We provide walking holidays of varying levels of difficulty in a number of countries and destinations all year round. You can either scroll down the page or use the quick-links provided below to find out more about each walking holiday destination.
Bulgaria has an ancient and rich history the Tracians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Bulgarians, Slavs and Turks have all inhabited the country in their time all leaving behind their mark either through buildings language gastronomy or culture. The country is one of the EC’s newest additions bringing benefits to the visitor.
Dominica is such a pristine island there is a very short list of typical island attractions to fill each day. So it's back to nature and in visiting Dominica you soon become a bit of naturalist - that's the island. With so much to learn discover and explore the best way to start is on foot.
Walking is undoubtedly what the island is all about and we offer a choice of guided and self guided walks from two beautiful and very comfortable Eco Lodges. Also we suggest a night of two in Fort Young in Rosseau to explore the capital..town. For a perfect combination stay high in the island's interior in Rosseau and down by the ocean on the east coast. Aside from hiking the Ocean offers further opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, diving and whale watching.
Food on the island is pure plentiful and very natural with an abundance of fruits, fish and vegetables which leave you glowing with health when you return home. Dominica is an island which will truly captivate your senses with every intention to return...and most people do.
Western Crete has long been a favorite destination for British walkers with many returning year after year to savour this very unspoilt part of the island. The region offers spectacular contrasting scenery. The White Mountains dotted with remote mountain villages rise to over 2400m providing some challenging walks for the experienced. Radiating from these mountains are numerous gorges running down to the sea the most renowned being the Samaria Gorge. Undoubtedly the sea is one of Crete’s main attributes and coastal paths are enhanced by the Lybian Sea with shades of blue extending from the clearest pale turquoise to deep indigo blue. It’s a destination where the people are as pleasant as the weather and the delicious locally produced foods (a haven for vegetarians by the way).Grading - Easy Moderate & Challenging
We have put together a stunning trek combining some of the prime walks South West Crete has to offer taking in three gorges and three coastal sections of the E-4 route. Walk along ancient mule tracks linking coastal villages often still only accessible by boat or on foot with a chance to take a swim in the enticing Libyan Sea along the way. Gorges including the renowned Samaria provide shady contrasts to the coastal sections and a night in Omalos at 1080m provides a feel for the high landscapes of the White Mountains. The walking is of moderate to challenging level with an element of scrambling and several short but potentially vertiginous sections. The only real hazard is dehydration during hotter months which may easily be prevented.
The Peloponnese is linked to the Greek mainland by that magnificent engineering feat the Corinth Canal and consists of three spindly fingers the middle of which is known as the Mani peninsula.
The Peloponnese covers an area of land roughly the size of Wales. Our walking takes place in the Exo Mani (Outer Mani) and is centred around the bohemian coastal village of Kardamili some 35kms south of Kalamata. This is a region little affected by tourism and still heavily reliant on agriculture for its main source of income. The Mani is a green and lush area due to its heavy rains in January and February. The area has small mountain villages each with their own character all with Greek Orthodox churches and chapels generally open for you to explore. They are especially noted for their exquisite frescos on the walls and ceilings.
There are picturesque small fishing villages all along the coast with whitewashed houses clustered around harbours full of fishing boats. The scenery is stunning in an area of outstanding natural beauty steeped in ancient history with fascinating relics of a bygone era.
This self-guided 7 day trek has been designed to be as varied as possible making the most of the wonderful terrain in the Exo Mani covering coastal merchants’ routes gorge and hill walking and mountain trails. The 50 mile route starts from the small coastal village of Kardamili and winds its way down the Mani peninsula following the Exo Mani to its border with the Messa Mani.
Iceland is not only closer than you think, but far different than you ever imagined. Where else can you witness such marvels of Mother Nature as a tremendous icecap and several glaciers, spouting geysers and steaming solfataras, volcanos (hopefully dormant), raging rivers and magnificent waterfalls, a multitude of birds, cavorting whales just offshore and many other surprises? Iceland has a population of just over 320,000 people, of which over half live in Reykjavik, and with a land area just 20% smaller than England it is very sparsely populated. Having suffered more than most with the banking crisis the Icelandic Krona has fallen in value making Iceland more affordable than it has ever been.
