Walkers' Britain tours available on tourhub

Reasons to tour with Walkers' Britain

Coast to Coast specialists | Independent charming hotels, GPX files, detailed route notes: we handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore England's epic Coast to Coast trail.

People are at the heart of our business | Your trip will be organised by a dedicated team member so you will always know who you are dealing with. We go the extra mile for you and work with only the best guides.

Quality services | We place great emphasis on researching, planning and crafting innovative itineraries to ensure you get the very best experience out of your trip.

Local Connections | We believe relationships are important. Because we've worked with our suppliers for years, they know exactly what our travellers expect and it helps us offer each trip at the best possible price.

Self guided specialists | We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Personal experience | We've been walking and cycling to virtually every corner of Europe since 1973 and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Responsible Tourism

Our commitment to travelling responsibly: When you join a human-powered trip, you are minimising your impact on the region you visit and are exercising your duty to travel responsibly. You are also committing to a slower pace of travel that takes you out of the main cities and helps contribute ....more

Covid Policies

Please contact us for our latest COVID-19 policies.

Environmental Sustainability

Conservation: To protect and conserve the planet by offering conscientious, comfortable and customisable eco-journeys. Complete travel planning to the most natural destinations at minimal costs to the environment.

Economic Impact

Local resources: Use of local staff, suppliers and resources in the areas we visit. We use local guides so you get an insider's view and perspective and we use local resources - from transport to family run or small, local guest houses rather than international chains providing you with a ....more

Cultural Preservation

Understanding, awareness & cultural appreciation via education: Our small groups foster greater interaction local people and cultures, enabling you to learn, experience and understand local people's traditions, cultures and rituals - and they yours - making a positive contribution towards conserving global diversity.

Accreditations and Associations

ATOL-protected

What We Offer

Why walk - or cycle - with Walkers' Britain - Our unrivalled experience adds to yours
We understand that your holidays are sacred, so having the best people look after you is just the start of the quality services we choose for your trip.

Our traveller feedback consistently highlights the three ....more

Why walk - or cycle - with Walkers' Britain - Our unrivalled experience adds to yours
We understand that your holidays are sacred, so having the best people look after you is just the start of the quality services we choose for your trip.

Our traveller feedback consistently highlights the three main reasons travellers keep coming back year after year; our experience, our people and quality services.

Over five decades of experience
We offered our first walking tour in England in 1973 as Sherpa Expeditions and since then have amassed an unrivalled wealth of experience researching, designing and operating innovative active holidays in the UK and in Europe. With over five decades of traveller feedback to help us refine our tours, you can trust us to give you the very best walking or cycling experience. Whether you are travelling on a guided or self-guided holiday, this experience and years of evolution and refinement mean that we know the trails less travelled and services required to help you get the most out of each destination you travel to.

Quality services
We place great emphasis on researching, planning and crafting innovative itineraries to ensure you get the very best experience out of your trip.
The detailed route notes and maps we provide share hidden gems and secret spots that will immerse you deep in the natural beauty and intriguing cultures of the landscapes you explore. It is not just about ticking off boxes. Your accommodation is carefully selected to ensure it best reflects the character of the destination you are visiting and offers the location, service and quality standards you expect. We believe relationships are important and have been working with many of our hoteliers and local suppliers for years. Not only does this mean that they know exactly what our travellers expect, it means you can also be confident that each trip is offered at the best possible price. ....less

Social Responsibility

Give a little (preferably a lot) back: Contribute to host community welfare, by developing programmes with local agents to assist host communities improve health, education and preservation of the environment.

WALKERS' BRITAIN SUPPORTS...
Gift Your Gear is an award-winning nationwide initiative that provides outdoor clothing and equipment to UK community organisations, ....more

Our Story

The history of Walkers' Britain...
Walkers' Britain has long been a dedicated part of the walking and cycling scene in the United Kingdom, Europe, and around the world.

Founded in 1973, Walkers' Britain was first known as Sherpa Expeditions. We specialise in self-guided and guided holidays throughout Europe and across the ....more

The history of Walkers' Britain...
Walkers' Britain has long been a dedicated part of the walking and cycling scene in the United Kingdom, Europe, and around the world.

Founded in 1973, Walkers' Britain was first known as Sherpa Expeditions. We specialise in self-guided and guided holidays throughout Europe and across the United Kingdom. With Walkers' Britain you can choose from a wide range of self-guided inn-to-inn walking and cycling tours, guided walks, as well as a pioneering collection of over 20 British walking tours which include the Coast to Coast Trail and Hadrian’s Wall.

We have refined self-guided holidays to an art. Over many years, Walkers' Britain's leaders, local representatives and travellers have all contributed to the detailed trail notes provided to walkers and cyclists, making these the definitive guide to the areas we visit. These include over 20 iconic European walking destinations across France, Spain, Italy, and more.

In 2008 we joined forces with UTracks and the World Expeditions Group to bring you the most exciting and extensive range of active European holidays available, all at great value. This means you have access to over 300 active itineraries covering more than 25 European countries, from Iceland to Greece, and from Ireland to Cyprus.

