Where to Go When: Your Alternative Month-by-Month Guide to
2026 Adventures
A new year brings new paths, new perspectives and new reasons to step into the world with curiosity. Whether you’re craving a digital detox and the remoteness of the Arctic, travelling slowly through remote mountain communities, or cycling amdist warm tropical landscapes, 2026 offers an array of incredible journeys waiting for you to experience.
We believe travel is at its best when it’s human-powered, community-focused and carried out with care. Each itinerary below has been designed with our local partners, keeping the environmental and cultural impact front of mind. These are adventures where you travel as one small team – participants, local leaders and support crew moving together – learning from the places you pass through and the people who welcome you in. And as a bonus, there’s our 2026 holiday hack to help you maximise your annual leave this year.
Where will 2026 take you?
January
Rwanda Cycling Adventure: Congo Nile Trail
A powerful way to begin the year: riding through Rwanda’s rolling hills, lakeside villages and forested plateaus along one of Africa’s most beautiful long-distance routes. This is a journey shaped by community encounters and the stories shared along the trail. See 2026 and 2027 dates.
“Had a fantastic experience. Blown away by the beauty of the country and joyous welcome of the people. Arriving in to villages and communities by bike broke down all barriers and allowed for some wonderful interactions. Rwanda’s landscape is stunning, climate great and the route allows you to enjoy cities and villages, rice fields, tea and coffee plantations, rainforests, the stunning Lake Kivu and of course more hills that you imagined possible.” Dan, Rwanda Cycling Adventure 2025
Or choose something completely new for 2026…
Intro to Ski Touring: French Alps Hut-to-Hut
A brand new winter escape into quiet Alpine valleys where you learn the foundations of ski touring, travel hut-to-hut, and experience the rhythm of mountain life away from the resorts. Discover more.
February
All-Female Mt Kilimanjaro Trek for International Women’s Day
For those with an adventurous spirit, this all-female ascent of Kilimanjaro at 5,895 metres with 7-Summiteer Jo Bradshaw offers the perfect blend of challenge, skill-building and community. Learn the fundamentals of high-altitude trekking, get comfortable with camp life and gather expert advice for future mountain journeys. Curious?
Vietnam to Cambodia Cycling Adventure
Jump in the saddle for a warm-weather escape through the Mekong Delta, rural backroads and Khmer villages with chances to meet local families, eat regional dishes and arrive at the Western Gate of Angkor Wat on two-wheels. February and end of year dates available.
March
BRAND NEW Petra & Wadi Rum Trek
Join the very first AE team to trek through ancient sandstone valleys of Wadi Rum, sleep beneath desert skies and arrive on foot at the iconic Treasury in Petra. Discover more.
Kings Trail Arctic Snowshoe Expedition
Or escape to Sweden’s far north for a back-to-basics Arctic journey. Now in its 10th year, this much-loved snowshoe expedition travels across frozen fells and valleys, with nights spent in remote mountain huts and skies often illuminated by the Northern Lights. A perfect trip for anyone craving simplicity, space and stillness. Tempted?
April
Self-Guided Treks in Japan
Spring is ideal for slow, self-guided journeys along the Nakasendo or Kumano Kodo in Japan. Walk at your own pace through cedar forests, old postal towns and rural villages, while staying in traditional guesthouses. Choose your own date.
Mt Toubkal Trek Morocco
Ascend North Africa’s highest mountain, Jebel Toubkal, at 4167m in the blossoming month of Spring. Immerse yourself in another world with this short but action-packed mountain adventure in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Plenty of dates available.
“I recently joined a small group to hike Mount Toubkal with Adventurous Ewe. From day 1, Jim and Sue provided a fantastic, quick and responsive service. It felt really personal compared to booking with bigger travel companies and it was amazing value for money. We stayed in beautiful Riads and guesthouses and every member of the team were so welcoming and friendly. The trek itself was fantastic, the pictures really don’t do Mt Toubkal justice of how beautiful it is.” Katie, Mt Toubkal 2024
May
Manaslu Circuit Trek, Nepal
A new addition for 2026. Trek one of Nepal’s quieter circuits around a remote Himalayan giant, passing through Tibetan-influenced villages and high passes with far fewer crowds.Our May 2026 is guaranteed to run. Intrigued to join us?
