Here at Headwater, we believe that walking holidays are the perfect way to truly discover a country and get to know what lies off the well-trodden tourist trail.

By travelling round a location on foot, you have the freedom to really get under the skin of the destination you are visiting and uncover a hidden side to it – even if you have visited the country many times before.

Whether you want to take an energetic cycle tour or relaxed walking holidays, we have the perfect break for you.

Uncover a country with a guided tour

Our guided walking holidays will see you being joined by a small group of like-minded travellers – who are sure to become firm friends – and a local expert who will lead your tour in a fun and informative way.

The guides we work with are passionate about their homelands and their enthusiasm will rub off on you as you see a side to the towns and cities you are visiting that is usually only enjoyed by the locals.

Indeed, Headwater prides itself on giving you the opportunity to encounter the real side of life when you visit a country, rather than going to the same, crowded tourist attractions.

You can choose between single centre guided walks – where you and your group will head out for a week of lively strolls all easily reachable from where you are staying – or hotel-to-hotel guided walking holidays, where you will travel between overnight accommodation, allowing you to see more of a region.

Don't worry – we'll sort out where you are staying, the transport and even move your bags between hotels for you!

And to make your break even more unique, we will put you up in small but perfect family-run hotels, giving you the chance to sample some delicious local cuisine and take advantage of the local hospitality.

You'll find that one hotel you stay in will never be the same as the next – so you could spend an evening sleeping in a castle followed by a night spent in a villa, or even a converted convent!

Set your own pace with independent walking holidays

Of course, while you may be happy to explore your chosen holiday destination with a group of like-minded individuals, you could also long to strike out on your own and set your own pace.

With Headwater's independent walking holidays you're in luck. On this sort of trip it is up to you when you set off in the morning (or afternoon!) and you can choose when and where you stop for a bite to eat or if you want to spend a day lounging by the pool.

And travelling in this way you do not have to miss out on learning about the sites you are visiting as we will provide you with comprehensive notes to accompany you on your walk, along with maps and detailed directions so you do not get lost.

You can also tailor your trip to between seven and eleven days and choose the walking ability you would prefer.

As you move between hotels, we will transport your bags for you so you don't have to worry about being weighed down – and this includes any wine or gifts you pick up on your way.

Alternatively, you could choose to base yourself at one hotel and explore from there – great if you're travelling with kids. At Headwater, the choice really is yours!