Take inspiration from National Walking Month this May, dust off the walking boots and get some steps in surrounded by gorgeous landscapes on a Macs Adventure walking holiday.  Take advantage of May's two bank holidays and enjoy the fresh air, freedom and sense of adventure that a self-guided walking holiday brings.  From exploring the picturesque coastlines of the Isle of Wight to the dramatic peaks of the Scottish Highlands, or enjoying spring wildflowers on the pretty Greek island of Milos, to breathtaking mountain views and delicious local cuisine in Italy's Aosta Valley, there are trips to suit all levels of experience and interests. 

Celebrate National Whisky Month on a Walking in the Scottish Highlands Short Break:

May is also Whisky Month and offers the perfect excuse to raise a wee dram and there's even World Whisky Day on 18th May.  This new 5 day short break in the Scottish Highlands combines relaxing walks alongside rivers, waterfalls and on the moorland with visits to historic castles, small museums and a whisky distillery. Visit Blair Castle and see Soldier's Leap, a famous spot from the 1689 Battle of Killicrankie. 

Kick off with true Highland hospitality and spend 2 nights in the peaceful village of Blair Atholl and walk alongside the River Garry which flows through it.  Stroll through the beautiful grounds and gardens of 13th century Blair Castle and explore the castle's treasure filled rooms.  A further 2 nights are spent in the Victorian spa town of Pitlochry which is reached via an easy riverside walking route.  Explore the town or take a tour of the Blair Atholl Distillery with time for a dram or 2 of this 'water of life'.  Soak up the beauty of the Highlands where a very warm Scottish welcome is guaranteed. 

Macs Adventure (www.macsadventure.com, 0141 530 5452) offers this 4 night self-guided Walking in the Scottish Highlands Short Break from £895 per person.  Price includes 4 nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, baggage transfer, complete information pack with walking routes, full detailed maps and GPS navigation app and 24/7 support if needed. Travel to Blair Atholl and from Pitlochry not included.  

Walking the Greek Cyclades: Milos and Santorini in Style:

May is an ideal time to ferry-hop between the enchanting Cyclades islands of Milos and Santorini, two of the most beautiful islands to discover on foot, whilst the spring wildflowers are still in bloom and before the heat of the summer.  

Starting in Athens, there is time to explore this historic capital, with a local guide hosting a trip to the Acropolis.  From mainland Greece and the birthplace of democracy, hop on to the authentic and relaxed island of Milos and then to iconic Santorini.  There's plenty of ancient history to explore in Milos where the Venus de Milo statue was discovered in 1820. Walks here include one from the coast up to the hilltop town of Plaka, with its 13th century Venetian Fortress; a boat trip to the neighbouring white-cliffed island of Kimolos, for a loop walk to Skiadi and Chora and a boat trip around Milos, dipping in and out of the various bays en route.  Soak up Milos' laid-back charm, before moving on to vibrant Santorini and wander the bustling narrow streets of Fira and Oia. Walk the caldera where the cliffs rise up from turquoise seas and savour delicious fresh Greek cuisine and local wines. 

Macs Adventure (www.macsadventure.com, 0141 530 5452) offers this Walking the Greek Cyclades: Milos & Santorini in Style itinerary from £1,925 per person, including 7 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, transfers and luggage transfers on walking days, ferries from Piraeus to Milos and Milos to Santorini, access to maps, GPS tracks and daily information with the Macs Adventure Smartphone App, 24-hour telephone assistance if needed. Flights are not included.

Walking in The Aosta Valley: New for 2024

Enjoy a relaxed mountain walking holiday in the northwest of Italy, in the historic Aosta Valley, sandwiched between France to the west and Switzerland to the east.   Idea for those who want to enjoy mountain walking and experience Italy's culture, culinary highlights and excellent wine – but don't want to take on long days of heavy-going ascents and descents. 

Walk through the famed Aosta Valley on the easy to moderate stages of the well-waymarked Cammino Balteo path.  Old trade routes lead through a pristine natural landscape peppered with over 70 castles and palaces, as well as churches, surrounded by the highest and most famous mountains and vineyards in the Alps. Start at the Roman bridge Pont Saint-Martin, an important marker on the famous Via Francigena pilgrimage path and the gateway to the Aosta Valley. The panoramic view of Mont Blanc makes for the ideal end.

En route, sample wine from the highest vineyards in Europe and try mouthwatering local dishes. The cuisine from the neighbouring countries blends with traditional hearty mountain foods, so you can tuck into the many local specialities such as delicious cheeses, wine, pastas including fontina cheese, saouseusse sausage, and génépy herbal liqueur.

Macs Adventure (www.macsadventure.com, 0141 530 5452) offers this seven night itinerary from £765 per person, including 7 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, door-to-door luggage transfers, transfers as per itinerary, entrance fee to Bard Fortress, access to maps, GPX tracks, and daily route information with the Macs Adventure app.  Flights and travel to Pont Saint-Martin and from Morgex are not included.

Isle of Wight Coastal Path

Offering wide open spaces, stunning sea views and an easy coastal path circuit, the Isle of Wight can be enjoyed by walkers of all abilities.  With over half of the island designated as an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, almost 30 miles of 'Heritage Coast' and plenty of sunshine, it's the perfect destination for a May walking holiday. There's a 67-mile coastal path which circumnavigates the island providing a walker's paradise just waiting to be explored. The landscape has so much to offer, visit the blue flag beaches at Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor, see the iconic landmark 'The Needles' chalk rocks, and discover the towns of Cowes and Yarmouth. Escape into the open spaces of Tennyson Down, watch the wildlife of West Wight and Bembridge, and wonder at the natural beauty of the estuaries in the north. 

Macs Adventure (www.macsadventure.com, 0141 530 5452) offers a 9 day/8 night self-guided walking holiday on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path from £895 per person.  Price includes 8 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, baggage transfers, information pack with walking route, full detailed maps and GPS navigation app and 24/7 assistance if needed. 

-ENDS-

Notes:

The leading self-guided walking and cycling holiday specialists, Macs Adventure offers over 500 exciting self-guided trips to 40 countries worldwide. Itineraries are tried and tested and allow travellers the freedom to go their way, at their own pace, with accommodation in carefully selected properties, ranging from friendly b&bs to local hotels. The Macs experience comes with the security of knowing that all the booking logistics have been handled, the route has been mapped out safely in advance, and a free and easy to use Macs Adventure app full of GPS routes that can be downloaded and followed offline. Each morning, luggage is transported to the following accommodation, ensuring guests are free to enjoy the day's adventure.

Founded in 2003 by owner Neil Lapping, who is still at the company's helm, an adventurous spirit lies at the heart of the Macs ethos. Carefully planned itineraries are crafted by a team of passionate travel enthusiasts who love sharing the secrets that make unforgettable travel moments and deliver outstanding active holidays.  The team are driven by a shared goal of leaving people inspired and connected to the people and the world around them.