Everest Double with Jo Bradshaw (EBC Trek & Everest Marathon)
One time only to join 7 Summiteer Jo Bradshaw on our exclusive Everest Double to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Jo’s Everest summit achievement. Take on the iconic Everest Base Camp Trek and the world’s highest marathon with support from one of the UK’s most experienced high-altitude leaders. Runner and Non-Runner packages available. Learn more.
June
The Snowdonia Crossing
Exclusive to Adventurous Ewe, join a 3-day multi-activity crossing of the full spine of Eryri (Snowdonia). Cycle remote valleys, trek Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), kayak to the historic coastal town of Conwy all while supporting Welsh communities along the way. Join us.
Men’s Minds Matter Snowdon Sunset Trek
Trek Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest mountain in England and Wales at 1085 metres, in support of Men’s Minds Matter – men’s mental health suicide intervention & prevention specialists charity. Experience this powerful evening on Snowdon.
July
Mt Triglav Trekking Weekend, Slovenia
This action-packed adventure will immerse you in the majestic scenery and quirky traditions of the Julian Alps, introduce you to via ferrata and alpine scrambling and see you summiting the highest peak in Slovenia, Mt Triglav at 2864m, and all in just 3 days. Plenty of dates available during summer.
Brand new Great Trossachs Path Hike & Swim
Immerse yourself in the mountains, forests and lochs within Scotland’s first National Park as you hike and wild swim along the Great Trossachs Path. Led by an experienced and friendly local Swim Guide who’s a qualified beach lifeguard, swimming teacher & coach. The perfect opporunity to learn new skills or develop your swimming stroke. Dive in.
August
Nordic Hut-to-Hut Expedition (Sweden to Norway)
Step into a world of untamed wilderness with our exclusive hut-to-hut hiking adventure, journeying from Sweden to Norway through the Arctic tundra of Abisko National Park. This carefully curated trek, offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a lesser-known region steeped in history, culture, and raw natural beauty. Join Jim on the guaranteed departure in August 2026.
South Iceland Hike & Swim
Dive into the heart of Iceland’s cherished swimming culture with our South Iceland Hike and Swim Adventure. Across the land of fire and ice, from colourful & quirkey capital of Reykjavik to remote villages, there’s always a welcoming swimming pool, a serene lagoon, or steamy natural hot springs waiting for you. These aren’t just places for a leisurely swim; they’re steeped in tradition and folklore, vibrant community hubs where stories are shared in the warm geothermal waters. Led by our Swim Coach with swim and dip sessions tailored to you. Take the plunge.
September
Svaneti Highlands Trek, Georgia
A new trip for 2026. Trek village-to-village beneath medieval towers and glacier-clad peaks in one of the most culturally rich corners of the Caucasus.Experience century-old traditions that have thrived in isolation where every village feels like a step back in time. Trip guaranteed to run in September 2026.
High Tatras Mountains Adventure Trek, Slovakia
Experience an incredible long weekend of adventure in the heart of Europe with the Summits & Canyons: High Tatras Slovakia Trek. In Slovak Paradise National Park, prepare for a truly memorable experience as you climb ladders beside cascading waterfalls and cross wooden bridges suspended above clear mountain streams. This exciting route rewards those with a head for heights and a spirit of adventure. Private tailor made trips available for your groups of pals, family or colleagues.
Great Wall of China Trek
Explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World, on the Great Wall of China Trek. Step into history as your journey takes you along this imperial masterpiece of the Northern Qi Dynasty and Ming Dynasty. Trekking carefully selected sections of the Wall to immerse yourself in the contrast of dilapidated and rebuilt stretches. Discover more.
October
Yala Peak Expedition, Nepal
After the success of our documentary film More Than a Mountain, which premiered at Kendal Mountain Festival in 2025 and told the story of our first Yala Peak Trek marking the 50th anniversary of Junko Tabei becoming the first woman to summit Everest, we’re returning in 2026. Join 7-Summiteer Jo Bradshaw for this exclusive adventure through the Langtang Valley to the summit of Yala Peak at 5550m. Join Jo.
Climb Mera Peak (2027 departure)
NEW TRIP: Join us on the Mera Peak Expedition and climb to 6476m for one of the greatest panoramas in the Himalaya. Trek through the quiet Inkhu Valley, learn essential glacier skills, and summit alongside our expert Sherpa team and Everest summiteer Jo Bradshaw. Join the team 23 Oct – 11 Nov 2027.
