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26 Trails To Look Forward To In 2026
At UTracks, we’re heading into 2026 with fresh energy and serious trail inspiration.
From timeless favourites like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Camino de Santiago, to lesser-known gems across Slovenia, Azerbaijan and Madeira, these are the walking and cycling journeys that have us looking forward to the year ahead.
In no particular order, explore our top picks for 26 of the most exciting walking and cycling holidays in Europe for 2026. Or dive into our full collection of 500+ active trips and discover Europe your own way.
1. Best of the Coast to Coast in Comfort - Guided

England’s famed Coast to Coast trail just got a comfort-focused upgrade. This new guided itinerary captures the most scenic and rewarding sections of Wainwright’s iconic route - from the wild beauty of the Lake District to the rolling green of the Yorkshire Dales - without the need to walk every kilometre.
What makes it special? It’s ideal for walkers who want to experience the essence of the Coast to Coast without committing to the full 300 km route, and it’s now offered with the support of a local guide and upgraded accommodation throughout. Think cosy country inns, luggage transfers, and expert insights along the way.
Whether you’re drawn by the landscapes, the legends or the chance to walk across England (at least the best bits), this new UTracks trip makes the journey more accessible - and more comfortable - than ever before.
2. Bike & Barge the Loire River
For the first time, you can now explore the Loire Valley on a UTracks bike and barge holiday. These new itineraries combine gentle cycling through the French countryside with the comfort of a barge as your floating hotel.
Each trip follows a different stretch between Fontainebleau and Nevers, offering relaxed days on quiet paths, vineyard visits, canal-side villages and plenty of château views. At the end of each ride, return to your barge for local food, regional wines and a comfortable cabin.
This is the first time we’ve offered bike and barge trips on the Loire River, and they’re a great option if you like to unpack once and enjoy seamless support while travelling at a slower pace.
3. Portuguese Camino Rambler - Tui to Santiago
New for 2026, this gentler-paced version of the Portuguese Camino is ideal if you want to experience the Camino spirit without the rush. Starting in the Galician town of Tui, this self-guided walk follows the popular inland route through northern Spain to Santiago, but with shorter walking distances and extra time built in to explore along the way.
It’s perfect for first-time pilgrims, cultural walkers or anyone who wants to savour the journey as much as the destination. You’ll still enjoy the camaraderie, local cuisine and scenic countryside that make the Camino so memorable, but with more time to rest, reflect and enjoy the rhythm of the trail.
If you've always wanted to walk the Camino but preferred a more relaxed pace, this is the trip to look forward to.
4. A Taste of Britain’s Best Walks
This new collection of shorter walking breaks lets you experience the highlights of Britain’s most iconic trails in just five or six days. Each itinerary focuses on the most scenic and rewarding sections, perfect if you’re short on time but still want that big trail feel.
With seven trips to choose from, you could find yourself tracing the windswept ridgelines of the South Downs, walking coastal clifftops in Cornwall, or exploring the historic paths of Hadrian’s Wall - all without committing to a full-length route. These walks are self-guided and designed for easy add-ons to broader UK travel plans, or as a standalone escape into nature and local culture.
Big landscapes, legendary trails, less time commitment - this is Britain’s best walking, made more accessible.
5. Walking Northern Portugal: Douro, Mountains & Coast
If you want variety in your walking holiday, this trail through northern Portugal delivers it all. From the forested hills of Peneda-Gerês National Park to the vineyard-covered slopes of the Douro Valley and the windswept Atlantic coast, this itinerary offers a mix of inland, mountain and coastal landscapes you won’t find on other Portuguese walks.
Along the way you’ll pass through timeless villages, stay in family-run accommodations and enjoy regional food and wine. The journey ends at the sea, giving this trip a satisfying sense of progression as you walk from the hills to the coast.
Compared to other walks in Portugal, which often focus on one region or setting, this route offers a richer blend of nature, culture and scenery in a single itinerary. If you’re after a walk that captures the full diversity of northern Portugal, this one’s worth adding to your list.
6. Hike the Dolomites - Watch the Film, Walk the Trail
There’s something unforgettable about walking in the Dolomites - the sheer cliffs, alpine meadows and shifting light on the peaks stay with you long after the trail ends. To capture that feeling, we created a short film that follows two hikers as they journey through this dramatic landscape.
