Eco-friendly holidays are becoming more popular as people start to recognize that sustainability and the environment are some of the most important issues the world is facing today.
The philosophy behind this responsible mode of travel is to leave a place as you find it, reducing your carbon footprint. Fortunately, walking is a great way to achieve that in the UK.
This is because compared to other forms of travel, walking is a sustainable option that doesn’t create vehicle emissions or contribute to any type of congestion.
So apart from treading softly and caring for nature, here are some other ways you can help minimize your impact on the environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same walk as you did in your days.
If you prefer to pace yourself, choose from one of the many self-guided walking holidays curated by experts like Walk With Williams.
Stick to Paths and Mind the Signs
When you are up and about in the great outdoors, remember that you are essentially in the arms of Mother Nature. So try to leave her place as beautiful as you found it.
Don’t go wandering off. Pay attention to the signs and stick to the designated paths. Not only does wayward walking contribute to erosion, it disturbs the habitat and the ecosystem as well.
Before you hit the trail, get the inside information on the destination’s flora, fauna, and the creatures who call this place their home. Know which species are distinctive to a particular area and keep a lookout for them.
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Danby Sinclair
Gear Up Responsibly
Every year, walkers buy millions of outdoor gear like jackets, boots, trousers, and other walking equipment, which ultimately ends up in the junkyards.
This colossal waste has a massive impact on nature’s biodiversity, So help mitigate matters by opting for nature-friendly fabrics and purchasing them only from those makers who care about their impact.
Another option is to buy second-hand gear on local online forums or, better still, consider borrowing from friends or renting gear.
Be sure you take good care of your walking kit by washing it regularly and repairing tears so that it lasts longer, which is better for both your pocket and the planet.
Avoid Single-use Plastic
Instead of using single-use plastic, consider taking things like a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, or coffee cup to reduce the waste production you may generate on your walking holiday. Not only will you do your bit as a nature lover, but you will also shine as a waste warrior.
Once You Are There
The best way to get the inside scoop on your walking holiday is to make it a point to walk with local guides. They will take you over the must-walk trails, share their love for nature, and show you how to respect the local landscapes like nobody else can.
Respect the Wildlife
There will be moments (luckily) when you come across local wildlife on your trek. Remember they are the lead stars of the show, so give them the red carpet treatment they deserve.
You can help by not getting too close to them, feeding them or making a noise while you pass. No autographs whatsoever!
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pete Stuart
Don’t Waste Water
Water is scarce, so use it carefully by taking showers rather than bucket baths, not keeping the tap running, and a big ‘NO’ to new daily towels. Also, use nature-friendly toiletries wherever possible.
The gorgeous landscape around you will serve as a reminder that reducing what we take from nature’s precious resources is now more vital than in the past.
Support Local Businesses
Spending your walking holiday money on local communities and small businesses is a great way to lessen the impact on the rural community.
Consider buying food from wayside farm shops instead of supermarkets and pick up souvenirs made by local artisans on the route.
Stay in Eco-friendly Places that Care for Wildlife
Another wonderful way to have an eco-friendly walking holiday is by staying somewhere where local wildlife thrives and their habitat has not been compromised.
Opt for resorts or lodges that are equipped with features for wildlife, like bee bricks and bird boxes. Moreover, the guests should be educated about the wildlife and the landscapes through walks, lectures, and events all throughout the season.
Choosing a holiday home that follows sustainable practices can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and give you peace of mind. Luckily, sustainability has become more than just a trend—it’s now the standard in many places.
Leave Nothing but Footprints
Carry a small reusable bag and pick up any litter you generate or find on the way. Never leave litter behind, particularly items like toilet rolls, banana skin, or fruit droppings. Note that biodegradable items also take years to decompose, which can be disastrous for the native wildlife.
Ways in which walking can help to protect the environment
Reduces air pollution
Air pollutants are tiny particles, gases, and chemicals released into the atmosphere. Motorized transport is a major contributor to air pollution due to the emissions produced by burning fuels.
By choosing to walk, you are actually helping in reducing air pollution, and this saving of carbon dioxide is a huge win for cleaning up the air.
Boosts biodiversity
Biodiversity describes all life on earth and how the different plants and animals that exist in a particular region interact with each other.
A healthy ecosystem has a profound impact on the variety and quality of food we eat, as well as the quality of air we breathe and water we drink.
Switching to walking means less noise, less air pollution, and fewer emissions that warm up our atmosphere.
Inspires behavioral changes
Choosing an active hobby like going for a long walk has important benefits for the individual. Your commitment to walk can inspire others to give it a go themselves.
Image Credit: Shutterstock / t._chon
Some Good Walking Holiday Places in the UK
North of England
- St Cuthbert’s Way
- St Oswald’s Way
- Cleveland Way
- Coast to Coast Path
- Dales Way
- Hadrian’s Wall Path
- Northumberland Coast
- South Tyne Trail Tabular Hills
- Teesdale Way
- Yorkshire Wolds Way
- Viking Way
South of England
- Cotswold Way
- Cross Bucks Way
- Hereward Way
- Icknield Way
- Norfolk Coast Path
- Peddars Way
- Ridgeway
In the end
Walking holidays are growing in popularity all over the UK as a way to see the landscape while having a minimum impact on the environment.
Fortunately, there are countless walking destinations that promote ecotourism, helping you not only enjoy nature but also learn about the best practices to protect the local environment.
More Like This…
The Top Walking Trails in the U.K.
The Best Walking Routes in Scotland
This article was first published on The Green Voyage. Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock /365 Focus Photography.