In 2021 Sherpa Expeditions rebranded to Walkers' Britain and made the following changes:

> A new name. Call it a midlife crisis if you will - but we felt that the Walkers' Britain name better reflects what we offer (you certainly don't need a Nepali guide leading you along the Coast to Coast!).

> A renovated website. It's now easier than ever to find great walking and cycling trips in the UK and Europe, as well as inspiring traveller tales and expert advice. Be sure to take a look around.

> A refreshed look. Our new logo reflects our dedication to active travel, our head office in London, and the iconic dry stone wall seen on so many of our walking holidays. ....less

Walkers' Britain Reviews

Marguerite Carter (Google Reviewer)

19-Jul-2023

We found Walkers Britain on google. Their communication and information was excellent. The hikes were well marked with signs. Local tourist office was excellent as well. we bought the half price rail pass which was great but probably should have got a full pass for the amount of travel we did. We loved all the hikes we did based at Meiringen Swizerland. The Hotel Accomodation at the Albach Hotel was a great location and we were well looked after. Meals were excellent. We were charged the tourist tax at the end which was mentioned

David Grogan (Google Reviewer)

29-Jun-2024

The Cotswolds by bicycle was a wonderful experience. Walker's Britain had selected charming B&Bs that had good facilities and pleasant owners. The biking routes were well chosen to have little to essentially no traffic, with minimal time on busy roads. The English countryside and its villages is one of the wonders of the world.

Iain McNeil (Google Reviewer)

17-Apr-2024

We recently visited Madeira for a walking holiday organised by Walkers Britain. Everything from transfers and accommodation to the interactive mapping app showing the routes for our daily walks was excellent. The walks themselves were easy to moderate grade and combined places of interest with trails alongside lavadas, taking us through a variety of beautiful plants and vegetation. The bonus at the end of the trip was a night in a fantastic small boutique hotel downtown Funchal.

ted Mckim (Google Reviewer)

14-Oct-2024

Great hike, a chance to see England like few others have seen it, transporting the hiker back it time by centuries in some places. More tiring than expected, but worth every step. The weather cooperated for the most part and the bags always arrived at the hotel/inn on schedule. The food and ales were great (surprisingly), and the accommodations were good to satisfactory - with one exception.

Elaine Spencer (Google Reviewer)

23-May-2024

We did the 16 day rambler coast to coast walk organised by Walker's Britain, it was an amazing trip which was very well planned meaning all we had to do was follow the provided gps coordinates and walk to the next lovely accommodation where our bags were waiting to us. We met some lovely people from all over the world, had an amazing time and would definately use Walker's Britain again.

Terry Welch (Google Reviewer)

06-Oct-2024

Amazing walk! Take a couple of different guide books with you in order to make route finding easier and use your GPX files. Walkers' Britain was very helpful and responsive to our questions. Excellent customer service!

Douglas Schiff (Google Reviewer)

30-Nov-2022

Three of us (ages 67, 69, 71) - just finished the Coast to Coast trail - the 13 days of hiking version. We loved it. It was, at times, quite difficult (particularly the 24 mile day followed by a 20 mile day) - but wonderful. The accomodations done for us by Walkers Britain ranged from very good to simply outstanding. We were extraordinarily lucky to have 20 minutes of rain 1 day only. We were a little sorry we hadn't chosen a 1 day longer version and/or built in a rest day in Richmond. Also, we used the GPS files almost exclusively - very important.

Lauren Cuttler (Google Reviewer)

11-Sep-2024

Very happy with Walkers Britain. We did the Coast to Coast in northern England. Trina, who did all the arrangements, was easy to work with, l thought prices were reasonable, loved the GPX maps that came with other resources and it was reassuring to know if there was an emergency on the walk there was someone to call.

Michael Howard (Google Reviewer)

07-Sep-2023

Most of the problems were created by the weather over which you have no control. The organization of shelter, food, and baggage transfer were very good. I found the navigation in the book a bit of a problem but as I refused to use the GPX system offered, I have only myself to blame. All in all, I felt I got my money's worth on this trip and have no hesitation in recommending it to others.

Marc Torrey (Google Reviewer)

18-Oct-2022

We just completed the self-guided tour of Haute Provence. We found the hiking more strenuous than expected, but well worth the effort in terms of scenery and natural beauty. The staff at the selected hotels and restaurants were all pleasant and helpful. We thought September was a good time to visit the area, as it wasn't too hot, there were no active wildfires, and we didn't have to deal with any mud. We will definitely consider Walker's Britain on our next Europe trip.

Barney Heller (Google Reviewer)

31-Oct-2023

John Muir Way was a great walk. Not too hard like Tour de Mount Blanc last year and easier than the Coast to Coast several years ago. We expected cold and rainy but got warm in sunny in September! only 2 of the 11 days were rainy. Nice quiet walk. We were the only ones going the whole trail, but lots of others walking parts of it. We really got to immerse ourselves in the local culture. Even learned some history along the way. one of the B&B owners had Covid but took great care and we had no issues. This is a perfect walk for newcomers, elderly or wimps like us. Pictures don't do justice, but I liked the idea of cows, canals and castles.

Show More Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Self-guided holidays - inclusions

We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

Trip Grading & Preparation

Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.

Route notes

While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.

How our self-guided holidays work

Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.