SELF-GUIDED / INDEPENDENT WALKING HOLIDAYS

Beaujolais & Burgundy, France

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Beaujolais Wine Trail

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5 nights - £465 - 4 days walking between guest houses

Varied independent walking through secluded valleys and beautiful countryside in the famous French wine growing region (vintage Beaujolais crus). This short break walking holiday will suit those who enjoy wine tasting visits, great local cuisine and relatively easy walks.

Beaujolais - Medieval village tour

7 nights - £625 - 6 days walking between guest houses

5 nights - £495 - 4 days walking between guest houses

This independent walking holiday involves fairly gentle walking through vines and a collection of unspoilt historic villages built from a warm golden limestone set in panoramic rolling countrside. Historic chateaux, churches and countryhouses pepper the landscape. Gastronomic region and B&B's full of charm and character.

Beautiful Beaujolais Trail (traverse)

7 nights - £595 - 6 days self guided walk traversing the region

Varied independent walking traversing the best of the Beaujolais region from north to south through a range of beautiful landscapes: upland pasture and forests, open ridges, secluded valleys, sweeping countryside, historic villages and chateaux.

Beaujolais Splendour Uncovered

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5 or 7 nights - from £870 - 4 or 6 days self guided, two centre-based walking holiday

This luxury self-guided walking holiday lets you explore two of the prettiest parts of the Beaujolais at your own rhythm, whilst indulging yourself at wonderful guest houses.  You’ll stay in two bases, one in an area known as the “Golden stones country” (pierres dorées), due to the warm colour of the limestone which make up a number of remarkable historic villages, the other in the region of the finest Beaujolais wines - les Grands Crus.

High Beaujolais Hills

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7 nights - £585 - 6 days walking between guest houses

A circular walking trail through the quiet und undiscovered Beaujolais hills which sit above the famous vineyards. Secret valleys liitle changed for centuries with vibrant green pasture in a patch work of fields, lead to sturdy summits and ridges some cloaked in forest, others offering panoramic trails. Great Beaujolais hospitality in guest houses full of charm and character.

Burgundy: Chardonnay Wine Trail

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5 nights - £495 - 4 days walking between guest houses

This short break independent walking holiday traverses the southern Burgundy through the heart of the Chardonnay wine growing region. These dry and fruity wines have their most famous ambassadors in the Pouilly-Fuisse & Saint Veran labels. As well as the wines, this holiday explores a landscape full of historic treasures. Historic chateaux, villages, and romanesque churches are set in rolling countryside punctuated by a number of rocky outcrops Great food in lovely guest houses.

Secret Burgundy - Chardonnay Vines & Historic Villages

7 nights - £620 - 6 days walking between guest houses

The southern Burgundy is a French treasure of historic chateaux, villages, and romanesque churches set in rolling countryside carpeted with vines and forests. A number of rocky outcrops punctuate the vineyards such as the celebrated “roche de Solutré” important for its pre-historic human activity. Your independent walking holiday includes a visit of the historic town of Cluny. Great food in lovely guest houses.

Romanesque Burgundy - the Monk's Trail

7 nights - £585 - 6 days walking between guest houses

4 or 5 nights - from £355- 3 or 4 days walking between guest houses

A circular walking trail including the historic town of Tournus famous for its Romanesque Abbey. Your route follows in the footsteps of monks of medieval times crossing valleys and hills with meadows and Maconnais vines, between charming historic villages and hamlets such as Blanot and the fortified cité of Brancion. The short break walking holiday takes a linear trail between Tournus and Cluny.

Beautiful Brionnais: Secret Hills of Burgundy

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7 nights - £645 - 6 days walking between guest houses

A circular walking trail through the secret region of Brionnais in the Burgundy, France. A patchwork of fields in secluded valleys and ridges with vast panoramic views towards the Loire Valley or the hills of the Beaujolais. It also has fine architecture to rival some of the more popular parts of Bugundy. Delightful villages such as Semur-en-Brionnais decorated with lovely floral displays harbour remarkable churches, abbeys and chateaux.

