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PLANNING
When planning a walking holiday,
specially if you are doing so for the first time, it is important
to ask yourself a few questions concerning holiday style,
fitness, where to go and what to see, guided or self guided,
equipment needed and finally, when to book.
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Walking comfort level - what grade
should you choose?
Walking grades vary considerably from hard,
strenuous, energetic, scrambles in mountain terrain, through moderate
hill or coastal walking, to easy, leisurely rambles around villages,
lakes, and dales. Choose a walking level to suit your fitness level
and experience, or you may find a particular tour is beyond your capability
and not the enjoyable holiday you anticipated. Please remember that
in bad weather an 'easy' walk may turn into a hard walk! If you are
unsure of your choice, please contact us for information.
EASY - Generally level walks and rambles in lowland areas, some
undulation, fewer kilometers.
MEDIUM - Walking in varied terrain, suitable for most people of
average fitness.
ENERGETIC – Walking
over open mountain or moorland, longer distances involved. Suitable
for experienced
walkers of above average
fitness.
STRENUOUS – Walking
at higher levels on open mountain or moorland with longer daily distances
- for
fit and experienced
walkers only.
What is your style?
What do you enjoy most about walking? Is
it the solitude of less frequented paths, wide horizons, mountains,
rolling land, cliff and headland; variations in weather, villages;
finding your own way, or simply the social experience of walking
within a group of like minded people?
Accommodation comfort level
Are you content with a budget hostel, simple
bed and breakfast, village inn, comfortable country house, quality
hotel or top of the range 'grand hotel'?
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Guided or independent (Self
Guided)
Do you prefer to make your own way, using map, compass and
walk notes; or are you more comfortable walking with the
security and companionship of a guided group?
Walking Gear - what you will
need for your comfort
For mountain, hill and coastal
walking - wear comfortable "worn in" boots. For
low land and downland - strong walking shoes with a good
profile. Waterproofs and spare warm clothing, woollen socks,
hat and a small 'day pack' to carry your essentials, lunch
and drinks.
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Booking
Leisure walking has long been a popular activity
in Europe. In Britain alone, 17 million people are 'regular walkers'.
Ten thousand
a year walk the classic 300-kilometre "Wainwright" Coast
to Coast path in the North of England. Accommodation is limited
on such routes and can be very scarce in other popular areas.
During the British summer holiday period (July - early September)
to be reasonably sure of finding the accommodation you want in
popular locations like The Cotswolds, Yorkshire Dales, Lake District
and the "Wainwright" Coast to Coast Walk, it is advisable
to book at least 6 months ahead for a guided walk. For other areas
and self-guided tours try to book at least 3 months ahead.
Seasons
One of the pleasures of walking is the enjoyment
of tranquil countryside. If you have a choice, try springtime, (late
March - May) when the countryside is bursting with renewed vitality,
or autumn for the magnificent range of colours (September - October);
you will find both seasons very rewarding.
Places
England & Wales - Exmoor, The South
Downs, Pembrokeshire Coast, Brecon Beacons & Black Mountains
on the Welsh border, Wye Valley, Shropshire Hills, Derbyshire Dales,
Northumberland - all provide a real wealth of interesting walks,
pretty villages and magnificent countryside.
Scotland and Ireland are less crowded than England with accommodation
generally easier to find. However, avoid bank holiday weekends in
May and August.
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