Level 5 Example Tour: France and the Maritime Alps

Level 4 Example Tour: Northern Lombardy

Level 3 Example Tour: Etruscan Trails in Central Italy

Level 2 Example Tour: The Jewels of Piedmont

Level 1 Example Tour: The Palio of Siena

Victoria’s Great Ocean Walk

Tips on being well-prepared for your next Hedonistic Hike

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Have you been a keen walker your whole life? How did you become interested in hiking?

I have not been a walker all my life. When I was younger I was active doing other things such as horse riding, tennis and school based activities. My parents were extremely active and sporty but we did not hike as a family. When my children became older, and I accompanied my husband on work trips to Europe, I decided that the best way to explore a country was on foot so we began walking/hiking holidays at that time.

What are the daily exercise regimes that you follow to keep in shape for hiking? Do you exercise in group classes or alone?

I have always been an active person and have run all my life, until an injury 2 years ago stopped that. I am still hoping to return to running as it such an easy way to stay fit. I play golf 2-3 times a week which means hours of walking (although not in hiking boots!) I do a Pilates class once a week and a private strength class once a week, and have just begun a group strength class as well. I always walk at least once a week in my hiking boots, even if just for an hour.

What tips would you give to a newcomer to hiking in terms of preparing for a tour?

I certainly find that the strength classes make walking up the steep hills easier, so that is a good incentive to stick to the training. I’d encourage a new hiker to get used to walking on lots of different surfaces and to definitely practice walking in their hiking boots.

Does your nutrition regime change in preparation for a hiking holiday?

I try to eat healthily as a general rule so don’t make changes ahead of a hike. If it’s warm I think electrolytes help with your energy and hydration and I used them on my most recent hike in Corsica. I also find that magnesium tablets can help to combat problems with cramps.

Do you have any tips on useful gear which really help you?

I find that walking poles are essential for me as an aid to hiking, and I use lightweight layers of clothing which make it easy to regulate temperature. I always carry two bottles of water to ensure I am well hydrated.

So, you have reached your fifth tour with Hedonistic Hiking and have two more booked for 2027. What is it that draws you back each time?

Mike and Jackie have a wonderful formula which includes brilliant hiking itineraries, delicious food and good wines. For me as a single, older person it is an exciting but safe way to explore the countryside with like-minded people. I plan to continue doing all the most difficult hikes while I’m able to, and then there are plenty of less strenuous walks available as well. Each time I see Jackie or Mick at the start of a new tour, I feel I’m back with my hiking family again. It is always a warm and friendly welcome back to the fold. I’m hoping for many more holidays in the years ahead with Hedonistic Hiking!

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Cleaning your hiking boots

One of the most important habits is regular cleaning. After each hike, especially in muddy or wet conditions, remove dirt and debris as soon as possible. Use a soft brush or cloth with lukewarm water to gently scrub away mud, paying attention to seams and treads where dirt builds up. Avoid using harsh detergents, as these can damage the materials or strip away protective coatings. Keeping your boots clean not only improves their appearance but also prevents long-term wear caused by dried mud and grit.

Drying your hiking boots

Drying your boots properly is just as important as cleaning them. If your boots get wet, never place them directly next to a radiator, heater or fire, as excessive heat can cause the leather or synthetic materials to crack or warp. Instead, let them air dry naturally in a well-ventilated space. Removing the insoles and loosening the laces helps speed up the process. You can also stuff the boots with newspaper to absorb moisture from the inside, replacing it as it becomes damp. Patience is key—slow drying helps maintain the boot’s structure and durability. Our Tour Managers can find newspapers to help with this after a wet day on the tour.

Conditioning your hiking boots

Conditioning and waterproofing are also crucial aspects of boot care. Leather boots, in particular, benefit from occasional conditioning to keep the material supple and prevent cracking. Applying a suitable waterproofing treatment restores the boot’s ability to repel water, which can wear off over time. Choose a product appropriate for your boot type, whether full-grain leather, suede or synthetic. Regular maintenance like this not only extends the life of your boots but also keeps your feet dry and comfortable on future hikes.

