brand Manager for Walkers’ Britain & Europe, said:
“At Walkers’ Britain & Europe, we have seen travellers’ expectations evolve over the years and we are adapting right alongside them. Our customers still want to be active but, for many, a walking holiday is not only about covering ground but, just as importantly, uncovering what makes each place special.
As a result, our new trips are designed for those seeking a gentler pace that will allow them to enrich their journey. We offer travellers more flexibility than ever so they can get out of their trip what they truly want to make it a unique, memorable holiday.”
Fiona Marshall, Chief Product Officer for Walkers’ Britain & Europe, added:
“Walking holidays are no longer niche, they are fully mainstream. What travellers want from a walking holiday has changed dramatically in the past 30 years. Back in the 1990s, it was all about the walk; the longer and tougher, the better. Today, comfort counts. Accommodation quality is a key consideration, and digital navigation is expected, which we are proud to offer through our dedicated app.
Our new ‘Taste’ trips were designed to ease the pace and open these routes to a broader range of walkers, with more time for the memorable local experiences we’ve uncovered that they might otherwise miss.”
In total, Walkers’ Britain & Europe offers more than 200 distinct itineraries across the British Isles and Europe.
For more information and bookings please visit www.walkersbritain.co.uk or call 0800 008 7741/+44 (0) 20 8875 5070
* Travel to the starting point and from the finishing point of each trip not included in trip price *
About Walkers’ Britain & Europe:
- Established in 1973, Walkers’ Britain & Europe specialises in exceptional walking holidays, including classic long-distance trails as well as less-known, hidden corners.
- The company launched the concept of supported, hotel-based UK walking holidays in 1993, an idea that quickly set the standard for active holidays across the country and beyond.
- More than 200 self-guided and guided itineraries across the UK and Europe are now available catering to all levels, from easier walks to more challenging hikes.
- Booking self-guided walks with Walkers’ Britain & Europe gives ultimate flexibility, including options to add rest days, upgrade accommodation or arrange private transfers.
- Travelling with Walkers’ Britain & Europe offers excellent value, with inclusions such as quality accommodation and a tailored navigational app with interesting background information to enrich the trail experience. It is more than just a walk.
- Superb customer service means travellers benefit from a dedicated, knowledgeable consultant during the booking process and 24/7 emergency support when they are on their trip.
- Offering more time to explore and more upmarket accommodation, the new Taste of range of shorter walking breaks was launched in response to customer demand; the company’s business model keeps evolving over the years, adapting to what the modern hiker wants.