High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2016 High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2017 | Page 11

Self-Guided Walking Holidays Independence and Flexibility: On an independent walking holiday, you're just that...independent. We will try to accommodate whatever your group number, bearing in mind availability of accommodation. If you want to get up late, want to take a detour, it's all up to you... as long as you can get yourselves to the next B&B. Some walking holidays have several days at the same accommodation, so then it's really is up to you if one day you decide you need a break from walking and want to explore the local village or town. We also endeavour to offer flexibility into the independent walking holidays with our walking notes providing you with choices, where available. For most of our self guided walking holidays, you can start your holiday on the day of your choosing, subject to availability of course. Walking Grades Maps & Personalised Walking Notes We provide you with detailed local 1/25000 walking maps. You will also be provided with our detailed walking notes which as well as being regularly updated are personalised for each customer. The trail description itself is very detailed, to leave you in no doubt about where you need to go next. The walking notes provide information you won't find in a guidebook with local sights to see, some of which require a detour and it's up to you whether you make the effort to go. They contain all the essential information you'll need to ensure a relaxed and hassle-free holiday. They include: When choosing your walking holiday you need to consider whether the amount and difficulty of the walking is a good match to your abilities and experience. We grade all our walks from Easy to Challenging based on the daily hours walked, the amount of ascent and descent, and the type of terrain. We then give a recommendation as to the walker's experience and fitness for each grade. EASY Less than 5 hours walking per day at a gentle pace with less than 400m (1300 feet) ascent/descent. Generally good paths on undulating terrain with gentle gradients. Anybody in reasonable health should enjoy this grade of walking. No previous walking experience required. Walking Notes Local Interests Practical Information Detailed Trail Description History Guest Houses Distances Culture Emergency Contacts Timings Architecture Doctors MODERATE Walking Grade Historic Monuments Chemists Altitude Gains Economy Markets Way Markings Food & Drink Post Office Walks of between 4-6 hours, with the odd longer day and less than 700m (2400 feet) ascent/descent. Generally on good paths although there could be steeper sections with rough conditions underfoot. You should have experience of day walking, and be in reasonable health. Average daily distances are about 15-20km. Alternative Routes Wildlife Cash Points MODERATE/ CHALLENGING Walks of between 5-7 hours, with up to 1000m (3300 feet) ascent/descent in the day. Mountainous or rough paths, with some long steep sections. There could be limited back-packing, carrying overnight gear for 1 night. You should have recent experience of day walking in hilly terrain, be surefooted and have a reasonable level of fitness. On some holidays a good head for heights and previous mountain walking experience may be necessary. Luggage Transfers Whether you choose a Guided or Self Guided Walking Holiday, with the exception of any backpacking treks in the Alps, we provide a luggage transfer service. This means that you only need to carry the most essential items with you in your day rucksack, safe in the knowledge that your luggage will be ready at your next overnight stop. CHALLENGING Walks of between 5-8 hours, with altitude gains of over 1000m per day involving prolonged ascents/descents. Mountainous paths with sections of rough mountainous terrain and easy scrambling (using hands for stability and assistance). These holidays may be made more difficult by factors such as altitude, limited backpacking or the occasional very long day. You should be a regular walker with mountain walking experience, with a good level of fitness and a good head for heights. [email protected] 11