CONTENTS INTRODUCTION WALKING 04 The Headwater Story What’s New 06 Walking 08 UK & IRELAND | EUROPE | LONG HAUL | SNOW Short Breaks 10 Customer Story 12 Taste the Region 14 Headwater Favourites 16 Customise Your Trip 18 Key Information 20 SELF-GUIDED WALKING 2020 – 2021 United Kingdom & Ireland 22 France 36 Italy 54 Spain 74 Portugal 92 Gozo 102 Central & Northern Europe 106 GUIDED GROUPS & LONG HAUL Guided Groups 120 Long Haul 136 SNOW Snow Introduction 142 Listings 144 INFORMATION Key Booking Information 150 Essential Information 152 How To Contact Us 153 SPECIALISTS IN SELF-GUIDED HOLIDAYS SINCE 1985 3 WELCOME Welcome to your 2020/2021 Headwater Walking brochure. Whether you want to wander along cascading waterfall trails and spectacular gorges in the hidden valleys of Cordoba or admire the striking beauty of Puglia’s Trulli houses in Italy, our relaxed holidays are tailor-made to ensure you experience the best regional highlights, historical sights and local culture, while moving at your own pace. Travelling on foot is one of the best ways you can explore a region, lingering in places of interest when you fancy soaking up the sights, sounds, scents and flavours of your surroundings. This year, our brochure features a host of new, interesting regions to explore on foot, including the best of the Cotswolds, England’s second largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (p28) and exhilarating walks along Hadrian’s Wall (Britain’s largest historical monument) and the Northumberland Coast that uncovers the region’s colourful history, dramatic landscapes and world-famous castles, such as Alnwick and Bamburgh (p32). If you’re looking to venture further afield, why not discover Costa Rica’s remarkable wildlife or explore the beautiful islands of Bermuda on foot. Our team of dedicated international experts have carefully selected each hotel, met the hoteliers, tasted the local cuisine and wines, and tested every interest-packed route. Every hotel is quaint and usually family-owned, boasting delicious regional cuisine and owners who take a genuine interest in their guests. You could stay anywhere, from historic castles and old manor houses to working farms and converted convents. With a knowledgeable team who have over 230 years’ experience with Headwater, alongside our friendly local partners overseas, we have everything covered so you can relax and enjoy your holiday, wherever you may be. Michelle Ventre General Manager CONTENTS INTRODUCTION The Headwater Story 04 What’s New 06 Walking 08 Short Breaks 10 Customer Story 12 Taste the Region 14 Headwater Favourites 16 Customise Your Trip 18 Key Information 20 SELF-GUIDED WALKING 2020 – 2021 United Kingdom & Ireland 22 France 38 Italy 54 Spain 76 Portugal 92 Gozo 102 Central & Northern Europe 106 GUIDED GROUPS & LONG HAUL Guided Groups 120 Long Haul 136 SNOW Snow Introduction 142 INFORMATION Key Booking Information 152 Essential Information 154 How To Contact Us 155 3 The HEADWATER STORY n 1985, Richard and Christine Bass made the life-changing decision to turn a passion into a business and thus Headwater was born at their kitchen table. They Iwanted to take what they’d learned from their own travels across the globe, the incredible experiences they’d had, and pass it on to others. To create holidays that take you to the heart of the moment, to elevate your experience – whether walking, cycling, canoeing or even cross-country skiing – by bringing you closer to the world at your fingertips. Relaxing holidays give you time to stop and enjoy the moment, away from the stress and hassle of everyday life – that’s what we’re all about. With nearly 35 years’ experience behind us, we’ve dedicated ourselves to seeking out idyllic routes and hidden gems – so that you can simply enjoy the moments that truly matter, with the people you love. Headwater has come a long way since that moment in 1985. Now we have a carefully curated selection of nearly 150 self-guided and guided holidays that will unlock the world’s best kept secrets for you, making it easier than ever before for you to switch off, relax, and live in the moment. 4 Call an expert on 01606 828566 or for more details visit headwater.com/W06LN Why Choose Us? EXPERTLY CRAFTED ITINERARIES With a Headwater holiday, it’s all in the details. We’ve spent over three decades creating and fine-tuning our itineraries to make sure each one runs like clockwork. Every route is designed with you in mind – that’s why we seek out the most authentic accommodation, highest quality restaurants, best- kept local secrets and meticulously compiled route directions to guarantee you’ll never get lost on your journey... only in the bliss of the experience. HOTELS THAT DELIVER AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE Our hotels offer much more than just a bed for the night. They provide insights into the local culture. Many are historic properties, castles and palaces that have