Frequently Asked Questions
How far do you walk in a day?
It varies depending on the journey. Some days are as short as 10 km. (6m.), others may be as long as 25km. (15m.) The important thing is the amount of climbing and the difficulty of the terrain All walks are designed to be completed comfortably within an 8hr. day, setting off at 9 am and arriving at the hotel by 5 pm.at the latest. Details for individual walks are given in the factfiles.
How fast do you go?
Basically, we go at the speed of the slowest members of the group. "Go slowly, but stop little" is our motto, preferring to set a comfortable pace that does not require stops to get your breath back, rather than having lengthy breaks. Faster walkers may like to take in extra tops or go on ahead at certain points.
What sort of walking boots do you need?
Much of the walking in the Lake District is away from popular paths and can be quite damp (and pleasantly soft!) underfoot. Therefore, fully waterproof boots are recommended unless you like wet feet. Similarly, boots that give ankle support are reassuring on the rough slopes that we have to cross. However, your boots should be fairly lightweight, and you don't need boots with a three-quarter steel shank for walking - they will be heavy and probably make your feet sore.
Is there any scrambling?
On the Strider, and in the Pyrenees, there are a few sections where the use of hands is required, but these are rocky paths rather than continuous scrambling. Otherwise, no scrambling is required.
Do you accept dogs?
Much though we like well-behaved dogs, we cannot accept them for three reasons: 1) all our trips are in sheep country, and however much confidence you have in your dog, farmers are understandably nervous about them. 2) many hotels do not accept them 3) other members of the party may not be dog-lovers for all sorts of reasons, including allergies.
What sort of people go on Pathways guided walking trips?
All sorts! Generally, Pathways Walks clients are generally aged between 30 and 75 (although there is no age bar) and come from many different walks of life. They tend to be people who enjoy sharing their holiday and getting on with others. Being with a group often brings added pleasure to the holiday. People also come because they have limited holidays and want to make the best possible use of their precious time by letting someone else make the bookings, plan the route and choose the hotels.
Do you have to walk every day?
Well, you've come to walk........but if you are tired, blistered, injured or otherwise unable to walk one day, we can usually arrange either for you to get a bus or taxi to the next hotel. In the Alps and Pyrenees, this may prove lengthy and expensive.
What are the hotels like?
Most of the hotels are traditional inns. Some are more luxurious than others, and many (but not all) have en suite rooms. Most are historic old buildings, and offer open fires and, in the Lakes, real local ales. Occasionally we use good-quality bed and breakfast accommodation, and in the Alps and Pyrenees we also stay in mountain huts, which can be a little basic, with dormitory accommodation. This is more than compensated for by their dramatic settings.
What are the meals like?
Two meals a day are include in the cost of each trip.
Full English breakfast in Britain (orange juice, cereals, egg and bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, black pudding, sausage etc., toast and marmalade and coffee/tea )
Continental breakfast in Alps and Pyrenees (bread or croissants, jam, coffee; sometimes ham, cheese, yoghurts etc, plus coffee/tea )
Evening meal: three courses - yes, even in mountain huts! The meals vary from place to place. Some inns prefer to serve good local food such as ham with Cumberland sauce, others are more cosmopolitan in their menus. Generally these are restaurant meals, although in some places you will eat in the bar.
What if I have a special diet?
This is not a problem as long as we know in advance. Most hotels can offer a choice to suit most diets. In the Alps and Pyrenees, vegetarians must be prepared to eat a few omelettes, although in some places the vegetarian alternatives leave the others with their mouths watering!
Do you charge single supplements?
We do not believe you should be unduly penalised for travelling alone. We do not charge a blanket single supplement but where hotels charge a substantial supplement we may have to pass some or all of it on to you. Sorry!