Gozo is the second largest of the Maltese Archipelago and means Joy in Castillian. Measuring only 14km by 7km its magical atmosphere enraptures thousands of visitors. This beautiful island is steeped in history as Phoenicians, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, French and British have occupied the island all leaving their cultural mark for the future visitor to discover. There pervades a sleepy pace and rustic charm contrasting with its much busier and larger neighbour the island of Malta. The Gozitans are all very friendly and especially welcoming to English speaking visitors and English is widely spoken.
Clients often want to enjoy more than one area and find that travelling
even a couple of hours leads to a totally different
walking experience. We are extremely happy to put these together for
you allowing you to enjoy walking in both Poland and Slovakia. We will make all hotel reservations and arrange transport and transfers.
Zakopane is located in the far south of Poland and is the country’s highest town and lies on the slopes of the High Tatras from 750 to 1000m above sea level. It is Poland’s premier centre of mountain walking and is the most convenient base for walking in the spectacular Tatra National Park. Zakopane offers a number of museums the most significant and oldest being the Natural History Museum of the Tatra National Park.
You start in an area of Poland that is a very popular walking territory for the Polish people but surprisingly not frequented by other European walkers. You start in the low Carpathian Mountains but always with the sight of the High Tatras, your ultimate goal, spectacularly rising in the distance. Life in this area of rural Poland appears to have changed little over the years; both men and women continue to work the land with horses and wooden implements, you will see and experience this first hand. Your destination of the High Tatra Mountains is one of the best walking areas in Europe and attracts walkers from throughout the world.
The Bieszczady mountains lie in the far south-east of Poland, in the Eastern Carpathians, bordering Slovakia and the Ukraine. The countryside is characterised by the ridge-and-valley pattern - long mountain ridges stretching parallel to one another. It is the most underpopulated and underdeveloped of the Polish mountains and ideal for hiking. There are unique mountain meadows - the polininy - above primeval forest which offer sanctuary to wild animals such as the lynx and wolves. The peaks offer mountain panoramas of unusual beauty and vastness.
Faial is an island of two dominant colours – green and blue. Both are found in the indigenous flora from the grass covered hills to the many shades of Hydrangeas bordering the fields and blending with the sea and sky. The picture is completed with the intense blackness of the volcanic ash of the barren ‘Capelinhos’ deposited only 40 years ago. The island is 21km long and 14km wide and dominated by a Caldeira at just over 1000m. One of the must stunning aspects of Faial is the view across the short channel to Pico and its dominant peak. We recommend a stay of at least 3 nights on Faial or longer if you wish to use Faial as a base for walking on Pico
The majestic almost perfect volcanic coned mountain of Pico Alto at 2352 m is the highest peak in all of Portugal. It dominates the island which measures 46 km long and 15 km wide. However upon closer inspection this island inhabited by farmers fishermen and whalers will fascinate you.
The long tradition of whaling now ceased leaves a whale watching industry second to none and some fine museums dedicated to its history. Pico has world heritage vineyards as they were created by breaking up the hard lava covering the earth to build rock walls then planting vine cuttings in small circles of fertile soil. We recommend a stay of 2 nights on Pico stay an extra night for whale watching and another day for an ascent of Pico Alto.
Measuring 56km long but only 8km wide the sea is ever present around São Jorge. The highest point is just over 1000m and is part of a mountain chain running the length of the island. The white-washed villages of São Jorge are sprinkled across the unspoilt landscape along the water's edge or high up on the cliffs. You occasionally pass small dairies where cows’ milk is turned into the island’s famed cheeses. The island is famous for its ‘fajãs’ - flat meadows made from lava flows lying at the foot of seemingly unscaleable cliffs. We recommend a stay of at least 2 nights on São Jorge but there is sufficient walking for a full week.
São Miguel is famous for its beautiful landscapes and exceptional volcanic lakes. The largest of the Azorean islands it measures 65km long by 16km wide and is known as Ilhe Verde - Green Island. A stunning coastline of small bays with black sand and precipitous sea cliffs interspersed with small harbours adding further interest. The island features three major calderas - volcanic craters - now with lakes sparkling at the bottom. Sete Citdades even has a village at the bottom of the crater and two lakes one blue and one green. At Lagoa das Furnas boiling sulphurous water comes to the surface through hot springs near the lake and is a reminder of the volcanic origin of all of the islands. The mountains rise to over 1000m. As an example of São Miguel’s climate one finds the only tea and pineapple plantations in Europe both well worth a visit on non walking days. Rarely could a visitor fail to be impressed by the incredible myriad of all the different shades of greens exhibited by its extensive prairies forests tobacco fields and tea plantations as well as the abundance of hues this island has to offer… We recommend a stay of a week on this island with the highlights walkable during a four night stay.