From misty mornings to golden sunsets, the film offers a glimpse into what it’s really like to walk among these legendary mountains. Whether you’ve already explored the Dolomites or they’re high on your list, it’s a powerful visual reminder of why this region is so beloved by walkers.
If it inspires you to lace up your boots, the Highlights of the Dolomites is the perfect place to start. It’s the shortest and most focused Dolomites itinerary in our range, designed to showcase the best of the region in just five days. You’ll walk through classic scenery, stay in handpicked alpine accommodation and enjoy the freedom of a self-guided trip with full support.
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Watch: Hike the Dolomites
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View the Highlights of the Dolomites
7. Split to Dubrovnik Guided Cycle
This new cycling adventure links two of Croatia’s most iconic cities with a carefully curated ride through the best of southern Dalmatia. Over six days, you’ll explore quiet coastal roads, ferry to peaceful islands, ride through olive groves and vineyards, and finish each day in charming historic towns.
Highlights include pedalling past the ancient city walls of Ston, tasting local wine on the Pelješac Peninsula and riding through the rolling farmland of Korčula - known for its hilltop villages and seafaring history. With expert guides leading the way and luggage transfers taken care of, all you need to do is enjoy the ride.
The route ends in Dubrovnik, giving the trip a strong sense of journey as you cycle from one legendary city to another. If you're looking to explore southern Croatia by bike with local insight and a well-paced itinerary, this new trip offers the perfect introduction.
8. Albania Coast Guided Walk
This recently released trip offers a completely different perspective on Albania, swapping the remote northern mountains for the sunny shores of the Ionian coast. It’s the only guided UTracks walk in Albania that focuses on the country’s southern coastline, where Mediterranean landscapes, stone villages and cultural heritage take centre stage.
You’ll walk shepherd trails and hillside paths that lead to historic sites like the UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint and the hilltop town of Gjirokastër. Along the way, enjoy traditional Albanian hospitality, fresh seafood, and views of turquoise bays that give this trip more of a Mediterranean feel than other routes in the region.
With moderate walking distances, a strong cultural focus and access to both mountains and sea, this is the ideal choice for travellers seeking a gentler yet immersive introduction to Albania.
9. Chianti Highlights Walk
From Florence to Siena, discover Tuscany at your own pace on a short break through the heart of the Chianti wine region. Wander along quiet country roads and well-marked trails, pass rolling vineyards, olive groves and wooded hills, and pause along the way to savour local wine and regional delicacies.
10. Cycle Slovenia to the Adriatic

This journey offers one of the most satisfying cycling routes in Slovenia, taking you from the alpine peaks of the Julian Alps all the way to the Adriatic coast. It’s our only cycling trip in Slovenia that finishes at the sea, ending in the historic port town of Piran with its Venetian-style architecture and Mediterranean vibe.
Along the way, you’ll ride through alpine valleys, forested foothills, rolling vineyards and the Karst region, finishing with a coastal descent that rewards you with sweeping sea views. The daily rides are achievable and well-paced, with plenty of time to stop in traditional villages and sample regional food and wine.
What makes this trip stand out is the variety. In just one week, you’ll experience mountain air, countryside charm and coastal culture. It’s a true point-to-point journey with a clear sense of progress, ideal for cyclists who want their trip to feel like a story - not just a loop.
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View the Cycle Slovenia to the Adriatic
11. Madeira Island Walking: East to West
If you’re looking for the most complete walking experience in Madeira, this new itinerary delivers it. Unlike other walks on the island that focus on specific regions or highlights, this trip takes you on a continuous journey from east to west, starting at the rugged headlands of Ponta de São Lourenço and finishing at the windswept cliffs of Ponta do Pargo.
Over seven walking days, you’ll cross a striking range of landscapes, from volcanic ridges and high mountain passes to lush laurel forests and quiet levada trails. Each day brings a new side of the island, with cultural stops, remote sections and sweeping coastal views along the way.
With a total duration of 15 days, there’s time to walk at a steady pace, enjoy well-placed rest and transfer days, and immerse yourself in the rich variety that Madeira has to offer. Compared to other trips in the region, this route is longer, more immersive, and offers a stronger sense of achievement. It’s ideal for walkers who want to truly cross the island on foot - not just visit it.
12. Via Francigena: Rome to Terracina
Via Francigena’s southern section, from Rome to the coastal town of Terracina, traces a centuries-old cultural artery between northern Europe and the heart of Italy. Offering a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the Via Francigena of the South was first mapped in 990 AD by Archbishop Sigeric.
