Last weekend at the Destinations Show in London, we had the pleasure of chatting with many curious, enthusiastic travellers – all keen to learn more about what makes our walking holidays so special. From how guided the walks really are to whether you need to be super fit, the same thoughtful questions came up time and again. So, we’ve gathered the top 10 questions we were asked and shared our answers here, to give you a clearer picture of how our holidays work, what you can expect, and why so many people love exploring with us at a relaxed, rewarding pace.
You don’t need to be at a certain level of fitness for our walking holidays, but a degree of regular walking experience is important. Our holidays are specifically designed for regular walkers of average fitness who can comfortably keep up a reasonable pace both on flat terrain and on uneven, rising ground. If you’re someone who enjoys regular walks at home, whether that’s countryside rambles, coastal paths, or even brisk walks around your local area, you’ll likely find our holidays well-suited to your abilities.
Our holidays are designed to be enjoyed at your own pace, not treated as a race or fitness test. Our guides will ensure the group moves at the pace of the slower walkers, creating a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the experience without feeling pressured or left behind. The focus is always on savouring the landscape, connecting with the destination, and sharing the journey with like-minded travellers.
For every walk, we clearly show the distance and the amount of ascent and descent in our holiday descriptions, so you know exactly what to expect before you book. This detailed information helps you make an informed decision about which destination matches your current fitness level and walking experience. Some walks might involve longer distances with moderate climbs, whilst others are gentler with less challenging terrain.
Being realistic about your fitness is important. Our walks do require stamina for several hours of walking, sometimes on uneven paths, hills, or rougher ground. But as long as you’re a regular walker who’s comfortable being active, you’ll find the pace manageable and the experience thoroughly rewarding.
Our walking holidays are designed to be holidays with walks, rather than intense hiking expeditions. The walks are planned for regular walkers of average fitness, so you don’t need to be an athlete or have years of mountain trekking experience to enjoy them comfortably.
One of the most important principles we instil in our guides is to walk at the pace of the slowest walker. This means no one is ever left struggling at the back or feeling pressured to go faster than is comfortable for them. Your guide will naturally adjust the group’s rhythm to ensure everyone stays together and enjoys the experience, with regular stops at scenic viewpoints or points of interest where the group can regroup, catch their breath, and take in the surroundings.
Our guides are experienced at reading the group’s energy levels and will adapt the pace throughout the day as needed. They understand that people have different strengths and that even the fittest walker might have an off day. The supportive, non-competitive atmosphere means fellow walkers also look out for one another, and there’s never any judgment about walking speed.
If you’re concerned about your fitness level before booking, our holiday descriptions include detailed information about the terrain, distance, and difficulty of each walk, so you can choose a destination that matches your abilities. And remember, you’re never obliged to complete every walk. If you need to take things easier on a particular day, that’s absolutely fine.
You’re absolutely welcome to join us on your own, and in fact, many of our guests do exactly that. We have numerous dedicated solo traveller dates throughout the year across 14 different destinations, specifically designed for people travelling independently. On these departures, there are no single supplements to worry about, and you’ll be joining other like-minded travellers who are also exploring on their own.
Travelling solo with a group is a wonderful way to meet new people and form lasting friendships. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know your fellow walkers, both during the guided walks themselves and over meals at your accommodation. The relaxed, sociable atmosphere means it’s easy to join conversations, share experiences, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes from exploring a destination together. Many of our solo guests tell us they’ve made friends for life on our holidays.
Of course, you’re equally welcome to travel with friends, family, or a partner. Our holidays work beautifully for couples and groups of friends who want to share the experience together whilst also being part of a larger group.
If you have a larger group or special requirements, we can also organise private group holidays tailored specifically to your needs. Whether you’re a walking club, a group of friends, or a family celebration, we can create a bespoke itinerary just for you.
However you choose to travel, you’ll find a warm welcome and an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels part of the group.
The average age of our guests is between 50 and 80, though we welcome walkers of all ages who have a passion for exploring at a slower pace. This age range creates a wonderful mix of life experience, travel stories, and shared interests that makes for engaging company throughout your holiday.
Many of our guests are retired or semi-retired and have the time to truly savour their travels, whilst others are still working but prioritise active holidays that combine fitness, culture, and genuine connection with a destination. What unites everyone isn’t their age, but their enthusiasm for walking, their curiosity about the world, and their appreciation for the kind of immersive travel experience we offer.
You’ll find the atmosphere relaxed and inclusive, with no pressure to keep up with younger, faster-paced groups. Our guides understand the needs and preferences of our typical guests and set a comfortable rhythm that allows everyone to enjoy the walks without feeling rushed. The group dynamic tends to be sociable and supportive, with fellow travellers looking out for one another and sharing the journey together.
Whether you’re in your fifties and new to walking holidays, or in your seventies with years of hiking experience, you’ll find yourself amongst like-minded travellers who value quality over speed and depth over distance. It’s this shared approach to travel that makes our holidays so rewarding.
Our groups range from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 25 people, with the average group size being around 15-18 travellers. We’ve found this is the sweet spot that creates a friendly, sociable atmosphere whilst still feeling personal and manageable.
A group of this size means you’ll have plenty of opportunity to get to know your fellow walkers and form genuine connections with like-minded people who share your love of travel and the outdoors. It’s large enough to create a lovely group dynamic and ensure a good mix of personalities and backgrounds, but small enough that your guide can give everyone individual attention and no one gets lost in the crowd.
