While you can certainly arrange your own walking holidays there are some huge advantages with guided hiking.

First, it makes more trails accessible to you as when you travel with a group a bus is frequently arranged to drop you off at the trail head and pick you up when finished. If you had arranged your own walking holiday you would be restricted to circle hikes or using local transport which can be a time consuming activity. In some destinations this limits the hike you are able to enjoy.

You won’t need to keep flipping through guide books andmaps every time you come to a crossing of the hiking trails. In many countries there is good signage, in others the hiking signs may be lacking or confusing. With a guided hike you are going to walk the most interesting trails as the guide knows where to find the best views, a historic site, a gentle or hard climb as may be desired. Not having to purchase maps and carry them is also convenient.

With guided hiking you are walking with an experienced person who can provide advice on improving your hiking techniques such as how to ascent a hill,  navigation skills and other topics.. On a recent walking holiday in the Lake District in England our guides also used their experiences to discuss interesting things about the countryside we were hiking through. Topics included how the stone walls are constructed, history of an ancient stone circle, details on some of the plant life and the different types of sheep.

There is also the safety aspect. Should an injury occur on a guided hike the leader knows whom to call and can provide proper help immediately and something can be said for safety in numbers as well.

On a guided hiking trip you are going to be with other like minded people who can share some of their experiences with you as you walk along, at your lunch stop or a the pub after you are finished and are celebrating your day. Guided hiking is a very sociable activity.

On your next walking holiday consider a guided hike.

Classic Hikes of the World: 23 Breathtaking Treks
Price: $26.37
Pages: 224, Hardcover, W. W. Norton & Company