The New Year is a great time to make resolutions, plan new adventures and take on new challenges; a walking adventure holiday in 2018 could provide the perfect combination of all of your plans. From getting fit, to improving your work-life balance and even travelling the world, there’s no better solution than an exciting walking holiday and now is the perfect time to get planning.
Below we take a look at three of the most inspirational walking holiday ideas for 2018.
Norway Fjordland
Norway’s stunning scenery and landscape provides a dramatic setting for a walking holiday. Hiking through the Fjordland involves steep and challenging climbs but with breath-taking views at the end. Best enjoyed in the warmer months, the hiking routes can include cliff edges and valleys surrounding the famous fjords. A walking holiday from Geilo to Aurland will take around 8 days and can include Sognefjord, the longest fjord in the world. Due to the sometimes challenging terrain and steep inclines and descents, this type of holiday is best suited for experienced walkers and hikers.
Nakahechi, the Japanese imperial route to Kumano
This historical pilgrimage follows in the footsteps of Japan’s imperial ancestors and traverses the route from Kyoto to Kumano. Spanning a few days, the journey includes traditional lodgings in isolated villages, hot springs and a view of stunning rural Japan.
Kyoto, the former Imperial capital of Japan is a beautiful place to start the journey, with shrines and temples located around the picturesque city. The route finishes at the Kumano shrines, between which travellers can either travel on foot or by boat. After 2-4 days of walking, you can decide to return to Kyoto either via the same route or by an alternative route through different terrain.
The Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is a bucket list essential and an all-round great option for a walking holiday in 2018. There are 9 different routes to choose from, all culminating at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which was built on the burial site of the apostle James. Legend tells that the burial site was highlighted by a bright star in the ninth century and the city has been a popular pilgrimage site ever since.
In modern times, the route is an excellent walking holiday for any time of year as there are a range of different lengths and difficulties, as well as different types of terrain to travel across. With options starting in France, Spain and Portugal, you can choose to cross the Pyrenees, immerse yourself in traditional Spanish and Galician culture or cross the sandy beaches of Portugal before arriving at this beautiful destination. The most popular routes, such as the Camino Frances, also offer excellent amenities for travellers including hotels, restaurants and cafes along the route to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience.
If you’re planning to make the most of 2018 with a walking holiday and want to join thousands of others who have experienced the Camino de Santiago, then be sure to contact Follow the Camino, who can provide advice, information and also take care of arrangements on behalf of your group. Get in touch with them today to find out how they can help and start planning your adventure.