The Benefits of Group Walking Adventures with Large Outdoors
Joining a walking trip is far more than a few days on the trail. It’s a simple, sociable way to feel better, get outdoors and build experiences that last well beyond the weekend itself. Since 2008, Large Outdoors has welcomed thousands of walkers — many arriving solo, many returning again and again — because walking in a group makes the whole experience easier, more enjoyable and far more motivating than going it alone.
Whether you’re looking for a confidence boost, time away from your routine, or simply want to meet friendly people while exploring new places, a group walking adventure offers a surprising number of benefits. Below, we break down why joining a walking weekend or holiday can have such a positive impact.
A Simple Way to Look After Your Physical Health
Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise to maintain. It strengthens muscles, supports joint health, improves cardiovascular fitness and helps build stamina at a sustainable pace. Because all Large Outdoors walks are fully guided, you can stay moving without worrying about direction, pacing or planning.
Steady routes over several days allow you to increase activity gently, whether you normally work at a desk or already walk regularly. Many guests say they return home feeling fitter, more energised and ready to keep walking long after the trip ends.
A Noticeable Boost to Mental Wellbeing
Spending time outdoors is known to support mental health — even short walks reduce stress and help you think more clearly. Combine that with being part of a friendly group and you create a supportive environment where people naturally relax, unwind and take a proper break from everyday pressure.
Joining a group removes the uncertainty that often comes with walking alone. You have company, conversation, and shared experiences that help you switch off in a way that’s difficult to achieve on your own.
A Sociable and Welcoming Way to Make New Friends
One of the strongest reasons people join Large Outdoors is the community feel. Most of our guests arrive on their own, and quickly discover that group walking makes conversation effortless. You’re outdoors, moving at a comfortable pace, and chatting with others who enjoy the same simple things: good walks, fresh air, and exploring new places.
Many lasting friendships — and even a few marriages — have started on our weekends. Whether you’re naturally outgoing or a little nervous, group walking removes the awkwardness and makes it easy to feel part of things.
Guided Walking Removes All the Stress of Planning
Every trip includes fully guided walks led by experienced, qualified guides who know the area well. They choose routes that match the group, adapt plans to weather, and handle the navigation. This means you can relax, enjoy the scenery and walk with confidence.
Not having to plan every detail is one of the biggest reliefs for many guests. You simply arrive, meet the group and let the guide lead the way.
Explore our guided walking weekends here:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/weekends-short-breaks
Accessible Trips for Solo Travellers, Couples and Friends
Whether you come alone or with others, our trips are designed to be welcoming and easy to join. There’s no membership, no pressure, and no expectation to be fast or super fit. You choose the trip level that suits you:
Walking Weekends in National Parks and National Landscapes
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/weekends-short-breaksCar-Free Trips with station collection and all local transport included
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/car-free-tripsWild Swimming Trips for those who enjoy water as much as walking
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/wild-swimming-holidays-uk
Whatever you choose, you’ll be welcomed with a friendly atmosphere and guides who understand how to support a mix of abilities and backgrounds.
Motivation That’s Hard to Find on Your Own
It’s easy to say you’ll walk more. It’s harder to keep it up. Joining a group gives you commitment and motivation — you’ve booked, you’ve travelled, and you’re surrounded by people doing the same thing. This sense of shared purpose helps you push on when you might otherwise have stayed at home.
Many guests tell us that a single walking weekend kick-starts months of regular walking, new routines and fresh confidence outdoors.
A Chance to Explore Places You’d Never Discover Alone
Our trips run across the UK and include routes that most people would never stumble upon without local knowledge. From Yorkshire moorland to Welsh valleys, coastal paths to forest trails, the joy of group walking is discovering new places you simply wouldn’t reach without a guide.
Explore all upcoming trips here:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/trip-calendar
Join Us for a Walking Adventure That Feels Good in Every Way
Group walking doesn’t need to be intense or complicated. With Large Outdoors, it’s friendly, accessible and built around steady days outdoors, good company and the chance to feel better in mind and body.
If you’d like to try your first walking weekend or holiday, explore our full trip calendar and find a trip that suits you:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/trip-calendar
