Blog home / Walking & Hiking Tours For Seniors in Europe
Walking & Hiking Tours for Seniors in Europe
Ask any traveller going on a walking holiday in Europe what they want out of a hiking itinerary and they'll answer with three things: beautiful scenery, fascinating culture and achievability.
While the first two aspects are a given on most European trails, for seniors who want to do a walking tour in Europe a general request is for extended itineraries of popular routes. This allows for shorter distances to be walked each day, more time for rest and recovery, and, above all, more time to stop and smell the roses as you go on your way. There are usually plenty of museums, galleries and historical sites to explore en route.
The below rambler walking tours feature extended itineraries which are perfect for senior walkers or those who prefer to explore at a slower pace. One other thing to note is that all of UTracks' self-guided walking trips have flexible itineraries that can be shaped to your needs. Just
reach out to our friendly team for further advice and information.
United Kingdom Walking Tours for Seniors
Hadrian's Wall Walk (10 days, self-guided)
Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans along one of the UK's National Trails. This route stretches 83 miles/133 km across town and country, forest and moorland, World Heritage Site and National Park. The wall was originally built to separate the Romans from the 'barbarians' of the north; today you can enjoy “walking the wall” unmolested by Romans or barbarians, on this alternative Coast-to-Coast route.
Coast to Coast Rambler (18 days, self-guided)
Discover Wainwright’s masterpiece over 18 days of self-guided walking and explore one of the UK's most popular hiking trails. This is the quintessential English hill walking and long-distance trail experience: 190 plus miles (300km) traversing three national parks and a lot of interesting landscapes, old towns and of course public houses in between!
Starting at the tiny Cumbrian seaside resort of St. Bees on the Irish Sea you'll head east, with the wind, into the Lake district before eventually making a triumphant entrance into Robins Hoods Bay where a celebratory pint, bottle of Champagne or ice cream whilst standing in the sea is in order.
Along the way you will be amazed at the variety of the dry stone walls, the charming little villages and just how much you get to eat for a full English cooked breakfast! There are cozy small hotels, guesthouses and pubs to stay at on this tour and these, as well as the rich variety of the people that you meet en route, reflect something of the great diversity of England.
Coast to Coast Explorer (17 days, guided)
Walk England's famous Coast to Coast route with the social camaraderie of a small group and the cultural insights and assistance of a local guide. This 17 day hike is 2 days longer than the classic guided tour, making it ideal for senior hikers or for those who prefer to travel on a slower schedule.
Scotland Coast to Coast Rambler (guided, hike and barge)
Scotland's Great Glen Way walking trail stretches 75 miles (120km) from Fort William to the capital of the highlands, Inverness. Based on board a comfortable barge at night, this hike and cruise offers the opportunity to walk sections of the route at an easy pace from one coast of Scotland to the other. During the week long trip, the barge stops are planned to suit the walking stages, breaking them into manageable day walks of between 5-11 miles (8-17km).
Guided along the route by an experienced escort, who will point out places of interest along the way, there is no shortage of highlights. From impressive views of the mystical Loch Ness to glimpses of Scotland's highest peak, Ben Nevis, this relaxed pace walk will immerse you in the Scottish Highlands. In the evening, share stories of your day with like minded travellers and relish in the accomplishment of walking the breadth of Scotland.
Alpine Walking Tours for Seniors
Mont Blanc Self-Guided Rambler (7 days)
Specially devised for seniors and walkers who like to 'smell the roses' en route to the next comfortable gîte or mountain refuge, this relaxed walk around Mont Blanc still takes in the vistas for which the Tour du Mont Blanc is so famous. The walk traverses high passes, meadows brimming with alpine flowers and wanders through typical mountain villages. There is ample time to stop and take in the stunning scenery, enjoy a picnic of local ingredients and absorb the alpine culture as you make your way to the next accommodation. This is relaxed alpine hiking at its best!
Mont Blanc Guided Rambler (7 days)
As the above Mont Blanc tour, but you get to share your walking day with like minded fellow travellers.
Camino Walking Tours for Seniors
Guided Camino Walking Tour for Senior Travellers (12 days, guided)
This trip provides the perfect option for those wanting a guided walk along the last stage of the pilgrimage route at a relaxed pace of between 10 to 18km per day. Completing the final 115kms to Santiago means you are eligible to receive the official Compostela certificate. Along the walk you'll gain an appreciation of the historic significance of the trail while reflecting on the meditative role that walking offers.
Interwoven through the itinerary are opportunities to extend your camino experience with honey and cheese tasting, guided visits to churches and a visit to the spiritual conclusion of the camino at Fisterra on the Atlantic coast. Enjoy the camaraderie of a small group and local guide and at night stay in atmospheric towns in a selection of comfortable hotels and guesthouses where the local flavours are introduced by your hosts.
Camino de Santiago: Sarria to Santiago Rambler (11 days, self-guided)
This Camino trip provides the perfect option for those who want to walk the last stage of the pilgrimage route at a relaxed pace of between 10 to 18km per day, with a choice of simple or upgraded accommodations.
Completing the final 115kms to Santiago means you are eligible to receive the official Compostela certificate. Along the walk, gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the trail while reflecting on the meditative role that walking offers the pilgrim. Passing through mixed landscapes, there are numerous reminders of the pilgrims past who travelled the route including crosses, statues and grain silos. The gates of Galicia lead on to the fabled Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral, site of the tomb of St James.
Camino de Santiago: Leon to Santiago Rambler (20 days, self-guided)
As the above tour, although this one starts in the magnificent city of Leon and makes your Camino de Santiago experience all the more fulfilling.
Food Lovers Walking Tours
Food Lovers Spanish Camino
This unique approach to a classic pilgrimage route combines a passion for good food and produce, with the incredible history of the trail crossing northern Spain. With fully supported day walks on the best sections of the pilgrimage trail paths, including the original route from Oviedo, the essence of the pilgrimage is retained. The walking is combined with cooking demonstrations and numerous samplings of the local cuisine from the heart of Spanish modern cuisine in the Basque region to the small rural villages on the Camino, as the pilgrimage is commonly called. In the company of a local gastronomic expert, there will be many insights into the local culinary scene, two Michelin Star restaurant dining experiences.
Food Lovers French Way of St James (12 days, guided)
This guided 'Food Lover's' walk along the Camino in France is destined to appeal to a wide range of palates. Beginning in Le Puy en Velay in the Auvergne, the journey on foot is a rich sensory experience taking in the best sections of the Camino between Le Puy and St Jean Pied de Port, including time in the historic and beautiful towns of Conques, Rocamadour, Saint Come d'Olt and Saint-Cirque-Lapopie. The foodie highlights are endless, with tastings of delectable cheeses, wines and truffles, interspersed with the rustic cooking style for which the region is renowned.
From lunch at a small 100 year old family restaurant, which is featured in Mary's book 'Lunch with Madame Murat', to wine and Armagnac tasting, market visits, truffle hunting demonstrations and fine dining, this is a full-bodied experience. Most days include walks for 10-15kms and each night you'll stay in atmospheric accommodations ranging from restored convents to countryside inns and family run hotels.
Which trip are you looking forward to most? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.