Posted on May 7, 2009 - by Janice

Solo Walking: Slow down and enjoy

A walking holiday is an opportunity to slow down and explore paths less traveled. It’s a chance to enjoy sights, sounds and smells that you would otherwise miss.  It offers time to relax, think and ponder on a journey that can be as spiritual as it is physical.

There are many people who are avid long distance walkers but for me, solo walking has simply been a way to explore cities. I cover miles on foot without even thinking about it until I fall exhausted into bed at the end of the day. Because a true walking holiday has not been my thing, I contacted a friend of a friend, Kathy Stewart, who also happens to be veteran of walking tours and trip planner with Butterfield & Robinson (B&R), for insight.

“Walking is a tradition in Europe,” explained Kathy. “You can go through fields, vineyards and nature preserves.” This surprised me. But , I learned, you can’t cross every field or vineyard. You have to know where to go. Fortunately, there are books and maps you can buy that offer lots of information on independent walking tours.

Prepare for your walking holiday
Before you go on your walking holiday, Kathy suggests the following:

• Get out and do some walking. You may think you’re fit but long distance walking can be a surprising challenge.
• Buy good quality, comfortable walking shoes with ankle support. The tread is also important for proper grip.  And break them in a bit before your trip. Depending on your luck with the sales, you’ll pay between $80 and $200.
• You also need proper hiking socks. They breathe and offer better support.
• Consider using walking sticks
• Definitely have good quality rain gear.
• Pack clothes that breathe and can be layered. Sports gear is best. Cotton is not ideal.

Not so solo walking
As a solo traveler, you may choose to participate in one of many guided walking holidays available. B&R offers some of the more luxurious walking trips. “Our tours of Tuscany, Provence, the Lake District, Peru and Patagonia are the most popular,” says Kathy. A typical walking day includes a 10 mile walk, with the group or alone if you keep one of the group in sight. There’s a break for lunch and you arrive at your hotel around 4pm with enough time for a rest or massage before dinner. Most walks have a theme such as the food and wine of Italy.

I have been on cycling vacations before and enjoyed the slower pace. Walking, especially across fields and nature preserves is slower still and very appealing. I think I’ll have to give it a try.