Centre based walking holidays

In a nutshell, centre based walking holidays start and finish from the same front door, in places where trails streak off in all directions like blue veins in a chunk of Gorgonzola. You could be setting out from a self catering apartment in Andalucia, a family-run hotel on the Amalfi Coast or a B&B in the Balkans. Whichever door you depart from, you'll be returning that afternoon or evening for rest, recuperation and to sample a slice of local life.

Centre based walking holidays can be tailor made to suit your preferences. They can be self guided, meaning you have a map, walking route notes and 24hr assistance, if needed. Alternatively, opt for guided walks in the company of an expert who knows the local area like the back of their hand. These walks may include a few short transfers to get you to the start of a trail; alternatively, the walks might lead from the door.

You might opt to share the experience with a small group of likeminded walkers, some of whom may well become part of your future walking holiday plans – or at least become memorable stories to tell on the next trek.

Some of our centre based walking holidays are from accommodation that hosts a number of people at once. That means that whilst you might choose to walk alone in the day, you’ll return to a communal dinner setting in the evenings – and over the week, as you get to know other guests, you might join up on your walking days, too.

Whichever option you choose, you can be assured that all our centre based walking holidays have been hand-picked to place responsible travellers within some of the world's most captivating countryside.

Centre based walking holidays are an excellent way to benefit a particular area by staying longer rather than simply passing through. Many of our centre based walking holidays are locally run by people who are embedded in their communities. They will know what events are taking place, when the market is, and what’s in season on the menus; in fact, they may have helped the restauranteurs translate their menus for guests. As these hosts with the most entertain you for several days they can help you curate an enriching experience for you that benefits local businesses too. One day you’ll be sent to the local market, the next to the restaurant that only opens later in the week, the next to a local festival taking place down the road.

Choose one of these trips if you want to really get to know your surroundings. When you're hiking from one location to the next it's tricky to take stock of each location. A centre based walking holiday lets you explore your surroundings in your own time, and in a bit more depth. These trips will give you a choice of trails every day, so they suit you if you like a bit of autonomy, and the opportunity to sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast when you wish. They also suit homebodies – you’ll return to base for home cooking and you won’t have to repack. Instead, spend evenings relaxing with wine, or tucking into a few treats procured from the local market. Safe in the knowledge you can return tomorrow to restock.

Do you like to be in the thick of things? Most of our centre based walking holidays are based in remote areas where there are walking routes in all directions, and accommodation is rustic, charming and comfortable. Half the fun of centre based walking holidays is finding village stores, market days and remote restaurants for yourself.