Massif Central, France

Delights of Historic Dordogne

7 nights - £785 - 6 days walking between guest houses

The Dordogne in central France is dominated by the magnificent Dordogne river and its stunning valley lined with historic delights. Our easy self guided walking holiday passes through one picturesque village after another, including La Roque Gageac, built into sandstone cliffs along with a troglodyte fort and Sarlat which is famous for its medieval architecture and lively street market. In addition, a large number of superb chateaux line the valley.

Tranquil Auvergne Trail

7 nights - £610 - 6 days walking between guest houses

Starting and finishing at Puy en Velay, the world heritage town, this independent walking holiday explores an upland plateau landscape in the southern Auvergne punctuated with intimate valleys and volcanic domes (sucs). You'll stay in small historic properties often located in small forgotten hamlets built of sturdy stone and thatched houses.

Lot Valley Walking

7 nights -£765, 6 days walking moving between guest houses

Less well known than the Dordogne to the north, the Cele and Lot valleys will leave you captivated by their beauty. Our independent walking holiday begins in Figeac and travels downstream to Cahors, home of the Malbec vineyards. You'll follow quiet trails through unspoilt countryside with wonderfil chateaux and historic villages.

Auvergne: Volcanoes, lakes and historic villages

7 nights -£595, single-centre based, 6 day walks (requiring a car)

Discover the contrasting volcanic regions of the northern Auvergne in central France. The Puy de Dome landscape varies from rugged peaks to open moorland and perfect volcanic cones. Dramatic waterfalls, varied lakes and pretty historic villages with fine roman churches all form part of this moderate week's self-guided walking.

Summits of Auvergne: Tour of Sancy

5 or 6 nights - from £475 - 4 or 5 days walking between guest houses

This self guided walking holiday explores the stunning Puy de Sancy mountains in northern Auvergne, including its summit, which at 1885m is the highest in France outside the Alps & Pyrenees. Your walking holiday takes the form of a circular tour, starting and finishing in the pretty spa town of Mont Dore, taking in the most spectacular trails with expansive breath-taking views. It will also explore many of the features that make up this beautiful landscape including beautiful volcanic and glacial lakes, mighty volcanic domes, dramatic rocky cliffs, secluded glacial valleys and amazing waterfalls.

Cantal Mountains - the rugged heart of France

7 nights - £565 - 6 days walking, single centre

This independent walking holiday explores the Cantal massif in the southern Auvergne which is the extinct remains of a huge volcano. Erosion has since created a series of rugged ridges, rocky peaks and green valleys of stunning beauty. Exciting self-guided walking in an untamed lansdcape with rich wildlife. Small B&B style guest houses in historic buildings. Warm welcome.

Eastern France

Jura Wine Trail

6 or 7 nights - from £635 - 5 or 6 days walking between guest houses

Our self-guided walking holiday in the Jura is a linear trail which follows the vines south, allowing you to discover not only the unique Jura wines, which include the famous Vin de Paille and Vin Jaune, among the most prized wines in France, but also wonderfull historic villages such as Baumes-les-Messieurs and Chateau Chalon. These villages are situated on hills which are home to a series of dramatic valleys and gorges which harbour stunning waterfalls & dramatic cliffs.

Alsace - Vineyards and mountains

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7 nights - £725 - 5 days walking between guest houses

This independent walking holiday explores the famous Alsace vineyards and the Vosges hills. As well as their vintage wines the area features some remarkable chateaux and pretty unspoilt villages, their cobbled alleyways lined with typical Alsace houses. The Vosges offer panoramic views over their rounded summits. Hotel accommodation.

Provence & Mediterranean, France

Secret Provence: Tour des Baronnies

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7 nights - £655 - 6 days independent walking between guest houses

Les Baronnies is a secret and unspoilt corner of France where the Alps meet the Provence with beautiful historic villages clinging to rocky mountain sides decorated in purple lavender flowers.Quiet walking trails through delightful and changing countryside bath in a wonderful light.