Mt Kilimanjaro Trek
Take on this iconic mountain adventure via our 8-day trek allowing you plenty of time to acclimatise whilst soaking up this ever-changing scenery. Our local guides will accompany you every step of the way with their intoxicating energy, encouragement and their vast experience. Reaching the top of one of the famed Seven Summits, under the golden light of sunrise will be a memory to cherish long after your descent. Explore more.
November
Costa Rica Coast to Coast Adventure
Cross the width of one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, Costa Rica, as you cycle, hike and raft 250km from the Pacific to the Caribbean. Discover more.
Top to Tail Sri Lanka Adventure
A brand-new journey for 2026. Travel with AE Founder & Director, Jim, from the northern tip of Sri Lanka to the southern coast, cycling quiet backroads, taking local trains, pausing in cultural heartlands and spending time with the communities who make this island so special. A trip shaped by first-hand knowledge and true local connection. Join Jim.
India’s Taj, Temples & Trails – timed with Diwali
This carefully crafted adventure is the ideal intro in to life in India, the culture and the trekking as you journey through the foothills of the impressive Himalayas. But first, a trip to India isn’t complete without having a chance to become accustomed to the infamous Indian hustle & bustle of Delhi followed by a visit to the exquisite Taj Mahal and Dalai Lama residence. Take your first step on a colourful journey.
“An experience of a lifetime. An amazing all round trip, experiencing culture, history, arts, crafts and amazing hiking in the lower Himalayas. Also dipped into the Tibetan culture in Dharamshala.” Maria, Taj, Temples & Trails Trek 2024
December
Explore Colombia & The Lost City Trek
Explore Colombia’s towering Andean mountains, unspoiled Caribbean coast, vast jungle landscapes and communities, hidden archaeological ruins of The Lost City, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena’s Old Town and the Capital City, Bogotá, on this exclusive itinerary. Discover more.
“We did a 4 day trek to The Lost City, and as we were a small group we had special permission to spend a night the Lost City followed by special spiritual ceremony. We also got to explore, Minca, Santa Marta, Cartagena and Bogota which was great. An all round fantastic adventure.” Bryn, Explore Colombia & The Lost City Trek 2024
A Christmas Adventure – Petra & Wadi Rum Trek
Swap tinsel for desert stars and festive dinners for warm Bedouin hospitality. Starting in Wadi Rum, follow the same landscapes once crossed by Nabataean traders and Bedouin nomads to reach Petra via the most atmospheric way possible — its dramatic hidden “backdoor.” A Christmas to remember.
How to Maximise Your Annual Leave Using UK Bank Holidays in 2026
Make your adventures go further this year by pairing bank holidays with strategic annual-leave days. With a bit of planning, you can turn long weekends into extended journeys.
January
Take 4 days of leave around New Year and enjoy a 9-day winter adventure.
April (Easter)
Take 8 days of leave around the 4–13 April period for up to 16 days away – perfect for Japan or Toubkal.
May
Make the most of both bank holidays. With 8 days of leave you can stretch three long weekends into a 16-day Himalayan trek.
August
Take 4 days of leave around the August bank holiday and you can enjoy a 9-day Nordic or Iceland adventure.
December
Christmas falls mid-week in 2026. By taking 3 days off, you can enjoy up to 10 days for a far-flung end-of-year escape.
Small tweaks, big adventures.
Your 2026 Adventure Starts Here
Whether you’re venturing out solo, travelling with a partner or gathering a group of friends or colleagues, there’s a journey waiting for you. Every route has been scouted, shaped and guided by people who care deeply about the places they call home. When you trek, cycle or swim with us, you’re stepping into their world with respect, curiosity and a shared sense of purpose.
And when you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here for you. Whether you’d like an informal chat with no strings attached, a quick question answered by email without being added to any mailing list, or a simple WhatsApp message with zero follow-up spam, we’re always happy to help. As a small, highly experienced team, every itinerary we craft comes from first-hand, on-the-ground knowledge — shaped by the trails we’ve walked, the partners we trust and the communities who welcome us in. We know these journeys inside out, and we’re the best people to help you choose the right adventure for you, prepare well and feel fully supported from the moment you sign up to the moment you return home. We care deeply about your journey and the people who surround it, always.
So, where will your boots, wheels or wanderlust take you next? Get inspired.
Jim, Sue & Sal
