Mini-Treks: Big Adventures in Short Getaways
At Ryder-Walker, we’ve handpicked a collection of mini-treks that whisk you straight to some of our favorite destinations around the world. These shorter adventures are just a few hours from iconic cities in Europe, the UK, and the USA making them perfect for a quick escape. Whether you’re traveling for business, visiting family, or simply craving a scenic getaway, our mini-treks offer the chance to hike through stunning mountains, along breathtaking coastlines, and across picturesque countrysides.
England’s Cotswold Way
Journey through England’s timeless landscapes on the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile National Trail rich in history and charm. Our four-stage mini trek from Chipping Campden to Painswick weaves through rolling farmland, ancient woodlands, and storybook villages. Along the way, explore Neolithic sites, Roman ruins, and breathtaking views. With cozy inns, hearty pub fare, and gentle terrain, this hike offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort.
Gateways: London, England. London to Moreton-in-Marsh is 1.5 hrs by train and Ryder-Walker provides a taxi from train station to your hotel in Chipping Campden.
Spanish Costa Brava
Explore Spain’s stunning “Wild Coast,” where rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters create a breathtaking backdrop. This trek takes you from the charming seaside of Platja de Fornells through picturesque beach towns, medieval villages, and historic sites. Walk in the footsteps of artists like Salvador Dalí while indulging in Catalan cuisine and soaking in sweeping coastal views.
Gateways: Barcelona, Spain. A taxi transfer from Barcelona to the start of your trek in Platja de Fornells is included. The drive takes about 1 hr 45 min.
Ireland’s Dingle Way
Experience Ireland’s southwest on the Dingle Way, a stunning 180-kilometer route through County Kerry’s dramatic coastline, rolling hills, and charming villages. This well-marked trail blends farm roads, coastal paths, and remote tracks, offering ever-changing scenery and hidden surprises. Cozy B&Bs and grand ocean-view lodges provide comfort, while hearty Irish breakfasts and lively pubs fuel each day’s adventure. With breathtaking landscapes and rich local culture, the Dingle Way is Ireland’s most captivating walking tour.
Gateways: Kerry, Ireland. The Kerry Airport to Dingle is about 2.5 hours by bus and taxi while renting a car takes only 1 hour.
Scotland’s Rob Roy Way
Follow in the footsteps of legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor through Scotland’s breathtaking Trossachs. This scenic trek winds through lush meadows, past sapphire lochs, and beneath towering Munros, immersing you in the wild beauty of the Highlands. Along the way, discover ancient ruins, historic trails, and the stories of Scotland’s past. Cozy village B&Bs and warm hospitality make for a perfect end to each day’s adventure on this unforgettable journey.
Gateways: Glasgow, Scotland and Edinburgh, Scotland. Driving to Strathyre is about an hour (a little longer by bus or train).
Berner Oberland
The Berner Oberland is a group of absolutely awe-inspiring mountains situated up above the Swiss capital of Bern. In these majestic mountains, you will get to experience some of the most classic destinations in all of the Alps, including the village of Grindelwald beneath the formidable north wall of the Eiger, the precipitous waterfall valley of Lauterbrunnen, and the cliffside villages of Mürren and Wengen.
Gateways: Bern and Zürich. The Oberland is easily accessed by just a few hours of train rides from either Bern or Zürich! Bern is a stunning city built along the glacial Aare river.
The Italian Dolomites
The Italian Dolomites bring the best elements of mountain cuisine, five-star accommodation, and legendary hiking all together in one of Ryder-Walker’s most popular treks. For this short trek, we have focused on some of the villages with the best hotels and trails on the entire tour, including the Hotel La Perla in Corvara, a destination hotel so beloved that our clients return to it year after year just relive their memories in the gorgeous Italian village.
Gateway: Venice. The Italian Dolomites rise just above the Venetian Plains and are easily accessible by train. In just three hours, you can travel from Venice to Bolzano, where we’ll arrange a taxi to take you to Völs.
Swiss Engadine
The Swiss Engadine remains one of the best-kept secrets in trekking. Everything from the soaring views of the Piz Bernina, the lakeside village of Sils Maria, or the bustling pedestrian plazas of Pontresina, represents the absolute most exceptional experiences the mountains can offer, all in a location largely hidden from the tourist’s eye.
Gateway: Engadine. The Swiss Engadine is best accessed via a romantic 3.5 hour train ride through the alps starting in Zurich. Zurich itself has one of the most intact and charming old towns in Europe!
The Heart of Austria
The Heart of Austria tour focuses on the lakeside villages of the Austrian Salzkammergut. The homeland of Mozart this region has such a deep sense of alpine charm that it feels as though you’re walking through a fairy tale. The trip finishes in the UNESCO World Heritage village of Hallstatt, which sits on the shores of the Hallstättersee and has been voted the most beautiful village in Europe multiple years in a row.
Gateway: This trek is accessed within a couple of hours of traveling from Salzburg. Salzburg itself is one of the more commonly overlooked destinations in Europe, yet it is a lively and historic city that is just as magical as the Mozart Villages in the mountains above.
Chamonix to Champex
Our Chamonix to Champex trek follows the shared last three days of the Tour du Mont Blanc and the first three days of The Hiker’s Haute Route. These three days of hiking are some of the most iconic hikes in the entire world. Starting high above Chamonix, the heart of alpinism in France, you get to hike along the Grand Balcon Nord and enjoy absolutely massive views of the entire Mont Blanc Massif!
Gateway: Geneva, Switzerland. Chamonix, France is accessed by a quick two hour shuttle ride into Chamonix. If time allows, travel via train on a 3.5 hour scenic ride from Geneva. Geneva itself is a lovely city famous for its history of philosophers and its massive alpine lake.
Telluride Trek
Telluride is located in the heart of USA’s Rocky Mountains, and is home to Ryder-Walker’s company headquarters. Telluride is one of the most stunning mountain landscapes in the world, where the deserts of the Colorado Plateau crash into the southwestern flanks of the Rocky Mountains. These craggy and arid mountains are home to mystic wildlife such as lynx and massive elk herds, huge forests of golden-leaved aspen trees. A lively mountain culture offers some of the best hiking, skiing, and climbing in the world.
Gateway: Montrose Colorado. You will rent a car for this trek. On your 1.5 hour drive up the San Juan mountains you will be immediately struck by the unique beauty of the red sandstone cliff faces juxtaposed with the region’s proud blue spruce forests and the relief of the 14,000-foot peaks that tower high above!
View all of our mini treks here.
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