13. Full Spanish Camino Rambler
Traverse the centuries of time, as well as northern Spain, on this slower-paced version of the legendary Camino de Santiago. Unlike other UTracks Camino itineraries, which cover either shorter sections or follow a faster daily schedule, this trip is designed for walkers who want to complete the entire Camino Frances in one journey - without the pressure of long daily distances.
With shorter walking days and built-in time to explore towns, enjoy local cuisine and take in the changing scenery, this is the most accessible way to experience the full pilgrimage route. From the foothills of the Pyrenees in St Jean Pied de Port to the cobbled lanes of Santiago, you’ll have time to connect more deeply with the landscapes, people and rhythm of the trail.
If you’ve dreamed of completing the Camino but hesitated because of pace or endurance, this new ‘rambler’ itinerary offers a welcoming and rewarding alternative.
14. Walk the South West Coast Path - Watch the Film
The South West Coast Path is one of Britain’s most iconic trails, and our short film brings its coastal beauty to life. Follow two walkers along the Jurassic Coast as they take in windswept cliffs, fossil beaches and classic seaside towns.
If it inspires your next walk, the new Exmouth to Lyme Regis trip covers the same stretch. This five day self-guided itinerary is a perfect taste of the trail, with rewarding views, local charm and well-paced walks by the sea.
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Watch: Walk the South West Coast Path
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View the South West Coast Path: Exmouth to Lyme Regis
15. High Scardus Trail Guided Hike
For walkers looking to go beyond Albania’s better-known routes, the High Scardus Trail offers a more remote and immersive experience. This guided hike explores a rugged section of the long-distance trail that stretches across the western Balkans, linking high alpine landscapes with traditional villages and quiet shepherd paths.
Crossing between Albania and North Macedonia on foot, the journey features dramatic ridgelines, glacial lakes and far fewer crowds than the trails around the Accursed Mountains. It’s ideal for experienced hikers who want to explore one of Europe’s last truly wild trekking regions, with cultural encounters and high-mountain scenery along the way.
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View the High Scardus Trail Guided Hike
16. Azerbaijan Highlights
This itinerary offers a deeper dive into Azerbaijan, from the bold architecture of Baku to the traditional mountain village of Lahij. Unlike multi-country tours that move quickly through the region, this journey focuses solely on Azerbaijan, allowing more time to explore its unique blend of ancient history and modern identity.
You’ll visit fire temples, mud volcanoes, Silk Road towns and remote Caucasus landscapes, all at a pace that gives space for connection and cultural insight. It’s ideal for travellers wanting a shorter, more immersive experience in one remarkable destination.
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View the Azerbaijan Highlights
17. The Fife Coastal Path

A new trio of trips now lets you explore Scotland’s Fife Coastal Path in a way that suits your time and pace. Stretching from North Queensferry to the charming town of St Andrews, this scenic trail combines sea views, fishing villages, historic castles and quiet beaches along a well-marked route.
You can now experience it with three new self-guided itineraries:
- Edinburgh & the Fife Coastal Path Hike - Start with a night in Scotland’s capital before walking the full length of the trail over eight days, following the coast all the way to St Andrews.
- Exploring the Fife Coastal Path - A six day option covering the most picturesque sections, perfect if you want a well-rounded experience with fewer walking days.
- A Taste of the Fife Coastal Path - A short break focused on the highlights, ideal for first-time walkers or those adding it to a wider UK itinerary.
These walks are rich in local history, full of coastal charm and backed by UTracks’ usual self-guided support, including luggage transfers and comfortable local stays.
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View the Fife Coastal Path trips
18. Giants Causeway & Rathlin Island Hike
This self-guided walk captures the wild beauty of the Antrim Coast, combining dramatic landmarks with quiet, lesser-visited trails. You’ll explore the world-famous Giants Causeway, walk cliff-top paths past ancient castles, and spend a night on peaceful Rathlin Island - a car-free haven known for its birdlife and coastal views.
With luggage transfers and comfortable local stays included, it’s a perfect way to experience Northern Ireland’s coastal highlights at your own pace.
19. Cycle the Dolomites to Venice

This new Dolomites to Venice journey is an exciting trip for 2026 because it offers one of Europe’s most varied and rewarding point to point rides, combining gentle gradients with dramatic alpine scenery and a rich blend of cultures along the way.
