Independent - explore at your own pace
If you prefer to explore at your own pace our independent walking holidays give you the flexibility to set off when you're ready, stop when and where you like, and visit the places that most interest you. We provide comprehensive route notes and proper maps and, on hotel-to-hotel walking holidays, our local representatives will transport your bags so you've no heavy backpacks to carry. Our easier independent walking holidays can be suitable for children too.
Find out more about our Independent walking holidays.
Independent holidays available in…
Independent walking holidays give you maximum flexibility as you travel at your own pace: setting off whenever you're ready, choosing when and where to stop for lunch, and planning the day around your own personal agenda. We provide comprehensive walking route notes - all regularly checked and updated by us - as well as proper maps and detailed route notes, so you need never worry about getting lost on our self guided walking holidays!
We also offer a number of single centre independent walking holidays and, in most cases, provide comprehensive maps and walking notes, with details of walking times, distances, and ascents, so that you can "mix and match" levels to suit how you feel each day. This gives you the most flexibility about which routes to choose, and how easy-going or strenuous you want to be. Many people do bring children on our easier independent walking holidays and, of course, infants can always be carried in papooses.
Our hotel-to-hotel independent walking holidays let you discover the heart of your holiday region, in your own way and at your own pace. There are independent walking holidays, from 7 to 11 days, at walking levels from 1-boot to 3-boot. With most holidays starting every two days, it's easy to combine two or more into a longer walking holiday.
On most independent, self guided, walking holidays you move on between hotels every two days: we transport your bags between hotels so you need carry only the minimum. In many areas our reps also provide a free wine service too. So if you find a beautiful vineyard en-route and choose to purchase a few bottles (or cases) just let our rep know and they'll pick it up and take it to your final hotel ready for you to take home at the end of your holiday.
For the days when you're not walking, our detailed route notes provide lots of information about the local area and plenty of ideas for sightseeing and exploring. Or perhaps you'd prefer to lounge by the pool? No problem – the choice is yours!
Guided - small groups with a local guide
On guided walking holidays our expert guides will introduce you to the hidden delights of your destination whether it's the amazing creatures on the Galapagos Islands, the wildlife of South Africa or the intriguing local customs of Jordan, Syria and Morocco - you'll discover more than you ever could on an ordinary holiday. Closer to home our walking holidays in Croatia take you through stunning natural beauty and ever-changing landscapes.
Find out more about our guided walking holidays.
Guided holidays available in…
Our guided walking holidays are perfect for people who want an escorted walking tour in a small group - typically 6-10 people - with like-minded people. All our guides are based locally (we don't fly "leaders" out with groups) and are either Headwater employees or local partners. They are all passionate about their homelands, and committed to sharing their experiences with you.
All of Headwater's single-centre guided walking holidays are for small groups (details on the individual holiday pages) and are run by Headwater local partners. They're all enthusiasts! You can be sure of a warm welcome, and an expert interpretation of whichever guided walking holiday region you choose. Single centre guided walking holidays are all in places where a varied and interesting week's walking is within easy reach by minibus.
Often, the best guided walking can't all be reached from a single centre, and you need to get about. On our escorted walking holidays, resident Headwater guides and local partners look after every detail of your walking holiday, provide transport and move bags between centres, and act as walking guides, while carefully chosen hotels give you an authentic flavour of the region.
Finding a walking holiday that suits you
With so many destinations and holidays available, we know people sometimes find it difficult to know where to begin. Certain destinations are especially rich in flora and fauna; others offer a wealth of historic and archaeological highlights, some appeal more to gourmets and wine buffs! To help you choose we've selected our favourite coastal routes, cultural tours, gourmet delights, luxury locations and nature lovers holidays.
To ensure your walking holiday suits your level of fitness our walking holidays are graded using our boot rating system, starting off with gentle strolls through rolling countryside and working up to exciting high-level hiking holidays.
Tailor-made walking tours
If you'd like to try a walking holiday but can't fit in a full week away our short break walking holidays are just for you. These follow the same routes as our regular holidays, but you walk every day. While, for those looking for a great value break, with flexible travel and meal choices, our range of 'lite' walking tours are ideal.
These are just a few of the alternatives we can organise - we're happy to tailor any of our walking holidays to suit your requirements. Just give our sales team a call on 01606 720199 and we'll be happy to provide you with a personalised quote.
Headwater has a great choice of walking holidays, offering options not only in France and Italy, but across Africa & the Middle East and Latin America & the Caribbean too.
From woodland rambles along leafy lanes to challenging mountain, gorge and ridge hikes, all our walking holidays offer interest-packed insights into some of the most beautiful and unspoilt corners of the world.