Whether you’re dreaming of a solo trek, looking for a walking group or ready to tackle a multi-day adventure, you don’t have to plan it all yourself. From local walks to alpine treks and organised holidays, there are plenty of organisations ready to help you get moving. We’ve rounded up six worth knowing about, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply fancy swapping your usual weekend stroll for something a little more epic. All that’s left to do is pick your adventure, lace up your boots and get walking.
Ramblers Association
With more than 500 groups across Britain, the Ramblers is an easy place to start if you want to get walking with other people. Its groups organise walks for a wide range of abilities, while the website also has thousands of tried-and-tested routes to help you explore independently. It’s particularly useful if you’re new to group walking or want to discover paths you wouldn’t think to tackle alone. Find your local group or browse the routes.
Long Distance Walkers Association
If your idea of a good walk involves a serious number of miles, the Long Distance Walkers Association is worth bookmarking. It has local groups across Great Britain, organises social walks and challenge events, and has a huge database of routes to inspire your next adventure. Its social-walk database alone contains details of more than 15,000 walks dating back to 2008, with reports, photographs and GPX files. Explore the routes or find your local group.
Austrian Alpine Club (UK)
Fancy taking your walking adventures into the mountains? The Austrian Alpine Club (UK) is the British section of Austria’s national Alpine club and offers plenty beyond just membership. Benefits include hut discounts, insurance, retailer discounts and access to club activities, while the organisation also runs guided walks, tours, meets and training opportunities. There are expedition grants for members, too, making this one for anyone looking to take their mountain adventures a little further. Find out about membership and upcoming activities.
Inghams
If you’d rather leave the logistics to someone else, Inghams offers walking holidays across more than 75 destinations in eight European countries, from the Alps and Dolomites to Madeira and Slovenia. There are options for solo travellers, couples, families and groups, with everything from leisurely lakeside walks to more challenging mountain hikes. Its holidays are designed around a resort base, so you can explore on foot without having to organise every detail yourself. Browse the latest walking holidays.
Ramble Worldwide
For a bigger walking adventure, Ramble Worldwide offers more than 300 holidays across the UK, Europe and destinations around the world. You can choose between guided and self-guided trips, with walking grades ranging from gentle and leisurely to moderate and challenging, making it easier to find something suited to your experience and ambitions. There are also dedicated options for solo travellers, couples and private groups. Start planning your next walking holiday rambleworldwide.co.uk.
British Mountaineering Council
For walkers who fancy branching out into hill walking, mountaineering or more adventurous terrain, the British Mountaineering Council is a useful place to start. It has hundreds of affiliated climbing, walking and mountaineering clubs across England and Wales, plus a club finder to help you find one near you. The BMC also runs hill-walking events, provides technical and safety advice and offers opportunities to build your skills and confidence outdoors. Find a club, check out the events or brush up your skills.
