Walking Holidays Best Enjoyed in December
Whilst we have holidays available throughout the year, in some places the weather and climate either preclude walking at certain times or at best make it very difficult.
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| When to book your walking holiday in Dominica - Dominica | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Good | Good | Best | Best | Best | Good | OK | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | Good |
Portugal - Madeira - Centred - Funchal
We offer a choice of walking holidays in Madeira an island of fascinating natural beauty and enticing climate. It rises steeply from the Atlantic Ocean standing with its small island neighbours in splendid isolation off the coast of Europe and Africa. An island of volcanic origin it is a haven for those seeking a relaxing holiday in close proximity to nature. A network of levadas built to carry water from the springs in the north to irrigate the cultivated areas of the south, contour along the mountain sides their banks planted with wild hydrangeas lilies and agapanthus. Its mountains are rugged and inspiring, often with splendid sea views. Gardens and parks are everywhere planted with all manner of exotic trees shrubs and blooms. Madeira has had close links with the U.K. since the birth of its wine trade in the 17th Century. Madeirans are friendly and welcoming people and English is widely spoken.
| When to book your walking holiday in Portugal - Madeira - Centred - Funchal | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Good | Good | Good | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good | Good | Best | Good | Good |
Portugal - Madeira - Eastern Highlights - Hotel to Hotel Trek
Why not take the opportunity to stay in the countryside in small hotels and experience Madeira to the full?We have put together an itinerary taking in levadas coastal walks and high mountain trails. The hotels are all family owned and therefore you are assured of a fine welcome and the quality local food will be something to look forward to at the end of a day’s walking. Your luggage is transferred for you between the hotels and sometimes you will be transferred by car to the finest paths that Madeira has to offer. You have a free day in Funchal at the end of the holiday so you can experience the island’s capital its old town shops and restaurants.
| When to book your walking holiday in Portugal - Madeira - Eastern Highlights - Hotel to Hotel Trek | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Good | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good | Good | Best | Best | Good |
Spain - Mainland - Marina Alta
Our holidays are based in the delightful village of Orba in the region of south east Spain known as Marina Alta located midway between Valencia and Alicante 25km inland from the Costa Blanca. You can discover the splendour of a popular walking area the mountains and valleys of which afford a multitude of ever changing panoramic views. Agriculture flourishes here in this fertile region renowned for producing olives almonds oranges lemons and grapes. Grapes are produced for both wine and raisins and many crops are cultivated in much the same way as they have been for four or five centuries. You will marvel at the thousands of terraces built to gain maximum production from this mountainous region.
| When to book your walking holiday in Spain - Mainland - Marina Alta | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | N/A | N/A | Best | Best | Best | Good |
Switzerland - Meiringen
Meiringen is the most prominent settlement in the Haslital Valley which stretches from the Grimsel Pass to the peaceful waters of Lake Brienz at the eastern end of the Bernese Oberland. The valley is ideal for walking holidays exhibiting a rich variety of landscapes with lush pastures dazzling cascades tight gorges and several tributary valleys equally worthy of exploration. Grade - Guided - Easy & Moderate Self Guided - Easy & Moderate & Challenging
| When to book your walking holiday in Switzerland - Meiringen | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Best | Best | OK | N/A | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | OK | Good |
Greece - Crete - Paleochora
Western Crete has long been a favorite destination for British walkers with many returning year after year to savour this very unspoilt part of the island. The region offers spectacular contrasting scenery. The White Mountains dotted with remote mountain villages rise to over 2400m providing some challenging walks for the experienced. Radiating from these mountains are numerous gorges running down to the sea the most renowned being the Samaria Gorge. Undoubtedly the sea is one of Crete’s main attributes and coastal paths are enhanced by the Lybian Sea with shades of blue extending from the clearest pale turquoise to deep indigo blue. It’s a destination where the people are as pleasant as the weather and the delicious locally produced foods (a haven for vegetarians by the way).Grading - Easy Moderate & Challenging
| When to book your walking holiday in Greece - Crete - Paleochora | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| OK | OK | OK | Good | Best | Best | Good | Good | Best | Best | OK | OK |
Greece - Peloponnese - Kardamili
The Peloponnese is linked to the Greek mainland by that magnificent engineering feat the Corinth Canal and consists of three spindly fingers the middle of which is known as the Mani peninsula.
