What is included in the price?
What is not included in the price?
When do the high season prices apply?
When are the walking holidays available?
How does the luggage transport service work?
What about en route support – what if I have an accident or get lost?
Will anyone from your team meet me during my stay?
Will I be travelling in an organised group?
How do we know which tour is the right level for us?
I plan to travel on my own. Can I go one of your walking holidays?
Are the walking holidays suitable for children?
How do you cater for children?
Can I bring my dog(s) with me?
Will I know specific accommodation details when I book?
Can vegetarians be catered for?
Can I extend my stay along the way, or add on extra nights at the beginning or end of my tour?
Is it possible to skip a day’s walking altogether?
Do I need any special equipment?
Do I need to prepare for my walk?
When will I get my documentation?
How do I get back at the end of the tour?
Can I get to my holiday by public transport?
Can I change the dates after I have booked?
What happens if I have to cancel?
What happens if your company has to cancel my tour?
What is included in the price?
En-suite hotel accommodation with full English breakfast (light breakfast and dinner where stated). All our establishments have been selected by our expert team for their character, comfort and friendly atmosphere. Many of our hotels and B&Bs have been awarded 3 or more stars according to national classifications.
Route notes, descriptions and OS maps with marked routes - a personal itinerary for every party. Our meticulously planned and researched routes take in the most attractive and interesting places in the area. We pride ourselves on our detailed level of documentation which includes plenty of top tips for places to visit, relax and sample the local fare along the way.
Full luggage transfer service between accommodations.
Taxi transfers where noted in the itinerary as included.
What is not included in the price?
Unless stated in the tour descriptions, taxi journeys and evening meals are not included in the package price. Extras at your accommodation (such as meals / drinks /telephone calls/ newspapers etc.) are payable direct at the time of departure. Travel to and from your holiday venue and entry tickets into attractions mentioned in tour notes are also not included.
The tour price does not include the costs of getting to and from the tour area
When do the high season prices apply?
Our peak prices only apply to holidays starting between 01 July and 31 August .
With the exception of our Norfolk Coast Walk (Tour NC6) which usually has a Sunday arrival, our self-guided tours give a great amount of flexibility, so you’re free to choose when you wish to travel. Simply outline your preferred start date on the booking form, giving alternative start dates if you have them, and we’ll do our very best to meet your requirements.
When are the walking holidays available?
Our walking breaks are offered from January to November, subject to the availability of our accommodation.
Historic coaching inns, relaxing country hotels and well-positioned seafront hotels are just some of the styles of accommodation which you ‘ll find in our portfolio.
We choose our accommodation partners carefully and to clear standards. Above all we look for a friendly atmosphere and warm welcome, so you can unwind in comfort after your day’s activity.
All accommodation includes en-suite facilities and is offered on a bed & breakfast basis. A small selection of our tours include some evening meals (see individual tour descriptions for details). Evening meals are available at most of our properties, and our detailed documentation always provides further top tips on places to eat within a short walk of your accommodation.
Many of our hotels and B&Bs have been awarded 3 or more stars according to national classifications.
How does the luggage transport service work?
We think that travelling light is key to ensuring a really enjoyable and relaxing time. So put your camera, binoculars and bits and pieces in a day rucksack and leave all the heavy stuff to us.
Every morning we’ll pick up your bags containing anything which you don’t need for your day. By late afternoon, we’ll have them waiting for you at your next evening’s accommodation. If you’ve collected a few mementoes en route, we can usually pick up those too (antiques...the odd case of wine... we have had many requests in the past and always do our best to oblige!)
Probably no more than a small day rucksack, your camera and waterproofs or a compact umbrella to keep the rain away. There’ll be maps and route information of course, but apart from that what you take is up to you.
What about en route support – what if I have an accident or get lost?
All our documentation carries our telephone numbers. Throughout your holiday you can also contact us for advice by phone between 9am and 5pm.
Will anyone from your team meet me during my stay?
We take special care to ensure that you know that you are in safe hands from day one. Our route material and documentation are thorough and easy to understand.
