The Natural Adventure

18/08/2024

"Loved my third trip with the Natural Adventure. Cycling the Netherlands was an amazing way to see the country. We used e-bikes and had enough energy to walk around the towns for hours at the end of the day. We loved the variety of accommodations." - Sandy from Canada

Big thanks go to Sandy for taking the time to give us five stars for her trip to the Netherlands, but also for making this her third adventure holiday with us. We think that her photos capture all things lekker about the Netherlands, which is a favourite Dutch word for delicious. You can use this word not only to describe Sandy’s stroopwafel at stops along the way, the oliebollen donuts up on the North Sea coast, or the Gouda salad in that famous cheese city - but you can also use lekker to describe anything that’s positive. And judging from the smile on Sandy and her cycling companion’s face, it’s a lekker life all round when cycling in the Netherlands.

For more information on how to find your own lekker moments in the Netherlands, see this link: https://www.thenaturaladventure.com/tours/netherlands/cycling-the-highlights-of-the-netherlands/
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16/08/2024

The island of Corsica, or La Corse, is like a natural kingdom all of its own, its colossal peaks towering over the Mediterranean. The celebrated long-distance GR20 in Corsica is like an aristocratic artery running through this kingdom. And it certainly is the crowning glory for worshipful hikers, as it takes you through a terrain that boasts 21 peaks over 2,000m. No wonder it’s nickname is Mountain in the Sea. At 180km, the GR20 is also considered one of the toughest of the GR routes in France, but you are rewarded with some of the country’s most exquisite elevated landscapes, coastal panoramas and Corsican cultural heritage.

Check out our blog below to see if you’re ready to walk the Corse.
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The GR20 in Corsica is considered one of the toughest and greatest of the GR routes in France. Read about how, when and if you should do it

14/08/2024

"Excellent hotels, very good support from The Natural Adventure, good value in comparison with other companies." - lpalet from Devon

Finisterre translates as ‘the end of the world’, and the Camino Finisterre, between Santiago and Cape Finisterre, with an additional stage to the fishing village of Muxía, is the last lap for many pilgrims to push themselves into nature as far as they possibly can go. The full name is the Camino Finisterre-Muxía or Fisterra in Galician, and it’s an official part of the Camino de Santiago. We’re delighted that this customer, who kindly shared her 0.00km photo, gave the tour - and our team - five stars. This photo shows the zero marker to signify that it’s 0km to the end of the world! Although this spiritual and salty pilgrimage of 120km all the way to Muxía is totally out of this world.

For more details on this camino adventure, see this link: https://www.thenaturaladventure.com/tours/spain/camino-finisterre-santiago-to-muxia/
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09/08/2024

"Loved it! Chose May for the flowers and weren't disappointed. Scenic trails, with lots of interesting caves and cave churches to explore. People were very welcoming. Felt like a real adventure." - Tortoise from Manchester

We do hope that Tortoise from Manchester is so-called because they love slow travel. Or maybe it’s because they saw tortoises every day on their walking holiday in Cappadocia, as you can see from one of the photos. Either way, we’re delighted that Cappadocia lived up to expectations, given the five-star review. This is indeed a real adventure, exploring this magnificent UNESCO site and Göreme National Park’s cave dwellings, troglodyte villages, volcanic terrain and other worldly ‘fairy chimneys’. Our customers even stayed in a cave hotel, the view from which you can see in the photo with an air balloon in it.

You can follow in Tortoise’s footsteps and book for May, although autumn is also uplifting, with daytime hiking temperatures of around 20C. That way you get in just before winter hibernation season. For more details, see this link: https://bit.ly/3LZdQA2
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07/08/2024

"We walked this path in early May and enjoyed perfect hiking weather. At times we would describe the trail as medium grade (not easy) due to the frequent ascents and descents and the loose shale under foot. However we are both in our late 60s and perhaps noticing these things more. The track notes were very comprehensive and needed to be, as there are many paths crisscrossing this area. Overall we were happy with The Natural Adventure support and organisation." - B & L from New Zealand

We love this cross-border beauty of a walking trail as much as our Kiwi adventurers, who gave it a rave review. Even though many people associate the Pyrenees with high peaks, coastal trekkers can also get their fix in this region on this coastal trail between Cadaqués in Spain to Collioure, over the border in France. Combine mountains with the Med on a seven day walking holiday through seascapes that inspired Matisse and Dalí, traditional fishing villages and ancient sites such as Sant Pere de Rodes monastery, with the most heavenly sea views. As well as being available in May, it’s also a perfect autumnal adventure, with trips available until the beginning of November. When temperatures are still between 16-20C.

