Italy
During the first world war, the Italian army constructed a system of metal steps, fixed cables, and ladders in the Dolomites, to enable troops to safely move around the high peaks that were the front line. Today the via ferrata allow walkers to take on precipitous routes without the need for climbing equipment and ropes, and are a great way for families to take their walking holidays to the next level.
• Collett's Mountain Holidays (01763 289660; colletts.co.uk) offers a week half-board in a chalet in the villages of Corvara, Araba or Pedraces from £520. On five of the seven days, there's a choice of activities, including walking, painting and two via ferrata itineraries. Minimum age depends on size and experience, but the youngest participant to date was eight.
Mexico
Besides the beaches and Aztec ruins, Mexico offers ambitious trekkers the chance to get some high altitude experience without needing technical climbing skills, thanks to the gently sloping volcanoes that rise high above the central plains. At 5,746m, Pico de Orizaba is the biggest mountain in the country, and the third highest in all of North America, but it is achievable by any fit trekker.
• KE Adventure (017687 73966; keadventure.com) has a new two-week trip for 2010, tackling two other volcanoes before culminating in the Pico de Orizaba. It costs £1,695, with departures in March and November.
Spain
Women who want to avoid the macho culture that sometimes accompanies trekking trips can join female-only holidays with Walking Women. The 2010 programme includes everything from a long weekend exploring the Quantock Hills to a fortnight trekking in the Himalayas. In April, there's a week's trip walking in the Alpujarras mountains in southern Spain. In high summer the pretty whitewashed villages can get busy with tourists clutching copies of Chris Stewart's Driving Over Lemons, but in spring you'll get a real glimpse of rural Spain.
• The Alpujarras week starts on 7 April, and costs £625, not including flights, with Walking Women (08456 445335; walkingwomen.com).
Nepal
The Annapurna region is renowned for its trekking possibilities, including the classic three-week Annapurna Circuit. Teahouses along the main routes offer food and basic lodging, so it's easy to organise your own trips and you only need carry a sleeping bag. However, to get off the beaten track, you can join a unique trek in May next year led by Sir Chris Bonington. The trip marks the 50th anniversary of his successful first ascent of the 7,937m Annapurna II, and trekkers will follow a lesser-used route, reaching an altitude of 5,560m when they cross the Namun Bhanjyang pass.
• The 23-day trek with Bonington Treks (017687 58859; boningtontreks.com) costs £5,000. The new company, run by Bonington's son Joe, also runs 20-day trips to Everest Base Camp for £1,995.
Turkey
If you want a walking trip that offers stunning views without tackling high mountains, consider Turkey's Lycian Way. It stretches 500km from Fethiye to Antalya, following the coast on trails that used to be ancient trade routes and passing ruins and white sand beaches where you can cool off with a swim.
• Headwater (01606 720199; headwater.com) offers a week's trip for £797, not including flights. They provide route notes and you walk without a guide as your bags are taken to the next night's hotel.