Following the old Dolomite Railway through quiet valleys beneath the Three Peaks, the route gives leisure cyclists the rare chance to enjoy big mountain landscapes without demanding climbs. The gradual transition from alpine villages to wooded foothills, Renaissance towns and the elegant piazzas of the Veneto makes every day feel different, with connections to Tyrolean heritage, Italian art history and the region’s famed gelato makers. Ending near Venice adds a final flourish, bringing the journey from mountains to Adriatic full circle. It is the kind of trip that feels like a story from beginning to end, ideal for travellers looking for beauty, variety and a more immersive way to experience northern Italy in 2026.
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View the Dolomites to Venice Cycle
20. Prepare for the 2027 Holy Year Camino
Walk the final 100 km of the Camino Frances, from Sarria to Santiago, and earn your Compostela certificate at a relaxed, self-guided pace. This is one of the most popular sections of the Camino - and now you can lock it in early for the 2027 Holy Year. With UTracks’ Camino 2027 Price Lock, you can book ahead and secure 2027 departures at 2026 prices. It’s the smart way to plan your pilgrimage and avoid the rush.
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View the Camino - Sarria to Santiago Classic
21. Lombardy Alps Cycle to Lake Como
This self-guided cycling journey takes you through the quiet side of northern Italy, where alpine views, forested valleys and sparkling lakes create the perfect backdrop for a rewarding ride. Beginning in the Valtellina Valley, you’ll follow a mix of cycle paths and quiet roads through mountain villages and vineyards, finishing on the shores of Lake Como.
Along the way, enjoy the relaxed pace of small-town Italy, sample regional food and wine, and soak up views of the Rhaetian Alps. With luggage transfers, e-bike options and handpicked accommodation included, this is a scenic, accessible ride for travellers who want to experience Lombardy’s mountain culture and lakeside charm on two wheels.
22. Piedmont: Val Maira Alpine Hike
Discover one of Italy’s quietest and most beautiful mountain regions on this self-guided walk through Val Maira. Far from the crowds, you’ll hike between stone villages, alpine meadows and panoramic ridgelines, staying in welcoming family-run inns along the way.
With rich culture, peaceful trails and hearty local food, this is a rewarding alternative to Italy’s busier alpine routes.
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View the Piedmont: Val Maira Alpine Hike
23. Guided Portuguese Camino Walk for Senior Travellers
This Camino experience is thoughtfully paced for older walkers who want to enjoy the journey without the rush. With shorter daily distances, comfortable accommodation and full guide support, it’s an ideal way to walk the final stage of the Portuguese Camino in good company.
You’ll still earn your Compostela, visit charming towns and enjoy the spirit of the trail - just with more time to take it all in, and a group of like-minded travellers by your side.
24. Fontainebleau to the Loire by Bike and Barge
Pedal from royal Fontainebleau to the edge of the Loire Valley on this relaxed bike and barge journey. Ride quiet paths through forests, villages and canals by day, then return to your barge each evening for local food and a warm welcome.
With highlights like Montargis, Briare and the château of Fontainebleau, it’s an easygoing way to experience rural France with comfort and charm.
25. Cycle Slovenia and the Parenzana
This scenic ride follows a gentle arc from Slovenia’s alpine valleys to Croatia’s Adriatic coast, blending cultural highlights with natural beauty. Beginning in Ljubljana, you’ll cycle through wine country, past karst caves and hilltop villages, before joining the historic Parenzana rail trail - a converted railway that now serves as a peaceful cross-border bike path through Slovenia, Italy and Croatia.
The journey finishes in coastal Poreč, where cobbled streets and sea views reward your ride. With e-bike options, luggage transfers and comfortable accommodation included, it’s an ideal trip for riders who want to cover three countries in one smooth, scenic ride.
26. The Full Rota Vicentina Walk
Follow the Atlantic from the Algarve to the Alentejo on this complete journey along Portugal’s Rota Vicentina. Over 15 days, you’ll walk the entire trail through fishing villages, windswept headlands, cork forests and remote beaches, experiencing the full beauty and rhythm of the southwest coast.
This self-guided trip combines the inland Historical Way with the stunning Fishermen’s Trail, offering a rich mix of cultural encounters and dramatic coastal scenery. With luggage transfers and charming local stays included, it’s the ultimate way to immerse yourself in one of Europe’s most beautiful long-distance walks.