Hillwalking holiday voucher

Roy Rogers

Okay, first of all let me cover the basics:

1. I'm pretty much completely ignorant of this hobby/sport.
2. I have searched, and checked the useful links topic in this forum, but haven't come across anything that seems to cover what I'm looking for.

With that in mind, apologies if I'm re-treading old ground!

My parents are fond of their hillwalking, and for their Christmas present I'd like to book them a long weekend in the UK sometime in the new year. The main problem is that they have, in the past, talked about how difficult it is for both of them to get time off work at the same time.

This leads me to my first and main question: does anyone know of a company who specialises in hillwalking/outdoor holidays who sells flexible packages or vouchers for packages? I suppose the flights aren't a problem -- with Ryanair, they're fairly cheap most of the time anyway. However, all-inclusive deals would remove a lot of the legwork, so if they're available without being crucified on the mark-up, that'd be nice.

Another thing about vouchers is that while I could just say to the parents "Listen, find a weekend you're both able to take a few days off around, and I'll book you a holiday," it'd be nice to be able to give them something tangible, even if it's just a printout.

Secondly, as I'm not too hopeful about the above -- scratching the idea of a flexible package, are there any tour operators in general who the users of this forum would recommend? Or resources for booking your own holiday?

Thirdly and finally, any suggestions about areas that would be particularly nice? I'm thinking of sometime around March/April (if time of year/weather is a factor). Their fitness levels are pretty good (both are in their mid-50s) and they normally get away every couple of months for a weekend down in Kerry or somewhere for an oul climb. Last year, they did a weeks climbing in the Swiss Alps for their summer holiday, so I imagine they're reasonably experienced.

I was thinking of the Scottish highlands or maybe the Lake District... don't know really though. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Alun

Try this company ...

https://www.contours.co.uk/secure/voucher.php

I've used them many times in the past for walking holidays in the UK (long distance footpaths mostly) and have always found them very professional. The only thing they'll have to arrange themselves is getting to and from the start/end points of the walk.

EDIT: If they're more into group holidays rather than self-guided ones, I know of a few people who've gone on holidays organised by HF Holidays http://www.hfholidays.co.uk/ Doesn't look like they do vouchers though.

As for location, the Lake District or Scotland would be great ideas, but for me my all-time favourite walking area in the UK is the Yorkshire Dales. Not as high or majestic as the other two, but it has beautiful limestone scenery, cosy villages with country pubs nestled in the valleys, in fact it's hard to organise a walk anywhere around that area without incorporating at least one pub There's a walk called the Dales Way that might be an idea .. not too long and covers a reasonable distance.

If you have any more questions, just ask away.

Roy Rogers

Thanks, that Contours crowd look interesting... must read up on some of their tours.

The Dales are a good idea, too; definitely worth looking into.

Thanks!

duckysauce

http://www.walkinghikingireland.com/tours/lakedistrict_special.htm


did mountain skills 1 with christy very sound guy, give him a bell.

Alun

duckysauce wrote: »

http://www.walkinghikingireland.com/tours/lakedistrict_special.htm


did mountain skills 1 with christy very sound guy, give him a bell.

+1 on that ...Chris Stacey is a true gentleman. Went to Scotland with him once.