For more details, see this link: https://www.thenaturaladventure.com/tours/france/pyrenees-coastal-trails-cadaques-to-collioure/
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04/08/2024

Hiking in Bulgaria is many things. It is cheap and very cheerful, quiet and quaint. But most importantly for secret trail seekers, it is gloriously mountainous but never ever monotonous. It has different ranges dotted around the country, such as the Rhodope mountains in the south-west corner, the Pirin and Rila Ranges creating a western wonderland, and the mountains of Central Balkans National Park are home to the country’s northern nirvanas. Here are our six best day hikes in Bulgaria, suitable for a range of abilities. Some are for summit seekers and others are more gentle saunters with a splash and a spa at the end.

Enjoy our photos and then trek over to our blog with lots more details.
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Here are our six best hikes in Bulgaria. Some are for summit seekers and others are more gentle saunters with a splash and a spa at the end.

02/08/2024

"I was pleased with The Natural Adventure, customising our trip to meet our needs. We were also impressed with the guest houses that we stayed at." - Happy Client from USA

The Fife Coastal Path is one of our most recent additions to the Celtic clan, and this five-star review joins quite a few happy clients who’ve walked it. One of Scotland’s lesser-known long-distance trails, it covers 174km between Kincardine, north-west of Edinburgh, up to Newburgh, walking between the Forth and Tay estuaries. The section that you can see in our client’s photos is from Burntisland to St. Andrews over six days. Walking from the popular seaside resort to a world-famous university city, you dip in and out of traditional fishing villages, caves and coves along the way. This trip is also easily accessible by train.

If you fancy a bit of Fife, see this link: https://www.thenaturaladventure.com/tours/scotland/fife-coastal-path-burntisland-to-st-andrews/ We have trips available until October.
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31/07/2024

"The planning was faultless and the communication excellent. The GPX guide for the Camino worked 100%. The overriding aspect that made this a wonderful trip was that the hotels were exceptional. Many boutique style hotels with great food - they could not have been better." Caminonewby from Halifax

We not only love this camino walker’s five-star review photos, but also his social media handle, Camino Newby. He’s most definitely not a ‘newby’ anymore though. As you can see from his photos, he’s got his official Credencial del Peregrino having completed his pilgrimage. The Camino Portugues is 230km long and takes weeks, following an inland route from Porto over the border into Galicia in Spain. With some exceptional hotels along the way, according to our no-longer-newbie. So, our job is done, and so is our hiking friend’s. Onto the next, hopefully.

To find out more about the Camino Portugues Central Way, see this link: https://bit.ly/3W7amkU
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28/07/2024

As well as the many twists and tails across volcanoes, through valleys and vineyards in the Canary Islands, the GR131 trail is one that links them all together. The GR131 is part of the European network of Grandes Randonnées (GR) long-distance trails, most famously featured in France. Also known as an island-hopping trail, the GR131 is a waymarked trail that features on all seven of the Canary Islands, coast to coast, connecting them into a string of natural pearls. Just like other networks of European GR trails, the red and white stripe markers are generally standard across the Canary Islands’ GR131 trail.

Check out the link below for a blog with more details on this island idyll of a trail.
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A blog on the Canary Islands' GR131 trail, an island-hopping long-distance trail that connects the island pearls like a natural necklace.