The Peloponnese covers an area of land roughly the size of Wales. Our walking takes place in the Exo Mani (Outer Mani) and is centred around the bohemian coastal village of Kardamili some 35kms south of Kalamata. This is a region little affected by tourism and still heavily reliant on agriculture for its main source of income. The Mani is a green and lush area due to its heavy rains in January and February. The area has small mountain villages each with their own character all with Greek Orthodox churches and chapels generally open for you to explore. They are especially noted for their exquisite frescos on the walls and ceilings.
There are picturesque small fishing villages all along the coast with whitewashed houses clustered around harbours full of fishing boats. The scenery is stunning in an area of outstanding natural beauty steeped in ancient history with fascinating relics of a bygone era.
| When to book your walking holiday in Greece - Peloponnese - Kardamili | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| OK | N/A | OK | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good | Best | Best | OK | OK |
Portugal - Azores - Faial
Faial is an island of two dominant colours – green and blue. Both are found in the indigenous flora from the grass covered hills to the many shades of Hydrangeas bordering the fields and blending with the sea and sky. The picture is completed with the intense blackness of the volcanic ash of the barren ‘Capelinhos’ deposited only 40 years ago. The island is 21km long and 14km wide and dominated by a Caldeira at just over 1000m. One of the must stunning aspects of Faial is the view across the short channel to Pico and its dominant peak. We recommend a stay of at least 3 nights on Faial or longer if you wish to use Faial as a base for walking on Pico
| When to book your walking holiday in Portugal - Azores - Faial | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| OK | OK | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | OK |
Portugal - Azores - Pico
The majestic almost perfect volcanic coned mountain of Pico Alto at 2352 m is the highest peak in all of Portugal. It dominates the island which measures 46 km long and 15 km wide. However upon closer inspection this island inhabited by farmers fishermen and whalers will fascinate you.
The long tradition of whaling now ceased leaves a whale watching industry second to none and some fine museums dedicated to its history. Pico has world heritage vineyards as they were created by breaking up the hard lava covering the earth to build rock walls then planting vine cuttings in small circles of fertile soil. We recommend a stay of 2 nights on Pico stay an extra night for whale watching and another day for an ascent of Pico Alto.
| When to book your walking holiday in Portugal - Azores - Pico | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| OK | OK | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | OK |
Portugal - Azores - São Jorge
Measuring 56km long but only 8km wide the sea is ever present around São Jorge. The highest point is just over 1000m and is part of a mountain chain running the length of the island. The white-washed villages of São Jorge are sprinkled across the unspoilt landscape along the water's edge or high up on the cliffs. You occasionally pass small dairies where cows’ milk is turned into the island’s famed cheeses. The island is famous for its ‘fajãs’ - flat meadows made from lava flows lying at the foot of seemingly unscaleable cliffs. We recommend a stay of at least 2 nights on São Jorge but there is sufficient walking for a full week.
| When to book your walking holiday in Portugal - Azores - São Jorge | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| OK | OK | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | OK |
Portugal - Azores - São Miguel
São Miguel is famous for its beautiful landscapes and exceptional volcanic lakes. The largest of the Azorean islands it measures 65km long by 16km wide and is known as Ilhe Verde - Green Island. A stunning coastline of small bays with black sand and precipitous sea cliffs interspersed with small harbours adding further interest. The island features three major calderas - volcanic craters - now with lakes sparkling at the bottom. Sete Citdades even has a village at the bottom of the crater and two lakes one blue and one green. At Lagoa das Furnas boiling sulphurous water comes to the surface through hot springs near the lake and is a reminder of the volcanic origin of all of the islands. The mountains rise to over 1000m. As an example of São Miguel’s climate one finds the only tea and pineapple plantations in Europe both well worth a visit on non walking days. Rarely could a visitor fail to be impressed by the incredible myriad of all the different shades of greens exhibited by its extensive prairies forests tobacco fields and tea plantations as well as the abundance of hues this island has to offer… We recommend a stay of a week on this island with the highlights walkable during a four night stay.
| When to book your walking holiday in Portugal - Azores - São Miguel | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| OK | OK | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | N/A | OK |
Portugal - Azores - Island Hopping
- An Island Hopping Experience
The nine Islands of the Azores are Europe’s western most point located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. With their blue lakes bordered by flowers dazzling views of the sea from high in the hills and lush green landscapes of ancient volcanic craters the islands of the Azores are a paradise for walkers and nature lovers. We offer the best four walking islands São Miguel the largest renowned for its flowers green landscapes and scenic lakes. Also the islands of Pico with its iconic volcano and whale watching Faial with its blue hydrangea hedges and volcanic craters and São Jorge with steep escarpments and green pasture land ‘fajãs’. These three are all grouped together and inter connected by ferry. The Azores are part of Portugal and therefore in the European Union and the currency is the Euro. The Azores is popular for the Portuguese in July and August so early booking for these months is recommended.