On the trails, our experienced guides are skilled at managing the pace to keep the group together, whilst also allowing for natural variations in walking speed. They’ll regularly regroup at scenic spots or points of interest, so everyone can catch their breath, take photos, and enjoy the guide’s commentary together.
This group size also means we can access authentic local restaurants and experiences without overwhelming smaller establishments, and you’ll always have the choice of socialising with the group or finding a quieter moment if you prefer. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a companion, you’ll find it easy to fit into a group of this size and make the most of the shared experience.
All our scheduled walks are fully guided by experienced local guides, but we typically walk every other day rather than every single day. This gives you the perfect balance between active exploration and time to relax, recover, or explore at your own pace.
From the moment you set off on a guided walk to when you return, your guide will be with you, leading the way, sharing their expert knowledge of the area, and ensuring everyone feels comfortable and safe. Our local guides don’t just know the routes inside out, they bring the landscape and culture to life. They’ll point out local wildlife, explain the history and traditions of the region, share stories about the places you’re passing through, and introduce you to hidden gems you’d never discover on your own.
On your free days, you’re not simply left to your own devices. Your guide will be available beforehand to suggest additional walks you can do independently, recommend places of interest to visit, and help you make the most of your time. Sometimes there are optional excursions available to join at an additional cost, such as cultural visits, boat trips, or other local experiences, which you can pay for directly to your guide in resort.
Some guests choose to relax by the pool or explore the local town, while others enjoy the flexibility to venture out on their own with the confidence that comes from their guide’s recommendations. This rhythm of guided walking days interspersed with free days means you can truly absorb each destination without feeling rushed, while still having the security and enrichment of expert guidance when you’re out on the trails.
We believe in transparent pricing, so you know exactly what you’re getting when you book with us. Your holiday price includes your flights from your local airport, accommodation, and all the guided walks with our expert local guides. You’ll also have full support throughout your trip, with guides who handle logistics, share their local knowledge, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
The majority of our holidays operate on a half board basis, meaning breakfast and dinner are included each day. A small handful of destinations are offered on a bed and breakfast basis, where your local guides will recommend the best local restaurants for the group to dine together in the evenings.
What’s not included are your lunches, which gives you the flexibility to explore local cafés, pick up picnic supplies, or try regional specialities at your own pace. Travel insurance is also your responsibility, and we strongly recommend arranging comprehensive cover before you travel.
Optional extras can include excursions on your free days, such as cultural visits, boat trips, or other local experiences. These are paid directly to your local guide in resort and depend on numbers, so they can be arranged based on group interest. This way, you can tailor your free time to your own interests without any pressure.
If you’re travelling solo on one of our dedicated solo dates, there’s no single supplement to worry about. We’ll always be clear about costs upfront, so there are no unexpected surprises.
Your wellbeing and enjoyment are our top priorities, so there’s absolutely no pressure to walk every single day. If you’re feeling unwell or simply need a rest day, you can easily sit out a walk and rejoin the group later. Because most of our holidays are single-centre based, you’ll have a comfortable hotel to relax in, and you can make the most of the local area at your own pace.
As for the weather, our experienced local guides are experts at reading the conditions and will always have a Plan B. If the forecast looks challenging, they might adjust the route, choose a more sheltered walk, or even suggest an alternative activity that still lets you experience the destination. In some cases, particularly severe weather might mean postponing a walk for safety reasons, but our guides are skilled at making the most of every situation.
Remember, part of the adventure is experiencing the destination in all its moods. Some of our guests say that a dramatic sky or a bit of atmospheric mist makes for the most memorable walking experiences. That said, you’re always in control of your own comfort, and there’s never any obligation to walk in conditions that don’t feel right for you.
The majority of the hotels we use are 4-star properties situated in charming resorts that offer genuine local character without the overwhelming tourist crowds. We carefully select accommodation that provides comfort and quality while keeping you connected to the authentic atmosphere of your destination.
Most of our holidays are single-centre based, meaning you’ll stay in one hotel throughout your trip, with walks radiating out from that central location. This gives you the chance to settle in, get to know the area, and return to familiar, comfortable surroundings each evening. It also means no constant packing and unpacking.
We do have a handful of holidays that feature more than one hotel, allowing you to see more of the country and experience different regions during your trip. Some of these multi-centre holidays may be bed and breakfast based, but your local guides know the area inside out and will recommend the best local restaurants where you can dine together as a group, ensuring you experience genuine regional cuisine and atmosphere.
This approach often leads to more authentic dining experiences than eating in the same hotel restaurant every night.
For your first walking holiday with Involved Holidays, we would recommend ‘Walking in Andalucia’, ‘Walking in the Western Algarve’, or ‘Walking in Mallorca’. Each of these destinations offers an ideal introduction to guided walking holidays, with well-established routes, comfortable accommodation, and the perfect balance of challenge and relaxation.
What really sets these holidays apart are our experienced local guides, who bring each destination to life with their knowledge and passion. They’ll introduce you to hidden corners, share local stories, and help you discover authentic experiences you’d never find on your own.
These three holidays perfectly capture what all our trips are about: exploring your destination at a slower pace, immersing yourself in the landscape and culture, and truly connecting with the places you visit rather than just passing through.
Plus, all three have dedicated solo traveller dates with no single supplements, so you can join like-minded travellers who are also exploring on their own.
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