26/07/2024

"Had an amazing hike in the Mourne Mountains with my 77-year-old dad. They customised the hike to fit our abilities, shortening some days, which was perfect. The service was top-notch with quick replies to our questions. The B&Bs were all fantastic, and the locals were super nice and helpful. Would definitely book again and highly recommend hiking in the Mournes!" - Anne from the Netherlands

Full disclosure, one of our team members is Northern Irish, so the five-star feedback on this Mourne Mountains tour got her Irish eyes smiling. And a little bit homesick. Just 50km from Belfast, the giant granite tors of the Mournes cling to the coast, as you can see from Anne’s photos, especially the one from the highest elevation, as she trekked up to the highest peak of Slieve Donard (853m). Anne’s holiday is an eight day walk along the Mourne Way, which not only takes you through some of the Mournes, but also to Castlewellan and Tollymore Forests. For more details, see the tour link: https://bit.ly/3Slz9Q4
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21/07/2024

"Our walking tour on Skye was filled with amazing hikes, wonderful people, and beautiful scenery. We loved the vast openness and well-selected hikes." - Deb from Montana

We should really be thanking Deb from Montana for these top notch photos, not just for the five-star review that she has kindly shared. And given that Deb’s home state is Montana, she definitely knows her mountains. The mountains on Skye may not be the Rockies, but they will rock your world. With the Cuillin mountains, Old Man of Storr, Trotternish ridge and the Quiraing all bursting forth from one small island, you’re never far from greatness on this holiday. Or indeed, great company, as the people of Skye welcome keen hikers with open arms. And with five star feedback like this, we also hope to welcome Deb and her walking companion back with open arms again soon.

If you’re ready to go Skye-high, head to this link to read more about this walking holiday: https://bit.ly/41Xkq1h
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19/07/2024

Learning about hiking safety tips for mountain trails might feel a bit like having to listen to airline stewards when they give out the emergency instructions on a plane. We think we know them all, and just put on our headphones and zone out. But being aware of the precautions and processes needed to hike safely in the mountains involves a lot more than knowing where the emergency exits are. Here are our top tips for mitigating against unfortunate incidents, and acting to assist in the event of an issue.

For more information, see our latest blog.
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Our top tips on hiking safety in the mountains. There’s always something to learn, from bear bells to helicopter rescue procedures. Stay safe

17/07/2024

"We went in early May and the path was strewn with wonderful spring flowers and interesting insects. The accommodation provided was generally excellent with great breakfasts. The luggage transfers were all automatic and stress free." - Andy from Manchester

Although Puglia is associated with superb cuisine, it was the delicious Apulian aroma of flowers, not just food, that accompanied our happy hikers on their daily walks on this coastal trek. Andy and his walking companion took on Puglia’s southern and totally sublime coast, between Otranto and Gagliano del Capo over eight days. It clearly went swimmingly, based on their generous five-star review, and this is a holiday where you definitely need more than one swimsuit, as double dips are on the cards most days. And you have plenty of time to soak up the sea too, as this is an easy to moderate walking holiday, covering 4-5h per day, through orchards and olive groves, ancient villages and along adjoining paths.

To explore this most heavenly bit of Italy’s heel, see this link: https://bit.ly/4cLNRrS
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14/07/2024

The levadas in Madeira are unique and utterly brilliant examples of engineering married with exquisite walking. They are man-made, narrow irrigation channels dating back to the 15th century, created to carry water across the mountainous island from the rainier north-west side to the more arid south-east. Indeed, the word levada comes from the Portuguese verb levar, meaning to carry. They still direct water but also walkers, who can follow these ambrosian arteries along their banks in many different directions across the island, making this otherwise mountainous island much more accessible.

