Self-guided or guided walking holidays: what’s the difference?
On a guided holiday you walk with a group and a guide. On a self-guided holiday, like all of ours, you walk on your own or with your own companions, at your own pace, and we take care of everything else.
By Cassie ·
Is this a guided tour?
No. Our tours are self-guided. You walk or cycle at your own pace with our detailed route notes, maps and GPX files, your luggage is moved for you, and we’re a call or WhatsApp away if you need us. If you book directly with us, Cassie will usually meet up with you during your holiday, for example in Sarlat.
There’s no group to keep up with and no guide to follow: just you, the route, and a good dinner waiting at the end of the day.
What we do for you
- We plan the route and write the route notes: every route was created by our family, and walked or cycled by our family and friends.
- We book the hotels, often family-run (on our Dordogne and Lot holidays, ones we know personally), and dinner is included on most evenings.
- We move your luggage each time you change hotel, so you only carry a daypack.
- We send you GPX files by email for every day, with simple instructions for using them on your phone.
- We’re on hand by phone and WhatsApp from 9am to 7pm, UK or French time, throughout your holiday.
Finding your way
Our detailed route notes and maps guide you all the way, and the GPX files show you exactly where you are on your phone. Take a wrong turn and you’ll rarely lose more than a few minutes: the GPX track shows the way back, and the notes help you pick up the route again. We recommend bringing a smartphone and a power bank.
Who self-guided suits
- You like going at your own pace, stopping when and where you like.
- You’re travelling as a couple, with friends or family, or on your own (see our guide to solo holidays).
- You’d like to choose your start day: most of our holidays start on most days during the season, April to October.
- You’d like the holiday shaped around you: extra nights, rest days, a different start day or a gentler pace.
When a guided group might suit you better
We only run self-guided holidays, so we’ll say it plainly: a guided group may suit you better if you’d rather not follow route notes or a map at all, if you’d like a leader to explain the sights as you go, or if you’d enjoy the company of a group every day.
If you’re unsure, our guide to how fit you need to be and the FAQ answer most questions, or just ask Cassie.
Our self-guided holidays
Walking: Premium Périgord, Castles & Caves of the Dordogne, France’s Most Beautiful Villages, Exploring Rocamadour and Ardèche Adventure. Cycling: Cycling in the Dordogne. See all our walking holidays and cycling holidays.
Not sure which holiday suits you?
Tell Cassie a little about how you like to walk or ride and she’ll suggest a holiday. We reply within 24 hours, usually much sooner.