By now you've probably driven around most of Ireland. So why not ditch the car in favour of a bike, train or even your own two feet and travel across Europe?

It's better for the planet and feels great.

Arlington row in Bibury village, Cotswolds

There’s something very satisfying about reaching a destination under your own steam. Getting from A to B powered only by physical fitness and enthusiasm can often be as rewarding as spending time in the place you’re aiming to reach. According to Ireland’s National Travel Survey, 25 per cent of the population doesn’t hold a driving licence. A far higher number would likely admit they’d be happier not to be behind the wheel while abroad.

Then, of course, there’s the environmental aspect to consider. With sustainability rapidly becoming a priority for travellers, one of the easiest ways to reduce our carbon footprints is to switch from planes to trains or ditch cars in favour of buses or bikes.

Many countries have invested heavily in public transport systems over the past few years. Norway, for example, has an excellent fleet of electric-fuelled public ferries. The growing popularity of hiking and cycling holidays also makes it much easier to explore without turning a key in the ignition. Plus, there’s the benefit of boosting physical fitness at the same time.

If you want to swap motors for muscle power on your next holiday, here are a few options for seeing parts of Europe car-free.

FREE-WHEELING IN ESTONIA

A predominantly flat country with over 6,500 kilometres of trails – the majority of which are off-road – Estonia is an ideal destination for cyclists. For those wanting to cross the country by bike, the 981km EuroVelo 10 starts near the Latvian border in the south and passes through Pärnu, Tallinn, Lahemaa, the oldest national park in Estonia, and ends at the Russian border.

For a shorter ride, try the 18km circular route around Kihnu island, a former seal hunting and fishing island, where the women take care of the preservation of the island’s cultural heritage while the men are out fishing. For more information on routes and fares, visit visitestonia.com.

Hiking in Menorca

Cycling in Talinn

FOOTLOOSE IN MENORCA

Home to an abundance of winding coastal paths, peaks and rugged coves, the varied landscape and dramatic scenery of Menorca make it a prime hiking destination. Hikes include the iconic Camí de Cavalls, an historic path running around the entire coastline of the island. First constructed for military purposes, it has seen a number of improvements thanks to investment from the Sustainable Tourism Tax. Stay in Morvedra Nou Hotel, an elegant, family run 17th Century Spanish finca near Ciutadella. For more information about Menorca, visit menorca.es.

RAMBLING AROUND GUERNSEY

A bronzed landscape and amber light provide a perfect backdrop for one of Guernsey’s best loved events, the Autumn Walking Festival. More than 40 morning, afternoon, and evening guided walks will take place this month, exploring the islands of Guernsey, Herm and Sark. Learn from local experts about their history and attractions, while tackling inland rambles or hiking rugged coastal paths. The walks vary in difficulty and length (ranging from one to five hours including an all-day Sark option) and are suitable for all ages and abilities.

For more information on the festival, visit guernseytravel.com.

The Stone Circle Sark Henge on the Channel Island of Sark

Cami de Cavalls sign post, Menorca; Hiking at Mont Blanc

BLAZING A TRAIL IN SWITZERLAND

Travel by track and trail on an adrenaline fuelled trip to Swiss mountain Mont Blanc.

As part of its commitment to shrink carbon emissions, Exodus Travel has expanded its train travel offering with over a third of all holidays now available flight-free – including an adventurous 15-day mission to explore one of Europe’s most iconic peaks.

This may appear too long a trek for some travellers but if you love trains and an adventure - here is how to get there without planes or cars.

Any ferry crossing from Ireland to Wales or England will connect to a train to London. The journey from London to Geneva by rail is approximately seven hours and, following a change of trains in Paris, the route continues through mesmerising mountainous terrain, crossing the spectacular Cize-Bolozon viaduct over the Ain gorge. Spend the next 10 days hiking with three rest days reserved for sitting back and enjoying the scenery.

From the journey from London onwards, Exodus Travel (exodus.co.uk) offers a 15-day Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek from €2,093 per person (two sharing), including supported camping, rail travel from London, and most meals. Various departures in 2022.

The Cize-Bolozon viaduct in France

Hiking at Mont Blanc

PEDALLING THROUGH PRETTY ENGLAND

Cycling in Britain can be a gamble at any time of year. But even though sunshine is never guaranteed, golden landscapes are certainly in store this autumn.

Starting along the Oxford Canal, this gentle cycling tour continues through the villages of the southern Cotswolds, including Minster Lovell with its Cotswold stone and thatched cottages on the River Windrush, the medieval town of Burford and Bibury – described by William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England”.

Finish in Bath, home to the historic Roman baths. Headwater (headwater.com) offers an eight-night self-guided Oxford to Bath Cycle from €1,952 per person (two sharing) including accommodation with breakfast, bike hire, GPS route maps and navigation app, and services of a local representative.