GENTLE GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAYS FROM OUR COUNTRY HOUSES
Enjoy the great outdoors at an easier pace. Our gentle guided walking holidays are built around shorter days and gentler ground, with a choice of up to three guided walks each day, one of them around three to five miles. The routes keep gradients gentle and the ground underfoot kind, while still offering good views and open scenery along the way. They're a good place to start if you're new to walking holidays, coming back to walking after a break, or simply happy to take your time.
Easier walking, full days
Each day you can choose from up to three guided walks, with the shortest kept to around three to five miles and modest ascent. Routes stick to gentler terrain and clear paths, with fewer steep climbs and less rough ground, avoiding stiles where possible. There's a longer option each day too, so you can stretch out if you feel like it, or take the easiest of the three and keep the day relaxed. The evening before, your leader runs a short walk talk to explain the next day's routes and help you choose the one that suits you.
Good for beginners and first time walkers
If you're new to walking holidays, this is an easy way in. The planning, the maps, and the route-finding are all taken care of, so you can give your attention to the walk itself. Our walks are led by trained volunteer leaders, more than 600 of them across the country, each first-aid certified. The routes are researched and walked in advance by our volunteer Field Advisors, who check the paths, the views, and scope out the best places to stop.
A gentle guided walking holiday is full board at our HF Country Houses. Stay in an ensuite room, enjoy a cream tea on arrival, cooked breakfast every morning, a packed lunch on walking days, and three courses each evening. The guided walks and your walking leader are part of the holiday. Travel to the house and drinks outside meal times are separately priced.
Where these short breaks go
Gentle guided walking holidays run at a selection of our country houses, as short breaks of three to seven nights, with new dates added through the year. The current choice is shown below and our team can talk you through which house and which walks suit you best.
Gentle holidays still involve walking on natural paths and some uneven ground. Our walking grades page sets out typical distances and ascents, and the team is happy to talk through whether a particular holiday is right for you.