The nine Islands of the Azores are Europe’s western most point located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. With their blue lakes bordered by flowers dazzling views of the sea from high in the hills and lush green landscapes of ancient volcanic craters the islands of the Azores are a paradise for walkers and nature lovers. We offer the best four walking islands São Miguel the largest renowned for its flowers green landscapes and scenic lakes. Also the islands of Pico with its iconic volcano and whale watching Faial with its blue hydrangea hedges and volcanic craters and São Jorge with steep escarpments and green pasture land ‘fajãs’. These three are all grouped together and inter connected by ferry. The Azores are part of Portugal and therefore in the European Union and the currency is the Euro. The Azores is popular for the Portuguese in July and August so early booking for these months is recommended.
We offer a choice of walking holidays in Madeira an island of fascinating natural beauty and enticing climate. It rises
steeply from the Atlantic Ocean standing with its small island neighbours in
splendid isolation off the coast of Europe and Africa.
An island of volcanic origin it is a haven for those seeking a relaxing
holiday in close proximity to nature. A network of levadas built to carry
water from the springs in the north to irrigate the cultivated areas of the
south, contour along the mountain sides their banks planted with wild
hydrangeas lilies and agapanthus. Its mountains are rugged and inspiring, often
with splendid sea views. Gardens and parks are everywhere planted with all
manner of exotic trees shrubs and blooms. Madeira has had close links with
the U.K.
since the birth of its wine trade in the 17th Century. Madeirans are friendly
and welcoming people and English is widely spoken.
Why not take the opportunity to stay in the countryside in small hotels and experience Madeira to the full?We have put together an itinerary taking in levadas coastal walks and high mountain trails. The hotels are all family owned and therefore you are assured of a fine welcome and the quality local food will be something to look forward to at the end of a day’s walking. Your luggage is transferred for you between the hotels and sometimes you will be transferred by car to the finest paths that Madeira has to offer. You have a free day in Funchal at the end of the holiday so you can experience the island’s capital its old town shops and restaurants.
A chance to visit the enticing and less populated Western region of Madeira offering both coastal and mountain walking. Stay in just three hotels starting high in the mountains progressing to a small coastal village in the north-west and finishing on an impressive cliff top location with fine views of the south-west coast. Your route follows coastal and mountain paths and delightful levadas winding their way around dramatic hillsides. You will be rewarded with stunning vistas of the varying landscape of this side of the island.
Nestling at the foot of the High Tatra mountains our base for walking in the Slovakian High Tatras is picturesque Stary Smokovec a village conveniently located at a junction of the ‘Tatra Railway’ allowing excellent access to all the main walking areas. The village has a source of excellent mineral water and soon hotels were built and it became a thriving spa town. Today many fine historical buildings remain making the village a pleasure to walk through. The High Tatras became the country’s first national park in 1948 with peaks rising to 2655m as well as home to the symbolic national peak of Slovakia Mt Kriván 2495 m. high.
Slovenia is situated just south of Austria and to the east of Italy also sharing borders with Hungary and Croatia. It is one of the newest members of the EU having joined in 2004. Most of our walking takes place in the north of the country in the Julian Alps. This range forms part of the Southern Alps which extend into Austria. The spectacular mountains in this area are predominately limestone and their jagged forms produce stunning vistas wherever you look. The area is softened by beautiful tranquil lakes in the valley bottoms and also amongst the rocky crags. Two of the largest lakes Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj feature in our programme.
An island of only 600 sq miles but a continent in miniature Gran Canaria offers lush forests exotic fauna and flora Sahara-like dunes mountains volcanic craters and sometimes snow on the highest peaks. Two things make Gran Canaria distinct from the other Canarian Islands. Firstly the reservoirs that are abundant in the mountainous region nestling in the valleys giving important water supply to the inhabitants and a refreshing vista for the walker. Secondly there are the ancient settlements and fascinating troglodyte villages built by the deeply religious Guanche about 4000 years ago and many are still occupied!
