Please read this information carefully, because to make the most of your Touching Nature holiday it is essential to find out if our walks are suited to your capabilities and requirements.  Note that what the British and Irish refer to as walking is more commonly known as hiking in North America. 

The Walks:  All suggested walks are graded either easy-active or moderate and we have categorised them by taking into account the distance and the time spent walking. 

Whilst on a Touching Nature holiday your walking programme is optional.  From our portfolio of self-guided walks you will receive a minimum of 10, but more likely up to 12 options, per week’s holiday (and per party).  For each day you will have a choice of an easier (easy-active) and a more energetic (moderate) walk.  Select your walk based on your desire for route, distance, time, how you feel each day and, of course, the weather.  The walking choices allow you to tailor your holiday experience day-by-day and, if you wish, you can even give yourself time off for sightseeing, touring the area, other outdoor activities - or simply chilling out. 

Fitness Requirements:  Many of our walks are far from strenuous, but since Touching Nature holidays are set largely in hilly or mountainous areas you can expect that most walks involve some amount of walking up and down hills.  You don’t need to have specific hill-walking or mountain experience, but we do assume that you lead a reasonably active lifestyle and that you are in good health. 

Navigation:  All our suggested walks are circular, which means they start and finish at the same point.  Using our easy-to-follow walk descriptions, the tracks and paths are generally distinct and the routes well marked.  In Alpine regions, signposts at path junctions very often show the estimated time to specific destinations that are also named on the map. 

Route Notes: As part of your tour pack Touching Nature Travel will provide one set of walking notes (waterproofed; written in English and designed to fit snugly into a pocket) with clear and concise directions of the best possible walks and rambles in each holiday area.  In addition to the walking notes we supply proper walking maps (usually 1:50,000 scale).   

Clothing & Equipment: Since weather in the mountains is often unpredictable, being well-equipped will enable you to make the best of your walking holiday - even if on some days the weather may be less than perfect.  Always carry waterproof rain gear (hooded jacket and trousers), warm clothing (hat, gloves, spare fleece etc.) and food and water with you in your daypack.  Comfortable, well broken-in walking boots are indispensable.  We recommend boots that come above your ankles since these will provide valuable support on uneven terrain.  Walking poles are advised.  We will send you a detailed list of suggested clothing and equipment prior to your holiday. 

Safety Considerations: In spring, summer and autumn, you should be prepared to encounter uneven ground, sometimes wet terrain and even occasional snow patches. Trail conditions can vary considerably, from wide forest tracks and clear paths on grassy lower mountain slopes to rocky sections higher up where a bit more care and effort may be needed.  Avoid walking alone and always tell someone which route you are taking and when you expect to be back.  Always keep to marked trails! 

Winter Holidays: For our winter walks you don’t need special skills or equipment.  However, a little thought is required to keep safe and comfortable in the colder weather.  Most of your walking clothes will be suitable for winter walking and your regular boots remain the same.  The winter holiday regions on this site offer networks of cleared walking trails in the winter months – with paths marked on a map we provide as part of your tour pack.  Remember that the days are shorter in winter.  Always use common sense and enjoyment is guaranteed!