Established 1995

FREEDOMto Enjoy

Welcome toCOUNTRY WALKS

Sam DIRECTOR

Aubrey & JuneFOUNDERSWho are we?

We are a small family venture committed to providing you with a delightful walking holiday, whether a short break in the UK or a week’s holiday in Europe.

We have been established since 1995 and have built our reputation on delivering the highest quality walking experiences, meticulous attention to detail and dedicated customer service. We’re proud to have inspired thousands of people from countries around the world to enjoy the pleasures and benefits of walking in the country.

“Just a line to thank you once again for a marvellous weekend. Not only were the walks in the beautiful South Downs a delight, but the chance to learn about and see some of the works of art and haunts of the Bloomsbury set added much interest and enjoyment.”

Claudia Schiebek, London

What makes us different?We’re small enough to care, small enough to treat you as an individual, and small enough to tailor your holiday to your needs. You can relax, knowing that we personally research each and every walk to provide you with the best possible experience. We plan every detail and write all route notes ourselves. You won’t just follow the crowds on national trails or have to puzzle over translations. We supply proper maps for people who enjoy using them and they are always marked up

with the route. But you don’t have to be able to read a map, as we provide accurate and regularly-updated directions. We avoid busy roads, seeking out ancient routes well off the beaten track. We’ll guide you through unspoilt villages and breathtaking scenery to enjoy the hidden sights, sounds and scents of the countryside. With our unique commentaries, you’ll learn of the history and rural traditions, culture, nature and literature of the land you’re exploring.

What can you expect?You’ll be immersed in the world of nature, enjoying the sense of freedom that a self-guided walking holiday provides. You’ll relax in the knowledge that we have taken care of every detail; as our clients tell us: “We don’t need to worry on your holidays!” You will return home re-energised and refreshed.

Our self-guided walking holidays use the same routes, commentaries and quality accommodation that have been delighting Country Walks clients in our guided groups since 1995.

Guided Walking HolidaysWe continue to offer a small range of guided walking breaks and holidays in the UK and Europe to meet the requirements of our regular clients. Please visit our website at www.country-walks.com for details. Our guests comprise a mix of couples, friends and singles who enjoy the spirit and camaraderie of our like-minded, friendly groups.

Included in your self-guided holiday:

• Excellenten-suiteaccommodationandbreakfast

• Recommendedrestaurants• Detaileddrivingdirectionstothestart

of the walk (or pre-paid taxi for car-free options)

• Detailedroutedirectionsinaneasy-to-handle A5 format

• Aproperlarge-scaledetailedmapfullymarked up and numbered to correspond with the route (not necessary but included for people who enjoy map reading)

• Awaterproofmapcasetoprotectthemap• Uniquelycomprehensiveandvaluable

information and commentaries on the area, including culture and customs, art, literature and history, flora and fauna of the landscape

• Ahandypocketbooktohelpyouidentifycommon wild flowers, trees, animals

• Usefultipsandchecklists• Recommendedcountryinnsforlunchand,

where available, tea and coffee shops• Detailsofplacesofinteresttovisitenroute

If you enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace with a partner or friend, our independent walking holidays give you the flexibility to choose your own dates, set off each day at a time to suit you and digest the background commentaries that highlight features of interest. You’ll be able to stop whenever you like and visit the places that most interest you. We offer a range of short breaks and one-week holidays in Britain and Europe, walking in the finest landscapes. For up-to-date information on our various destinations and prices, please see our website at www.country-walks.com.

Wherever you travel with us, our carefully-crafted routes will guide you along the most scenic paths. You’ll stay at hand-picked character inns, quality guesthouses and hotels with award-winning food.

Our UK self-guided walking breaks offer car-free options which include transfers from the nearest railway station to your holiday accommodation. So if you prefer not to travel by car or if you are visiting from overseas, you can still enjoy an independent holiday.

Self-Guided Walking Breaks & Holidays

Barley Field - Wiltshire

Hidden Mallorca - Tramuntand Mountains

Villa Rufolo - Ravello

Algarve Beach - PortugalMasons Arms - Devon

“Thank you once again for the magic moments you gave us in East Sussex. We were very happy with everything: quality of the hotel, food, walks and well documented and interesting commentaries”.Marie-France & Josiane, France

Typical Accommodation & FoodWe choose only quality en-suite accommodation, ranging from small, family-owned hotels of distinction to atmospheric old inns and luxurious guesthouses awarded Silver or Gold Awards by the local tourist board. You can be sure of a really special stay, whatever your choice, with little touches of luxury. All have been extensively researched and personally inspected and tried and tested by us. Whether you stay by the sea, in the mountains, in the heart of a city or in a country retreat, you can relax and enjoy wonderful food and wine followed by a good night’s sleep in a comfortable room. Our clients often ask us how we manage to find such lovely places to stay. This is achieved by in-depth research – and we never compromise on quality.