Drome Provencale: Perched Villages & Indulgence

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7 nights - £775 - 6 days independent walking between guest houses

This unique self-guided walking holiday traverses the Drome Provencale from north to south, exploring varied and beautiful landscapes linked by several stunning historic perched villages. Starting in Crest in the Drome Valley, you’ll pass through scented lavender fields, secluded woods, vines of the Cote du Rhone and finally the olive groves of Nyons in the Baronnies.

Pyrenees Coastal Trail

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6 nights - £590 - 5 1/2 days independent walking between guest houses

This self-guided walking holiday follows a classic coastal and mountain trail flirting with both the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean as it moves south from Collioure in France to Cadaques in Spain. Accommodation in two and three star hotels in fishing ports and villages.

French Fjords & Coastal Provence

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6 nights - £555 - 6 days independent walking staying 3 different guest houses

This self guided French walking holiday explores two regions of southern Provence where geaming white limestone forms a stark contrast with the deep blue sky and the turquoise Mediterranean. The Calanques coastline offers a unique landscape of beautiful fjords and dramatic cliffs, whilst the rugged Sainte Baume mountain 20km inland provides amazing panoramic views.

Panoramic Cote d'Azur

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6 nights - from £605 - 5 days independent walking between guest houses

Delightful walking trails through magnificent perched villages such as the picturesque Castellar and Saint Agnes with great panoramic views across rugged headlands with the Mediterranean Sea glittering below. A walking holiday in two parts - one in the hills, the other by the coast. An ideal out of season break.

Alps to Med Trail

9 Nights - £815 - 8 days independent walking between guest houses

Varied walking through a changing landscape from the Mercantour National Park in the Alps to the Mediterranean coast through beautiful perched alpine villages, with a rich historic and cultural heritage. Two days pictureque walking along spectacular coastline to Nice.

The Pyrenees, France

Pyrenees Balcony Trail: Azun Valley

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6 nights - £525 - 6 days independent walking between hotel on 3 days, and 3 day walks

This self-guided walking holiday explores a beautiful part of the central Pyrenees mountains in France. Your walking tour takes you up onto the sides of the delightful and luminous Azun Valley where you’ll marvel at the wonderful panoramas and the well preserved mountain villages. Four of the days have both moderate and more challenging walking options to suit different abilities and as the week progresses you’ll enter the stunning high mountains of the Pyrenees National Park.

Cerdagne Explorer: Lakes, mountains and hot springs

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6 nights - £585 - 6 days independent walking between guest houses

The Cerdagne is a picturesque plateau, lying at 6000 ft up in the French Pyrenees. It is a delectable landscape scoured and shaped by Ice Age glaciers leaving behind deep ravines, rocky knolls and an array of beautiful mountain lakes, surrounded by imposing mountains. An enjoyable mixture of good walks, relaxing in natural hot pools and soaking up the sun in clear mountain air.

French Alps

Tour of Queyras - An Alpine secret

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8 nights - from £670 - 7 days trekking between guest houses

Dramatic walking in an unspoilt, rugged region of the French Alps with breathtaking scenery. A sunny climate and good paths makes this an ideal alpine destination for the fit novice and experienced alpine walker alike. Luggage transported between guest houses. Rich alpine flora and fauna in this undiscovered corner of France.

Marvels of Mercantour

5/6 nights - From £595 - 5 days centre-based walking

Discover the Mercantour National Park and the superb landscapes of the "Vallée des Merveilles" whilst staying in three star accommodation in a wonderful setting. Five great walks to discover the best of this wild corner of France in the southern Alps.

Panoramic Vercors

5, 6 or 7 nights - From £395 - 4 - 6 days centre-based walking

The Vercors in the western Alps is a magical place where gleaming rock faces meet wild and desolate plateaux. On this single centre based self-guided walking holiday you'll discover some superb and quiet mountain trails with outstanding panoramic views, rich wildlife, airy summits and remarkable perched villages.

