Hiking and walking holidays are more popular than ever, but not everyone wants to plan their own routes, travel alone, or join huge group tours that feel impersonal. That’s where small group walking tours come in.
At Trailmates Adventures, we specialise in creating walking holidays for small groups – typically no more than 8 people – because we’ve seen how much richer the experience becomes when the group is intimate, supportive, and easy to connect with.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of small group walking tours, what to expect on one, and why they create lasting memories for travellers of all ages and backgrounds.
A small group walking tour is exactly what it sounds like – a guided holiday where a handful of travellers (usually between 6–10 people) explore together on foot.
Unlike large bus tours or solo trips, small group tours strike a balance:
Enough people to share the journey, meet new friends, and feel part of a group.
Few enough that everyone feels included, connected, and never overlooked.
With Trailmates, our groups are capped at around 8 people. This creates the perfect setting for genuine conversations, flexible pacing, and a sense of camaraderie that continues long after the trip ends.
One of the main reasons people love small group tours is the friendships formed along the way. Sharing trails, meals, and scenic moments naturally creates bonds. Many of our guests stay in touch with fellow walkers and even book future trips together.
For solo travellers, it’s especially valuable – you get the independence of travelling alone, but with the social benefits of being part of a small, welcoming group.
Large group tours are often rigid, with little room to adjust. In a smaller group, guides can:
Adapt the walking pace
Include more breaks when needed
Make spontaneous stops (for a viewpoint, café, or swim)
Spend more time answering questions and sharing insights
It feels less like following a tour, and more like exploring with friends – but with the added expertise of a professional guide.
Organising a walking holiday yourself means figuring out accommodation, transfers, and trail logistics. On a small group walking tour, everything is arranged for you.
At Trailmates, each trip includes:
Daily guided walks
Comfortable accommodation chosen for location and charm
All transfers between hiking points
Supportive, experienced guides
This means you can simply enjoy the walk – without the stress of planning.
From laughing over dinner to celebrating the view at the top of a ridge, the shared moments of a small group trip are often the highlights.
It’s not just about walking side by side – it’s about experiencing something together. Those shared memories stay with you long after the trip is over.
Smaller groups blend in more easily, making it easier to have genuine interactions with local people. Whether it’s chatting with a café owner in Slovenia, visiting a family-run vineyard in Albania, or listening to stories from a shepherd in Georgia, small groups open doors to authentic cultural encounters.
Our tours typically include 6–8 people. This size is large enough for lively conversations, but small enough for a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.
Most days involve 8–14 km of walking at a comfortable pace. Walks are chosen for scenery and accessibility, not for speed or difficulty.
We use small, characterful guesthouses, hotels, and inns – places that reflect the local culture. Rooms are usually twin or double, with the option for private rooms if you prefer.
All ground transfers during the trip are included, so there’s no need to navigate public transport or arrange taxis.
Most breakfasts are included, and guides always recommend authentic, affordable restaurants for dinners. Sharing a meal together is often one of the highlights of the day.
Every Trailmates destination is ideal for small groups, but here are some of the standouts:
Slovenia – Lake Bled and Triglav National Park
Forests, alpine lakes, and fairy-tale villages. Perfect for first-time walkers who want natural beauty with a sociable group.
Iceland – Fire and Ice Trails
Volcanoes, glaciers, and geothermal valleys. Walking here is unforgettable, and having a small group makes the vast landscapes even more powerful.
Albania – Riviera and Rural Villages
Unspoilt trails, warm hospitality, and authentic culture. Small groups allow for personal interactions with locals.
Georgia – The Caucasus Mountains
Dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries, and village stays. With a guide and a small group, this feels like true exploration without the stress.
Montenegro – National Parks and Adriatic Views
Quiet glacial lakes, pine forests, and sweeping Adriatic views. Ideal for sociable walkers who enjoy peaceful natural settings.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
No. Our small group tours are designed for everyday walkers with a moderate level of fitness.
What if I’m travelling solo?
Many of our guests travel alone. You’ll be welcomed into the group and can either share a room with another traveller or book a private room (supplement applies).
What is the average age of the group?
We attract a wide range – from people in their 30s to active travellers in their 60s and 70s. What unites everyone is a love of walking and adventure.
Will I have time to myself?
Yes. While walks and transfers are done together, there’s always time in the evenings or during rest breaks for solo exploration.
At the end of a walking holiday, it’s not just the views you remember – it’s the people you shared them with.
Small group walking tours make every step more meaningful: the conversations along the trail, the laughter over dinner, and the collective sense of achievement at the end of the journey.
For many of our guests, these trips aren’t just holidays – they’re the start of lifelong friendships and stories that are retold for years to come.
If you want a hiking holiday that combines nature, culture, and camaraderie, our small group walking tours are the perfect choice.
Browse all Trailmates trips and take the first step toward your next adventure.
