NEW for summer 2017, leading walking and cycling specialist, Headwater, is offering three relaxed, outdoor holiday choices in Bavaria. Starting from, and finishing in, the UNESCO-listed, riverside town of Regensburg, Headwater walkers will complete an 8-night self-guided loop, mostly along the well-marked Jurasteig Path following the Atmuhl and Danube Rivers, through a countryside rich in flora and fauna: eagles, hawks, deer, wild boar and a colouful mix of Northern European and Mediterranean plants and flowers.

Departing every two days from 13 May to 14 October, this 2-boot ("moderate" level) walking holiday costs from £779 (tour only)/ £1099 (including return BA flights Heathrow-Munich and onward rail) and includes: 8 nights' B&B hotel accommodation (ranging from ** to ****), 2 evening meals, detailed maps and meticulously researched walking route notes, luggage transfers between hotels, 24/7 support from Headwater both in UK and overseas.

Customers preferring to explore on two wheels rather than two feet have not been forgotten either as Headwater cyclists can choose either the 8-night Bavarian Castles & Rivers trip or, for those with more time available, a 10-night Five Waterways of Bavaria taking in part of the Funf-Flusse-Radweg, one of the longest cycle routes in the region.

Highlights of the Bavarian Castles & Rivers Cycling include: Bad Abbach, a relaxing spa town with lovely gardens and lively cafes; riverside Kelheim; Lake Pfraundorfer See, a popular local swimming spot, and the completely walled city of Nuremburg with its stunning castle and rich Nazi past.

This 1-bike+ ("mostly easy") holiday departs every two days from 13 May to 14 October and costs from £1169 (tour only)/ £1399 (including return BA flights from Heathrow to Munich and onward rail transfers) including: 8 nights' B&B hotel accommodation (mainly **** hotels), 4 evening meals, bike hire, detailed maps and meticulously researched cycling route notes, bags transfers between hotels, 24/7 support from Headwater both in UK and overseas.

For guests looking for a slightly longer, more challenging trip, welcome to the Five Waterways of Bavaria! Starting from the UNESCO World Heritage City of Regensburg, this 10-night trip follows a series of well-networked paths along the contrasting waterways of north-east Bavaria: the wide, rolling valleys of the mighty Danube;  the stunning Altmuhl; the fruit orchards of the  Main-Danube Canal; the old railway route of tiny Pegnitz and the beautiful churches dotted along the the Naab. Each day is peppered with pretty towns and villages from  walled Berching to riverside Kallmunz and its fairytale castle towering above. The hand-picked accommodation on this trip is pretty special too, and includes a converted **** brewery in Beilngries, a Bavarian house (with sausage-making school!) in Neumarkt, a riverside hotel just outside the old walls of Nuremburg, and a restored prison in charming Amberg.

This 2-bike ("moderate" level)  holiday departs every two days from 13 May to 14 October and costs from £1369 (tour only)/ £1599 (including return BA flights from Heathrow to Munich and onward rail transfers) including: 10 nights' B&B hotel accommodation (*** and **** hotel levels), 2 evening meals, bike hire, detailed maps and meticulously researched cycling route notes, bags transfers between hotels, 24/7 support from Headwater both in UK and overseas.

Note to Editors:

* Established in 1985, Headwater creates relaxed walking and cycling holidays throughout Europe, the Med and the Caribbean

* Typically Headwater attracts well-heeled, well-travelled 50+yrs customers looking to combine gentle activity by day with high end creature comforts in the evening

* Some holidays are guided (small groups, usually just 6-12 guests); others are independent (always fully supported with luggage transfers included)

* Key benefits of choosing Headwater include: interest-packed itineraries, meticulously researched routes, detailed maps, expert leaders, hand-picked hotels, great food and wine,

* Coming soon: Headwater's Unique Villas & Cottages Programme - perfect for couples, friends or multi-generational families!