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Why Choose a Guided Walking Holiday: Expert Advice from Jon Millen
We sat down with Jon Millen, one of our most experienced guides, to get his inside view on guided walking holidays. From group dynamics to preparation tips, Jon shares honest and practical advice for anyone weighing up their options.
Why Do People Choose a Guided Walk?
"A major reason people choose guided walks is the group experience," Jon explains. "Walkers enjoy meeting new people and sharing the journey together. Some participants, although fit, might lack confidence in navigating or walking alone, so they appreciate the added security of a guided group."
What is the Difference Between Guided and Self-Guided Walking?
According to Jon, the key distinction lies in the level of support and expertise provided.
Guided walking holidays mean an experienced guide accompanies you every day. They handle route-finding, ensure group safety and adapt plans to suit weather conditions. Guides share insights about the area's history and natural environment, manage accommodation logistics, arrange meals and troubleshoot any issues along the way.
Self-guided walking holidays put you in charge of your own experience. This gives you the freedom to walk at your own pace and create a personal schedule, but you are responsible for navigation, safety and coordinating logistics.
Who Typically Joins a Guided Walk?
Guided groups typically attract walkers from their 40s to early 70s, though ages can vary widely. Groups are usually made up of 6 to 12 participants from across the globe, creating an intimate and sociable dynamic that many find to be one of the highlights of the experience.
Do Travellers Need to Bring Their Own Food?
"Not usually," Jon says. "Unless you have specific dietary needs that cannot be accommodated, food is readily available on our guided walking holidays in the UK and Europe. Most travellers buy snacks and packed lunches from their accommodation or local shops. Evening meals can be enjoyed with the group or individually, depending on your preference. Guides are there to help with food recommendations and can reserve tables for the group where needed."
What Happens if There are Different Walking Speeds in the Group?
Managing varying walking speeds is one of a guide's biggest challenges. Jon is candid about it.
For faster walkers, he notes: "Those seeking a more athletic pace may want to consider a self-guided trip if they are conscious about this and the effect a slower pace may have on their enjoyment."
For slower walkers: "It is essential to assess your fitness level before joining a guided walk. Tours are graded to ensure participants can handle the distances and conditions comfortably. A safety element comes into play here."
Guides encourage faster walkers to moderate their pace and slower walkers to pick up their rhythm. Many participants find their stride after a few days. In cases where a traveller genuinely cannot keep up safely, they may skip a day's walk and use local transport to reach the next accommodation. "Most walks are in beautiful areas, so even a non-walking day can be enjoyable," Jon notes.
Grading and Safety
Our tours are graded to ensure all walkers have the appropriate level of fitness for the holiday. Participants should be able to complete the distances comfortably without slowing the group. In challenging weather, waiting for slower walkers can leave others cold or tired. If a guide feels someone is at risk, they may advise them to skip certain sections for their own safety and the wellbeing of the group.
Do You Need to Prepare Differently for a Guided Trip vs Self-Guided?
Preparation is important for both, but the requirements differ. On a guided walk, physical preparation should match the grade of the trip. Your guide handles the logistics, safety and navigation, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying the walk.
On a self-guided walk, a higher level of personal preparation is needed. You will plan your own itinerary, navigate independently and coordinate your own logistics. "There is more independence, but it also means more responsibility," Jon explains.
Our Guided Walking Holidays
Inspired to walk with a guide? Here are some of our most popular guided walking holidays across the UK and beyond.
One of Britain's most iconic long-distance trails, the Coast to Coast covers approximately 315km (195 miles) across the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. This extended 17-day itinerary allows a more relaxed pace, with time to appreciate the landscape and enjoy the camaraderie of a small, expert-led group. Beginning at St Bees on the Irish Sea and finishing at Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea, this is English hillwalking at its finest. Graded challenging.
>> View the Coast to Coast Guided Explorer
A 10-day guided itinerary that takes in the finest sections of Wainwright's legendary route, with handpicked boutique hotels, charming coaching inns and even a night in a castle. Along the way, enjoy afternoon tea, a Victorian steamboat cruise on Ullswater, a visit to a Swaledale farm and a steam train ride across the North York Moors. The trip concludes with a celebratory dinner in the historic city of York. An unforgettable way to experience the Coast to Coast. Graded moderate to challenging.
>> View the Coast to Coast in Comfort
Cross England from coast to coast following the world's most famous Roman frontier. This 9-day guided itinerary traces the 135km Hadrian's Wall Path from Whitley Bay on the North Sea to Carlisle, passing through Northumberland National Park, the dramatic central crags, the iconic Sycamore Gap and the ancient garrison fort at Housesteads. A dedicated day is set aside to explore the remarkable Roman site at Vindolanda. Includes a stargazing experience in Northumberland's International Dark Sky Park. Graded moderate.
>> View the Hadrian's Wall Guided Walk
An 8-day guided walking holiday on one of the world's most extraordinary islands. Led by an experienced local mountain guide, this itinerary takes in some of Madeira's finest trails, including the dramatic Three Peaks ridge, the ancient Witch Trees of Fanal, the iconic levada walks of the northwest and the volcanic lava pools at Porto Moniz. With private transfers throughout, all logistics are handled so you can focus entirely on the walking. Graded moderate to challenging.
>> View the Madeira Guided Walk
>> View all guided walking holidays