previously hosted monarchs, artists and famous authors. All are individually selected by our team and because we have strong, trusted relationships with our hoteliers, you can expect a warm welcome and authentic experiences wherever you go. UNBEATABLE PERSONAL SERVICE From the moment you make your booking to the day you return from your Headwater holiday, you will experience an unmatched personalised service every step of the way. We don’t believe in faceless call centres – you’ll speak to your own dedicated salesperson throughout your Headwater booking process. That’s why it’s so easy to customise your own trip – we put you in control, so you can tailor your Headwater holiday to suit you. FLAWLESS PLANNING, SEAMLESS EFFICIENCY At Headwater, we believe it’s the little things that make a big difference. We plan ahead so your holiday runs seamlessly. We transport your luggage between each hotel, we provide you with maps and route directions and should you have any concerns while you’re on holiday, our emergency line is available 24/7. We check every route for accuracy. We even go that extra mile, providing a complimentary wine collection service on selected trips. 5 WHAT’S NEW? WALKING THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST Towering sand dunes and breath-taking views overlooking the North Sea Take on beautiful strolls across the rugged Northumberland coastline towards picturesque castle-crowned villages such as Alnwick, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh. While here, pay a visit to Holy Island, otherwise known as Lindisfarne, the final destination of the famous pilgrimage trail, St Cuthbert’s Way, and complete the full Northumberland Coast Path to the northernmost town in England, Berwick-upon-Tweed. SEE PAGE 32 6 WALKING THE WALKING AND CYCLING WALKING ON THE COTSWOLD RING THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY FRANCIGENA WAY Discover England’s 2nd largest Area Explore Ireland’s oldest National Follow in the footsteps of ancient of Outstanding Natural Beauty Park and the famous Wild Atlantic pilgrims to Rome’s piazzas Enjoy exploring the quintessential Way. Delve into Italy’s rich history walking chocolate-box British villages on Embrace Ireland’s warm hospitality along the ancient pilgrimage route foot, including Broadway, Bourton- and striking natural beauty cycling from Orvieto to the ‘Eternal City’ of on-the-Water and the Saxon capital through the Gap of Dunloe and explore Rome. On the Francigena Way, travel of Winchcombe. Visit the stunning the three mystical Lakes of Killarney through the Tuscia Laziale region formal gardens at Kiftsgate and the by boat. Enjoy walking along one of dotted with olive groves and volcanic Hidcote National Trust Gardens, taking Ireland’s premier walking routes, lakes on towards the fortified city of in the best this charming region has to taking in Kilarney’s National Park, and Viterbo and the Roman amphitheatre offer. You also have the option to visit the Dingle peninsula and toast your of Sutri, where you’re bound to be left Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon for efforts with the “water of life” in Dingle. inspired. an afternoon. SEE PAGE 29 SEE PAGE 35 SEE PAGE 67 TRAILS OF LA PALMA WALKING IN THE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING ALTMÜHLTAL N.P IN KANDERSTEG A place where serene pine forests and volcanic landscapes converge Visit Bavaria’s Green Heart, with Master the slopes with picturesque Venture across La Palma’s dramatic its impressive natural monuments volcanic terrain to view its black Swiss villages as your backdrop Steeped in history, the Altmühltal Indulge in the ultimate winter sand beaches, dense cloud forests Natural Park is a treasure trove of wonderland escape by exploring the and otherworldly twisted rock impressive ramparts and towering heart of the Bernese Oberland. Away formations. With a route designed to forts dated from the Celtic and Roman from the confines of the alpine piste, take advantage of the island’s well times, standing alongside magnificent carve your way through powdery snow waymarked paths, enjoy spectacular churches and monasteries. Apart from slopes cross country skiing on the views reaching as far as Mount Teide idyllic walks above it’s river valley, Kandersteg tracks, unwinding in our and end the adventure sampling palm you’ll also experience the region’s best family-owned hotel’s sauna after an honey in Santa Cruz. culinary delights, from weisswurst exhilarating day in the Swiss Alps. sausages to famous Bavarian wheat beers. SEE PAGE 91 SEE PAGE 119 SEE PAGE 150 7 WALKING On a Headwater walking holiday, you’ll enjoy seeing a side of the world you simply wouldn’t get to experience any other way. The little details - the scent of wild flowers on the breeze, the bright colours of a butterfly’s wings. And it’s more than just the joy of travelling at a relaxed pace and taking the time to savour the scenery.