| When to book your walking holiday in Portugal - Azores - Island Hopping | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| OK | OK | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | OK |
Spain - Mainland - Andalucia - Las Alpujarras
With easy access and a superb climate the Alpujarras traverse the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada which rise to over 3300m and offer excellent and varied walking opportunities. Often with snow capped peaks until late June the Sierra Nevada provides a stunning backdrop to the lower slopes of the Alpujarra range. Here narrow roads wind their way around the folds in the mountains connecting whitewashed villages clinging to the hillside or perched over a ravine. Few cars however pass this way.
| When to book your walking holiday in Spain - Mainland - Andalucia - Las Alpujarras | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| OK | OK | Best | Best | Best | Good | N/A | N/A | Good | Best | Best | OK |
Spain - Mainland - Andalucia - Hotel to Hotel Trek
The Alpujarra is one of the most wild and undiscovered mountain ranges of Spain stretching from the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada down to the Mediterranean below. Life has changed little since the Moors first cultivated the terraces many centuries ago and you are likely to see the farmers tending the land with their mules and the local women washing clothes in the village springs or shelling almonds by hand. The tiny whitewashed villages which cling to the mountain side are linked by the ancient track of the Camino Real or GR7 and you will walk amongst olive and almond groves crossing tiny mountain springs with the snow capped mountains above and the Mediterranean in the distance below. Whatever the season whether it is the stunning almond blossom in February and March the flowers of late spring and early summer or the colours and fruits of autumn (when you will be able to pick almonds wild figs mulberries and grapes along your route) you are unlikely to bump into any other walkers apart from the odd shepherd tending his herds. Sometimes the route takes you high into the Sierra amongst pine forests where you may see ibex birds of prey or even wild boar.
| When to book your walking holiday in Spain - Mainland - Andalucia - Hotel to Hotel Trek | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| OK | Good | Best | Best | Best | Good | N/A | N/A | Good | Good | Best | OK |
Spain - Mainland - Catalonian Coast and Mountains
This hotel to hotel trek has been specifically deigned to reveal many aspects of this beautiful part of Catalonia; you will walk along the "wild coast" with its miles of coastal cliffs solitary beaches and coves with crystal clear water. You will walk inland through the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve where innumerable seabirds and songbirds have settled. You will walk up mountain trails offering spectacular views sweeping far into the Pyrenees.From the coast to the mountains from sea to crag from sandy beach to shady Mediterranean forest – the diverse and changing natural landscapes exert a powerful attraction to walkers. To walk here is a revelation.
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| When to book your walking holiday in Spain - Mainland - Catalonian Coast and Mountains | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| OK | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | N/A | N/A | Good | Best | Best | OK |
Spain - Mallorca - Mallorca
Mallorca is now well and truly on the walking map with walkers discovering that the island is not just beaches and a sun tan. To the north and northwest of the island is a limestone mountain range the Sierra de Tramuntana with many peaks rising to over 1000m and culminating in the Puig Mayor at 1447 metres. Mallorca has over 500km of coastline with an abundance of picturesque coves and inlets where the mountains meet the sea. Springtime brings beautiful sub-alpine flowers to enhance your walks on the slopes below rocky mountain summits. Lower down paths are scented year round by lavender and wild thyme.
| When to book your walking holiday in Spain - Mallorca - Mallorca | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| OK | OK | Best | Best | Best | Good | OK | OK | Best | Best | Best | OK |
Switzerland - Meiringen Winter Walking
Meiringen is the most prominent
settlement in the Haslital Valley which stretches from the Grimsel Pass to the
peaceful waters of Lake
Brienz at the eastern end
of the Bernese Oberland. The valley is ideal for winter walking holidays with an extensive network of winter walking paths most well away from the skiing areas. Grade - Guided - Easy & Moderate Self Guided - Easy & Moderate
| When to book your walking holiday in Switzerland - Meiringen Winter Walking | |||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Best | Best | Good | OK | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK |


