Where to go 2 weeks in May

Dolomites and Italy seems right. My birthday is in May so I have gone 2017 2018 and 2019.

As an avid hiker I would say May is too early for the Dolomites. Also for Switzerland or anywhere in the Alps. But there are other places in Italy that would be fine in May.

Our first choice for hiking in May is probably the UK: Scotland, Wales, England are all good. We have done some great walking in the UK on our own and also with HF Holidays in May. Ireland should be fine as well.

We also had a great time this past May in Spain, hiking on the Costa Brava and in the Pyrenees. We did that with my sister and her husband; they spent time on the Camino de Santiago before meeting us in Barcelona and said it was wonderful.

Dolomites weather can be highly variable even in summer, but think about it:

https://www.suedtirol.info/en

Check out Gillian Price's guidebooks to Hiking/Walking in the Dolomites.

Although the Cinque Terre is best known for its little towns, it is a national park with extensive hiking tails along the coast and the highlands behind the coast.

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Eindex.php

Scotland, Cairngorm National Park, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

https://cairngorms.co.uk
https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/landscapes-nature/national-parks-gardens/loch-lomond-trossachs/

Have fun!

May in the UK is often better weather than June, so the Lake District may suit. Do you want to hike every day? Walk part of the Pennine Way if you want to walk every day.

Whitby on the east coast would be a good base for a few days if you wanted to walk the coastal path or the North York Moors.

The Pembrokeshire coastal path around the pretty St David’s in South Wales is as stunning a coastline as you will find anywhere in Europe.

There are many long distance footpaths that you could walk in Europe, depending on much walking you want to do. Early or late May could affect your choice, as late May will be very warm for walking long hours each day in southern Europe.

You will need to be at least somewhat south. I don't think you can expect Alpine trails to be open before the end of June (they might be, but it's not a safe bet). Dolomites might work, since they are further south. Spain has hiking. It may be too warm by May but shouldn't be cold (north and west coastal areas will still likely be cool and wet).

Consider Ireland as well. May is a good month to be outdoors - one of the drier months historically - and it offers a pleasant mix of historical sites, beautiful scenic drives, quaint villages, and a variety of hiking opportunities ranging from casual walks of just an hour or two to longer, multi-day treks thru some of the prettiest scenery in Europe - after New Zealand it's our favorite hiking destination on earth. And a pint of Guinness at a convivial pub is the best curative I know to help soothe the stiffness in sore legs after a day's tramping.
While the areas around Kerry and Dingle are justifiably celebrated for their beauty, for a more off the beaten path adventure you could head up to Connemarra, Donegal, and/or the Antrim Coast area of Northern Ireland. You really can't go wrong anywhere in the country (two countries actually) - it's all beautiful.

A picture is worth 1000 words. This is the walking tour in the Pyrenees and Costa Brava that we did last May with REI Adventures:

https://www.rei.com/adventures/trips/europe/spain-pyrenees-hiking.html

Scroll through the photos for examples of the terrain and scenery. The guides were fun and very good; the accommodations were great, and the food fantastic. We hiked Two days in the Pyrenees, one in the volcanic region near Sant’ Pau (an historic walled village) and two days on the coast from ,Cadaques, a beautiful coastal village. We also got a heavy dose of Dali, with visits to the museum in Figueres and his home near Cadaques.

For less than half the price of that guided tour, you can spend a week on the Costa Brava with this UK group:

https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/guided-walking-roses

The price includes accommodation, all meals, and a choice of guided walks each day, plus transport to and from the trailheads. They have two departures in May and you can book with or without having airfare from the UK.

We have done several shorter walking holidays with them in the UK and really enjoy the camaraderie of the mostly-British guests. The guides are trained volunteers and do a great job.

I will add that we have done many (at least 8) hiking trips on our own in Switzerland and the Dolomites, and enjoy that style too, but for some areas we prefer the convenience (and knowledge) of the guides.

Here are some sites that may give you some additional ideas.

https://www.jetsetter.com/magazine/hiking-trails-in-europe/

https://www.wildernesstravel.com/trips/europe/hiking-trekking/may-2020

Great ideas, thank you! Was thinking about Scotland as my hubby hasn’t been, and one of my favorite places. Also thinking maybe Ireland, but just found a good flight deal into London.

Some great suggestions.

Also, how about Hiking Hadrian's Wall?

Good choice! We had great Weather in Scotland for a week in May 5 years ago. We did hikes in several areas and loved it.

Use your good flight deal into London, then transfer to a local carrier for either Scotland or Ireland. Where ever you choose to go, I hope it all works out weather & location wise.