From enjoying late spring colours in the Scottish Highlands to wildlife viewing on the coasts of Pembrokeshire or ambling through the poppy-filled fields of Tuscany, May is an ideal month for a walking holiday.  With two bank holidays thrown into the mix, make the most of the long days during National Walking Month and enjoy a self-guided walking trip with specialist operator Macs Adventure. With an easy-to-use route app, tried and tested itineraries, handpicked accommodation and luggage transportation, travellers with Macs Adventure are free to enjoy their walking, carrying just a backpack, soaking up the wonderful views along the way.

 

The Great Glen Way is a beautiful route through some of the most dramatic scenery in Scotland.  Walk it in May and make the most of long daylight hours, a lower chance of pesky midges and the chance to fill your (walking) boots with castles, lochs and prehistoric sites.  Highlights include the medieval Urquhart Castle, home to Robert the Bruce in the early 1300s; Inverlochy Castle, a favourite of Queen Victoria; Loch Ness; the Caledonian Canal and Neptune's Staircase, all whilst walking through one of the country's most scenic glens.

 

The most popular itinerary is a 9-day version with a 79-mile long-distance trail along Scotland's most famous glen starting from Fort William and finishing in Inverness, walking through beautiful forests, past peaceful working canals and alongside Scotland's most famous loch.  Soak up Scottish culture as you go with plenty of local pubs and traditional food, pretty villages along the walk, and bustling towns at the beginning and end of the trip. The sense of accomplishment on completion of this route is unforgettable, along with the atmosphere and stunning views.

 

 

 

It is with good reason that National Geographic named the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path one of the best coastal trails in the world.  May is a superb time to visit, with the chance to hop over to Skomer island, and see gorgeous pint-sized puffins as they return to breed.  Macs Adventure offers a best of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park trip starting in Marloes and ending in St Davids. Wander through flower-filled fields with magnificent views, relax in quaint fishing villages, stride out along high Atlantic cliffs and visit historic St David's Cathedral.

 

Bird watchers and nature lovers will be thrilled by Skomer Island. The largest of the Pembrokeshire Islands, it is home to the largest colony of seabirds in southern Britain. At its best in spring and early summer when there are thousands of puffins, Manx shearwaters, razorbills and kittiwakes breed on the island, there are also opportunities to spy seals and dolphins on the short boat trip to the island.

 

This 8 day self-guided Best of Pembrokeshire walking holiday is from £1,015 per person.  Price includes 7 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, baggage transfers, transfers as described in the itinerary, detailed information pack, guide book and map, full detailed maps and GPX via the Macs app and 24/7 support if needed. 

The West Highland Way is Scotland's most famous long-distance trail, running some 96 miles from Milngavie (Glasgow) to Fort William in its entirety. Get a taste of all it has to offer on Macs Adventure's four-night 'West Highland Escape', offering three days of excellent walking along the iconic West Highland Way from Bridge of Orchy to the official end point in Fort William. This short break shows off some of the highlights of the entire route, including the peaceful wilderness of Rannoch Moor and Glen Nevis. In the evenings, tuck into hearty Scottish cuisine and maybe a dram or two of whisky as you share the day's adventures with fellow walkers.

 

Spring is the perfect time to visit.  Walkers are surrounded by the spectacular landscape of the Highlands, from quiet lochs and lush glens to towering mountains and rushing rivers.  Wildflowers come into bloom in the meadows, and the peaks of Ben Lomond and Ben Nevis are still dusted with snow, making for a spectacular contrast.  As we head into summer, it's also a fantastic time to experience the West Highland Way - with long daylight hours to soak up the views, take scenic detours and enjoy well-earned refreshment in a beer garden. The trail bursts into life with rich greenery, flora and wildlife.

 

This 4 night West Highland Escape is from £589 per person. Price includes 4 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, baggage transfers, access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information via the Macs app and 24/7 support if needed.

 

The rolling hills of Tuscany become a sea of red in May as poppies come into bloom.  Temperatures in the mid 20s also make it an ideal time to visit, before the heat of the summer sun.  Explore Tuscany's timeless rolling scenery, walking between Renaissance and medieval hilltop towns, before arriving in iconic Siena on this 8-day walking holiday. Winding through a unique linear, almost geometric landscape of hills, vineyards, and olive trees, follow picturesque trails through the lesser-known wine regions and join the Via Francigena pilgrimage path for part of the journey.  Highlights en route include the historic spa baths at Bagno Vignoni and the Romanesque Sant' Antimo Abbey.

 

 

Discover the untamed beauty of northern Portugal's only National Park on a week-long self-guided walking Porto and Peneda National Park itinerary. Taking its name from two main granite massifs – the Serra de Peneda and the Serra do Gers – the park combines deep valleys, high peaks and mixed forests and is also home to rare species of frog species and salamander. Follow shepherd trails, pilgrim routes and Roman roads from one remote mountain village to the next, weaving through hills, forests and terraced vineyards with views over lakes and mountain ranges. After sampling the fresh mountain air, there's time to explore the medieval coastal town of Viana Viana do Castelo before finishing in Porto with an included Port wine cellar visit and tasting.  May is an ideal month for hiking, with wildflowers in full bloom and a great range of wildlife, including bats, wolves, deer and golden eagles.

 

This 7 night Porto & Peneda-Geres National Park itinerary is from £995 per person. Price includes 7 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, five picnic lunches, wine tasting in Porto, a detailed information pack, access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs app, door to door baggage transfers and 24/7 assistance if needed.