We make every effort to get your route information in your hands before you have even thought of packing your things, so you can read it over and take a look at the maps at your leisure and give us a call if you have any queries.
We believe that we do everything in advance of your arrival to ensure that your holiday goes smoothly and is as relaxing as possible. We care very much – but we don’t want to get in the way. You might not meet us personally during your break, but you ‘re welcome to give us a call during your stay.
Will I be travelling in an organised group?
All our walking holidays are self-guided so that you have the flexibility to enjoy your break totally at your own pace. We arrange your accommodation and transfer your luggage. We give you all the maps, route information, recommendation and support material you need to help you on and along your way. Our aim is to give you the peace of mind, so you can relax and enjoy.
How do we know which tour is the right level for us?
In terms of terrain, all our walking tours are on a similar level (or occasional incline!) This part of the world is not renowned for its mountains! The tours are graded to help you in your selection; the grading is clearly marked in each tour descriptions.
Grades 1-3 are suitable for the moderately fit. If you are planning to take the longer route options, it is advisable to be reasonably fit.
Grade 1 Very easy
Short day walks. Generally flat terrain. May include some small hills.
Grade 2 Easy
Slightly longer walks. May include gently rolling hills or stretches of beach.
Grade 3 Moderate
Moderately long walks. May include some hills or stretches of beach.
Grade 4 More challenging
Longer walks with frequent ascents or descents.
The mileages of the routes do vary, considerably at times, but we’ve tried to explain this clearly in the tour descriptions. Many of our tours also include proposed shortcuts or route options on some days. If you have any questions about what might sit in your comfort zone or serve to push your boundaries just a little, do contact us and we’ll be happy to chat things over to find what’s right for you.
I plan to travel on my own. Can I go one of your walking holidays?
We regularly take bookings from walkers who are single travellers, so you would be most welcome. Please note that a supplement is payable to cover accommodation/ taxi / luggage transfer on a ‘single occupancy’ basis and administration costs. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and for tour prices.
Are the walking holidays suitable for children?
We’ve got kids of our own, so we know that all kids are different. We like to think that parents are the best judge of what their children will be happy with on holiday. This includes just how active and interested they might be on a day’s walk.
We’re not passing the buck. Just being realistic and we think you’ll respect us for that.
How do you cater for children?
Our accommodation is personally selected and family rooms and facilities such as cots and highchairs are generally available. We offer discounts for children on all our walking tours. Please contact us for details.
Can I bring my dog(s) with me?
We have thought about such faithful walking companions when we have made our accommodation selection. A number of our hotels, particularly on the coastal stretches welcome well-behaved dogs in selected rooms.
Will I know specific accommodation details when I book?
Some of our accommodation units are full of character but often quite small, so we consider the best options for your tour and check availability when you make your booking. We are more than happy to discuss with you details and options by phone.
Most of our accommodation providers include a full English breakfast as standard. However a light breakfast is included as a minimum on all our overnights stays. Evening meals are included only where specified in the descriptions of the walking tours.
Can vegetarians be catered for?
Accommodating special dietary requirements is rarely a problem, if we know in advance. Please let us know and we will pass details on to the relevant accommodation providers.
Where evening meals are included in our prices, or where evening meals are available at the accommodation, vegetarian options are generally available as standard on the menu.
Do I need to book accommodation for the night before I start my walk, or at the end when I have finished the tour?
All our customers travel different distances to reach their walking break destination. For this reason, with the exception of our Heritage Coast Walks (Tours C4 / CG7/C3/CG4), we arrange our tour routes to be flexible on the arrival day, perhaps giving some gentle walk options. The itinerary proper starts from day 2. Our tours do not include an overnight on the day that you finish.
We are very happy to make arrangements for extra nights at our selected accommodations either where your tour starts / finishes or in the vicinity. Prices are available on request. Contact us.
Can I extend my stay along the way, or add on extra nights at the beginning or end of my tour?
We would be delighted to organise extra nights subject to availability. Prices are available on request. Contact us
All our walking tours are different, and some days there may be more miles to cover than others. Outline mileages are detailed in our tour descriptions.
