For 2016/17, Headwater continue to offer a mix of both small group guided (rarely more than 10 guests per tour) and self-guided walking choices. For customers keen to enjoy the camaraderie offered by meeting like-minded walkers, a guided trip is usually the recommended option - it also provides the best opportunity to learn about a region (flora & fauna, history & culture etc) from an expert, hugely knowledgeable, local leader. A self-guided trip, on the other hand, gives maximum independence and flexibility as you walk at your own pace, following Headwater's detailed maps and meticulous route notes, stopping off as the mood takes to soak up the sights, sounds and scents around you. Whichever holiday type appeals, there are a wide range of single/ twin centre choices, as well as hotel-to-hotel itineraries (always with bags moved for you) and, with every holiday graded by activity level - from gentle strolls to challenging mountain hikes - any concerns over personal fitness are covered too!

Fine-tuned since 1985, Headwater's latest Walking Collection covers the vast majority of European countries, aswell as Latin America & the French Caribbean. Departures run throughout the year - subject to local weather patterns and travel schedules - and trips can often be customised to suit individual diaries. Thanks to UK £Sterling being so strong against the Euro, many prices are even lower than last year causing Headwater's Management to forecast record sales in firm Headwater favourites such as France, Italy and Spain as a direct result.

So, what's NEW for Headwater Walkers in 2016?

FRANCE: Rivers & Chateaux of the Loire Walk

A very gentle (1-boot level) riverside loop staying in lovely *** and **** hotels and taking in some of France's most impressive chateaux: Amboise, Chaumont and majestic Chenonceau with its famous arches straddling the Cher. Departs May-Oct inc with prices from £769 (tour only)/ £797 (self drive inc return Eurotunnel)/ £979 (inc return BA flights Heathrow-Paris, and onward rail). Prices include 6 nights B&B hotel accommodation, 4 eve meals, transport of luggage between hotels, detailed maps and meticulous walking route notes, 24/7 support both in UK and overseas.

For those with slightly more time to spare, a NEW 8-night version of the above holiday, spending the extra 2 nights in Chitenay, is also offered.

FRANCE: Landscapes of the Luberon Walk

Graded at relatively gentle (1-boot+) level, this new 10-night, self-guided walk is based in Provence's timeless Luberon National Park, taking in a delightful landscape of swaying vines, olives, shady forests, riverside towns and stunningly beautiful perched villages offering superb views of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. This is the region whose natural light, colours and summer-scented summers have inspired generations of poets, painters and writers from Petrarch in 14th century right up to the modern-day, best-selling author, Peter Mayle. Departs May-Oct inc with prices from £1019 (tour only)/ £1048 (self drive inc return Eurotunnel)/ £1259 (inc return BA flights Heathrow-Marseilles, and onward rail). Prices include 10 nights B&B hotel accommodation, 6 eve meals, transport of luggage between hotels, detailed maps and meticulous walking route notes, 24/7 support both in UK and overseas.

ITALY: Islands of Sicily Guided Walk

The self-guided sister version of this 2-boot (moderate) holiday has been one of Headwater's most popular Italian walking holidays for several years now, so we are delighted to be introducing a new guided alternative for those who prefer a small group trip! Departing in April and September, this 9-night walk explores Sicily's stunning eastern coast, taking in some of the island's most precious jewels, from the spectacular Greek theatre of Taormina to the immense - and equally impressive! - Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe! The trip also includes 5 days' island-hopping in the astonishingly beautiful Aeolian archipelago as well as an optional, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to accompany an expert volcanologist in making a nocturnal ascent of smouldering Stromboli. Priced at £1368 (tour only)/ £1599 (inc return BA flights Gatwick-Catania, and onward transfers), each trip is reserved to just 12 guests and includes 9 nights' B&B hotel accommodation, fully guided walking programme with transfers, guided excursions up both Etna and Stromboli and 24/7 support from Headwater both in UK and overseas.

AUSTRIA: Carinthia Lakeside Activities

A 7-night single centre holiday staying at **** Hotel Post in Velden, a cosmopolitan town full of shops, bars and restaurants on the edge of gorgeous Worthersee, and a popular haunt for Austria's rich and famous! One of the great appeals of this holiday is its flexibility: Headwater have created a series of circular day walks (and cycle rides - complimentary bike provided for the duration of your stay) following mainly traffic-free trails to discover glistening mountain lakes, pretty villages, tiny hamlets and lovely lakeside beaches - perfect for swimming. Prices from £979 (tour only)/ £997 (inc return Eurotunnel)/ £1279 (inc return Austrian Airlines flights Heathrow-Klagenfurt and onward transfers). Also included: 7 nights half board hotel accommodation, detailed walking/ cycling maps and meticulous route notes, bike hire, Worthersee Ferry Pass and 24/7 support both in UK and overseas.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

* Established in 1985, Headwater has 31 years' experience in hand-crafting walking and cycling holidays in Europe and beyond;

* Appeals in the main to well-heeled, well-travelled couples, aged 45yrs+, looking to enjoy gentle activity by day without compromising on creature comforts in the evening;

* Interest-packed itineraries focus on culture/ history, nature/ wildlife, gourmet cuisine and fine wines;

* Over 140 holidays on offer for 2016; mix of self-guided and small group trips.

For bookings and further information, please call Headwater 0845 322 4672 or email sales@headwater.com 

All press enquiries to Catherine Crone 0845 591 9342 ;  email Catherine.press@headwater.com

Images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/headwater

Catherine Crone

PR & Communications Consultant

T 0845 591 9342

E catherine.press@headwater.com