Frequently asked questions
Why are Walks advertised as self- led?
Are guides available?
Please contact us if you would like to undertake a guided walk on one of our Kent based routes. There is an additional daily charge, and dates are subject to availability
What support will I have?
You will be supported by a Walk Awhile Tracker, who will take care of your luggage and meet you at your first night's accommodation when you arrive. The tracker issues you with marked-up maps and an itinerary for your walking holiday, along with useful tips on how to get the most from each day's journey. While you proceed through the countryside, Walk Awhile will ensure your luggage is taken to your next accommodation stop.
Are walks available all year round?
Yes but due to shorter daylight hours in the Winter, and the possibility of inclement weather, we generally find people prefer to walk between March and October.
What level of fitness do I need?
This depends on which holiday you select. We will send walk preparation information in advance. For the longer routes (e.g. Winchester to Canterbury, Farnham to Dover) you definitely need to be able to achieve at least 10 to 15 miles a day over 10 to 14 days, and be fit enough to follow a trail as it ascends and descends. On other routes (e.g. Rochester to Canterbury, Discovering Rural Kent) we can build in extra overnight stays if you wish to walk a shorter mileage than advertised in the itinerary each day. It is possible to build in rest days, and should you find you are struggling, providing we know a day in advance, we can arrange transport for part of the route.
What is included in the holiday?
Our holidays include accommodation in walker friendly inns, hotels and guest houses; breakfast, luggage transfer, relevant guide book and map, hamper with loan copies of interesting historical reference books associated with the walk, an initial meeting with a Walk Awhile representative to discuss the route, daily support by phone, loan of mobile phone with GPS (or link to GPS provided on walker's own phone if preferred), and an optional feedback meeting at the end of the walk.
Can a walk be arranged without having to pay for full support?
From 2020 there is also an 'Independent Planner' option - Walk Awhile arranges accommodation and will send a copy of the guide book and map in advance. This option is available at a discounted rate as luggage transfer is not provided, and there is no initial meeting.
Is luggage transfer available?
Walk Awhile aims to reduce our carbon usage by contracting luggage transfer to trusted providers on the route. As such we need to pass on this cost and that of our administration time in setting up arrangements. Unless the transfer is for 3 or more walkers it is generally more financially viable to use a specialist provider.
Can I get an accommodation upgrade?
Please enquire about accommodation upgrades as this can be arranged where available, on some walks. There is an additional nightly charge payable.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
It is a condition of booking with Walk Awhile that you take out adequate insurance so that you are covered if you need to cancel due to unforteseen circumstance - please see our Booking conditions section.
Why is there a solo walker supplement?
Our pricing is based on 2 people sharing a room, luggage transfer, maps etc. We maintain the same standard of accommodation, luggage transfer, provision of maps and guidebook and support for solo walkers, and as such it is necessary to charge an additional nightly supplement. For walkers who require single occupancy of a room, but walking as part of a group, there is a smaller nightly supplement, to reflect single use of accommodation.
Does Walk Awhile cater for groups?
Walk Awhile organises groups on request of organisations, friends and families and offer discounts for groups of 6 or more booking the same holiday. We have organised group, school, and charity events suitable for a wide range of participants. These include the University of the Third Age, The Childrens Society, Christian Aid, and John Grooms charities, as well as for a number of schools and groups from around the world including Suldal Council Norway; Covenant Day School North Carolina and Ross Independent School New Jersey. We also organise half day and day walks, on demand for self organised groups, and for inclusion in the programme of events such as the Canterbury Pilgrims' Festival 2019. If you are interested in organising a large group event please be aware that we require sufficient notice to arrange accommodation for the following season.
Can I join a group?
For the 2020 season we will be developing guided group walks in Kent. These dates will be advertised on our website.
Coronavirus
We always recommend that customers take out personal travel insurance. We have received the following advice for customers from our own company insurers - If you took out personal travel insurance before the Coronavirus outbreak and FCO (government) now advises against travel to your destination then the cancellation should be covered by your travel policy. If you are not sure if you are covered then please speak to your travel insurance provider in the first instance.
Have more questions?