La Gomera located in the Canary Islands 35 minutes by fast ferry from Tenerife remains beautifully unspoilt and is a walker’s delight. Measuring the equivalent of just 20 miles by 20 miles yet packed with a variety of walks it is a tiny friendly island with charming rural villages and a handful of small coastal towns.
La Palma a lush mountainous island in the Western Canaries measuring the equivalent of just 24 miles square offers attractive opportunities for walkers. Its diversity of landscapes constantly change as you gain height or vary direction. There are forests of pine laurel and eucalyptus and meadows strewn with colourful wild flowers.Farming remains the bedrock of the economy with a wealth of almond groves tobacco fields banana plantations and vineyards. In contrast the island also features extensive evidence of volcanic activity with much to explore on foot including the enormous crater of the Caldera de Taburiente in the awe-inspiring and scientifically important National Park. The densely forested northern coast features magnificently rugged sea cliffs and spectacular gorges. You can enjoy exploring the picturesque small towns and villages dotted along the coast and inland.
Few places can match the natural beauty of the Canary Islands where one of the islands Tenerife has become a mecca for enthusiastic walkers. Tenerife is an island of contrasts from the volcanic moonscapes of the Teide National Park to the high cliffs ridges and deep valleys of the coastal mountain ranges. The island boasts the highest mountain in Spain Teide at over 3660m. Due to its southern latitude its slopes can be walked for most of the year. The coastal ranges of Anaga and Teno rise abruptly from the sea. Teno hosts the giant and dramatic sea cliffs of Los Gigantes (610m). Anaga has steep mountain ridges offering magnificent views across the ever present Atlantic Ocean. Midway between the two is the Orotava Valley with its pine clad slopes. All of this is well away from the crowded tourist resorts for which Tenerife is renowned.
This trek is one of magnificent ever changing vistas with far reaching views to the sea as you walk across the central mountains of Gran Canaria. We have researched a north to south route across the island linking family run hotels taking in a wide variety of spectacular scenery which will have you wondering why you have not walked here before. We are particularly proud of this holiday as we are the only walking company to offer such a trek on this island. It was only possible to put it together using extensive local knowledge.
This trek takes you across the island from east to west giving you the opportunity of seeing the best landscapes that La Gomera has to offer. We descend into deep valleys walk through formerly cultivated terraced fields and pass by a unique laurel forest which is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are some long and tough days but the route ensures that you experience all aspects of this beautiful and tranquil island. You will pass through Gomerean villages that in many respects continue traditions going back to pre Spanish conquest. You will enjoy many stunning vistas taking in the ever present coastline on this small island.
The Canary Islands are an African archipelago in the Kingdom of Spain
consisting of seven islands of volcanic origin in the Atlantic Ocean.
The islands are Tenerife Gran Canaria Lanzarote La Palma La Gomera
El Hierro Fuerteventura and La Graciosa They are located off the
north-western coast of mainland Africa (Morocco and the Western
Sahara). The nearest island (Fuerteventura) is 108 km from the
northwest mainland African coast. They form an autonomous community of
Spain.
With easy access and a superb climate the Alpujarras traverse the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada which rise to over 3300m and offer excellent and varied walking opportunities. Often with snow capped peaks until late June the Sierra Nevada provides a stunning backdrop to the lower slopes of the Alpujarra range. Here narrow roads wind their way around the folds in the mountains connecting whitewashed villages clinging to the hillside or perched over a ravine. Few cars however pass this way.
The Gredos mountains are a spectacular range with wild scenery and abundant wild life with the highest peak at 2592m. We have put together a two centre holiday where you experience the contrasts of the two sides of the Gredos. The north side is the more rugged and remote of the two the area being criss-crossed by fast flowing mountain streams which also flow through the small villages inhabited mostly by farmers. Cross the ridge to the south and the scenery is softer with larger villages set amongst orchards and vineyards still with the backing of the impressive ridge of the Gredos. The walking scenery and wildlife are more than enough reason to visit this beautiful area. However combined with two delightful hotels they make the whole proposition irresistible. The hotels are both family run havens with food of the highest quality and rooms of excellent individual décor and finish. You have 4 nights in the Milano and 3 nights in the Esquiladores.
