Wellness TRAVEL
Set off on the right foot for National Walking Month in May with our pick of the best hiking retreats.
Join the festivities
WHAT: Dorchester Walking Festival.
WHERE: Dorchester, UK.
WHEN: May 13-21, 2023.
PRICE: Guided walks from £0-£15, various accommodation offers available.
WEBSITE: discoverdorchester. co.uk/dorchester-walking-festival.
The Dorchester Walking Festival is a nine-day event taking place during National Walking Month, featuring more than 40 guided walks for all abilities, interests and ages. Explore a huge range of breathtaking locations, from picturesque villages and country lanes to grassy tracks and steeper pathways. Whether you are a keen hiker or prefer a gentle stroll with your family, the programme offers something for everyone, including a selection of self-guided walks if you prefer going at your own pace. Around half of the walks are completely free to join, while others cost between £2.50 and £15 upon booking. If you fancy extending your stay for a few days, The King’s Arms (thekingsarmsdorchester.com) is offering Walk and Stay packages for the duration of the festival. After a day of hiking, you’ll be able to spend your evenings relaxing in sumptuous comfort at this beautifully renovated boutique hotel, complete with an award-winning restaurant. Or, if you prefer something more rustic, Greenwood Grange (greenwoodgrange.co.uk) is offering three nights for the price of two in its cosy, stonebuilt, self-catering cottages (shown), which are nestled deep in the charming countryside.
Explore the Croatian coastline
WHAT: Hike Cruise by Sail Croatia.
WHERE: Croatia.
WHEN: Various dates throughout May and June 2023.
PRICE: from £699 per person (twin sharing).
WEBSITE: sail-croatia.com.
Discover the best of the Croatian archipelago by boat and on foot with this seven-night cruise, calling at Solta, Vis, Vela Luka, Stari Grad, Bol, Makarska and Split. You can expect to enjoy daily hiking adventures along the coastline of Croatia, led by experienced hiking guides who are passionate about the local area. With a demanding yet rewarding itinerary, the routes are designed to challenge you physically and astound you visually. Staying on a Premier ship, complete with a spacious deck for lounging, private ensuite bedrooms and a luxurious dining saloon, you can also look forward to buffet breakfasts, three-course lunches, daily swimming stops in crystal clear waters and trips to local nature parks.
Grab your hiking buddy
WHAT: Virgin Expe
