Take a hike
A walking holiday is an excellent way to stay fit and beat the credit crunch this summer. You can go it alone or book a guided trek with a UK tour operator - or even join a charity hike and raise cash for a good cause at the same time. Here are 5 of our favourite walking holidays, from coastal treks to mountain hikes.
Tour de Mont Blanc
One of the classic mountain walks of the world, the Tour de Mont Blanc circles the highest mountain in western Europe, passing through France, Italy and Switzerland. Following ancient pack animal routes, the walk weaves through alpine meadows and sleepy villages to glacial mountain peaks. It's not a difficult trek, but there are a few tricky ascents. Sherpa Expeditions offers a 14-night self-guided inn to inn walk on fixed dates from June to September, starting at £1,008 including accommodation and 5 meals but not flights.
Trek Kilimanjaro 2010
One of the options available from doitforcharity.com, this is a 10-day trip to Tanzania, the highlight of which is the climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895m. Don't worry, you don't have to be famous or don a Red Nose to take part, but you do have to be fit. Registration costs £350 and you must commit to raising at least £3,495 to cover the event costs – but if you do you won't have to pay anything extra yourself. All profits from this particular trek will go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. If you'd rather support another charity, log on to doitforcharity.com to find its list of alternative walks.
A family treasure hunt in the Lake District
Little legs don't like to roam far, but this walking holiday will have them leaping over stiles and stepping stones on the trail of ‘Swallows & Amazons’ or bounding along forest paths with new friends. Hearty homemade food will keep them stoked up while the oodles of fresh air should ensure a good night's sleep. Ramblers Holidays has 4 to 7 day breaks throughout August from £187 per person.
Contrasts of Chile
Come face to face with a llama and discover cathedrals and palaces, Inca fortresses and National Parks on this guided walk of Chile. To top it all, cool yoru G&T from ice chipped from a 10,000-year-old glacier towards the end of this once-in-a-lifetime trip. In 13-days you'll trek from the lush wine-making country south of Santiago up to the high Atacama and into wild Patagonia. Headwater has departures on selected dates until December from £2,639 including hotel accommodation, meals and a guide.
Walk of the Gods
Considered to be one of the world's greatest walks, this 5-hour, 10km trek will reward you for your efforts with the most stunning views of the beautiful Amalfi coast line. It comes at the end of an 8-day Exodus walking holiday, which costs from £849 including accommodation, 4 packed lunches, 6 dinners and breakfast every day plus 4 days of guided walks. All treks are at low altitude but some, including the Walk of the Gods, involve a lot of steps.
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