GROUP WALKING: EXPLAINED
Everything you need to know about joining a guided group…
What’s it like?
If you’re curious, sociable and like to feel that someone else is in charge, this is the perfect way to do it. You’ll be met from the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel, and the bus/coach/train is the perfect chance to start chatting to your fellow walkers. Each evening you’ll get a briefing on the next day’s plan – often with photos (especially if there’s a choice between easier and harder options). The guide/leader will set the pace on each walk, ensuring that a) no one gallops off too fast and b) no one is being left behind. They’ll pause to tell you important/ interesting/weird stuff, and point out what you’re looking at. You’ll dine together and travel together – so as a group you’ll become pretty close by the end of it.
How are they structured?
It depends on the duration of the trip, but most longer breaks will work on a basis of three or four days’ walking followed by a rest day, where you can explore a local town or tourist attraction (at your own cost), or just chill out.
Becky Allen, of Ramblers Holidays, sums it up neatly: “The harder and easier days need to be balanced. A couple of hard days followed by an easy day and a rest day are ideal, as another harder day can follow. You want the group to see as much as possible and have the best experience but there needs to be a balance so everyone is well rested and the experience is more enjoyable.”
‘THE HARDER AND EASIER DAYS NEED TO BE BALANCED’
Will I slow everyone down?
Unlikely. If you’ve been advised correctly at the booking stage, and read all the information on the trip, you should be reasonably certain that the itinerary is within your ability by the time you set off – and leaders never let the group get too stretched. But if you’re really concerned about this, it’s worth considering holidays where each day has harder and easier options. These trips often start with a gentle walk for the whole group that involves a bit of tricky terrain: it’s a way for the guides to gauge the level of the group, and advise each member appropriately when there’s a choice of walks in the days to come (or adjust the proposed routes if there isn’t a choice).
Will the group slow me down?
This is the other side of that coin. If you’re a fast walker and well used to challenging terrain, look for a trip with a higher difficulty rating (you’re more likely to be surrounded by similar-paced walkers), or going self-guided, as you’re less likely to feel frustrated by the pace.
What if I don’t get on with my group?
It’s very rare to find yourself in that situation. After all, you’re united by a love of walking and a curiosity about the destination you’ve all chosen. And even in a small group, you’ll find it’s pretty easy to drift from one conversation to another – andto disengage conversation mode and find peace when you want it.