For more information on the lay of this levada-filled island, head to the link below.
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The levadas in Madeira are unique and utterly brilliant examples of engineering married with exquisite walking. They are man-made, narrow irrigation channels dating back to the 15th century, created to […]

12/07/2024

"We had a great time on this trip! We went in early May, the weather was perfect and the area was FULL of wildflowers! The hikes between the villages (Grazalema to Benaocaz and Villaluenga to Montejaque) are particularly stunning. The walking is very doable, mostly pretty easy and flat with some uphill and more rocky sections." - H from Belgium

Thanks H for this five-star review of our walking holiday in Spain’s Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Poppies, lilies, white flax, gladioli and peonies are just a few of the beauties that make it a five-star floral fiesta in spring, and these photos capture a few of them perfectly. This eight day tour takes you through the limestone peaks, deep gorges, and lush valleys of Andalucía on gentle trails, with moderate day walks of 3-5h a day. You start in Grazalema, just one of many traditional towns known as pueblos blancos that you pass through, with their white-washed houses, narrow cobblestone streets and village squares. It’s all pretty idyllic really, and if you’re tempted to enjoy some tranquilo time on these trails, see this link: https://bit.ly/48ATUx3
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10/07/2024

"What a great trip, excellent service from pickups, transfers and hotels. Beautiful scenery and lucky with the weather. They were able to bespoke the trip a little for our group which was great." - CSM from Cheltenham

The Camino del Norte is the coastal camino and a Basque beauty too, and it was great to be able to cater for this trekking group, who were taking on the first section from San Sebastián to Bilbao. Once you head inland on this pilgrimage, however, you discover a landscape of mountains, monasteries and marvels such as Guernica, made famous by Picasso’s masterpiece. A masterpiece that is considered one of the greatest artistic expressions against war. So, if you seek peace in your life during these troubled times, consider following this northern star of camino routes. For more information, see this link: https://bit.ly/3w5JtDj
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07/07/2024

"I found the whole Natural Adventure experience amazing! The accommodations were, on the whole, extremely good! The luggage transfers flawless! It made the whole experIence relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable, no concerns… able to enjoy each day knowing all the basics were taken care of! Amazing! I'll definitely be looking for another adventure with this company 😄 FIVE STARS !!!!!" - Camino buddy from Yorkshire

Getting five stars is always funky, but when they’re accompanied by ten exclamation marks, it’s a gift from the gods. Clearly the Camino Portugues was a heavenly experience for our Camino Buddy from Yorkshire too, who followed the camino’s Central Way (Caminho Central) over fourteen days. The Central Way is considered the traditional Portuguese camino, and it’s relatively flat and easy to navigate. Heading inland after Porto, your walk takes you through eucalyptus and pine-filled woodlands to tranquil rural villages, market towns such as Barcelos and medieval spots like Ponte de Lima. And finally over the border to Santiago, which is always a five-star finale.

If you’d like a five star adventure, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3W7amkU
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05/07/2024

From the islands to the highlands of northern Greece, and over thirty different Greek walking tours to choose from, how do you choose a bestie when the Greek gods spread their natural gifts so generously?

We’ve selected a few classics, such as Samaria Gorge in Crete and trekking to the summit of Mount Olympus, but have also opted for a few less obvious odysseys on the likes of Naxos or ancient shady routes through the Peloponnese and the Pelion. Each of our six best hikes in Greece is part of a gamut of gorgeousness, so these are just for starters, if a meze of natural marvels is to your taste.

For more information on these Greek hikes, see our blog at the link below.
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Our top six best hikes in Greece, all day hikes that are part of longer trails that you can explore on our walking holidays.

03/07/2024

"Wonderful time on this holiday on the Aeolian islands, plenty to do and see at a relaxed pace. Hotels lovely and people friendly and walk options varied and easily followed." - AH2, Banbury, UK.

These are jaw-dropping photos of the Aeolian islands, smoking hot some might even say. Five-star hot review too, we’re glad to see. We must admit it's a pretty hot itinerary all in all, with island-hopping to Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, and Stromboli. Also known as the Lipari Islands, the walks on this tour are definitely varied. Over a week, you can trek up Monte Guardia (369m) on Lipari, explore the lunar landscape of Vulcano, and take on the steep and stupendous Salina in the shadow of its two extinct volcanoes. There’s nothing extinct about Stromboli or Etna on Sicily though, where you can have guided walks to the craters. It’s steaming up here, folks!

