If the thought of panoramic views perched atop a craggy mountain peak on a weekend away quickens your pulse or bagging 13 Wainwrights on a micro-adventure in the Lake District is on your must-do list for 2025, then the original adventure walking company, Ramble Worldwide (01707 331133, www.rambleworldwide.co.uk), have launched an exciting new selection of 17 ‘Weekend Adventure Breaks’. From their portfolio of ‘challenging’ (grade 6 to grade 8)* walking itineraries, Ramble Worldwide’s new three-night adventure breaks pack in some of their most thrilling trails and inspiring routes across the UK and Europe with the added excitement of conquering a peak or two. Led by at least one very experienced walk leader and in small groups of up to 16 people, they’ve been carefully curated to satisfy even the most avid adventure seekers and are ideal for those who are short on time but searching for a high-energy weekend challenge with all of the logistics meticulously arranged – an area where Ramble Worldwide is renowned. Easing the way to higher grade walks in the UK, options include covering stretches of the impressive 600 mile South West Coast Path before graduating to more challenging options such as bagging 13 Wainwrights fells in the heart of the Lake District or summitting five of the Welsh 3000s hiking in Snowdonia’s National Park.

On a quick getaway to Europe, the group will experience high level adventure hiking around the base of Monte Nero on the slopes of Sicily’s ever active volcano, Mount Etna. Heading up into its lofty peaks and Alpine meadows there is also the chance to explore Slovenia’s Julian Alps with Instagram-worthy views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. Alternatively discover the largest mountain range in Spain hiking along a section of Andalucia’s GR7 long distance route through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada National Park. Designed to fit around a Friday to Monday 4 day/3-night weekend break, each itinerary has two full days of action-packed hiking on Saturday and Sunday. All itineraries include accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, all local transport and entrances outlined in the itinerary and the services of a very experienced walk leader. Commenting on the breaks managing director Wayne Perks says: “Today’s adventure travellers want more from a walking holiday – they want a true challenge. Our Weekend Adventure Breaks are designed for experienced walkers looking for a rewarding, high-energy escape that pushes their limits while fitting into a busy lifestyle”.

So lace up your boots and step into a weekend full of adventure on one of the following:UK Wainwright Weekend Walks (challenging, grade 8). Based at Hassness Country House, a hidden away bolt hole on the shores of Buttermere, complete one of Ramble Worldwide’s most challenging weekend breaks at the top of the highest grade for a sense of real achievement and the ultimate ‘bag’. Hike up 13 of the highest ‘Wainwrights’, a collection of the 214 Lakeland peaks outlined in Alfred Wainwright’s renowned Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells. Walking 11 – 12 miles each day with ascents between 1145 – 1350m (and a bit of scrambling in between) follow exhilarating routes to a backdrop of some of Britain’s finest views, traversing the High Stile Ridge to bag four Wainwrights (Red Pike, High Stile, High Crag and Haystacks) and the Grasmoor Peaks to bag the other nine (Barrow, Outerside, Causey Pike, Scar Crags, Sail, Crag Hill, Grasmoor, Wandope and Whiteless Pike). Designed for experienced mountain walkers with a head for heights, strenuous days out are well rewarded with delicious home cook meals and freshly made cakes in the relaxing surroundings of Hassness. Ramble Worldwide (01707 331133, www.rambleworldwide.co.uk) 3 night Wainwright Weekend Walks cost £499/person including accommodation and all meals, the services of some of the highest qualified leaders and renowned Hassness Country House hospitality. Departs 27 June 2025 https://www.rambleworldwide.co.uk/united-kingdom/england/lake-district/wainwright-weekend-walks

AUSTRIA Maria Alm Weekend Adventure (challenging, grade 6)

Spend a weekend discovering one of Austria’s best kept secrets in the Hochkönig region of Austria – Maria Alm, nestled in the Salzburgerland near the German border. Dominated by the towering peaks of the Hochkönig Massif, the valley provides a breathtaking backdrop to an extensive network of 220 miles of well-marked and meticulously maintained trails which are dotted with wild flowers at this time of year. Using the Hochmaisbahn lift to the start of the trail, summit the Klingspitz, one of the highest peaks in the area at 1988m and enjoy the exhilarating sense of achievement along with sweeping valley views. Hike the aptly named ‘Panoramaweg’ along the base of the dramatic Hochkönig Massif range, undulating all the way to the top of the valley at the Arthurhaus, catching one’s breath with coffee and slice of apple strudel at a rustic mountain hut immersed in mountain panoramas. Ramble Worldwide (01707 331133, www.rambleworldwide.co.uk) 3 night Hiking in Austria: Maria Alm Weekend Adventure costs £499/person including BB accommodation, local transport, a Hochkönig Card and the services of an experienced walk leader. Departs 20 June 2025. Excludes flights and airport transfers. https://www.rambleworldwide.co.uk/europe/austria/hiking-in-austria-maria-alm-weekend-adventure

SPAIN Hiking in the Sierra Nevada Weekend Adventure (challenging, grade 6) Hike through Andalucia’s Sierra Nevada National Park from the historic thermal spa town of Lanjarón to discover Spain’s largest mountain range. Take a high-altitude walk through a remote ‘barranco’ that leads deep into an impressive gorge carved out by the Rio Lanjarón. Then, test one’s footing and head for heights on the more challenging GR7 trail, which crosses the 1940s dam that blocks the Rio Chico and meanders through the small white-washed villages known as ‘Pueblos Blancos’ for which the Alpujarras region is famous. Ramble Worldwide (01707 331133, www.rambleworldwide.co.uk) 3 night Hiking in the Sierra Nevada Weekend Adventure costs £520/person including BB accommodation, local transport and the services of an experienced walk leader. Departs 30 May 2025. Excludes flights and airport transfers. https://www.rambleworldwide.co.uk/europe/spain/andalucia/hiking-in-the-sierra-nevada-weekend-adventure

SLOVENIA Hiking the Mountains of Slovenia Weekend Adventure (Grade 7, Challenging) Head into the heart of the Slovenia’s Julian Alps and Bohinj Valley, venturing high above the tree line, by cable car and chairlift with panoramic vistas over Triglav National Park, to embark on a heady ridge walk to summit three peaks – Vogel (1,922m), Sija (1,880m), and Rodica (1,963m). Tackle the Komarca Trail, a captivating route that ascends the dramatic Komarca headwall on an exhilarating hike featuring exposed sections with breathtaking views. Pause to explore the source of the Savica River, where crystal-clear water emerges dramatically from the cliffs and from the Black Lake with its serene waters nestled amidst rugged terrain, take an adventurous route through rocky woodlands to the Koča Pri Triglavskih Jezerih mountain hut which was first built by the Austrian Hiking Club in 1880. Ramble Worldwide (01707 331133, www.rambleworldwide.co.uk) 3 night Hiking the Mountains of Slovenia Weekend Adventure starts from £749/person including four-star accommodation on a half board basis, local transport, entrance fees and the services of an experienced walk leader. Departs 4 July & 26 September 2025. Excludes flights and airport transfers. https://www.rambleworldwide.co.uk/europe/slovenia/a-weekend-adventure-hiking-the-mountains-of-slovenia

With the prices excluding flights and airport transfers, these can be arranged separately with Ramble Worldwide when making the booking. Ramble Worldwide operates on charitable ethos and is committed to giving back to the community by channelling profits from the sale of holidays to the Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust, which, since 2000 has invested over £5 million into preserving the great outdoors and helping to make it more accessible to all. For more details see: https://www.rambleworldwide.co.uk/weekend-adventure-breaks