Breathtaking scenery, lots of fresh air, personal growth and a genuine sense of achievement at the end of each day… Yes, not many experiences are quite as rewarding and special as a walking holiday.
However, one walking holiday doesn’t equal the other when it comes to difficulty level. The difference between a leisurely coastal stroll and a mountain hike can be vast, and choosing the wrong route could turn a dream trip into a nightmare. So, here are some tips on how to match yourself to the right trail.
Assessing your fitness level
Before you even start browsing the routes, you need to figure out your own fitness level. Be honest with yourself: how often do you walk and at what intensity? If long distances are completely new to you, it’s a good idea to do a test walk.
For example, if a 5-mile flat walk left you tired, you’re likely a beginner. But, if you are able to cover 8 to 10 miles over hilly terrain, you are in the intermediate bracket. Those who hike regularly, including mountain treks, can consider themselves fit for more demanding routes.
It’s also important to consider your recovery period. After a long day of walking, can you get up next morning and do it again? Walking holidays include walking for multiple consecutive days, so you have to be physically prepared for that.
Key difficulty factors
There are a few key factors that indicate whether a trail is beginner-friendly or difficult. These include the following:
Elevation
A 10-mile walk on flat ground is an entirely different experience from 10 miles that include 600 metres of ascent. Elevation gain and loss is, therefore, one of the biggest indicators of difficulty, as it means the trail includes a lot of steep sections.
As a guide, beginners should look for routes with less than 300 metres of daily ascent, whereas experienced hikers may go for 1000 metres and more. The most challenging routes in terms of elevation tend to be located in the mountainous regions, like the Alpine walks in Switzerland or Northern Italy.
Daily distance
Even when there’s little elevation, back-to-back walking days will inevitably lead to fatigue. Your itinerary and daily trail coverage should be planned according to your fitness level, while rest days should also be accounted for.
If you’re worried about the itinerary, booking through a specialist walking holiday agency, such as Orbis Ways, can be a game-changer. They have a variety of route options, thoughtfully designed for different fitness levels. For instance, their walking holidays in Malta include relatively short distances and mid-week rest days, making them ideal for beginners.
Terrain
Rocky paths and exposed ridges require a lot more energy and concentration than well-maintained tracks. Most destinations tend to have a mix of both, so it’s about choosing the right trail for you.
Let’s take walking holidays in Austria as an example. The trails around the infamous Salzburg Lakes are exceptionally well-maintained and marked, whereas some of the hikes in the Tyrol area are known for their narrow paths and technical scrambles.
Making your own decision
The best walking holiday will be the one that challenges you just enough, leaving you tired but happy, rather than deflated or, even worse, unable to carry on. Therefore, make a well-informed decision based on your own realistic fitness level, not someone else’s opinion.