For your evening meal, we select only restaurants, hotels and inns recognised for the quality of their cuisine. Many have been awarded AA rosettes or similar accolades.

“The hotel was excellent and beautifully positioned and the walks and trips were outstanding. It was fun to try so many different restaurants. The restaurant I loved the best was the one in Montepertuso – the antipasti and fresh pasta, combined with the terrace setting, views and local red wine were a combination made in heaven!”

Cynthia Frazer, London W4

Responsible TourismWe are committed to protecting the environment and, in recognition of this, ourholidaysarepromotedby‘ResponsibleTravel’ and ‘Our Land’. You can read more about our policies and the measures we take to implement these policies on our website at www.country-walks.com.

You too can make your own contribution to responsible tourism:

• Useemailwhereverpossibleratherthanpost• Travellight!It’ssurprisinghowmuchmore

you can fit in by rolling rather than folding clothes. Avoid laundry services by washing out light, quick-drying clothes

• Considertravellingbypublictransportwherever feasible

• Uselocalcompaniesforalltransferstoandfrom walks

• Userouteswhichareasmuchaspossibleoffthe beaten track, avoiding tourist ‘hot spots’

• Optforsmall,family-ownedhotels,innsand guesthouses employing local staff

• Conservewaterbytakingshowersratherthan baths and re-use towels

• Switchofflightsandair-conditioninganddon’t leave devices on ‘stand-by’

• Uselocalrestaurantsemployinglocalpeople and sourcing locally-produced food

• Buy‘local’tosupportlocalcraftsmen,village shops and local food producers

• Whenbuyingsouvenirs,buylocalproduceto help support local economies

• Useenvironmentally-friendlyre-usablewaterbottles or a re-usable hydration system rather than ‘throw-away’ plastic supermarket bottles

Day 1From Kingham or WinchcombeEnjoy a short, 2-mile walk before dinner to stretch your legs and learn something of the centre’s history.

Day 2Adlestrop Remembered (from Kingham)A moderately easy 8-mile walk encircling the villages of Cornwell, Chastleton, Adlestrop, Lower Oddington and Daylesford.Itfeaturesfourhistoricchurches, four grand houses, parkland designedbyHumphreyReptonandavillage designed by Clough Williams-Ellis as well as beautiful Cotswold countryside. The route is mostly across fields and on quiet country lanes with no steep climbs.

Day 3Bourton-on-the-Water (from Kingham)Often said to be England’s most beautiful village, the ‘Venice of the North’. A moderately easy walk with a remarkable range of interesting features, including the enchanting villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter and Bourton-on-the Water as well as attractive rivers and lakes and some grand houses. Other highlights include ancient sites and wonderful views.

Day 4Hailes Abbey (from Winchcombe) A moderately easy walk along ancient tracks that combine splendid scenery with outstanding historic appeal. Features include the lovely town of Winchcombe, Hailes Church and Abbey and Sudeley Castle. This walk takes place in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds in contrast to those centred around Kingham in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.

Day 5Stanton, Stanway & Snowshill (from Winchcombe)Visiting three of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds, all delightfully unspoilt, the first two tucked away in the valley while Snowshill is one of the highest villages in the Cotswolds and one of the most picturesque. You’ll enjoy varied walking interspersed with features of historic and architectural interest and, throughout the day, the stunning views to be gained from walking in high wold country.

“Thank you for introducing us to the pleasure of walking through the English countryside. This is quite a change for us Americans. We truly enjoy the history and poetry along the way”.

Deirdre & John Kraimer, Connecticut, USA

Sample Itinerary :The Cotswolds, EnglandThree to five days exploring the Cotswolds, based in either the beautiful village of Kingham or in the ancient little town of Winchcombe. Best of all, combine the two, spending two days at each. In Kingham there’s a hotel, wonderful old inn or top-notch B&B to choose from; in Winchcombe, a 15th century former merchant’s house with an excellent menu or the newly-refurbished inn with fabulous rooms.

High summer - Cotswolds

Stanton - Cotswolds

Market Hall - Chipping CamdenLandscape - Cotswold Hills

Cottages - Cotswolds

Day 1ArrivalAt Naples airport then transfer to a 4-star hotel, Amalfi, wonderfully located facing the sea.

