On Foot Holidays

09/12/2024

Come and see us at the Adventure Travel Show in London in January. It's entirely focused on activity and adventure travel, and makes a perfect day out for those who like their holidays enlivened by discovery and a physical challenge!

As well as many like-minded holiday providers, there will be presentations from explorers, writers and travel experts to inspire your wanderings.

And best of all, you can meet us for a chat, and decide where your next On Foot Holidays adventure will take you.

Adventure Travel Show
Business Design Centre, Islington, London
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 January 2025
Find On Foot Holidays at Stand C19

Get a 25% discount on tickets using the code: 25OFFC19
We have 20 FREE TICKETS to give away too -
try the code FreeC19 to see if there are any left!

https://adventuretravelshow.seetickets.com/content/day-options

06/12/2024

NEW and IMPROVED: Now that we have been able to make a few necessary adjustments, our much-loved Northern Provence route is back, better than ever!

This lovely route in the hills near Mont Ventoux has been popular with clients for many years, and is now available again. Our Local Contact Emily has sought out some new hotels, with a some long-standing favourites remaining too. And we've updated and refreshed the walking, including a new circular walk.

There are some dramatic geological features to explore, along with pretty walks through fields and vineyards. And, of course, opportunities to try the very special local wines along with some fabulous French cooking.

https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/northern-provence/

04/12/2024

Whether you are a dedicated walker or an armchair wanderer, travel books are a wonderful way to transport yourself to a different landscape.

As passionate walkers and readers, the On Foot Team recommends these great reads...

"Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere" Jan Morris – read by Debbie
An easy and absorbing read with the remarkable description of a city that has fallen from grace. From being one of the principal Mediterranean ports, its glorious history is reduced to that of a small city, almost forgotten in northeastern Italy. Yet it has an extraordinary atmosphere that is so well evoked by the wonderful Jan Morris – whose prose beautifully describes the character of this once great city.

"As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning" Laurie Lee – read by Viktoriia
This is a classic travel memoir that describes the physical and emotional journey of a young man setting out in life. Laurie left his quiet Gloucestershire village to walk across Spain, only to find himself caught up in the escalating civil war in Andalucia. Lee writes a frank but poetic portrayal of his experiences and the people that he gets to know along the way.

"Lonely Planet’s Guide to Train Travel in Europe" - read by Heather
This is a glossy book to dip in and out of, which will inspire glorious journeys and fun stopovers for your travels round Europe by train. Via the device of half a dozen long distance journeys on high-speed routes, it covers many of Europe’s most scenic lines, with plenty of enchanting places to stop on the way. Useful for general advice and route planning, rather than forensic detail.

"Neither Here Nor There" Bill Bryson – read by Tina
Bryson takes you on his journey through Europe as a student, sharing his highs and lows. He has created a light-hearted, funny summary of his travel experiences, and reminds me that exploring new cultures isn’t always as easy and glamorous as we might wish.

"The Salt Path" Raynor Winn - read by Emma
I read this whilst walking On Foot’s Coastal Exmoor route with my Mum. The route follows the South West Coast Path (SWCP) on several days - it was lovely to be walking the path and then reading Ray and Moth’s journey over the same parts of the path, albeit in the opposite direction!

It’s the true story of Ray and Moth losing everything they own, including their beloved farm in Wales. On top of this, Moth receives a devastating health diagnosis. From their misery they make the incredibly brave decision to walk the 630 miles of the SWCP. The book follows their epic journey of endurance, courage, love and ultimately hope, with lots of tears and laughter along the way.
If you enjoy The Salt Path then there is a follow on, The Wild Silence, about their life in Cornwall.

"A Farewell to Arms" Ernest Hemmingway – read by Harriet
A Farewell to Arms is an unflinching historical romance that follows the events of the Italian campaign of WWI. The author’s minimalist writing style heightens the sense of suspense and danger during the lovers’ daring escape across Lake Maggiore and into Switzerland. The narrative features many places included in or near our Lake Maggiore walking holiday, so you can step back into the local history and see through Hemingway’s perspective. A passionate and refreshing read.

Hemingway’s most iconic novel – a dramatic portrayal of love and war. Loosely biographical.

Check out our latest blog for more book talk… https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/?p=10078&preview=true

29/11/2024

The wonderful Robert and Ferelith have just done their eleventh trip with us, joined again by their loyal walking friends to explore La Gomera. As you can see, spirits were high even when the weather was not so kind, reminding us that a good set of waterproofs goes a long way.

“La Gomera is definitely up there as one of the best. Fantastic, varied and interesting scenery, in the main easy paths underfoot, great hotels and restaurants, and as ever great support.”

https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/la-gomera/

27/11/2024

Looking for a dream destination in the UK? We think the Yorkshire Dales, often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, fits the bill perfectly.
https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/england-yorkshire-dales/

With its breath-taking natural beauty, rural heritage and rich history, Yorkshire is one of our favourite On Foot destinations. Travelling on foot gives you the time to take in this beautiful landscape in all its glory.

This route was designed by residents, Shaun and Lynda Callaghan, so you will benefit from all the best insider knowledge!

25/11/2024

Wonderful photos shared with us by Andrew, Sharon and Amy, who have recently finished their ninth walking holiday with us – the beautiful route through the Catalonian wine region of El Priorat.