Our holidays are based in the delightful village of Orba in the region of south east Spain known as Marina Alta located midway between Valencia and Alicante 25km inland from the Costa Blanca. You can discover the splendour of a popular walking area the mountains and valleys of which afford a multitude of ever changing panoramic views. Agriculture flourishes here in this fertile region renowned for producing olives almonds oranges lemons and grapes. Grapes are produced for both wine and raisins and many crops are cultivated in much the same way as they have been for four or five centuries. You will marvel at the thousands of terraces built to gain maximum production from this mountainous region.
The Alpujarra is one of the most wild and undiscovered mountain ranges of Spain stretching from the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada down to the Mediterranean below. Life has changed little since the Moors first cultivated the terraces many centuries ago and you are likely to see the farmers tending the land with their mules and the local women washing clothes in the village springs or shelling almonds by hand. The tiny whitewashed villages which cling to the mountain side are linked by the ancient track of the Camino Real or GR7 and you will walk amongst olive and almond groves crossing tiny mountain springs with the snow capped mountains above and the Mediterranean in the distance below. Whatever the season whether it is the stunning almond blossom in February and March the flowers of late spring and early summer or the colours and fruits of autumn (when you will be able to pick almonds wild figs mulberries and grapes along your route) you are unlikely to bump into any other walkers apart from the odd shepherd tending his herds. Sometimes the route takes you high into the Sierra amongst pine forests where you may see ibex birds of prey or even wild boar.
This hotel to hotel trek has been specifically deigned to reveal many aspects of this beautiful part of Catalonia; you will walk along the "wild coast" with its miles of coastal cliffs solitary beaches and coves with crystal clear water. You will walk inland through the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve where innumerable seabirds and songbirds have settled. You will walk up mountain trails offering spectacular views sweeping far into the Pyrenees.From the coast to the mountains from sea to crag from sandy beach to shady Mediterranean forest – the diverse and changing natural landscapes exert a powerful attraction to walkers. To walk here is a revelation.
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The eastern Pyrenees offer the hiker all the attributes of high mountain walking along with exploration of the lower foothills. Close to the Mediterranean it is a region of great geological interest with mountain peaks plunging to deep valleys where stone built villages nestle beside rushing rivers. Rare flowers, glaciated lakes and soaring birds of prey add to its appeal and all is enhanced by the proud warm-hearted people of Catalunya and the special culture unique to this part of Spain.
This trek takes you through some of the most stunning scenery to be found in this part of Spain. It is a journey of discovery through beautiful Mediterranean countryside with overnight stays whitewashed Moorish villages. As you walk through terraces of oranges lemons and olives first cultivated by the Moors over 1000 years ago you will enjoy the sights and scents of a multitude of fragrant flowers and herbs. Your ascents are rewarded by viewpoints with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. We use accommodation that will blend in with the journey and heighten the experience.
Our Maestrazgo trek provides walkers with the rare opportunity to travel through a little known region of Spain which remains untouched by the modern world. Straddling the regions of Teruel and Aragon in Northeast Spain Maestrazgo has been designated an area of outstanding cultural interest and natural beauty. Overnight stays are often in villages founded by the Knight Templar - El Cid castellated strongholds perched on rocky crags above deep ravines. Walking between villages each day offers ever changing awesome landscapes. Jagged mountains rivers and canyons moorlands and forests all interspersed with fields where farmers continue to eke out a living as their ancestors have done for generations. As yet Maestrazgo is little known by walkers and tourists. We think this is heaven!
The Picos de Europa (literally translated as the Peaks of Europe) without doubt are the most impressive mountains in all of Spain. It is a compact range of mountains no more than 30 miles long and 15 miles wide but within it's confines there is some spectacular walking with stunning scenery that will not disappoint. Our trek takes in all the best that the Picos has to offer, that a single base does not easily allow due to the long drives around the mountain range.... you just walk over it.
