River trekking, paragliding, cycling, and via ferrata are among the adventurous activities enjoyed by our tipsters across Europe
Springtime for via ferrata, Lake Garda, Italy
Spring in northern Lake Garda offers a paradise for adventure seekers. I have visited several times and enjoyed the via ferratas: these are iron cables fixed to scrambling routes, which require fitness and a sense of adventure but not technical mountaineering skills (safety equipment required). The views are breathtaking and diverse, ranging from gorges and ledges to grassy mountaintop finishes and, for the daring, huge vertical ladders – with castles, bastions, and shrines along the route. It’s also a great area for renting a bike or choosing one of the many apartments that include them, to explore the paths and see the lakes and mountains by pedal power. If you tire of all that, there’s also paddleboarding, windsurfing, swimming, and river boat trips. All this can be enjoyed alongside brilliant food and gelato.
Spectacular by boat or bike, Lake District
I’ve had numerous fantastic activity breaks in the beautiful Keswick area. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing on both Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake are delightful, although it’s important to be mindful of the no-boating zones established to protect breeding birds. After enjoying the water, we often rent mountain bikes and explore various trails in Whinlatter Forest. The 16-mile Back o’ Skiddaw route offers a truly wild biking experience. Hikers have a wealth of options: my favorites include the nine-mile Coledale Horseshoe and the challenging climb up Blencathra via Sharp Edge. For a peaceful swim surrounded by stunning scenery, Dock Tarn, located a few miles south of Derwentwater, is perfect.
High-level hiking in the Pyrenees, Andorra
The Coronallacs Trail in the Pyrenees offers an exceptional hut-to-hut hiking experience. This trail consists of five stages, covering 57 challenging but incredibly rewarding miles (92km), passing by remote mountain lakes and offering stunning vistas, with a high point reaching 2,900 meters above sea level. The route connects all four of Andorra’s staffed mountain refuges, which provide accommodation and meals, allowing you to travel light. The fourth stage, at 14 miles, is the longest and most challenging, culminating in a refuge on Andorra’s highest mountain, Coma Pedrosa. Packages offering four nights’ half-board accommodation at the huts can be found for approximately £180 per person (€219.72) at stadesport.com.
Exotic plants and winding paths, La Gomera, Canary Islands
La Gomera in the Canary Islands is a paradise for hikers. The mountain scenery is breathtaking, with superb waymarked trails, and the weather is mild throughout the year. The island is pristine and peaceful, with relatively few visitors, offering a tranquil hiking experience. Walking on its trails can feel like strolling through an ornamental garden, with unusual plants at your feet and stunning mountain views all around. La Gomera also boasts an excellent road network, allowing you to shorten your walks by taking taxis or buses at the beginning or end of your route. Despite these conveniences, you still feel completely removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I traveled with On Foot Holidays on a self-guided route, which included an outstanding app for navigation and luggage transfer services.
On wheels in Wales and looking out for warblers
In West Pembrokeshire, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, cycling inland on a spring day offers a different but equally captivating experience with abundant wildlife. The roads are free of traffic, and the occasional hills are manageable for cyclists of all levels. In spring, the gorse hedges bloom in vivid yellow, reminiscent of the cross on St. David’s flag. Take your time and stop often to enjoy the sight of the first swallows and warblers returning from Africa. Watch your step on the warm ground, where lizards and adders sunbathe. After your ride, relax at one of the peaceful independent tearooms.
A river trekking adventure, France
My family and I experienced river tracing, also known as river trekking, in Les Gorges du Toulourenc in Drôme, located 25 miles east of Orange in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It’s an exceptional place to engage in physical activity while immersing yourself in nature’s beauty. The water, often around calf level but reaching above the waist in some spots, has a stunning turquoise hue. The activity involves a bit of rock scrambling and swimming through deeper sections, providing enough challenge for a true adventure. Alternatively, you can simply sit by the water’s edge, marveling at the rock formations reaching up to the sky and observing the rare Bonelli’s eagles soaring high above.
The air is as sweet as wine in Portugal’s Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is an ideal destination for a rejuvenating spring getaway filled with activity. By mid-March, the air is fragrant with the sweetness of wine and the golden hue of ripening grapes, creating a perfect setting for walking or cycling adventures. The terrain is relatively flat, as we discovered last year, making it accessible for both the elderly, like myself, and the young, like my grandchildren. The valley is easily accessible by train from Porto, and you can rent bikes for €20 a day or simply explore on foot. Swimming across the river from one side to the other can also be a delightful experience. Don’t miss a visit to Aveiro, ideally by boat, to admire its colorful houses, cafes, and streets.
Our activity dreams came true in the Alps
Before starting a family, my partner and I traveled to the French Alps for an adventure-packed holiday with Responsible Travel (starting from £700 per person, excluding travel). We stayed in an off-grid yurt and had a variety of activities to choose from. We opted for via ferrata, gorge walking, mountain biking, and even fulfilled a dream of paragliding! Booking these activities was straightforward, and cooking facilities were provided on the farm. We also explored local food markets and restaurants. We plan to return for more adventures as soon as our children are old enough to join us in jumping into cold rivers.
On the quiet route from Amsterdam to Brussels
I arranged a leisurely six-day cycling excursion from Amsterdam to Brussels with Dutch Bike Tours (€889 per person for two sharing, including breakfast), traveling via the Eurostar to and from Amsterdam and Brussels. It was a peaceful and delightful journey, perfect for families, although I undertook it on my own. Dutch Bike Tours handled my luggage and hotel bookings, allowing me to enjoy the tranquil countryside and charming towns like Gouda, Bergen op Zoom, and Louvain at my own pace. The route was marked by numbered “junctions,” offering a glimpse of what cycling in the UK could aspire to be.
Winning tip: my reservoir cycle in the Peak District
We enjoyed a car-free cycling holiday based in the picturesque Peak District town of Bakewell. We started with a gentle ride on the flat, family-friendly 8.5-mile Monsal Trail, which took us through stunning limestone dales and across the impressive Headstone Viaduct. For a more challenging adventure, we tackled the 15-mile Upper Derwent Valley circular route around Derwent, Ladybower, and Howden reservoirs, offering breathtaking views throughout. Our lunch break at Slippery Stones, just beyond the northern end of Howden reservoir, was perfectly timed halfway through the ride. We wrapped up our trip on the High Peak and Tissington trails, which provided easy cycling and expansive rural vistas. A delightful afternoon tea at Hartington farm shop and cafe capped off a fantastic getaway.
