Europe may be the smallest continent, but it packs an amazing diversity of culture, scenery, climate, wildlife, food and history within its borders: ideal attributes for walking holidays at every level, throughout the year.

Walks for every level of ability, throughout the year:
Europe’s astonishing range of landscapes means that there is room for every level of walker, from the Alpine specialist, keen to sample challenging hills and mountains, to the steady rambler, interested in the scenery, food and culture along the route of their walk. Mountain ranges, such as the Alps, Apennines, Dolomites and Pyrenees, are among some of the most dramatic anywhere in the world. But major river valleys such as the Rhine, Rhone and Danube, as well as coastal areas in northern Europe, provide equally good opportunities for beautiful low-level walking.

The diverse climate also enables those planning walking holidays in Europe to venture abroad in every season of the year. The mild, sunny winters of southern Europe and the Mediterranean coast are ideal for exploring some landscapes, without the high temperatures of summer.

Walks for all types of interest:
Europe has long been a melting point for many nationalities and cultures and its long and turbulent history now provides unequalled opportunities to experience wonderful archeological remains, art treasures and a wonderful range of cuisine. All these can be combined with a walking holiday to provide an experience of a lifetime – and that sachertorte, or glass of vintage can be easily justified after a day walking in the fresh air.

Ideal Flexibility:
Today’s walking holidays don’t have to mean lugging heavy rucksacks between isolated, spartan hostels. A transporting service can move your baggage between comfortable accommodation, enabling you to travel light during the day. European walking holidays are ideal because of the continent’s wide variety of high quality hotels and apartments, where you can relax with good food and drink or spoil yourself in a spa.

The wide variety of accommodation through the continent also allows you to set your agenda of how and where you want to spend your holiday, with independent walking options. If you like company, then you have the choice of joining a small group of likeminded walkers and with Europe’s excellent network of waymarked trails plus in house maps and local advice, you don’t need to worry about getting lost.

Because Europe is on our doorstep, it’s also an ideal location for holidays of every duration. Sometimes we could really do with a break, but don’t have the time available even for a week away. Europe’s close proximity makes it the ideal destination for a short break, as it is easily accessible, by air or train, for a few days away.

So, whatever your level of fitness or experience, wherever your personal interests lie, take a closer look at walking in Europe. From challenging to relaxing, our nearest neighbours on the continent offer a wonderful range of landscapes, challenges, cultural and culinary experiences that are not to be missed.

AUTHOR BIO:
Roger Reynolds is a published writer who specialises in travel articles for websites and travel blogs. An experienced walker, both in summer and winter conditions, he has written widely on walking holidays in Europe. He is also an experienced skier and cyclist.