The famous Way of St. James (El Camino) is a five hundred mile pilgrims' trail across Northern Spain which has been walked for over 1000 years. From many starting points in Western Europe it becomes one route across Galicia - an autonomous region
of North West Spain with its own culture cuisine and language (Galego - distantly related to Welsh) although
Spanish is still understood by everyone.El Camino ends at the magnificent Gothic cathedral of Santiago de Compostela – the final
resting place of St. James the Apostle. Our fully flexible hotel to hotel trek can offer any combination of the stages onwards from Burgos crossing the Cordillera Cantabrica into Galicia. The full route from Burgos to Santiago could take up to 28 days (26 walking) but it is possible to select any part of the route for as many days as you wish. Many clients choose to just walk the last week from the mountain village of O Cebreiro (1310m) to Santiago.
Mallorca
is now well and truly on the walking map with walkers discovering that the
island is not just beaches and a sun tan. To the north and northwest of the
island is a limestone mountain range the Sierra de Tramuntana with many peaks
rising to over 1000m and culminating in the Puig Mayor at 1447 metres. Mallorca has over 500km of coastline with an abundance
of picturesque coves and inlets where the mountains meet the sea. Springtime
brings beautiful sub-alpine flowers to enhance your walks on the slopes below
rocky mountain summits. Lower down paths are scented year round by lavender
and wild thyme.
Tiny St. Lucia, shaped like a tear drop, is just 24 miles long and 14 miles wide. It forms part of a volcanic chain of islands and is widely known for its two great spires, Gros Piton and Petit Piton which are among the Caribbean’s most striking landmarks, jutting straight up for over half a mile out of the ocean. Similar in terrain to Dominica, the island has superb rain forests, volcanic ridges, valleys, beautiful beaches and unique flora and fauna – a paradise for bird watchers and walkers. Islanders are anxious to preserve their special island and much is now protected providing the walker with a dream landscape to explore. Discovered by Columbus on St Lucy’s day in 1502 the island has alternated between British and French rule until being granted independence in 1979. English is the official language, but the French sounding Creole patois is widely spoken.
Aeschi a small village in the Bernese Oberland is located close to Spiez on the southern shores of Lake Thun one of the two stunning lakes (the other being Brienz) that lie either side of Interlaken. Lake Thun is well sheltered from both north and east winds and has an unusually mild climate. Pleasure steamer services commence as early as April and the gardens of the charming lakeside villages abound with southern plants including laurel and fig trees. Graded - Self Guided - Easy & Moderate
Located in the Bundner Alps in the east of Switzerland in the canton of Graubunden the area around Davos has over 180 miles of well marked and maintained paths ranging from leisurely trails to more testing terrain high up in the mountains. The wonderful integrated system of mountain railways and post buses serve 5 spectacular walking areas which include all the most scenic vantage points. In these diverse landscapes the flora and fauna are unsurpassed with the most beautiful Alpine flowers and the occasional glimpses of ibex chamois and marmots. Nearby is the alpine resort of Klosters made famous by its annual royal patronage which a number of our routes visit.
Engelberg is situated at the head
of a picturesque valley leading up to the mountains from Lake Luzern.
The short railway journey from Luzern provides an excellent prelude to the
scenery that awaits you. Paths (most accessible by cable car) radiate in all
directions offering walkers a choice of stunning routes along with the
distraction of some excellent mountain restaurants where it would be impossible
not to linger! The village is at 1050m and is full of fresh invigorating
mountain air. The most famous cableway is the rotating ‘Rotair’ taking its
passengers up to Mount Titlis an area of year round skiing and snow
activities and the highest viewpoint in Central
Switzerland at 3239m (over 10000 feet). Aside from the contrasting
scenery of meadows snow rocky mountain peaks and deep blue lakes there are
also numerous activities for children making it an ideal and encouraging area
for parents with young walkers.
The Goms
Valley commences at the source of the Rhone just below the Rhone Glacier and extends all the
way to Brig. It is a German speaking area in the predominately French speaking
Canton of Valais. Its resident river is the Rhone which cascades down under
beautiful wooden bridges on its way to France
and the Mediterranean. The valley has small
villages strung along its entire length each with their own character many on
the valley side some on the valley floor all waiting to be explored by the
walker. A section of the Glacier Express rail route runs through the valley
giving easy access to the many walking areas; others can be reached by
transferring to the network of postal buses. Many waterfalls tumble from the
high hanging valleys adding to the spectacular scenery.
