Walking in Scotland / France
 

Hi everyone
During my holiday in 2006 (yah, just over a year to go) I would really like to do a walking tour in France or Scotland (or both). I am travelling alone so am interested to know if anyone knows of any reputable guided walking touring groups, as I am not keen on getting completely off the beaten track by myself. I have had a look online and there are several companies but its hard to tell who is legit! I value the opinions of people on this forum, and tho I know many of you are not likely to join organised tours generally, I wouls appreciate it if anyone has any advice. Thanks :-)

Having done guided walks 9 times since 1995 with HF Holidays (www.hfholidays.co.uk)in England, Wales and Scotland (the Isle of Arran in the case of Scotland), I am comfortable asserting that they are reputable. There are always a large number of single walkers, the leading is competent, the accommodations and food are good.

Perhaps I am too trusting, but I have received brochures from many of the other companies and/or corresponded by e-mail, and I expect that they are all reputable. Middle Marches and North-West Frontier are two that I have seriously considered, but scheduling hasn't yet worked out.

If you are really concerned, look for ABTOT membership and/or registration with the Scottish Tourist Board.

For walking in France, perhaps you could looking into: www.ramblersholidays.com, several of my friends are their return customers.

One of the tours in France they enjoy most is "Route St.Jacques", part of The Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

From newspapers' reports, www.travelinn.co.uk seem reputable too. I only know one couple who have attended one tour near the Pyrenees, they really liked it .

I have signed up for two trips with Wilderness Scotland (.com) in May-June and their philosophy about the wilds is most impressive. Also, I began studying for my trip more than a year ago and I think it wise.

On the assumption that you are a girl persona nd not a boy person, you may want to know that there are some woman only groups operating in the UK. I don't know about France.

If you would like more details on them, email me and I'll send them on. A couple of mags you might like to look at are "Country Walking" and "TGO". There are also some good websites with lots of links. I have them bookmarked at home if you want more details.

As to France ATG (Alternative Travel Group) have a good reputation as walking tour leaders.

A friend of mine went on a Bridgewater Holidays walking tour in France and enjoyed it very much. Another reputable company is Inntravel.

Correction: should be www.inntravel.co.uk. Sorry.