Queyras - Best Kept Secret in the Alps

7 nights - From £595 - 6 days centre-based walking holiday

This centre-based independent walking holiday explores the Queyras, an unspoilt, rugged region of the French Alps with breathtaking scenery. A sunny climate and good paths makes this an ideal alpine destination for the fit novice and experienced alpine walker alike. You'll need your own transport for this holiday which cherry-picks the best one day circuits in the region.

Trekking Tour of the Vanoise

7 nights - £525, 6 days trekking with back-pack between mountain huts

The tour of the Vanoise in the French Alps is a circular trek which allows you to be at close quarters with elegant high mountain peaks and stunning alpine glaciers. Designated a National Park, the Vanoise offers an ideal natural, unspoilt wilderness for walking and trekking holidays where souring alpine peaks with pristine glaciers rise majestically above wild, remote valleys.

Great Britain

Wonders of Wessex Walk: Salisbury to Shaftesbury

7 nights - £525, 6 days walking between guest house (also available in 5 & 6 night version)

This is a wonderful and unique tour from the historic cathedral city of Salisbury through quint-essential English countryside of meadows and chalk downs to reach the Saxon hill top town of Shaftesbury. You'll pass through quaint villages and ancient sites steeped in history and legend, from tales of Alfred the Great and King Canute to the world famous Neolithic encampment at Stonehenge.

Dorset Jurassic Coastal Path & Ridgeway

5, 7 or 8 nights - From £395 (5 nights) - 4, 6 or 7 days walking between guest house

This independent walking holiday follows a stunning section of the South West Coastal Trail between Lyme Regis and Swanage in Dorset, with a possible extension to Corfe Castle. This spectacular coast is one of the most interesting and varied in the UK and has been designated a natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO

Cornwall's Dramatic Northern Coast

5 or 6 nights - From £390 (5 nights) - 4 or 5 days walking between guest house

This independent walking holiday follows a dramatic and beautiful section of the South West Coastal Trail between Bude and Pastow in Cornwall, with a possible extension. The walking is varied and challenging with towering cliffs, priminent headlands and secluded bays and inlets harbouring well preserved small fishing ports and villages such as Port Isaac, Tintagel and Boscastle.

Scotland - Trossachs National Park, Oban & Islands

7 nights - £730 (includes trains and ferries) - 3 days walking across Trossachs, 3 days exploring Oban and nearby islands with choice of walks

4 nights - £399 - 3 days walking across Trossachs

A unique holiday traversing the Trossachs National Park in Scotland, a land of beautiful lochs and glens, forests and tumbling rivers. The week long break continues with the choice of walks on nearby islands including Kerrera with its ruined chateau and wildlife, and Mull with its famous capital Tobamory. Visit an excellent local whisky distillery.

Scotland - West Highlands Way & Skye

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7 nights - £725 (includes trains and ferries) - 3 days walking on West Highlands Way, 3 days exploring Skye with choice of walks

A great mix of multi-day trekking along the best parts of the West Highlands Way, one of the UK's premium trails and day walks on the stunningly beautiful and rugged Isle of Skye

Scotland - West Highlands Way & Wild West Coast

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7 nights - £715 (includes trains and ferries) - 3 days walking on West Highlands Way, 3 days exploring Scotland's rugged west coast with choice of walks

A great mix of multi-day trekking along the best parts of the West Highlands Way, one of the UK's premium trails and day walks on the amazing west coast including the remote Knoydart peninsula known as Britain's last wilderness and the rugged Isle of Skye

MADEIRA

Best of Madeira

10 nights - from £770 - five centre based, walking holiday

Madeira is a small and luxuriant subtropical island paradise of volcanic origin, 360 miles off the Africa coast. This 10 night holiday begins begins in the fishing port of Machico in the north-east of the island and you then walk along the coast and levadas of the north before walking along the highest plateua of the island - the Paul da Serra. From the centre of the island you then move south to explore this little known but no less beautiful coastline.

Lyon World heritage city: All year round

Tailor-made, flexible self-guided or independent walking holiday, staying in hotel of your choice in the heart of the world heritage city. Roman ampitheatres, medieval quarter, renaissance town. Gastronomic capital of France. Choice of walks and plenty of occassion to relax.