Grindelwald thanks to its magnificent setting has been attracting British guests from the end of the 18th century. The town is in a valley surrounded by high mountains not least of which is the renowned Eiger with its imposing North Face. There is a maze of walking routes from either Grindelwald itself or from the top of local gondolas mountain railways or post bus routes that will have you quickly looking down on this stunning valley and at the same time up to the imposing surrounding mountains. You can take the railway to the Jungfraujoch Europe’s highest railway station with its permanent snow and ice and we even have a walk in our booklet from this station. Self Guided - Easy Moderate and Challenging
Kandersteg (1195m) lies in the beautiful Kander valley in the Central Bernese Oberland. Its lofty mountains with side glens and upper shelves of meadowland have much to offer mountain walkers of all levels of experience. An amazing diversity of Alpine flowers adds to its appeal. More than 190 miles of trails can be followed in the immediate area many reached by a variety of cableways commencing near the village. Just across from the Kandertal Mountains is the Lotschental valley offering a different weather pattern from Kandersteg extending the walking opportunities even further by a short train journey via the Lotschberg railway tunnel.
The Lower Engadine is one of the most popular destinations for the Swiss to take their holidays, which must say something when they have such a choice. It is surprisingly not so well known to walkers from overseas. This area is the heartland of Switzerland’s fourth official language – Romansch which will often be heard especially in the small villages. However Swiss German is spoken by everyone and English as in other areas of Switzerland is widely spoken. A different language brings different culture, architecture and culinary specials all unique to the Romansch speaking area. The River Inn flows through the valley on its way to the Danube, alternately flowing though deep gorges and wide open meadowland grazed by bell ringing cows. The area is also host to Switzerland’s only National Park.
Meiringen is the most prominent settlement in the Haslital Valley which stretches from the Grimsel Pass to the peaceful waters of Lake Brienz at the eastern end of the Bernese Oberland. The valley is ideal for walking holidays exhibiting a rich variety of landscapes with lush pastures dazzling cascades tight gorges and several tributary valleys equally worthy of exploration. Grade - Guided - Easy & Moderate Self Guided - Easy & Moderate & Challenging
Meiringen is the most prominent
settlement in the Haslital Valley which stretches from the Grimsel Pass to the
peaceful waters of Lake
Brienz at the eastern end
of the Bernese Oberland. The valley is ideal for winter walking holidays with an extensive network of winter walking paths most well away from the skiing areas. Grade - Guided - Easy & Moderate Self Guided - Easy & Moderate
Murren is perhaps the most beautiful
village in the Bernese Oberland perched high up above the Lauterbrunnen Valley
at 1645m above sea level. From the Murren side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley the
view of the famous Eiger Monch and Jungfrau
is simply the best. The surrounding area is a pleasure to walk in with some of
the most famous walking in the world within easy reach. Above Murren rises the
great peak of the Schilthorn at 3018m feet with its revolving restaurant made
famous by James Bond and accessed by a spectacular cable car. Interlaken and
its famous lakes are easily reached for a lowland excursion or at the opposite
extreme you can use the railway to the highest station in Europe the
Jungfraujoch at 3455m. - a ‘must do’ trip.Grading - Self Guided - Easy Moderate &
Challenging
Val d’Anniviers is located in the
French speaking part of Switzerland
and offers some truly stunning walking. We know that the familiarity of the
language the French influenced food and beauty of this hidden valley will appeal
to new and regular customers alike. Located high above the Rhone Valley, Val d’Anniviers has an excellent postal bus service linking the small
precariously perched villages each with its own charm and history enabling a
large number of one way walks to be enjoyed. Cable cars and a funicular railway
transport you to over 2290m allowing you to explore even higher or to gently
walk down to another wooden roofed village and return back to base by postbus.
Val d’Anniviers enjoys wonderful weather with an above average number of sunny
days for Switzerland. Grade - Easy Moderate &
Challenging
The Zermatt
area has a total of 250 miles of well-marked footpaths which will take you through
pine-scented mountain forests to the shores of calm Alpine lakes and to ice-blue
glaciers. Zermatt has been a prime destination
for walkers and mountaineers for over 150 years. As well as gentle valley
walking large areas are protected zones which offer plenty of opportunities
for challenging and remote walking including access to the slopes of the Matterhorn itself. Mountain railways make it easy to
reach the high altitude rambling areas. There are many mountain cabins and
restaurants ready to offer a warm welcome and a leisurely rest to enjoy the
spectacular views all around.