Storing your hiking boots

Finally, proper storage can make a big difference. Store your hiking boots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can degrade materials over time. Avoid leaving them in damp environments like garages or car boots for extended periods. Before storing them, ensure they are completely clean and dry to prevent mould or unpleasant odours. As we all try to reduce our carbon footprint, helping our kit to live as long as possible is a key first step. With consistent care and attention, your hiking boots should remain reliable companions for many adventures to come.

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The trail has been overseen by the government body Natural England, after an idea initiated almost 20 years ago. A new law passed in 2009 required future governments both to make the path and to ensure that it can stay open in the future. This is key because England’s coastline feels the full force of extreme weather and coastal erosion and landslides are becoming ever more frequent.

With the new law the path can be moved inland, and therefore diverted away from problem areas, and landowners work with Natural England to ensure that they can make this happen.

Wales opened its coastal paths back in 2012 and there are approximately 5,500 miles of Scottish mainland coast where walkers have had the right to roam for more than 20 years. If you put that all together, there are around 9,000 miles to be walked, which could take you the best part of two years!

Some sections of the path are still being finished, but it was officially opened by King Charles on March 19th 2026, from the iconic chalk downland of the seven sisters in East Sussex. If you’re spending time in England this year, why not make the most of the world’s longest coastal walking trail! You can find out more here.

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First-time guests are often worried that they will not be as fit as others in the group. Solid preparation, with some targeted exercises each day, will help to dispel those fears. As we now have just months to go until the start of our European season, it is time to get focussed and start your fitness regime! A chat with a fitness instructor will put you on track. However, not everyone wants to visit a gym, so our video below shows hugely beneficial exercises which can be done at home. Remember: Start slowly, be consistent and gradually build your strength. This film was put together in January 2025 with the kind help of Jackie’s Personal Trainer in Bright, Matt Molijn.

Cardio
 
Work on cardiovascular exercise to help your endurance levels, ideally at least 20 mins each day. This could be running, cycling or gym sessions if you are a member – anything which raises the heart rate and gets the lungs working!  Members of our team keep fit with many different activities: skiing, dancing, playing tennis, swimming or briskly walking the dog – the key is to find an exercise which you enjoy so that the activity is pleasurable.
 

Strength
 
As seen in the film above, there are many exercises you can do at home which don’t need lots of kit or pricey club memberships.  Squats, lunges, planks and press-ups can easily be achieved daily in the comfort of your own home. Just doing ten squats whilst waiting for the kettle to boil builds strength and doesn’t eat into your free time.  Resistance bands or free weights will give your muscles a bit more of a challenge.  And wherever you are – take the stairs!  It takes up no extra time but gets the leg muscles working, and you will reap the benefits on the ascents during the tour.

   
Stretching
 
We are big fans of Pilates and Yoga for keeping the body strong and supple.  These disciplines work on core strength, balance and flexibility, and help to combat daily stresses which can take their toll on the body. Jackie’s own Pilates teacher in Bright has designed an on-line series of exercises to prepare hikers for their tours, and this can be purchased for $35.00 for the four-part course. Find out more here.  

 Terrain
 
It is really important to practise before the trip on different types of terrain, including up and down hills, on rocky surfaces, grass or shale.  Working on your foot placement on uneven ground will build your confidence when you get out on the trail.  Stand on one leg whilst brushing your teeth or chatting on the phone – and make sure you do this on both legs equally, as one is always stronger than the other.

   
Equipment
 
We can’t stress enough times how important it is to wear in your boots before you start the tour and to walk out in the kit you will be using on the holiday. Footwear and clothing that chafes or rubs can really reduce your enjoyment. Practise as well with your rucksack, filling it with approximately the weight you will be carrying on the tour. The upper body exercises in the film above will help with this. If you are not accustomed to walking with poles, practise with these too – adjusting the height and working on how to place them for maximum benefit for your knees and overall balance. There is lots of advice online about best ways to pack your rucksack and also how to get the most from your walking poles. Have a look at this website as an example.

   
 Hydration and Nutrition
 
When you are practising, always set off well-hydrated. On hot days add a sachet of hydralytes (magnesium and potassium) to your water to help maintain hydration and energy. Make sure you carry enough water to see you through the duration of your hike.  Dried fruits and nuts are the best snacks for hiking – replenishing lost salts and boosting energy if you start to slow down. This is what we provide on the tours at frequent intervals along the trail.  And always remember that a good diet and a good night’s sleep will do wonders for your energy levels and help you to fully rest and recover after a long hike. Our menus for lunches and dinners on the tours are selected to be nutrient-rich and to balance the level of energy expended during the day.

