Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month in May with a Walk Outdoors

It’s May. Spring is in the air, the birds are chirping, and the flowers are blooming – what better time to go for a walk? Not only is walking a great way to stay active, but it can also do wonders for your mental health—which is a great reminder to get outdoors and celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month in May! According to a recent article, “Effects of Walking in a Forest on Young Women”, published by the Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: “Compared with walking in a city environment, a brief walk in a forest environment significantly increased the participants’ parasympathetic nervous activity while reducing their sympathetic nervous activity and heart rate… The increase in parasympathetic nervous activity and suppression of sympathetic nervous activity suggested that a brief walk in a forest induces physiological relaxation.”

Here at Country Walkers, we believe that there’s no better way to experience the great outdoors than on foot. Our guided and self-guided walking tours take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the rugged coastline of Ireland. And the best part? You get to do it all with a group of like-minded individuals who share your love of the outdoors.

Boost Your Well-Being with a Walk with Friends

Sometimes we forget that the social benefits of walking in a group are just as important as the physical benefits. Walking with others can help you stay motivated, provide a sense of community, and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Studies have shown that walking in nature with others can have a positive impact on your mental health—reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving mood, and increasing feelings of happiness and well-being. Walking in a group also provides a sense of social support and can help to reduce stress and improve overall mental health.

Lace Up Your Boots: Let’s Walk!

Whether you’re looking to explore a new part of the world, meet new people, or simply get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature, our guided walking tours are the perfect way to do it. Book your tour today and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of walking. Happy hiking!

Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley Guided Tour: Traverse Peru’s enchanting Sacred Valley and discover the ancient civilization of the Incas from Ollantaytambo to majestic Machu Picchu. For a truly adventurous Peruvian experience, the optional Lake Titicaca extension takes you on a remarkable train ride through the Andes mountains—with luxurious cabins and private baths, world-class dining, a spa car, and spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, rugged landscapes, and rural villages along the way.

Ireland: Cork, Killarney & Dingle Guided Tour: Discover the rugged beauty of the Emerald Isle as you hike along the striking coastline, visit historic landmarks, explore the majestic Gap of Dunlow, and enjoy the lively Irish pub scene.

New Zealand: The South Island Guided Tour: This tour of New Zealand’s South Island offers inspiring landscapes, expertly curated hikes through national parks, a cruise through Marlborough Sound, and opportunities to soak up the unique Maori culture.

England: Bath & the Cotswolds Guided Tour: Explore quintessential England on a guided walking tour of Bath and the Cotswolds. Enjoy charming villages, ancient ruins, and bucolic landscapes with knowledgeable local guides.

Greece: Athens, Delphi & Meteora Guided Tour: Explore Greece with expert-led walks in Athens, visits to the UNESCO-listed Delphi ruins, and hikes amidst towering Meteora monasteries. Enjoy scenic hikes, cultural encounters, and local cuisine on this unforgettable journey.

England: The Lake District Guided Tour: Explore the tranquil beauty of England’s Lake District on foot with an expert guide. Enjoy expansive views of lakes, fells, and the rolling countryside while experiencing local culture, history, and cuisine.

Iceland: Reykjavík, Borgarfjord & Lake Mývatn Guided Tour: Explore Iceland’s beautiful and otherworldly landscapes on foot with an expert guide. Witness towering waterfalls, volcanic craters, and geothermal springs, and soak in the vibrant culture of Reykjavik.

Lithuania & Latvia: Vilnius to Riga Guided Tour: This tour of Latvia and Lithuania offers an immersive experience of the region’s culture, cuisine, and landscapes. Highlights include exploring medieval cities, sampling local delicacies, and hiking in scenic national parks.

Italy: Matera, Otranto & the Puglia Coast Guided Tour: Explore ancient Matera’s cave dwellings, stroll the vibrant streets of Lecce, and hike the spectacular Puglia coastline. Savor traditional cuisine and experience authentic Italian hospitality.

Spain: Balearic Islands, Mallorca & Deia Guided Tour: Experience the unique biodiversity of Mallorca’s Balearic Islands on this tour. From the rugged mountains to the crystal-clear sea, explore the island’s unique ecosystems and vibrant culture.

Portugal: Minho & the Douro Valley Guided Tour: This tour offers breathtaking scenery, world-renowned wine, and authentic cultural experiences. Walk along ancient pathways and indulge in farm-to-table cuisine in the picturesque Douro Valley.

Switzerland: Zürich, Wengen & Zermatt Self-Guided Tour: This tour takes you on a scenic journey through Switzerland, from the bustling city of Zürich to the picturesque towns of Wengen and Zermatt, showcasing mountain vistas, alpine traditions, culture, and cuisine.

England: The Cornwall Coast Self-Guided Tour: This tour offers an inviting journey through Cornwall’s picturesque landscapes, from stunning coastal paths to charming villages, with handpicked accommodations and a flexible itinerary for personalized exploration.

France: Provence & St. Rémy Self-Guided Tour: Explore the old-world charm of Provence on foot with a self-guided tour, taking in fields of lavender, quaint villages, Roman ruins, and Mediterranean scenery.