Beyond the Beaten Path: Top Five Hiking Havens for National Hiking Month 

Step into the wilderness with us this National Hiking Month as we embark on a journey through some of nature’s most breathtaking landscapes. 

In this blog, we’re excited to share our top picks – the five best hiking spots that have left us in awe of the beauty and majesty of the great outdoors. So, lace up your boots, pack your essentials, and join us as we discover the wonders awaiting on these unforgettable trails. 

Experience a Walking Safari Adventure, with Tropical Sky 

Embark on a journey with Tropical Sky, where travellers become one with the African landscape, blending seamlessly into the realm of majestic wildlife. Picture a walking safari, where every step unveils a new wonder. As they traverse the terrain, a giraffe gracefully peers down, while kudu and impala meet their gaze with an evocative allure. The plains resonate with a wild soundtrack, setting the scene for encounters with rhinos, antelopes, and other captivating creatures, all from ground level.  

Head to Kenya and begin the journey with a full day of safari experiences in the Conservancy, or venture into the iconic Masai Mara itself. Witness the diverse wildlife, from lions to zebras, in excellent 4×4 vehicles, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience.  

After days of adventure, travellers can unwind on Kenya’s picturesque Mombasa coast. They can bask in the warm aqua-blue waters and sink their toes into the sandy beaches for a rejuvenating five-night stay. 

Indulge in a seven-night getaway, including a five-night stay at Pinewood Beach Resort in Mombasa on a Half Board basis, coupled with two nights of full board safari at Porini Safari Lodge. A seven-night stay is priced from £2,449 pp, including flights. 

Tropical Sky (01342 310596, www.tropicalsky.co.uk) 

Go on a sensory hike in Megève, France 

Set against the stunning backdrop of Megève, France, this engaging two-part programme is designed to enhance the joys of hiking. Participants embark on a scenic walk through mountain pastures and forests, led by Sabrina, a knowledgeable mountain guide with a deep passion for the wonders of plant life. Throughout the journey, Sabrina invites guests to immerse themselves in the sensory experience of observing, touching, smelling, and even tasting various plants, all while soaking in the breathtaking panoramic views and listening to her captivating stories and insights. The adventure culminates in a hands-on workshop where each participant crafts their balm using an oily macerate of mallow or plantain infused with beeswax.  

Priced from £150 for a group of one to eight people, this three-hour private session promises an unforgettable exploration of nature’s treasures and the art of herbal skincare. A seven-night stay at Mamie Megève, arriving 6 July 2024 is priced from £404 pp based on two sharing a double room. Flights and transfers are extra. Megève: www.megeve-tourisme.fr/en/ 

Explore Vaujauny, Isère, with Summer France 

Vaujany, in Isère, is an authentic and affordable French mountain village that has escaped overdevelopment and retained its original charm – think neighbours letting their chickens out in the morning, old friends watching the world go by with a strong coffee, and a free ‘Petit Train’ that trundles around the resort allowing guests and visitors hop on and off when necessary. The resort has a lot to offer for families of all ages, its good value prices, plus free Discovery Pass for Le Collet Centre (for those staying in resort) make it perfect for families / active guests.  

Vaujany offers holidaymakers superb summer outdoor activities including hiking, climbing, cycling and water sports as well as top winter skiing and skating in the heart of magnificent landscapes. Stroll through its narrow streets and discover the fountain, a farm or its authentic bell tower in uncrowded bliss. Vaujany has a variety of child-friendly experiences such as Thematic hikes, where history is told through new trails designed as a journey through space and time. The different routes are classified by degree of difficulty and by half or full day, to be experienced with the family.  

Are you ready to climb to the top? Hiking, mountain biking, picnicking at altitude and much more. The ski lifts take you to the heart of nature! Lifts open Saturday 22 June 2024. A week’s stay at Hôtel Les Cimes from 25 June 2024, is priced at £540, based on two sharing a Standard Room. Summer France (0203 475 4756, www.summerfrance.co.uk) 

Take a six-day hike through Verbier, Switzerland  

Embark on an unforgettable six-day alpine hiking adventure of the Tour des Combins in Verbier. Straddling Switzerland and Italy, this scenic hiking tour around the Massif des Combins (4,314 m) promises breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences. This isn’t just a hike; it’s a journey through awe-inspiring landscapes, quaint villages, and towering peaks. Marvel at the grandeur of the Grand-Combin, traverse ancient trails offering panoramic vistas of the snow-draped peaks of the Grand-Combin, one of Western Europe’s highest mountains. Delve into mountain village life, encounter welcoming communities and immerse yourself in local culture as you wander through unspoiled hamlets—quaint inns and eateries beckon, offering a taste of the region’s culinary treasures. Push your boundaries, more challenging than its famed neighbour, the Tour du Mont-Blanc, the Tour des Combins tests both body and mind. Conquer alpine passes, ford crystalline streams, and revel in the thrill of summit triumphs. 

The Route is as follows:  

Day 1: Bourg-Saint-Pierre → Cabane de Mille: 12 km / 4h30 / Ascent 1,132 m / Descent 290 m 
Day 2: Cabane de Mille → Cabane Panossière: 15 km / 5h30 / Ascent 1,064 m / Descent 900 m 
Day 3: Cabane Panossière → Cabane Chanrion: 18 km / 6h30 / Ascent 1,111 m / Descent 1278 m 
Day 4: Cabane Chanrion → Cabane Letey: 23 km / 7h50 / Ascent 1,135 m / Descent 1170 m 
Day 5: Cabane Letey → Saint-Rhémy: 15 km / 5h15 / Ascent 464 m / Descent 1,135 m 
Day 6: Saint-Rhémy → Bourg-Saint-Pierre: 18 km / 6h30 / Ascent 1,107 m / Descent 1,091 m  

A six-day hike of the Tour des Combins with Horizons Nature departing and finishing at Bourg-St-Pierre is priced from £849 pp.  Price includes a mountain guide, mountain hut- dormitory accommodation with half board, picnic lunch and luggage transport apart from days three and four.  Verbier: www.verbier.ch 

Take on the KAT Family Walk in Kitzbühel, Tirol 

The KAT Walk Family, in the Kitzbühel Alps, was the first long-distance hiking route in Tirol that was designed with families in mind. The 76 km trail, which winds through the mountains, has been divided into four stages and has plenty of interactive stations. Explore an alpine flower garden, take flight on a giant swing, or even challenge yourself to a spot of climbing. Walking distances can be made shorter by taking the bus or cable car – meaning younger children can also take part.  

The walk is open from the beginning of June until the end of September and is suitable for those aged 6 and over. The KAT Walk is priced from £829 pp for adults and £387 pp for children (aged 6–12), this includes six nights of accommodation in cosy inns and four-star hotels on a half-board basis, luggage transport from start to finish, guests card with access to public transport, detail information and maps. Kitzbühel: www.kitzbuehel.com