Find out more about our recommendations for the best hiking kit, and sustainable hiking clothing.

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However, the key to a successful trip is most definitely in the preparation. If you’re a first timer, choosing the right walking holiday will depend on how independent you want to be and the level of hikes you want to do. After that, it’s all about getting as hiking-ready as you can to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

Planning your walking holiday

For anyone who is new to hiking, planning and navigating routes on your own can be both tricky and time consuming. Plus, trail signposting varies enormously from one country to another.

Concerns about fitness levels and whether you want to join a group are also common. In fact, some people choose to test out a short walking break as a way of building confidence and to see whether this sort of holiday is for them.

But unsurprisingly, joining a guided walking holiday where literally everything is done for you is a popular option for a first-time hiker. There’s no need to worry about routes or directions, or fret over where to stop for lunch – just put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the view and company!

Choosing the right level holiday

What is important, whether it’s a short walking break or a full week, is that you choose the right level holiday for you. Look carefully at both the average and maximum length of the hikes, the type of terrain you will be hiking on and any ascents and descents involved. Check also if you can cut short your walks if you’re feeling weary or if you have to complete the whole day’s route. The secret really is to feel moderately challenged without feeling out of your depth or so tired that you can’t face walking the next day.

How to prepare for your first walking holiday

It’s never too early to start training! The better prepared you are, the more you’ll enjoy it, so start some sort of training programme as soon as you’ve booked your holiday. Apart from anything else, it’ll make you feel great! Jogging, running, cycling, swimming and Pilates are all excellent ways of building your leg muscles and core strength but putting in the walking hours will also stand you in good stead. Intersperse long training walks with shorter brisk 30-minute walks, perhaps with a few hills, to raise your heart rate.

Comfortable walking boots with good ankle support are also, of course, imperative so this is also the time to break in new boots if you want to avoid blisters and other common feet-related ailments on your holiday.

Packing for a walking holiday

In addition to your boots and socks, take lightweight quick-drying clothes to keep your luggage light. Little extras such as a waterproof cover for your rucksack, a sustainable water bottle and a small portable charger can come in very useful, and a basic first aid kit is always a good idea. Hats are also a must – broad-brimmed to shade your face if you’re walking in the heat of the summer, and a warmer hat if you’re in the mountains. Walking poles are optional (but highly recommended) but do try them out before your holiday. You can see our full kit list here.

Weather Expectations

The weather can be highly changeable, whenever and wherever you’re hiking, so it’s best to be prepared for anything. Recent years have demonstrated that the weather is increasingly fickle and completely beyond our control! Certainly, you should have a waterproof jacket with you at all times, and a fleece and waterproof over-trousers are essential if you’re hiking in the mountains.

Local Culture

Connecting with nature and improving your fitness and wellbeing are some of the best bits of a walking holiday. But equally precious is the joy of walking through the landscape and getting to see things you might not see if you were travelling by car or train. Get the most from your trip by reading up on the local culture, wildlife and history before you go and consider choosing a book that’s set in the region you’re visiting for your holiday reading material.

Healthy Eating

We all know the benefits of eating healthily but we all sometimes need that extra little push to put it into practice. Eating well during the run-up to your holiday will definitely stand you in good stead, so fuel up on complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and wholewheat bread, lean proteins and healthy fats to build energy reserves. We have our own recipe pages to help to get you started.

What to expect from your holiday

Managing your overall expectations will certainly make a difference to how much you enjoy your holiday. Read through the itinerary carefully so you have a good idea about the terrain you’re going to cover, as well as the accommodation and restaurants on the schedule, so there are no unexpected surprises.

Being part of a group, inevitably, means there will be a mix of people. Of course, you may not want to be best friends with everyone, but the more open-minded you are, the more you’ll get out of meeting your fellow hikers.

As for the walking, you’ll quickly find out that there’s nothing quite like the thrill of reaching a mountain peak or the end of a lengthy trail and discovering that you’re now a fully-fledged hiker!

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