Walking
Christian Walking Holidays
Are you a Christian who loves walking? Come and join a Richmond Holidays Walking Programme! Our experienced leaders will take you to incredible locations that are often only accessible on foot. Based in Samos, the walks are carefully planned to seek out places of outstanding beauty and are a great opportunity to enjoy the splendour of God’s creation with friends old and new!
Your Richmond Walking Leader has explored and researched Samos for the very best walking locations with spectacular views, charming villages, historic monasteries, and off-the-beaten-track hikes!
We’ll set off at around 09:00 each morning and return to the hotel in the afternoon. Along the way, we’ll stop for a delicious lunch at a local taverna each day (payable locally). Some walks will include opportunities for a sea swim, and most will include a coffee or ice cream stop!
The walks are designed for guests who enjoy regular walking at a comfortable but steady pace — typically covering 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km) each day, with some hills and uneven paths. They’re ideal for those who like a good walk rather than a gentle stroll, and who are happy to be out exploring for a few hours at a time.
Walks take place each day from Friday to Wednesday, with a rest day on Sunday so you can enjoy the Sunday morning communion service and Richmond Regatta! You can book a space on all five walks for £75, which includes transport for each walk.
Spaces are limited to 17 participants on each walk, so pre-booking is essential. If any spaces are available during the holiday, you may be able to join individual walks for £20 per walk.
Please note, Samos’ rugged terrain includes uneven tracks and significant gradients. Suitable walking footwear is essential, and we recommend bringing walking poles for extra stability.
We are delighted to have experienced and enthusiastic Walking Leaders to host the programme for you. They all have many miles of Samos tracks and trails under their belts and have enjoyed scouting out the very best walks that Samos has to offer so they can share their passions with you!
Richard Caseley
Richard is an experienced and passionate walker who has been a Resort Manager for Richmond in the past and has led walks in Samos and the French Alps for Richmond since 2015.
“The island of Samos provides great opportunities for walking from hill to coast in beautiful surroundings and with views to the mountains and Turkey. I aim for all our walks to provide opportunities for refreshment of body, mind and spirit in good company and stunning locations. The taverna lunches are a highlight too!”
Steve and Pauline
Steve and Pauline are passionate walkers. They first visited the island of Samos in 2016 when they were amazed by the breathtaking views from the summit of Mt. Karvounis, and by the tranquil beauty of its forests and lakes. Steve has enjoyed leading walking holidays all over the UK and Samos. Since moving to Bournemouth, they now love exploring the New Forest, and the south coast paths.
“Samos offers incredible variety: allowing walking holiday guests to enjoy secluded trails, scenic woodlands, hidden valleys, coastal paths, stunning views and so much more. We aim for all our walks to enable guests to confidently enjoy exploring the island with others. The taverna lunches also provide a well-earned and delicious treat!”
Example Itinerary
These may not be the exact walks that your Walking Week leaders prepare for your week, but we do hope that you can get a good idea of the walks that you may be able to enjoy in Samos.
THURSDAY
Welcome and walking briefing, opportunity to sign up to walks
FRIDAY
Mytilini to Kokkari
Grade: Easy
Distance: 9.6km (6 miles)
Paths: Mainly wide slightly rough paths throughout
Ascent/Descent: Ascent 218m. Descent: 330m
A chance to check your walking level, ending with time to explore the beautiful seaside town of Kokkari
SATURDAY
Above Pythagoria and the Ancient Waterways
Grade: Moderate with steep sections
Distance: 11.2km (7 miles)
Paths: Varied from lovely wide shaded to narrow, steep, narrow paths with scratchy vegetation (wear trousers)
Ascent/Descent: 322m
Around Mount Kastro taking in the ends of the Eupalinos tunnel (one of the 8 wonders of the ancient world) and the more recent Roman aqueduct, then over the top for views down on Pythagoria, where your lunch stop beckons
SUNDAY
No Walk – Communion and Sailing Fun Regatta (All abilities)
MONDAY
Psiliamos and Klima
Grade: Depends on how much you chose: Very easy to moderate
Distance: 5km (3 miles) to 16.3km (10 miles)
Paths: Varied from flat tarmac to rugged wide paths with sea views to shaded forest tracks
Ascent/Descent: 10m to 333m
You can choose between a very easy stroll to a beach café in Psiliamos and a 90 minute climb in the woods above Zefiros beach to the same café and then on along the beautiful coast track to refreshments at Klima Bay and back to Psiliamos and then the hotel.
TUESDAY
Zoodochos Pigi Monastery and Makis’s Taverna and Mourtia Bay
Grade: Moderately easy but steady ascent
Distance: 13.9km (9 miles)
Paths: Steadily climbing cobbled track up, then down. Wide slightly rough track to the bay
Ascent/Descent: Ascent: 305m. Descent: 450m
A steady climb up a pilgrim’s track to a peaceful and welcoming monastery (cover thighs and shoulders) and views of Turkey and an ancient naval battle site. Retrace our steps to the ever-welcoming Makis for lunch. Then an easy descent to swim at the beach and await our transport home.
WEDNESDAY
The Nightingale Valley
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 13.4km (8 ½ miles)
Paths: Beautiful, wide forest ascent, narrow slightly overgrown paths and steep descent
Ascent/Descent: Ascent: 571m. Descent: 616m (2,000 feet)
The Nightingale Valley is one of the gems of the island. You need to be fit, with good knees for this walk but you will be rewarded with a lovely valley, fantastic views and a great lunch spot.
During your holiday, all of our usual fantastic activities will also be available, including our full RYA waterfront! These activities include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, biking, tennis and more.
All of the walks and other activities are completely optional. This is your holiday to enjoy as you wish!
There is so much of this beautiful Greek island to be explored, from the beaches to the towns and the hills with magnificent views over the Aegean waters! Our programme of walks will use a variety of roads and rough tracks which take in fantastic Grecian vistas and local scenes stopping at some great off-the-beaten-track tavernas for lunches.
The highest mountain on this small Island, Mt Kerkis, stands tall at a peak of 1,433m making it taller than Ben Nevis! Some of the walks do require a good level of fitness but rest assured the views you are rewarded with are well worth it!
To make the most of your week on this stunning island, we recommend that you bring comfortable outdoor clothing, a lightweight waterproof jacket (rain is rare, but it’s good to be prepared!), walking boots or shoes, walking poles, a small rucksack, a water bottle, a sunhat, sun cream, sunglasses and a small personal first aid kit.
One of our guests on our 2022 Walking Week shared with us: “I loved the fellowship and the ministry; the beautiful superbly guided walks; the mealtimes where it was so easy to sit with a wide variety of people at the long tables; the watersports with such a big area available to use – and more!”
Walking Programme Supplement
£
75
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All Transportation Included
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Guaranteed space on every walk
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Well planned, led walking routes
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Incredible views and scenery
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Great company with fellow walkers
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*Please mention the walking Programme in "Additional Requirements" when booking.