10 Spanish words for walking

With the holiday season approaching, you might be tempted to go for a walk, a stroll, a hike. Which Spanish word fits best? Take a look at this list:
Dar un paseo
To go for a stroll. “Un paseo” doesn’t literally mean walk, so you can combine it with other words (such as “en bicicleta”) to make it into a different leisure activity:
Un paseo por el parque me ayuda a aclarar la mente. = A walk in the park helps me to clear my mind
Vamos a dar un paseo en bici este sábado. + We’re going for a bike-ride on Saturday.
Caminar
Nuestro perro siempre nos acompaña en el camino al colegio. = Our dog always comes with us on the walk to school.
Solíamos caminar por el bosque. = We used to walk through the Wood.
Hay un largo sendero para caminar a lo largo del río. = There is a long pathway to walk along the river.
Hacer una caminata = to go for a (proper long) walk
Una marcha
La marcha benéfica continuó a pesar de la lluvia. = The charity walk went ahead despite the rain.
Andar
[Physical capability of being able to walk]
Mi bebé acaba de aprender a andar. = My baby has just learnéd to walk.
Ir a pie / Ir andando
To go on foot.
Think of this one as a mode of transport, rather than a leisure activity. Don’t be confused by the literal translation of “ir andando”. “To go walking” sounds like you’re making plans for the summer holiday.
Mi marido va andando a la estación. = My husband walks to the station (rather than taking a taxi)
(Hacer) el senderismo / excursionismo
Remember: as with most leisure activities in Spanish you do not “go” walking/skiing/swimming as we do in English, but use “hacer” or “practicar”.
El excursionismo es una actividad de ocio popular en España. = Hiking is a popular leisure activity in Spain.
Disfruto de actividades al aire libre como el senderismo y pescar. = I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.