Day 2Amalfi From the cathedral of Sant’Andrea with its brilliant facade through medieval whitewashed passages to a former paper mill, followed by lunch at a favourite restaurant. A paved panoramic path gently winds above the harbour with breathtaking vistas of an azure sea below. Time to relax, absorb the wonderful atmosphere in the cathedral piazza or take a swim before dinner. For the 7-mile option, follow ancient mule tracks through a magical valley of sylvan glades and cascading streams to superb viewpoints. After lunch high above Amalfi, return through terraces of lemons and figs to delightful Atrani.

Day 3Ravello – ‘Where poets go to die’ – frequented by artists, musicians and celebrities At 1,000 feet above the Bay of Salerno, where the sun shines faithfully and serenity reigns, Ravellohas,arguably,vistaswhichareamongthe most sublime in Italy. After a relaxing lunch, choose to continue exploring this enchanting

place and visit its famous villas. Or, for a complete contrast, continue walking in the afternoon into wild countryside, contouring in and out of the head of the valley to Minuta andmedievalScala.DescendtoAmalfieitheron foot or by bus before a swim on the beach opposite the hotel. (3 - 7 miles)

Day 4Capri A jet boat ride to picture-postcard perfect Capri, once the ‘City of Sweet Idleness’ of the Emperor Augustus and a ‘must see’ for its breathtaking scenery, soaring cliffs of limestone overlooking turquoise coves, pastel-stuccoed houses and colourful gardens. Explore the narrow paved lanes and stepped alleys,andvisittheimpressiveRomanruinsofthe Villa Jovis, before taking the Arco Naturale coastal path to spectacular rocks jutting out of the sea. Time to explore further, visit fashionable boutiques or relax at a harbour-side cafe before taking the boat back to Amalfi. (3-4 miles)

Sample Itinerary :The Amalfi Coast, ItalyEight days on the Amalfi Coast, one of the world’s most celebrated landscapes, a land renowned for bright azure skies, white limestone cliffs, dizzying terraces of green lemon groves, all lit by a dazzling Mediterranean sun. With its wild mountain scenery, the Amalfi coast is a walkers’ paradise and each day there is a choice of easy 3-4 mile walks or more demanding treks in the mountains of 7 miles.

“Thank you for all you did to make our walking week so, so brilliant . . . We enjoyed visiting the area for the first time and the company, scenery and walking were all absolutely outstanding.”

Stan & Beryl Moore, Sutton, Surrey

Day 5Free Day Today you may elect to visit one of Campania’s ancient sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum or Paestum. All are accessible by public transport or, alternatively, you can join an excursion whereby you will be picked up by coach from the hotel. For beach lovers, this is your opportunity to sunbathe and swim in a warm sea, perhaps taking a boat to a nearby secluded beach. Or simply spend the day exploring Amalfi itself, visiting the Cathedral or museums or relaxing on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the sea.

Day 6Valle delle Ferriere By bus to Scala in the heart of the wild Lattari Mountains for a walk into a different world, through a rugged hinterland of high pastures and remote woodlands. A more energetic walk, perhaps the most beautiful of all, past waterfalls until finally you reach the hill-top village of Pogerola. You may then elect to descend to Amalfi on well-made steps cut into the hillside, or take the bus. The shorter walk is to Minuta where, with luck, you will encounter the burros, still used to transport goods and materials up and down the mountains. This easy route traverses remote woodlands, crosses streams and offers wonderful panoramic views across the valley.

Day 7Positano For the easy option take the jet boat to Positano then a local bus up to the charming mountain village of Nocelle where the views between the sea and the sky along this stretch of coast are unsurpassed. On to Monte Pertuso for an authentic and memorable lunch high up above Positano. Here there is no menu: ‘mama and papa’ prepare freshly-picked ingredients from surrounding vegetable beds,

blending them into delicious dishes which, along with the local vino will linger long in the memory!ReturnbybustoPositanoordescendon steps, magnificent views all the way. The 7-mile option takes you to Monte Pertuso on the celebrated and spectacular ‘Pathway of the Gods’ high above the sea. Positano, an amphitheatre of villas and Moorish-style houses painted in every hue, will delight with its fashionable boutiques and delightful little beaches.ReturntoAmalfibyboat.

Day 8Atrani & Departure A final 2-mile walk to the picturesque fishing village of Atrani where you’ll love soaking up the atmosphere while sipping a favourite drink; a memorable finale to your week’s walking.ReturntoAmalfialongsinuousmedieval alleys, or, less energetically, simply walk back through the pedestrian tunnel.

