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 oversee your holiday. You will receive marked-up maps, a guidebook, information pack, and GPS link for the route. While you proceed through the countryside, Walk Awhile will ensure your luggage is taken to your next accommodation stop.
Are your UK walking holidays available all year round?
Our season runs from March to October to take advantage of longer daylight hours and (hopefully) better weather.
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 an average of 13 miles a day over 10 to 14 days, and be fit enough to follow a trail as it ascends and descends. We can arrange to break holidays into shorter periods if you would prefer (e.g. 2 stages lasting a week each). We may be able to 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, daily support by phone, link to GPS for the route, 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 a standard option - Walk Awhile arranges accommodation and luggage transfer for you, and will advise on maps and guidebooks needed. This is a suitable choice for experienced walkers and map readers
Can I just book luggage transfer?
Unfortunately we cannot offer luggage transfer only, when accommodation is not booked through us. We work in partnership with accommodation providers who are known to us, offer a good level of service, and will accept baggage deliveries at agreed times.
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 for a UK Hiking Holiday?
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 unforeseen 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?
We do not currently advertise group walk dates, as we find customers self organise their own group prior to booking. We are happy to arrange group walks for organisations, and to discuss the best ways of advertising the event.
Coronavirus
Please refer to the 'Coronavirus latest information' on our home page, as this is regularly updated
Is transport arranged to or from the trail?
In line with our Responsible Travel/Green Tourism policy we aim to reduce carbon emissions by booking accommodation on, or within an easy walk of the trail, thus avoiding transporting walkers to and from the trail. Our stated mileages include any distance between the accommodation and the trail. In this context we also make local luggage transfer arrangements. Where stated in our itinerary walkers can use the luggage transfer taxi to shorten a days walk if they wish, at the start of the day, for no extra charge. We reserve the right to pass on additional costs for non standard journey requests. There are regular train services from major London stations to arrival points, and for returning to London from Canterbury, Wye, and Dover.
Can I get a Pilgrim Passport stamp?
On the Winchester to Rochester route, Pilgrim Passports are available at Winchester Cathedral. During 2020 there have been some churches on the trail which normally provide stamps, which have been closed due to restrictions but we are hopeful that the situation will ease. A blessing from a member of the clergy at Winchester Cathedral can be arranged in advance. On arrival at Canterbury Cathedral a blessing can be pre-arranged (with a couple of days notice) with a member of the clergy, and an invitation is extended to evensong where a Pilgrim welcome can be given.
What is the difference between the standard and independent planner option?
Our standard UK hiking holidays include accommodation, breakfasts, luggage transfer and support with marked up maps, an information pack giving advice and directions to each nights accommodation, and the relevant guide books to the trail. The independent planner option is available on our longer routes (i.e. those starting from Winchester or Farnham) and include all of the above except the maps and guide books, with the information with accommodation directions being emailed to the customer.
Have more questions?