For more info on this island adventure, see this link: https://bit.ly/4eJ05CN
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30/06/2024

Most of us have had that exciting experience of flying into a city and following the aquatic artery that cuts through it. We see how the river takes its twists and turns, and how people around it have clung to its banks for generations. It’s a great snapshot of how communities have evolved, how water, and its vital infrastructure has drawn us closer over the years. Europe’s major rivers still draw us close for different reasons now, with adventure trails having been developed along many of the greats. For more info, see our latest blog.
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From the Rhône to the Rhine, Douro to the Danube, Europe’s major rivers are some of our most adventurous arteries. Read more in our blog

28/06/2024

"The scenery in the valleys around Toubkal was stunning, matching the post-earthquake spirit of the locals. The guides were helpful and Mohammed's food was fantastic. Organisationally: all very slick." - Al from London

‘All very slick’ - might just have to use that as our new strapline, and thanks Al for adding that to your five-star review of our Mount Toubkal trek. Our Atlas Mountain guides are all fantastic, and they win the hearts and minds of so many of our guests. They’re not just slick, they’re spirited, sustainably-minded and safe. But when you’re heading off on a trek to the highest mountain in North Africa, slick seals the deal.

Are you tempted by Toubkal? If so, check this link for more details: https://bit.ly/45E54Rb
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26/06/2024

"A great cross-section through Crete with well chosen accommodation and well organised transfers. We (party of two couples, mid 40s early 50s) went in mid- late April which was much quieter and cooler than peak season. The navigation app was excellent and paths well marked with paint blobs and signage." - Brian from Sydney

This is also a great cross-section of photographs from Brian who captures the dramatic land and seascapes of this trek across Crete from north to south. Categorised as a moderate to strenuous walking holiday, you also need a head for heights on this one, as you can see on that clingy coastal shot on the trail between Chora Sfakion and Loutro, a village that is only accessible on foot or boat, and where you spend two nights on this trip. The shot of the hiking pals making their way through Aradena Gorge is striking too, as is Sweetwater Beach. On this holiday, however, life’s not just a beach. It’s a colossal Cretan adventure and we’re delighted it got five-star approval from this customer.

For more information on the tour, see this link: https://bit.ly/3KMpMVc We have availability up until late October so that you too, like Brian’s posse, can go in a cooler, quieter season.
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23/06/2024

"This was a great hike. It was well organised in terms of accommodations, route descriptions and digital route maps for each day and transfers. The guest houses were simple and clean with great food." - Pat from Scotland

Thanks for sharing the Lycian love, Pat, in this five-star review. If you don’t know it, the 500km Lycian Way Trail in Turkey is legendary for lovers of all things littoral. Although you can walk the whole thing in 20 days, you can take on the east or west sections over a week. The west was best for Pat, a section that clings to a dramatic coastline bedecked with pine forests and brimming with turquoise beaches, pretty much throughout.

We have availability for this tour from the beginning of September until mid-November, for a perfect hit of autumn Vitamin-Sea.

For more details, see this link: https://bit.ly/48JfzD9
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21/06/2024

The only cabin fever that you get on our bike and boat holidays is one of delirium and delight. This might be brought on by watching the stars fill the night sky while sailing through a Croatian archipelago, or disembarking with your bike in Budapest to explore one of many cultural greats along the River Danube. Our top bike and boat holidays cover both seascapes and rivers, cities and islands. You just moor up and mosey off on your bike sometimes with guides and other times self-guided. Either way, these holidays are all about going slow and letting the skipper keep you in tow.
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The only cabin fever that you get on these holidays is one of delirium and delight. Read more about our top bike and boat holidays.

19/06/2024

"We loved everything about this trip. It was well planned, the scenery was spectacular, food was amazing and the castles were incredible. There was so much diversity in what we saw every day from river valleys to castles and small villages. It's definitely suitable for an in-shape amateur hiker." - Travelling duos from Maine

Thanks to this travelling duo for the five-star review of our walking holiday in Bohemian Paradise which is known locally as Český ráj. If city breaks aren’t your thing, then Bohemia might be, as this UNESCO Global Geopark is a labyrinth of rock towers, which are called rock cities. In addition, this colossal corner of Czechia (or Czech Republic) feels like another world and one where we think, like these customers, that you will love everything about it too.