Atrani - Italy

View from Ravello - Italy

Above Ravello - Italy

Thames Valley & London

Cotswolds

Peak District

ShropshireHills

Isle of Wight

NewForest

Hardy’sWessex

Su�olkCoast

Sussex Downs

Jurassic Coast

Chiltern Hills

Quantock Hills

Surrey Hills WiltshireDowns Stourhead

WhiteCli�s

BreconBeacons

Pembroke

Coast Mallorca Andalucia

AustrianTyrol

Cyprus

Amalfi Coast Algarve

ENGLAND

FRANCE

SCOTLAND

IRELAND

NORTHERNIRELAND

WALES

FRANCE

SPAINPORTUGAL

UNITEDKINGDOM

IRELAND

ITALY

GERMANY

NETHERLANDS

GREECEALBANIA

MACEDONIA

BULGARIASERBIA

AUSTRIASLOVENIA

CROATIA

CZECHREPUBLIC

SLOVAKIA

BALEARICISLANDS

ALGERIATUNISIA

LIBYA EGYPT

SYRIALEBANON

ISRAEL

JORDAN

SAUDI ARABIA

POLAND

NORWAY

ICELAND

SWEDEN

FINLAND

MOROCCO

ROMANIA

UKRAINE

MOLDOVA

BELARUS

LITHUANIA

ESTONIA

TURKEY

RUSSIA

LATVIA

NorthAtlanticOcean

NorthAtlanticOcean Norwegian Sea

Mediterranean Sea

CelticSea

NorthSea

NorthSea

BalticSea

WhiteSea

BarentsSea

Gulfof

Bothnia

DenmarkStrait

BlackSea

IonianSea

AegeanSea

TyrrhenianSea

AdriaticSea

LigurianSea

BalearicSea

AlboránSea

Strait of Gibraltar

English Channel

Strait of Dover

Bristol Channel

Bay ofBiscay

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Where else can you go?Our walking holidays are in areas of outstanding natural beauty, within the UK and Europe. Please visit our website for more information about the holidays we offer in each location.

Thames Valley & London

Cotswolds

Peak District

ShropshireHills

Isle of Wight

NewForest

Hardy’sWessex

Su�olkCoast

Sussex Downs

Jurassic Coast

Chiltern Hills

Quantock Hills

Surrey Hills WiltshireDowns Stourhead

WhiteCli�s

BreconBeacons

Pembroke

Coast Mallorca Andalucia

AustrianTyrol

Cyprus

Amalfi Coast Algarve

ENGLAND

FRANCE

SCOTLAND

IRELAND

NORTHERNIRELAND

WALES

FRANCE

SPAINPORTUGAL

UNITEDKINGDOM

IRELAND

ITALY

GERMANY

NETHERLANDS

GREECEALBANIA

MACEDONIA

BULGARIASERBIA

AUSTRIASLOVENIA

CROATIA

CZECHREPUBLIC

SLOVAKIA

BALEARICISLANDS

ALGERIATUNISIA

LIBYA EGYPT

SYRIALEBANON

ISRAEL

JORDAN

SAUDI ARABIA

POLAND

NORWAY

ICELAND

SWEDEN

FINLAND

MOROCCO

ROMANIA

UKRAINE

MOLDOVA

BELARUS

LITHUANIA

ESTONIA

TURKEY

RUSSIA

LATVIA

NorthAtlanticOcean

NorthAtlanticOcean Norwegian Sea

Mediterranean Sea

CelticSea

NorthSea

NorthSea

BalticSea

WhiteSea

BarentsSea

Gulfof

Bothnia

DenmarkStrait

BlackSea

IonianSea

AegeanSea

TyrrhenianSea

AdriaticSea

LigurianSea

BalearicSea

AlboránSea

Strait of Gibraltar

English Channel

Strait of Dover

Bristol Channel

Bay ofBiscay

EUR

OPE

UN

ITED

KIN

GD

OM

Country Walks is proudly affiliated with the following:

Country Walks offers you the freedom to enjoy the many benefits to be gained from walking in some of the world’s areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Our philosophy is well expressed by W H Davies in his poem, Leisure.

Leisure 

What is this life if, full of care,We have no time to stand and stare?

No time to stand beneath the boughs,And stare as long as sheep and cows:

 No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass: 

No time to see, in broad daylight,Streams full of stars, like skies at night:

 No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance: 

No time to wait till her mouth canEnrich that smile her eyes began?

 A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare. 

W. H. Davies

M +44 (0)7810 384603T +44 (0)20 7233 6563E info@country-walks.com

SAM HOLMESDIRECTOR

M +44 (0)7760 766598T +44 (0)20 7233 6563E info@country-walks.com

JUNE ZAFTFOUNDER

Postal Address1 Ambrosden Avenue,London SW1P 1QQwww.country-walks.com

Contact us

www.country-walks.com