Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? The answers to our most commonly asked questions are below. If you can't find yours, get in touch with our knowledgeable team who are only too happy to help.

How fit do I need to be?

Besides the activity and the destination the most important thing about choosing your trip is making sure it suits your background and physical abilities. To help you select the right trip we have classified our walking and cycling tours into 'grades', you can learn more here. Also, the trip grade is clearly shown on each trip page on the website. 

WHAT IS A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT?

A Single Supplement applies when you are booking either a self-guided trip with others or a guided tour and wish to have your own room. You will not be charged this if you are happy to share a room with your friends or a group member of the same gender. 

What is a Solo Traveller Supplement?

The Solo Traveller Supplement is applicable if you are booking a self-guided trip and travelling on your own without other holiday companions.  You will never be asked to pay both the Single Supplement and the Solo Traveller Supplement together.

What is a self-guided trip?

Our wide range of self guided itineraries across the United Kingdom offer you more freedom and flexibility, so you can explore what interests you, at your own pace, and without having to consult others. 

On self guided trips we take care of the key logistics;

• lodgings in charming B&Bs, inns and 2, 3 and 4 star hotels (mostly with private facilities) chosen for their local flavour; 
• a road guide with detailed maps and information to the sites to visit; 
• breakfast daily and often dinner; 
• your luggage is transferred daily, and if cycling, bicycles are supplied. 

The itineraries are flexible enough to provide you with time to explore and comfortably savour the sights and delights of hidden treasures. On self-guided trips you can also book extra nights within the itinerary if you wish to have a rest day. These must be requested at the time of booking. 

Find out more about how self-guided holidays work.

How do I know the dates I want to book are available?

We do not hold rooms for our self-guided trips as most are daily departures.  We just ask that you complete our online booking form and we will start to request the accommodation. Please be mindful of UK Bank Holidays (May and August) and Easter as these weekends are very busy and difficult to confirm. If for any reason we cannot book your preferred dates, your deposit payment is instantly refunded.

I’m travelling on my own, can I book a self-guided tour?

Yes, with some exceptions (please contact us for details). The exceptions are generally more difficult or remote routes where we consider it potentially unsafe to walk alone. This is made clear on the web page and in the trip dossiers. For single travellers on self-guided tours a Single Supplement fee or Solo Traveller Supplement must be paid; this is to cover the extra cost of single rooms or occupancy of double or twin rooms.

What is a guided trip?

When you choose one of our guided options, you’ll enjoy the company of an expert guide who is with you from the time you arrive until the time your trip concludes, and a small group of like-minded travelling companions from around the world. The maximum group size ranges from 4 to 16 participants depending on your chosen trip. As with our self-guided options, we handle all the logistics. It’s a great way to explore Europe’s untrodden treasures in the safety and camaraderie of a small group. Be sure to check out our inclusions, as well as download our detailed trip notes for our itineraries for full details. If you are travelling on your own and do not wish to share a room with a single of the same sex, you should opt to pay the Single Supplement fee.

What equipment is included?

We provide all the equipment that is required for the type of trip you join.  For example, we generally provide quality 21 speed bikes and panniers on our cycling itineraries.  All self-guided walking and cycling full documentation is provided that include route notes and maps. Some will also have guidebooks, town maps and transportation timetables.  

What is the accommodation like?

We have carefully selected a range of charming country inns, pensions, guesthouses, hotels and bed and breakfasts based on the local atmosphere they offer, epitomising the regions you are travelling in. Most are family run, so expect a healthy dose of local charm and insights while you're there. Sometimes where we stay in small villages or remote areas, we choose the best available.

What about the food?

All of our journeys include breakfast daily and may also include lunch or dinner - please refer to the specific inclusions on the trip page or download our detailed trip dossiers.  We introduce you to provincial restaurants that feature local flavours and traditional specialties unique to the region. Food is an integral part of any European experience and the many culinary delights are yours to savour. Where possible, we also cater to most dietary requirements, provided you let us know in advance.

How do I get to the starting place? 

We explain in the Trip Notes and in more detail in the Route Notes how to reach the starting point and return to the airport at the end of the tour by means of public transport (train, bus and taxi).  European train timetables are now readily available on the internet. 

How do I arrange for travel insurance? 

Travel insurance is a compulsory pre-requisite for your active holiday in Europe and we recommend you organise your personal travel insurance at the time of booking. This way you avoid having to make last-minute arrangements and you may be covered for unforeseen circumstances before departure where cancellation of your holiday is required.

How can I get more information?

We can send you comprehensive trip dossiers on all of our trips by post, fax or email, or you can download them from this website. Our staff have a wide experience of the trips we offer and can provide first-hand advice and travel tips. This is a reason why more than half of our participants join us through personal referrals or have travelled with us before. 

How do I make a booking?

To make a booking, simply go to the trip page that you would like to book, select the dates that you would like to travel and then click on the 'Book Now' button to be taken through the booking process. If you are booking more than 70 days prior to the scheduled date of departure you then pay a £150 per person deposit that is non-refundable and the balance will be due 70 days prior to the scheduled date of departure. If you are booking within 70 days prior to the scheduled date of departure then the full balance will be due at the time of booking. 

Visit our 'How to Book' page to learn more.