It’s time to embrace the art of slowing down. As the pace of everyday life continues to accelerate, more travellers are seeking ways to disconnect, recharge and rediscover joy in simplicity. Famed for fewer crowds and warm temperatures across Europe, the shoulder season – after the school summer holidays – is the ideal travel window for those looking for a slower and stress-free holiday.
HF Holidays, leading walking specialist and expert in organised walking holidays, is offering just that with three shoulder season trips that beat the crowds, offer warm weather and take the stress out of holiday organisation.
The walking holiday co-operative’s founder TA Leonard OBE identified the benefits of walking together in nature and over 100 years on, the appeal of slowing down to enjoy nature’s produce while exploring on foot endures.
Slow down with a scenic journey
A Week in Provence – Walking Holidays with Rail Travel from London
Take the scenic route to Provence, a destination known for its diverse landscapes from the Southern Alps to rolling vineyards. This seven-night itinerary includes transport via Eurostar across the English Channel, before switching to France’s premier high-speed rail service for a scenic journey to the sunny corner of France that has long been the muse for many artistic greats. As guests watch the French countryside from their window, itinerary highlights that wait ahead include unwinding in Gréoux-les-Bains, known for its thermal spring, exploring Quinson and the Verdon Gorge and trekking through the majestic Luberon Valley.
HF Holidays’ seven-night A Week in Provence – Rail Travel from London itinerary is priced from £2,029 per person, including return rail travel, in-destination transport, an HF Holidays Tour Manager, a choice of two guided walks on walking days led by local leaders, half board accommodation, and all sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary. Departing 27 September 2025.
Slow down with authentic local food
Italy is the birthplace of the slow food movement and autumn is the best time to enjoy the harvests from Italy’s agricultural heartlands.HF Holidays has a range of options to explore the slow food philosophy which seeks to preserve and share local culinary traditions whilst enjoying walking through stunning landscapes.This autumn, there is still space on our walking holidays across the country in Sicily, Amalfi and Piedmont.
Piedmont Wine & Walking
The wine-growing Piedmont region is a gourmand’s paradise. Deep valleys and rolling countryside are dotted with medieval villages, vineyards, farmhouses, and hazelnut groves. Highlights include walking along river paths and ancient trails, visiting the foodie town of Alba, discovering the Barolo vineyards, and sampling exquisite food paired with well-known wines.
HF Holidays’ seven-night Piedmont Wine & Walking itinerary is priced from £1,529 per person, including return flights, airport transfers, and luggage; an HF Holidays Tour Manager, a choice of two guided walks on walk days led by local leaders, half board accommodation, all in-destination transport and all sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary. Departing 29 September 2025.
Slow down by walking together in nature
South Downs Gentle Guided Walking Holiday
A landscape of chalky cliffs, ancient woodland and rolling countryside, the South Downs has long been a siren call for walkers. Ideal for those seeking the charm of the English countryside at a slower and more relaxed pace, this three-night itinerary offers breathtaking trails, historical attractions and picturesque villages. Offering three daily walks varying in difficulty – guests can walk in friendly, sociable groups – opting to wander along the banks of the River Arun, explore historic Arundel with its impressive cathedral and Norman castle and stroll through Pulborough Brooks meadows.
HF Holidays’ three-night South Downs Gentle Guided Walking Holiday itinerary is priced from £500 per person, including full board accommodation, transport to walks and an experienced HF Holidays Leader. Departing 19 September 2025.
