Some people just aren't made for sun loungers. For activity-hungry holidaymakers who don't like to sit still, August and the height of summer can be a difficult time for travel plans.

With these challenges in mind, leading self-guided walking and cycling specialists Macs Adventure have come up with some top tips for the perfect walking trips in the summer months. Enjoy the optimal time of year for Alpine exploring, discover a greener side of Spain, get a Vitamin D fix from sun that's more soothing than scorching or escape to Nordic light. The walking is made that much easier by Macs transferring luggage from place to place, leaving walkers free to enjoy their day with just a light day pack.

Mountains and Lakes of Slovenia's Julian Alps: Fresh Alpine air and clear blue lakes

The Julian Alps are a relatively undiscovered gem at the end of the Alpine range, stretching from the north east of Italy into Slovenia, through the Triglav National Park. Think fresh alpine air, majestic peaks above densely wooded valley floors and glassy lakes just perfect for dipping in to cool off – ideal for an active summer holiday. The proximity to Austria and Italy has always made the Julian Alps a cultural crossroads and this is reflected in the architecture, music, history and delicious food of the region.

Macs Adventures' 7-night itinerary is a perfect introduction to the famed 'Via Alpina' route, from the village of Jezersko to the blue waters of Lake Bohinj. Walk along well marked trails, across forested plateaus and flower filled meadows, through deep river gorges and past glacial lakes, with the snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps a constant companion. Medieval castles, underground tunnels, churches that once served as fortresses and shelters and some of the oldest mountain huts in Slovenia bring history to life en route.  Highlights include a hike up the northern side of the Kamnik Alps – rewarded with an amazing viewpoint over the Grintovec range, with one foot in Slovenia and the other in Austria; walking the 150m deep Vingar Gorge on to Lake Bled; following an ancient shepherd's route into the verdant Draga Valley and the beautiful lakes of Bohinj and Crnjava – perfect for a refreshing dip.

From £720 per person including 7 nights b&b accommodation, transfers and baggage transfer as per itinerary, information pack with walking route, full detailed maps and GPS navigation app and 24/7 assistance if needed.  Flights and transfers to first/from last accommodation not included.  Jezersko is located just 30km from Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana and many low cost airlines fly into Ljubljana Airport including Easyjet and Wizz Air.  www.macsadventure.com, 0141 530 5452

https://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-960/mountains-lakes-of-the-julian-alps/ 

Lucerne's Lakes and Mountains Short Break: - Switzerland: Let the cable cars, lifts and trains take the strain:

Against a backdrop of Switzerland's lakes and mountains, this 5 day walking holiday offers the chance to take in the best of central Switzerland, away from the tourist hotspots, around picturesque Lake Lucerne.  With easy going walks and allowing the cable cars and railways to take care of the ascents, enjoy the stunning views of lakes and snow-capped peaks with minimal exertion required!

Lake Lucerne makes a beautiful setting for a summer Alpine holiday.  It is one of the most varied lakes in Switzerland, with its four 'tentacles' reaching out into the different cantons, and scenery more reminiscent of a fjord than a lake. The southern flank of the lake – around Weggis – is known as the Swiss Riviera, thanks to its mild temperatures and sunny days.  Yet thanks to the amazing transport network, you can be lifted up to the mountains to get a true Alpine experience, with Mount Pilatus standing at over 2,000m above sea level. From the steepest cog railway in the world, to cable cars, lifts and trains – this means you can walk at elevated heights without having to do too many strenuous ascents – perfect for the summer months. The views are magnificent – on a clear day you can see 73 alpine peaks from Mount Pilatus.  The trip also includes a night at the unique Pilatus Klum Hotel – at 2,132m above sea level – with incredible panoramic views, as well as intense sunrises and bright stars at night.

From £950 per person for a four night trip, including four nights b&b accommodation, 1 dinner, bag transfers, detailed information pack, route notes and maps, GPS navigation app and 24/7 assistance if needed.  Flights and transfers to first/from last accommodation not included.  www.macsadventure.com, 0141 530 5452

https://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-2285/lucernes-lakes-and-mountains-short-break/

Picos de Europa to the Coast: The greener side of Spain

With average temperatures of 22 degrees in August, the Picos De Europa make a great choice for a summer walking holiday.

