If you’re looking for a hiking holiday that blends scenic walks with the perfect opportunity for groups, families and friends to connect, look no further than the following highlighted trails. We’ve created a list of some of the best hiking trails for groups in Ireland, Scotland, Spain and Portugal for you to consider as your next holiday.
Anyone who has walked the famous Camino Frances will tell you the walk is as much about bonding with fellow travelers as it is about the stunning Spanish landscapes. It is the perfect hike for a group and expect to enlarge it as you make friends along the way. Booking early is advised because of its enduring popularity.
For a gentler and less prominent hike why not explore the tranquil beauty of the Speyside Way & Cairngorms in Scotland. Ideal for an outdoor excursion with loved ones and family you can reward the group effort with a warming dram of the finest scotch whisky with the many distilleries along the route. As an alternative yet beautiful hike to the extremely popular West Highland Way retrace the steps of Scottish folk hero and perennial challenger to English rule Rob Roy MacGregor on the Rob Roy Way. A perfect blend of nature and legend to share with your group. Relax each evening in some of Scotland’s most picturesque little towns and villages, such as Callander, Killin, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry. Both these hiking trails are not as busy as our other more prominent Scottish tours so the chances of securing accommodation for a group is better on them.
For those wishing to hike in Ireland the Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast has breathtaking coastlines and is possibly the most beautiful and varied coastal trail on the island. Yet it is also a surprisingly easy, low-lying walk – perfect for beginners and groups. A perfect choice for hikers of varied ability. For those looking to experience the raw beauty of the West of Ireland, the Connemara region provides the ideal escape for groups with its rugged landscapes and tranquil lakes. It has a feel all of its own in the west where music and the Irish language still have a grip on the daily life of its residents. Since it is not as busy as our other Irish trails there are better opportunities for group bookings.
For a warmer hike the Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) in Portugal is one of the finest coastal walks in the world. With stunning views from Atlantic clifftops and hidden undisturbed beaches below this is a great choice for groups and families. The colourful towns and villages along the route make for a welcome end to a days hiking.
These trails offer the ideal blend of scenic beauty and shared happy experiences ensuring lasting memories for everyone whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a fun escape together.
The Camino Frances is renowned among hiking groups and families alike, offering an unforgettable journey along with the natural friendliness the pilgrimage route generates among hikers. Covering the final 160 km of the route to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela pilgrims and hikers from around the world head toward their last stop and their treasured Compostela Certificate. The trail appeals to diverse ages and abilities, making and is accessible to all able hill walkers from the youngest to oldest. Age has posed no barrier to our clients as this tour features well-maintained paths and gentle terrains. This route is ideal for those looking to explore a shared experience. It’s a captivating journey and one filled with friendships old and new. Camaraderie abounds on the Camino Frances!
The Speyside Way & Cairngorms trail is a gentle trail which uses old railway tracks, military roads and forest tracks. These gentle trails are perfect for groups offering a delightful journey through Scotland’s malt whisky heartland. Spanning 116km from Buckie on the Moray Firth coast to Aviemore and Kincraig near the Cairngorm Mountains, this area has the largest concentration of whisky distilleries in Scotland. The whiskies produced in the more than 30 distilleries here include some of the most famous in the world, such as Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet and The Macallan. There is more than just scotch whisky to attract you to the Speyside Way, you can also visit the magnificent Ballindaloch Castle or enjoy two of Scotland’s Heritage railways at Dufftown, Boat of Garten and Aviemore. A little bit of something for every member of your group tour.
The Rob Roy Way spans 127km (79 miles) from Drymen to Pitlochry, offering some of Scotland’s greatest scenery along ancient cattle drovers’ trails used by Rob Roy MacGregor, Scotland’s legendary outlaw and folk hero. Ideal for group hikes, family outings, and adventures with friends, this trail winds through glens, alongside lochs, rivers, and burns. There’s also breathtaking views of lochs, falls at Abefeldy and Dochar as well as majestic mountains. Historical landmarks abound, including Roman forts, crannogs, and standing stones, enriching the journey with tales of clan feuds and derring do from the gallic Robin Hood. Each day ends in picturesque towns like Callander, Killin, Aberfeldy, and Pitlochry, where evenings can be spent enjoying local ales, highland dishes or even a dram of whisky at Dewar’s world famous distillery in Aberfeldy.
Explore Connemara & the West of Ireland with it’s mythic landscape of wild mountain passes and rocky islands off the Galway coast. Rich in history and culture the west was an inspiration for literary giants like Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats as well as artists like Paul Henry. Our tours cover the scenic southern stretch of the Western Way trail, a 100km (63 miles) route from Oughterard to Westport, showcasing the best group hikes and family-friendly trails in Galway and Mayo counties. Explore Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran islands with its gaelic speaking population and ancient sites such as the fort at Dún Aonghasa, described as “the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe” as it clings to the edge of a cliff. This tour has so much to see with serene lakes, salmon rivers and majestic fjords amidst Connemara’s rugged terrain. Follow ancient mountain passes and pilgrimage routes to sacred sites steeped in centuries of history where St Patrick slept at Maumean. Connemara & the West of Ireland offers a wide array of experiences, perfect for hiking groups, there is something for everyone on this tour.
Our Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast tours in Northern Ireland, nestled in the northeast of the island of Ireland, offer outstanding hiking experiences for groups, families and friends. Starting from Glenariff, renowned as the Queen of the Glens, the trails meander through the picturesque Glens of Antrim to Ballycastle on the north coast. From there, hikers can explore the Ulster Way and Causeway Coast Way linking Ballycastle to Portstewart and featuring accessible hiking paths with breathtaking coastal vistas. The routes boast well-maintained paths, gentle terrain and visits to iconic landmarks such as the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. An unforgettable group hike and family adventure amidst stunning landscapes.
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail), celebrated as one of the world’s top coastal trails, blessed with over 300 days of sunshine annually. Start your adventure at São Torpes near Porto Covo in Portugal’s Alentejo region and finish in Odeceixe, a jewel of the Algarve. This trail offers a great group hike experience as it is relatively flat with some minor ups and downs. Perfect for family outings and adventures with friends the terrain is generally sandy and has very few rugged sections. The vibrant local culture of the towns make for very interesting stops at the end of a day’s trail hiking. With its regional cuisine and friendly locals staying in local villages is an event in tiself. Explore stunning beaches like Zambujeira do Mar and Odeceixe, keep an eye out for the coastline’s famous white storks nesting atop sea stacks. The Rota Vicentina delivers a unique blend of nature, culture, and scenic beauty, ensuring unforgettable experiences along Portugal’s Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park. It’s relatively gentle terrain makes it suitable for everyone especially groups.
Match the type of hiking adventure you are looking for by reading through our ‘Best For’ guides below.
Hillwalk Tours has over a decade of experience in organising self-guided hiking holidays. We take pride in specialising & crafting unique and unforgettable hiking tours across Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Spain and Portugal. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, we have a huge range of tours to match all fitness levels and interests, ensuring a walking holiday with Hillwalk Tours will be an experience of a lifetime.
Furthermore, our core purpose at Hillwalk Tours is to “create experiences that make people happy”, and we strive towards fulfilling this purpose in everything we do. The following are just some examples of what you can expect with Hillwalk Tours as standard:
