A Collett’s self-guided walking holiday is a super-flexible ‘at your own pace’ adventure. Perhaps spend a little longer over breakfast; choose day-to-day whether to try something easy and idyllic, or venture higher up on more challenging trails; let yourselves be mesmerised for as long as it takes by the captivating views that characterise each one of our sublime walks; and, if it takes your fancy, treat yourselves to a rest day by visiting a local place of interest or trying another alpine pursuit?
Each of our self-guided walking holidays comes with a comprehensive Walk Pack, featuring tried and tested gems at easy, moderate and high level. We provide everything you need for effortless and unforgettable mountain adventures, including maps, comprehensive route notes and smartphone navigation for each of the winning walks we have crafted over many years.
Arrive and depart on whichever days suit you best, staying for as long as you wish. Stay at a hand-picked hotel, where unassuming hospitality and welcome relaxation comes as standard, along with fabulous cuisine.
Take a look at our special range of self-guided walking holidays below, or continue to scroll down the page if your preference is a guided walking holiday
Popular Self-Guided Walking Holidays
What to Expect on our Self-Guided Walking Holidays.
Our self-guided walking holidays harmonise perfectly with walkers, who crave a sense of adventure within their comfort zone. For many, the only way to go is self-guided, being at one with nature and enjoying the peace, tranquility and sheer natural splendour of the great outdoors, in the company of your partner, family or good friend(s). At Collett’s, our understanding of this kind of experience is reflected in our impressive range of self-guided walking holidays.
These holidays come in three different types: centre-based, hut-to-hut and village-to-village. Whatever you choose, the gateway to a highly successful holiday experience is your comprehensive Walk Pack, which we send to you digitally before travel, whilst a paper copy awaits you on arrival in resort. These Walk Packs are your complete guide to the hikes that you will take throughout your holiday, and contain everything you need for plain-sailing navigation on our unforgettable walks.
Our Walk Packs
The contents of our Walk Packs vary depending on your choice of self-guided walking holiday, but typically you can expect the following:
- Comprehensive route notes for every walk
- Supporting Maps and map sections
- Holiday Handbook with key pre-departure and holiday information
In addition, most of our self-guided holidays include access to an app, providing user-friendly smartphone navigation.
Centre-Based Holidays
Flexible single-centre holidays where you control the pace and duration. Our knowledgeable staff are on hand throughout, to help you make the most of your time. Walk every day, or take a day or two off to relax, the choice is yours.Village-to-Village Walking Holidays
Want the all of the adventure of point-to-point trekking, but with all of the amenities of a great hotel? let us transport all of your luggage between accommodation, so you can focus on enjoying some of the best walks in Europe.Hut-to-Hut Walking Holidays
Hike from point-to-point in the Italian Dolomites, and stay in dramatic mountain rifugios where you can wake up to your morning coffee in some of the best landscapes in Europe.
Why Book With Collett's?
Unforgettable Walks
We've walked the walks and only bring you the best. Self-guide at your own pace, supported by clear and detailed route notes.
With You Every Step
Outstanding personal service throughout - from our friendly UK enquiries team to our trusted local partners.
Hand-Picked Hotels With Warm Hospitality
Relax in authentic family-run hotels with fabulous local cuisine. All perfect springboards to the best walks in the area.
Mountain Holiday Specialists Since 1997
An independent family-run business with over 25 years of creating memorable holidays. Book with Confidence - ABTA Protected
Frequently Asked Questions
A self-guided walking holiday is a holiday where you walk independently, following planned routes without a guide. Accommodation is pre-booked, and walkers are given Walk Packs containing; maps, detailed route notes and navigation tools such as apps so they can walk at their own pace while still following well-designed itineraries.
On a self-guided walking holiday you are completely free to walk at your own pace, stopping at great spots along the way to take pictures, enjoy lunch or take in different views. You will be supplied with all of the navigational information you need in the form of Walk Packs, and you have the confidence that the routes you are on are tried and tested gems.
Many of our centre-based, village-to-village and hut-to-hut holidays are self-guided, giving you a great range of options to choose from.
All our routes are graded by distance, ascent and terrain (easy, moderate or challenging), so you can choose an itinerary that matches your fitness and experience. Many self-guided holidays are designed for your ‘average’ walker rather than ‘experienced’ hikers, and navigation is made really simple using our Walk Packs.
You can view our easy self-guided walking holiday here, intermediate here, and challenging here.
Basic navigation skills are helpful, but most self-guided holidays provide clear walk notes, maps and often GPS or smartphone navigation. This means you don’t need advanced map-reading skills to enjoy a self-guided trip.
Self-guided walking holidays are ideal for people who want:
– The freedom to walk at their own pace (however fast or slow)
– Quiet, independent exploration
– Flexibility to take rest days or shorter walks (specifically true for our centre-based self-guided walking holidays in the Dolomites, Swiss Alps, Austrian Alps and Tuscany).
These holidays are popular with couples, friends and anyone who enjoys walking without being in a large group. You can read more about self-guided walking holidays on our blog post.
All our self-guided holidays provide multiple navigation tools, such as written directions, maps and GPS apps. There is always an emergency ‘hoteline’ you can call and local support – so help is always available if needed.
