Walking Pages - Information for Walkers

Walking Holidays and Holiday Providers

A walking holiday is a fantastic way to spend valuable quality time with family and friends on a shared adventure. Many people derive great pleasure from planning such a holiday; studying maps and planning routes, sourcing and booking accommodation and, if a linear route is envisaged, arranging travel back to the start. Unless the plan is to backpack luggage transfer may also have to be considered and arranged.

There are also many people who will consider all this planning a hassle and this is where walking holiday providers can help. You choose your walking destination, book the holiday and most of the organising is arranged by the holiday company. You just turn up, suitably equipped, and enjoy the walking.

There is a huge choice of walking holiday providers, from large well established companies covering UK and worldwide destinations to small local family providers offering holidays in their local area. Most providers offer guided or led walks where a trained guide leads a group of walkers and route finding skills are not required. A group may comprise couples, families and singles who have all booked the same holiday and sociability is a key ingredient in this type of holiday. Some providers may offer a choice of long or short walks each day if the holiday is based at one location. The other option is self-guided holidays where walkers make their own way without a guide but maybe following a recommended route and the holiday provider takes care of accommodation, transport, meals and luggage transfer if required.

Below is a list of walking holiday providers of all sizes which we believe offer a well-planned walking holiday experience. The larger companies not only offer a wide choice of destinations, but have a known reputation and can be used with confidence. Smaller providers may have excellent guides and management, but it is more important to try and obtain an independent recommendation before booking.

hf holidays

hf holidays The largest provider offering UK and worldwide holidays. They have an excellent reputation, are ‘Which’ recommended, and ‘Best Large Tour operator’ award winners. They also support the Ramblers' Association. We have no hesitation in recommending them for quality, choice and value.

What they say: We have been organising outdoor holidays for 100 years. Over 50,000 people travel with us every year, and almost all return again. We know what makes a great walking break and have the experiences to select and train the best leaders.
Contact: www.hfholidays.co.uk
Telephone: 0845 4708559

Inntravel

Inntravel are an excellent long-established provider and are ‘Which’ recommended. They specialise in self-guided walking holidays and what they refer to as ‘slow holidays’, that is to say, holidays which reveal the lesser-taken path and which offer a truly individual walking holiday experience. They give you time to relish delicious regional cuisine and relax in family-run hotels and character inns, where you receive the warmest of welcomes.

What they say - Walking holidays in Europe and beyond is our main focus as it’s perhaps the best way to see a region ‘up close’. We are the leading British specialist in self-guided walking in Europe, having launched our first European walking holiday in 1987. Our range is wide and varied, with something to suit you, whatever you’re looking for. Europe does, of course, encompass some magnificent mountain ranges and coastal regions, with plenty of idyllic scenery in between. As well as offering a wide choice for all abilities and all seasons, we also offer different walking ‘styles’: hotel-to-hotel walking, centred walking from one or more bases, and discovery journeys combining walking and exploring with scenic journeys between hotels. Our grading system will help you to choose the perfect walking route for your ability.
Enjoy a carefree walking holiday, at your own pace. Each and every Inntravel walking holiday in Europe, and those further afield in India, Nepal and Morocco, has been meticulously researched. What’s more, we transport your luggage where necessary, leaving you to explore scenic footpaths at your own pace, not in a group but using our detailed notes to guide you (on walking holidays in Morocco, India and Nepal we provide your party with its own guide instead). Whichever holiday you choose, you will enjoy some of the best walking Europe, India, Nepal and Morocco have to offer.
Contact: www.inntravel.co.uk
Telephone: 01653 617001