This trek takes you through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery that Switzerland has to offer crossing two major passes and combining stays in small Swiss towns and villages with hotels high on the passes. You walk within sight of some of Switzerland’s most stunning peaks: Titlis Jungfrau and Eiger to name but a few. You will view magnificent glaciers as you walk which feed many of the mountain streams you cross. At the end of a day’s walking you are assured of a friendly welcome at each of our hotels with meals prepared from fresh local ingredients.
Although the trek is entirely in the Valais (Wallis in German) you walk from the French speaking area to one that is Swiss German spoken. Alpine flowers carpet the valleys early in the season extending to high passes throughout Summer. Here the high Alps are at their most majestic.
A wild natural landscape that is the ancient Castle of Tarasp, the Baths of Scuol, the Romanisch culture varying from village to village rich in tradition but nevertheless innovative and modern. This is the Lower Engadine situated on the southern side of the Alps, a valley far away from the busy tourist routes; it is a valley ‘waiting to be discovered’. This journey is especially enjoyable combining the beautiful timeless villages rich in culture and tradition and with their own unique architecture and walking high on the valley sides with far ranging views over the Alps. The local language is Romansch the least spoken of the four official languages of Switzerland - but do not worry as English is widely understood.
Clients often want to enjoy more than one area and find that travelling
even a couple of hours on the train leads to a totally different
walking experience. We are extremely happy to put these together for
you.
On this trek you will
experience the more extreme, dramatic and challenging walks of the Lycian Way
as the trail nears its end in Anatalya’s Old Town – basically, it is the Grand
Finale with soaring peaks, deep river gorges and sheer cliffs…..but we feature
this section in reverse heading from the high mountains to the sea. You will experience the shaded tranquility of
deep river gorges crossing crystal clear waters or bathing in natural
pools. There are serene green valleys
filled with lush pastures and grazing cows.
One superb day's walking takes you over the plateau below the summit of
Mount Tahtali with far reaching views of mountain and sea, carpets of wild
flowers and strange rock formations. See Chimaera – The Eternal Flames which
suddenly meet you on your final descent to Cirali – a relaxed, very Turkish,
unspoiled beach ‘resort’ where turtles share the beach with humans. Here, rest and swim, visit archeological sites
or take a superb coastal walk. Then walk along the coast for two quite
demanding days past ancient ruins and many far reaching views.
On this walk you are always tracking the coast line which is truly spectacular. Rugged cliffs of pine forests plunge into turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Between them are small bays of sand and shingle accessible only by boat or on foot. You quickly leave the area of tourism development and are soon surrounded by Turkish rural life which has changed little over the centuries. You pass through villages clinging to the mountain side where the inhabitants eke out a living farming on the not so fertile land. You walk through pine forests with the beautiful resin filled air so evocative of this area. You are in area that has been inhabited for centuries and testament to this is the many historical sites you will visit, dating back beyond roman times to a pre-classical period. All in a truly spectacular landscape.
Bulgaria
Dominica
Greece - Crete
Iceland
Malta - Gozo
Poland
Portugal - Azores
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain - Canary Islands
St. Lucia
Switzerland
Turkey
Guided Walking
You start in an area of Poland that is a very popular walking territory for the Polish people but surprisingly not frequented by other European walkers. You start in the low Carpathian Mountains but always with the sight of the High Tatras, your ultimate goal, spectacularly rising in the distance. Life in this area of rural Poland appears to have changed little over the years; both men and women continue to work the land with horses and wooden implements, you will see and experience this first hand. Your destination of the High Tatra Mountains is one of the best walking areas in Europe and attracts walkers from throughout the world. 
This area is the heartland of Switzerland’s fourth official language – Romansch which will often be heard especially in the small villages. However Swiss German is spoken by everyone and English as in other areas of Switzerland is widely spoken. A different language brings different culture, architecture and culinary specials all unique to the Romansch speaking area. The River Inn flows through the valley on its way to the Danube, alternately flowing though deep gorges and wide open meadowland grazed by bell ringing cows. The area is also host to Switzerland’s only National Park. 