“We are just working our way through the countries that you offer, and felt this was going to be one that was going to give us a great first Spanish experience.”

https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/catalonia-el-priorat/

23/11/2024

Mark and Helen Lawry have been taking in the Italian sea air on our Amalfi Coast route, with spectacular valleys and hills, completing the day's walk with time to relax and enjoy the peaceful sea views.

The Amalfi Coast is a popular holiday destination, but you can escape to the quieter paths off the beaten track, and return to the bustling coastal towns for an excellent dinner and refreshing dip.

https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/amalfi-coast

22/11/2024

Soaring peaks and clear air, meadows bursting with wild flowers, and the gentle music of cow bells are salve to the soul. There’s really nothing quite like reaching a magnificent view and stopping to drink in the majesty of the mountains.

Does that sound appealing? Then do take a look at our Alpine routes for your next walking holiday. From France to Slovenia we have itineraries that will suit hikers looking for everything from modest mountain walking to something a bit more challenging. None of them require serious mountaineering experience, but all will reward with heart-stopping views and a huge sense of achievement.

See more in our latest blog:

So said the great man of the mountains, John Muir, and it’s a sentiment that resonates with many a walker. The soaring peaks and clear air, meadows bursting with wild flowers, and the gentle music of cow bells are salve to the soul. There’s really nothing quite like reaching a magnificent view a...

21/11/2024

Hidden away in the south of Galicia, Spain’s most north-westerly province, we are pleased to share the gem that is Ribeira Sacra.
https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/ribeira-sacra/

This is wine country, with a name that has its roots in vineyards planted by monks in the Dark Ages. Forgotten for many years, this is now an up-and-coming wine region.

We love Ribeira Sacra for the dramatic scenery and riverine landscapes – not just for the delicious wine. Finish your walk in the old town of Ourense, which has cobbled streets, historic architecture and a rather fine collection of tapas bars just waiting to be discovered.

19/11/2024

Victoria, Clare, Linda and Alison have been enjoying all aspects of our La Gomera walk in October - blue skies, mountains and spooky trees.

“We chose the location because of the weather at this time of year and it didn’t disappoint. Very beautiful island and varied scenery.“

This exciting island walk is one of the few routes that we offer through the winter season, and is still available to book now for trips until mid-May.

https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/la-gomera

18/11/2024

A massive thank you to Shaun and Lynda for devising our wonderful and very popular route in Yorkshire, experiencing the Dales in all their variety. As anyone who has been on the walk will know, they have been wonderful local contacts… but they’re not hanging up their boots just yet as they have exciting plans for exploring in the future.

Debbie met with Shaun and Lynda and new local contact Tina (a highly experienced walker, and her husband/ mountain guide, Rob – pictured here) yesterday morning at the lovely Sawmill Café in Clapham. We’re all so excited to be working with them in the future and looking forward to welcoming them as part of the On Foot Holidays team.

https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/england-yorkshire-dales

17/11/2024

When Aaron joined the On Foot team, the first route he tried in full was on the island of Andros, where he discovered a little bit of Greek heaven on earth!
https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/greece-the-island-of-andros/

He’s a keen photographer too, and here’s just a small selection of his photographs, which record surprisingly lush green landscapes, old mule tracks and a beautiful landscape for walking.

If you are looking to follow in Aaron’s footsteps, this route is available from April until the end of November (perhaps more swimming than walking during July and August due to the heat!).

15/11/2024

While our systems were all down yesterday for maintenance work, we took the opportunity to get out and walk together - something we rarely have the chance to do as a team. The weather eventually brightened up enough to show off the lovely autumn colours around Salisbury!

15/11/2024

We're so pleased to support Herman and Amala, our hosts at Hotel Anaterve on the island of La Gomera. They're planting hundreds of specimens to restore the tree canopy on the slopes around their property. We've donated a young ficus Amstel and a cupressus, which are now growing in our name!

14/11/2024

“The route was excellent; we loved the variety of the trails and scenery.”

Beverley and John walked our Basque Pyrenees route in September, hiking through the hills and along dramatic coastal paths, really making the most of what this route has to offer.

They opted for the slightly hairier option on the decent into Pasaia, as you can see in one of their photos, but do not worry if this is not your style, there is a gentler option available!

https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/basque-pyrenees-to-san-sebastian/

11/11/2024

These words from Edward Allhusen, following an adventure through the hills of Southern Tuscany, were just too good to keep to ourselves:

“A very, very well planned wander through the vine clad, rolling hills and ancient, fortified hill top towns of Tuscany where steep narrow alleys often resort to time worn steps and corners that had not anticipated the arrival of motor cars 500 years later. We quite expected to meet a fourteenth century merchant clad in dark robes with fur collar hurrying to deliver an order for marble required by Michelangelo or more wine for yet another Medici banquet. Surely Dante rested beneath this gnarled oak, quill in hand, as he pondered on his next work of genius."

Read more from Edward on our blog: https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/an-evocation-of-times-past-in-tuscany/

Photo by Tony Ward

06/11/2024

It could be breathtaking views, extraordinary architecture, winding river routes or delicious food and wine. Whatever makes your heart sing, there is an On Foot route for you. Visit our website and start planning your next adventure. https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/

30/10/2024

Just like the perfect travelling companion, our Newsletter is witty, compelling and will ensure you don’t put a foot wrong! It’s where we share details of our routes, travel advice, local knowledge and lots of inspiration for walking holidays in the UK and Europe.

Sign up today https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/signup/ and be the first to hear about new routes, ready-made bookings and fantastic ideas for your next On Foot adventure!