Walking holidays Scotland - Footpath Holidays was founded in 1983 and is now in its 25th year of operation. It is owned and managed by Suzanne and Ian Newman from their home in rural Wiltshire, where they live with their twin teenage daughters. Suzanne has walked and mountaineered throughout Britain, as well as the Alps and Pyrenees. Ian gained his mountain leadership certificate in 1987 and has walked and mountaineered extensively in Britain and worldwide. 2007 will be Footpath Holidays 25th season.

Walking holidays Scotland - What sort of accommodation does Footpath Holidays use?

Footpath Holidays always puts a considerable amount of time and effort into finding high quality country houses and small hotels in the finest locations, and right in the midst of the walking. Our priorities are a warm welcome, comfortable and well appointed rooms and excellent cuisine. All of the accommodation which we use for our hotel-based single centre walking tours is fully ensuite with private facilities (toilet, bath and/or shower), television and tea and coffee making facilities. A description of each hotel that we use appears on the relevant tour page.

All the hotels which we use have been inspected under the nationally recognised standards scheme, and their respective grading appears in the individual hotel description. If you would like to know more about a particular hotel you will find a link through to their own website from our hotel description.

Our prices are based on guests sharing a twin or double-bedded room, however, we do appreciate that the majority of guests travelling alone prefer their own room, so we do try to obtain as many single occupancies as possible. When the room is a genuine ‘single' we do not charge a supplement. Single occupancy of a double room does attract a supplement, which we try to keep to a minimum.

If you have any questions regarding the type of terrain that may be encountered, mileages covered or suitable equipment please contact us. Our office is manned by experienced walkers (hikers) who will be happy to discuss any aspect of your holiday both before and after booking.

Easy Up to approximately 10 miles (16km) per day. Some gentle undulations, and only very occasional short, sharp ascents and descents. All on well-made paths, but some stretches may be uneven with tree roots and stones protruding from the path surface.

Moderate Up to approximately 12 miles (20km) per day. More frequent ascents and descents across undulating terrain. Some sharp ‘ups and downs', particularly on coast paths and in mountain areas. Generally on well-made paths, but often uneven with tree roots and stones protruding from the path surface.

Energetic Up to approximately 14 miles (24km) per day. Prolonged ascents and descents, often quite steep, are a feature of these tours. Although the majority of time is spent on well-made mountain paths the surfaces are likely to be uneven. In places the route may ascend/descend over large blocks or boulders, and loose stones may lie on the path surface. There are likely to be some stretches away from made paths, across boulder fields, tussock grass and moorland.

On Easy and Moderate grade tours trail shoes may be worn, however, we recommend lightweight walking boots with a good cleated sole and ankle support. On Energetic grade tours walking (hiking) boots with a strong cleated sole and good ankle support are essential. Non-specialist training shoes, sneakers and sandals would be unsuitable on any tour.

It should be borne in mind that it is possible to turn an ankle or slip on any surface, including seemingly innocuous pavements, steps and stiles, whilst rabbits and other animals dig holes indiscriminately and without warning!