TRAVEL: Find your own path to walk

An increasing number of travellers are embarking on walking holidays to clear their mind and exercise.

These are a great selection of new walking holidays in the UK and abroad that allow visitors to take in the very best of their local surroundings.

Whether it’s an adventurous hike through dramatic mountain scenery, peaceful walks through breath-taking countryside or tours venturing off the beaten track, there are plenty of options to suit every level and taste.

Walk through the real Provence

With the expert guidance of Gauthier Vandendriessche, one half of the hotel’s founders, La Maison d’Ulysse has launched Gauthier’s Guides, a selection of the best tips for where to walk, jog, and cycle in the local area.

Gauthier’s Guides take in the very best of the local surroundings; from a walking tour designed specifically for ‘babymooners’, which comprises a gentle stroll to discover the local village and cross the Duché d'Uzès vineyard, to a cycling route that takes in ruins of Baron Castle and the stunning view of the Mont Lozere mountain range, and ending with a wine-tasting in the Euzet cellar.

Causeway coastal route, Northern Ireland

The Causeway Coastal Route is an odyssey of astonishing natural landscapes, from patchwork hills, mountain streams and waterfalls to a dazzling coastal road with majestic cliffs, golden sands and the unique glory that is the Giant's Causeway where 40,000 mainly six-sided basalt columns create an eerie landscape jutting into the ocean.

This two-day walking route takes you along Northern Ireland's most celebrated coastline. High cliffs, secluded beaches and numerous historic and natural landmarks are just some of the treats on offer. With frequent access points and terrain suitable for all fit walkers, this is one route you'll remember for years to come.

Ballygally Castle Hotel offers 18 ‘5 star coastal view’ bedrooms including six family rooms making it one of the largest hotels on the Causeway Coastal Route with 54 bedrooms.

Clear your mind in the French Mountains

Fill your lungs with the crisp clear Alpine air with Premiere Summer and find yourself surrounded by a natural paradise in which to clear your mind. Explore the mountains on foot and follow the endless walking trails local to Sainte Foy. Those wishing to travel further afield have the option to plan longer multi-day hikes in the Parc de Vanoise and beyond.

A walk across country from Sainte Foy Station to the pretty hamlet of Le Miroir and lunch at Chez Merie is not to be missed. With a range of routes, all under 5km, it is a beautiful walk for all the family. From an extensive food menu board with a delicious range of French cuisine, it is truly worth the walk. Finally, soak up the summer sun or lounge in the shade by their pool with endless views of the mountains.

Premiere Summer’s flagship boutique chalet The Peak come complete with life’s little luxuries such as Elemis Spa bathroom products and Egyptian cotton bed linens and provides the perfect base to explore the great outdoors. With large bedroom suites, sauna, steam room, private gym and balcony hot tub, opt for a week in luxury or a quick weekend escape.

Walking and culture at Fornham Park, England

Guests looking to see Suffolk’s most beautiful scenery on foot, along with visits to the region’s finest stately homes, museums and galleries, are in for a treat at Dream Lodge Holidays’ Fornham Park.

The team have created a bespoke itinerary packed with walks around the park’s 220-acre landscaped grounds, including the lake and gardens originally built by Capability Brown, and beyond.

Highlights include the chance to hike through Lakenheath Fen Nature Reserve, teeming with marsh harriers, hobbies, bearded tits and warblers, Kentwell Hall and Gardens, a stately moated red brick Tudor mansion and grounds, as well as the along the picturesque shingle beaches and colourful forest trails on the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Five-star in the undeveloped north east coast of Mallorca

Park Hyatt Mallorca, overlooking the Canyamel valley, sits on the quiet and undiscovered east coast of the island and is an ideal base for a walking holiday.

The luxury resort is open year round and has fitness, hiking and cycling activities at its core. The Park Hyatt Mallorca team are on hand with route maps and suggestions for guests looking to explore the surrounding area by foot, with local villages, markets, caves and beaches all within walking distance.

After a day out walking guests can look forward to returning to the hotel and cooling off with a refreshing dip in one of the swimming pools. During the evening walkers can refuel with delicious meals at one of the hotel’s four exceptional dining venues or relax and ease any muscle pains with a pampering massage in the stunning Serenitas Spa.