The Walking
With over 35 years of combined experience in seeking out the best and most rewarding walking in a range of landscapes, we have been delighted by the rich variety of walking available in these exceptional destinations.
Whichever Group departure you choose, you can rely on finding:
- Wild, untouched uplands – forest, meadow and mountain
- Excellent opportunities to see wild flowers and animals
- Rural, rustic landscapes, shaped by centuries of traditional farming.
Organised Walks
Each departure features 3 organised walks, often to less easily accessible areas. These are organised by the Upland Managers, who are pleased to share their enthusiasm and local knowledge along the way: there are peaks to be climbed, gorges to be explored, spectacular landscapes and hidden gems to be discovered.
Self-guided Walks
These are described in detail in the Upland Handbook designed for our Group holidays: easy-to-follow instructions and maps will guide and inform you as you walk. There are at least 3 walks – of varying length - from the hotel door, which you can choose to do on any day, as well as the options described in the itinerary for days when there is no organised walk.
Terrain
Our walks sometimes wind along quiet lanes, often cross pathless grassland, and certainly make use of every sort of track and footpath in between. In Upland landscapes an amount of walking up and down hill is unavoidable – indeed desirable to some! – but we also seek out the gentlest alternatives for inclusion in the Handbook’s self-guided walks. Sometimes the going underfoot is uneven and the paths can be steep in sections. We recommend walking boots with ankle support and have found walking poles to be very helpful. A few of our walks can include a short stretch which some people may find vertiginous – these are identified in the handbook so can be avoided, and of course you can always ask your Upland Manager for precise details, if you are in any doubt.
Grading & Fitness
Whatever your level of walking fitness, you will be able to find self-guided walks in the Handbook to enjoy.
The three organised walks at each destination are from 4 to 8 hours long. They may involve slightly more difficult terrain, or some tricky route-finding, so you will truly benefit from the Upland Manager’s company.
These alternate with self-guided walks, ranging from 3 to 9 miles in length.
We strongly recommend that you read the detailed information about the walks in the itineraries. It is included to help you judge whether your levels of fitness will allow you to enjoy the longer walks.
