Worth the trip!

Charlotte's top trail
Praia da Luz to Salema, Portugal

Inntravel holiday: Algarve's Coast & Hills

About the walk: 11.5km, 4.5hrs (or 6.5km, 2.5hrs); ascent/descent 385m
This walk begins in the delightful resort of Luz, which is well worth a visit. From here, you head west along an undulating coastal path over clifftops and around limestone headlands that are coated with flowers in spring. You pass through the pretty fishing village of Burgau, then cross the sands of Praia da Almadena to reach the broad estuary of the Boca do Rio, home to many bird species, before finally reaching Salema.

Charlotte’s highlights: the small fishing village of Burgau. Although it was drizzling as we approached Burgau, it was the perfect place to stop and enjoy a pastel de nata (Portuguese egg custard tart) in a small local café. After 30 minutes, the sun came back out just in time for our onward walk to Salema. The unspoiled beaches along the way are beautiful, and following the headland path for the majority of the walk creates a real sense of journey.

Innsider tip: don’t forget to keep stopping and glancing back the way you have come – you will feel a great sense of achievement.

Peter's top trail
Around Inishbofin, Ireland

Inntravel holiday: Wild Connemara & Galway

About the walk: 16.6km, 5.5hrs; ascent/descent 210m
Tiny Inishbofin is a fascinating island to discover – with rocky headlands, white sandy beaches, and craggy moorland. On this circular loop (which can be enjoyed in sections), you will discover the island’s long history and magical natural charm. You are never far from the sea and the walking is generally easy along well-signed paths and tracks. There’s plenty of wildlife to see, too, depending on the time of year.

Peter’s highlights: passing rocky beaches where seals were basking in the late winter sunshine, while flocks of oystercatchers, redshanks and a variety of seabirds noisily searched for food amid the outgoing tide. Spying the sea stacks where kittiwakes and fulmars nest while gleaming white gannets dive like arrows into the waves from on high. I ended my walk by climbing to the highest point on the island at just 90 metres above sea level. Despite its humble stature, the views were remarkable as I stared across the island to the mainland. I hadn’t seen any other walkers all day. Bliss – Inishbofin was all mine.

Henry's top trail
The 'Cathedral of Hiking', Spain

Inntravel holiday: Alicante's Rugged Mountains

About the walk: 13km, 6.5hrs, ascent/descent 980m
Accessed from the mountain village of Benimaurell, the Catedral del Senderismo (‘Cathedral of Hiking’) is one of Alicante's must-do hikes. It takes in all three of the surrounding gorges, including the famous Barranco del Infierno (‘Hell’s Ravine’), and features a series of steep ascents and descents. Look no further for a rewarding end to your discovery of Alicante’s mountains.

Henry’s highlights: fabulous weather and sky so clear that the views were amazing. The terrain on this route is fairly consistent throughout: rocky trails and stepped stone paths that zig-zag up and down each ravine and provide a real sense of achievement when you reach the top, enhanced by the stunning views and a refreshing breeze. Crossing the dry river beds running along the bottom of each ravine is also a highlight of this route – and looking up brings home the immense size of the ravines.

Rebecca's top trail
Griesalp to Kandersteg via the Hohtürli Pass, Switzerland

Inntravel holiday: The High Route

About the walk: 14.5km, 7hrs; ascent 1510m/descent 1265m
To reach the Hohtürli Pass – an impressive 2,778 metres above sea level – you have a long, and at times steep, ascent, although the extensive panoramas which open up before you more than compensate for the effort! The ensuing descent takes you close to the Blüemlisalp Glacier, past remote farmhouses surrounded by huge boulders, and finally above the turquoise blue waters of Oeschinensee, set in an amphitheatre of mountains.

Rebecca’s highlights: the most spectacular views of the Swiss mountains laid out before you from the pass. There is also a handy Swiss Alpine Club mountain inn on the pass, the Blüemlisalp, which serves up very welcome refreshments and delicious cakes.

Pete's top trail
Chryssoskalitissa to Paleochora, Greece

Inntravel holiday: Crete's South-West Coast

About the walk: 10km, 4hrs; ascent/descent 270m
The route takes you past the famous sands of Elafonisi before continuing around the island’s south-western tip on one of Greece’s most picturesque coastal paths. During spring and autumn, this walk offers beautiful views and wonderful flowers.

Pete’s highlights: it's a tough walk overall, but what I loved most was discovering empty sandy beaches that can only be reached by boat or on foot. I stopped often for a swim and a sunbathe just because it's such a pleasure to have this glorious coastline to yourself. The contrast was enhanced because the walk starts at Elafonisi beach, which is the exact opposite, with sun loungers in rows as far as the eye can see, really popular with both locals and tourists.