WALKING WITH HEADWATER
Where do you offer walking holidays?
Will I have to carry a large backpack?
How are the routes planned?
How difficult are the walks?
Will I be walking in a group or on my own?
Is there a different walk each day?
What if the walks are too easy or too difficult?
Will I need to bring lots of specialist equipment and clothing?
Are the holidays suitable for children?
Are your holidays suitable for families?
How do we know which walk is the right level for us?
Where do I meet the Headwater guide/representative?
What makes your walking holidays special?
You get a very different view of things with Headwater. Travelling on foot, at your own pace, there's time to notice things you would miss from a car. You'll get to know the place you've chosen intimately and absorb the sights, the scents, and the atmosphere, in a way that you never could on an ordinary holiday. Our walking holidays help you to explore the heart of the country, in your own way and at your own pace, with group, guided, and independent options. You'll discover curiosities and splendours that make our holidays so interesting and so diverse. [Back to the top]
Where do you offer walking holidays?
We have a wide range of holidays available to suit all tastes and walking abilities. Our walking holidays in France, walking holidays in Italy and walking holidays in Spain have been firm favourites for many years. Portugal, Greece and Switzerland offer plenty of choice and, for the more adventurous traveller, we've far-flung destinations such as Morocco, Kenya and Ecuador available too! [Back to the top]
Will I have to carry a large backpack?
One hotel-to-hotel holidays we will move all your luggage for you. Simply pack it away in the morning before you leave and it will be waiting for you on arrival at your next hotel. All you need to carry is you route notes, maps, and any food and drink you'll need during the day. For more strenuous holidays you should also take any necessary clothing too. [Back to the top]
How are the routes planned?
All Headwater independent walks are researched by Headwater staff, in collaboration with the local authorities. Our routes are carefully selected to give you a real insight into your chosen destination, weather it's quaint little villages, spectacular panoramas, or touristic honeypots. All this information is included in the detailed route notes that you'll recieve in your pre-holiday pack. Why not download a sample copy to see? [Back to the top]
How difficult are the walks?
All our holidays are graded so you can choose one that best suits your abilities.
One-boot walks are fine for even the most occasional walkers, as there is no scrambling or dizzy heights and the longest day is around 4-6 hours.
Two-boot walks are better suitable to those who are used to walking all day - although you don't need to be specially fit or have a head for heights (unless specified on the holiday page). The logest day is typically 5-7 hours, with ascents upto 700m and some occasional scrabling.
Three-boot walks are suitable for the fairly regular walker. The longest day is typically 6-8 hours and may include ascents upto 1000m, so you'll need a reasonably good head for heights. Some scrambling (but not rock-climbing) may be involved. These holidays are not suitable for children under 12. [Back to the top]
Will I be walking in a group or on my own?
We offer both independent and group walking holidays. On independent walks you have the flexibility to explore at your own pace and discover the heart of your chosen region.
On our guided walking holidays you will walk in a group (typically 4-16 people) along with a resident Headwater rep or one of our expert local guides. They will tailor the walks to suit the ability and interests of the group. [Back to the top]
Is there a different walk each day?
On our independent hotel-to-hotel holidays your route will take you from one hotel to the next. Our detailed route notes and maps (all included in the price) guide your way, but give you the opportunity for some additional exploring.
On our independent single-centre holidays we provide maps and walking suggestions - it's up to you how often you walk, and where you explore.
On guided walking holidays there will be a different trip each day - tailored to suit the ability and interests of the group, and the local weather conditions. [Back to the top]
What if the walks are too easy or too difficult?
On independent holidays we often provide alternative routes in our comprehensive notes booklets so that you can take in additional features along the way. If you find any walk particularly difficult our reps are always on hand to assist you.
On guided holidays our expert group leaders will help everyone to get the best from each days walking without over-exerting the slower members of the group. [Back to the top]
Will I need to bring lots of specialist equipment and clothing?
Not at all, the most important thing is that you pack appropriately for your destination, whether that means lots of warm layers, or suntan lotion and a hat!
It is also essential that you have comfortable walking boots – we always recommend walking boots over shoes as they offer your ankles much more support and are stouter. So if you’re going to be making one investment, make it some good footwear (but remember to wear it in
before travelling!). Some people like to walk with pedometers, a compass or GPS but these are not essential as our route notes (which are sent out two months before your departure) are so detailed that even those not proficient at map reading can follow these alone to get from A to B. [Back to the top]
Are the holidays suitable for children?
Many people take young children on 1-boot independent walking holidays and, of course, very young children can be carried in papooses. We can also carry passengers in our bag-moving vehicle, if it should prove necessary. [Back to the top]
Are your holidays suitable for families?
Over 60 holidays, we believe are suitable for families, these are generally, easy – mid level cycling or walking; swimming opportunities most days, lots of ‘fun’ trips to do on rest days, as well as interest packed routes. Please use our holiday finder for more information [Back to the top]
How do we know which walk is the right level for us?
All our cycling holidays are graded using the Headwater 'bike' system, so that you know what level of activities to expect. Some holidays are also classed as being at the 'lower' or 'upper' end of their range in order to help you choose the most suitable holiday for you and your family. You can also search for your required activity level in our holiday finder too.
1-bike- Mainly flat, gentle cycling with hardly any hills. Typically 2-4hrs cycling every other day. Good choice for first timers, families with children, or mums and dads who haven’t been on a bike in years! Longer route options available for the more energetic.
2-bike- More varied cycling, often on the flat, but with the occasional hilly section en route. Typically 3-5hrs cycling every other day. No need to be a regular cyclist or especially fit but, in hot weather, be prepared to start early and take it easy.
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Where do I meet the Headwater guide/representative?
Usually you'll meet your Headwater guide/representative in the arrivals lounge at the arrival airport - look for the Headwater board upon arrival. {BREAK} If you we have tailored made your travel, the guide/representative will meet you at the base hotel- usually on your night of arrival, to give you your welcome briefing and prepare you for the holiday. [Back to the top]