Is it possible to skip a day’s walking altogether?
We are flexible in our approach because we want you to enjoy your break. We can generally accommodate special requests of this nature by arranging a specific taxi transfer or, on occasion, it may be possible for you to keep our driver company at the time of the luggage transfer. Please ask us at the time of booking.
Do I need any special equipment?
Walking boots and a breathable waterproof jacket are probably the only main requirements. Bring clothes for warm and cooler weather which you can layer up as appropriate. You won’t need to carry much - don’t forget, we transport all your luggage and we’ll let you know where there’ll be places for snacks and meals along the way. We think you’ll find a day rucksack is probably ample.
When it comes to boots, it tends to be down to personal preference and common sense: some people like boots with good ankle supports, others prefer lighter shoes. Do make sure that they are waterproof though and worn in.
Do I need to prepare for my walk?
If you have new boots for the occasion, best get them worn in before you come to avoid any discomfort during your walking tour. If you’ve chosen one of our longer tours and don’t walk regularly, it is probably a good idea to go for an energetic stroll or two in preparation.
When will I get my documentation?
We’ll do our best to get your full tour information and map pack to you 1 – 2 weeks before departure, subject to your time of booking.
You can leave your vehicle at the hotel car park at the start of your tour. Generally there is no charge for this service, but do check with us at the time of booking and we can suggest alternative parking options if appropriate.
How do I get back at the end of the tour?
Some of our walking tours are circular by nature, so will return you back to your start point. Taxi transfers are included in the price on some of our linear tours. Please see the specific tour description for details.
Can I get to my holiday by public transport?
We have a green conscience and advocate the use of public transport where it makes good sense. It is our aim to feature tours and properties which can be accessed by public transport with taxi transfers if necessary. It is easier to get to some holiday start points than others by rail or bus, but we are very much on the case and can share with you our understanding of the local public transport situation.
I am travelling from outside the UK, can you advise me on how to get to my start destination from the London airports?
We can give you some tips about off- peak travel savings and e-ticketing options for public transport. We can also arrange taxi transfers to your start destination, if that is your preferred option.
In accordance with "The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992” all passengers booking with Walking Breaks are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently for the balance of all monies paid to our company arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to our insolvency. Our payment protection insurance is arranged through IPP ( International Passenger Protection) on your behalf and is included in the holiday price.
How can I pay for my holiday?
We operate a secure online booking system, or you can simply give us a call and pay for your holiday over the phone by credit or debit card. There is no charge for payments by debit card, but please note that regrettably we must levy a 1.5% charge on credit card payments. Walking Breaks also accepts cheques and payment by overseas bank transfer.
Your agreement with us only comes into effect when we have received your signed booking form or telephone, fax or email instructions together with your deposit and insurance premium, if required, and we have issued confirmation of your booking, either written or verbal. A deposit of £50 per person is payable at the time of booking.
When we confirm your booking, we will send you an invoice showing the balance of the payment due and the date by which it must be received by us.
We strongly recommend that you are adequately insured for your holiday.
Can I change the dates after I have booked?
If you wish to alter your holiday arrangements we will do our best to accommodate you, subject to availability, upon payment of an administration charge of £50 per booking, provided such alterations are notified at least 28 days before the start of your holiday. After this date, we reserve the right to treat the changes as rebooking and to apply cancellation charges. Find out more>>
What happens if I have to cancel?
If you have to cancel your holiday you must notify us immediately in writing by recorded delivery letter. We apply a scale of cancellation charges. Find out more>>
What happens if your company has to cancel my tour?
In the unlikely event that we have to cancel your holiday or make material alterations, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer you the choice of an alternative holiday or a full refund. Find out more>>
Do you offer special rates or dedicated tours for groups?
We are pleased to offer discounted rates to groups of 8 or more people travelling together on the same tour. For more details, please contact us.
What if I have other questions?
Whatever your query about our walking tours, we’ll do our very best to help you. Please just give us a call or contact us by email.