Check out this Czechian treat here: https://bit.ly/48wvN1K
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16/06/2024

It’s been just over a year since we opened our window onto the Karakoram Mountains, with various adventures to take you trekking amongst Pakistan’s pride and joy. That year has flown by, and we can’t believe that its most famous trek, to K2 Basecamp, opens up again soon, with a short window in August every year. However, trekking in Pakistan isn’t just about K2, although it’s a pretty k-olossal reason to go there. You can experience peak Pakistan without pushing so hard, in the likes of the Hunza Valley or the Nangma Valley Trek. And the Queen of the Karakorams, Masherbrum, formerly known as K1, is a manageable monarch too.

For more tips on hiking in Pakistan, from K2 to is it for you? - see our recent blog.
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Everything you need to know about trekking in Pakistan and the Karakoram Mountains. From K2 to is it for you - we answer your questions.

14/06/2024

"The hiking and scenery were beautiful. The transfers worked out great and the drivers were always friendly and on-time. The hotel in Dijon and Nuits-Saint-Georges were fantastic, loved the hosts and location. The hotel in Beaune and Meaursalt were a bit far away from the city, but still fine. The food in this area of France is wonderful, and the wine (particularly the Chardonnay) was delicious. We will definitely book with The Natural Adventure again! They were great at answering questions and arranging everything." - Karen E from Carlsbad, CA, USA

Karen and her travel companion definitely look like the cats who got the cream in this happy snap. Or the Chardonnay perhaps, which turned out to be their favourite tipple on this trail. And with seven days of walking through the vineyards and villages of Burgundy, there’s a lot of beauty worth raising a glass to at the end of each day. We’re also toasting our lovely trekkers who take time to send such kind words. It means a lot to us, and leaves us feeling a bit like the cats who got the cream too.

For more details of our Walking the wine trails of Burgundy holiday, click here: https://bit.ly/4b6Lxd8
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12/06/2024

"My husband and I had a fantastic experience walking the Salzburg Lakes in Austria in July 2023. We have backpacked many trails in the Alps but now that we're almost 80 years old it's time to find a less strenuous way of doing what we love to do. The Natural Adventure, with the support of luggage transfers, and the fun of using boat transport to get to and from trailheads, made it possible for us to continue walking in the mountains. In the past, I had always made our accommodations myself along our long-distance hiking routes. This time we left that task to The Natural Adventure and were very pleased with our accommodations, as well as with the routes and pace of our walking…We are now ready to book again with The Natural Adventure and will hopefully be checking off another adventure…hiking the Camino de Santiago!" - Retta from Vermont, USA

Thanks Retta for your rave review and for these glorious photos of the Salzkammergut, the name for Austria’s Lake District. We love that you’ve highlighted the fact that walking in Austria doesn’t always have to be for expert and superfit mountaineers. Walking trails on this holiday are, on average, 14km per day, or four to five hours depending on how much you want to push it. But these lakes are so magnificent that you won’t be able to resist photo stops. And taking-it-all-in-stops, so that they are emblazoned on your brain forever.

For more information on Retta’s ramble, see the tour link: https://bit.ly/4bYQRAK
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09/06/2024

"We had the BEST time Walking the Mallorca Coast and mountains. The accommodations were top notch and ranged from beautiful old to fabulous beachfront. The Natural Adventure contacts including Benjamin went above and beyond. Our hikes were well planned and we never had to worry about transportation. The app that was provided worked very well." - Deb, Montana

If ALL CAPS means that someone is shouting, we’re totally here for that. Especially when the word BEST is accompanied by five stars, as demonstrated by kindly Deb, from Montana. And she must know her mountains, coming from one of the most mountainous states in the USA. Not many people realise that Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is also mountainous, with the Serra de Tramuntana range creating a strong spine along its north coast. And, although you need a strong physique to walk the trails, we can always create shorter options for you. Although Deb from Montana, (which, interestingly is derived from the Spanish montaña), is walking mightily. And happily by the looks of things. THANK YOU, DEBS!

For more information on this tour, see this link: https://bit.ly/4e2mevH
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