Starting in the fantastic Picos de Europa National Park, straddling Asturias and Cantabria, this 7-night trip combines four days of easy walking in the mountains before heading to the rugged coast of “green Spain” for a couple of days of relaxed walking between pretty fishing villages and quiet beaches.  

The Picos offers a huge variety of landscapes from lush meadows to tranquil woodlands and deep gorges.  Accommodation is in family run guesthouses and traditional hotels, serving traditional food, with options including a superb 16th century Hostal which is recommended in the Michelin Guide for its excellent Basque cuisine.

Highlights of the Picos include the 'Camino Lebaniego' pilgrims path; taking a cable car from Fuente De and walking through lunar-like landscapes to Stores; a choice of easy routes around Sotres and walking the “Ruta del Cares” – possibly one of the finest walks in Spain - on a path through the dramatic Cares gorge.  After five nights in the mountains, transfer to the 'Green Coast' of Asturias for some superb coastal walking, passing rugged coves and beaches to the coastal town of Nueva de Llanes. A final walk along the sea cliffs passes colourful villages and tapas bars, and the natural geisers called “bufonas” of Llanes de Pria.

From £685 per person for a 7-night trip, including 7 nights b&b accommodation, four dinners, luggage transfers, some transfers, detailed route maps and GPS navigation app and 24/7 assistance if needed.  Flights and transfers to first/from last accommodation not included.  www.macsadventure.com, 0141 530 5452

https://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-2377/picos-de-europa-to-the-coast/ 

The Best of West Sweden on Foot: Long summer days, gentle walking and fantastic food

Explore the best West Sweden has to offer on this self-guided walking holiday with the perfect balance of walking, nature, culture and glorious food.  With walks rated easy to moderate and minimal ascent and descent, this relaxed trip is a perfect summer option.  The rocky west coast region of Bohuslän is a natural paradise dotted with hundreds of islands, rocky beaches and picturesque lighthouses combined with the appealing city of Gothenburg, and one of the most exciting foodie scenes in Northern Europe.

Start with two days of walking along the Soteleden long-distance trail. Walk through peaceful forests, along scenic coastlines with typical Scandinavian wooden houses, and through fields and meadows. Spend two nights in the fishing port of Smögen, relax with a drink on the boardwalk and tuck into some fresh mussels. Walk in the nearby Ramsvik Nature Reserve before heading back to Gothenburg, which serves as a base for the next three nights. Explore the city's unique Nature Reserve, just ten minutes from the city centre by tram. Spend a day hiking around picturesque Marstrand island, and finally there's a free day to soak up the city vibes in Gothenburg.

From £1,175 per person for 7 nights' accommodation, breakfasts each morning, one dinner and one packed lunch, a detailed information pack, access to maps and GPX tracks on the Macs adventure smartphone app.   Flights aren't included, but the journey starts and finishes in Gothenburg, which can be reached by direct flight from the UK, or trains from Copenhagen, or trains from other Swedish cities. www.macsadventure.com, 0141 530 5452

https://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-2396/the-best-of-west-sweden-on-foot/

For further media information, please contact Sarah Bolam – 07714 337756 or Nicole Walsh – 07771 5540247, media@macsadventure.com 

Notes:

The leading self-guided walking and cycling holiday specialists, Macs Adventure offers over 600 exciting self-guided trips to 40 countries worldwide. Itineraries are tried and tested and allow travellers the freedom to go their way, at their own pace, with accommodation in carefully selected properties, ranging from friendly b&bs to local hotels. The Macs experience comes with the security of knowing that all the booking logistics have been handled, the route has been mapped out safely in advance, and a free and easy to use Macs Adventure app full of GPS routes that can be downloaded and followed offline. Each morning, luggage is transported to the following accommodation, ensuring guests are free to enjoy the day's adventure.

Founded in 2003 by owner Neil Lapping, who is still at the company's helm, an adventurous spirit lies at the heart of the Macs ethos. Carefully planned itineraries are crafted by a team of passionate travel enthusiasts who love sharing the secrets that make unforgettable travel moments and deliver outstanding active holidays.  The team are driven by a shared goal of leaving people inspired and connected to the people and the world around them.