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Kotai Jingu temple or Ise Jingu Naiku, in Ise, Mie, Japan

Hand-picked journeys for the way you travel.

Walks, rides and routes for travellers who want time to notice things. Family-run inns, spoken navigation, and days that are entirely yours.

Close to home, far from the crowds

Fells, tarns and lakeside inns, a train ride from your front door.

Hand-picked routes
Luggage moved between hotels
24/7 specialist support

The Headwater way

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Padirac, France

Wilderness escapes

Remote walks in extraordinary landscapes: Lapland forests, Hebridean coasts, the high Pyrenees.

Slow cycling

Easy gradients, scenic routes and e-bikes available. From the Loire to Puglia at your own pace.

Pilgrim ways

Caminos walked at the pace they were meant to be. Stamps, sanctuaries, sunsets.

Multi-activity

Walk one day, cycle the next, canoe the third. A change of pace built into every itinerary.

Cultural tours

Days on foot framed by museums, market towns and Roman ruins. Slow travel with depth.

Winter trails

Cross-country skiing and snowshoe routes through the forests of Lapland and the Alps.

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Across Europe and beyond

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  • Camp fire

    Hand-picked inns

    Family-run hotels chosen for character, not chains or resorts. Owners who know your name before you arrive.

  • Lounge at Varbergs Stadshotell and Asia spa

    Bags moved ahead

    You walk light. We move the luggage between hotels so you can travel at the pace the day asks for.

  • Spoken navigation

    Direction-by-direction guidance through the Headwater app. No mobile data required, no wrong turns.

  • Kumano Hayatama Taisha, a Grand shrine in Shingu

    A real specialist

    Every itinerary in the brochure has been walked by us. A real person at the end of the line, every day of your trip.

What our travellers say.

“The holiday was very enjoyable and well organised .Unfortunately we did have a problem on the first day cycling as the app stopped working about half way . This happened on both our phones at the same time and whilst we still could see the route all the information ,directions and % left and distance left all disappeared . ”
Mr Pirouet
“Everything ran smoothly on travel days. Hotel was fantastic. headwater walking app was great and easy to use. ”
Mr Warne
“Excellent organisation ”
Ms Walden
“Top hotels, quality bikes and apps, and stunning scenery. ”
Mrs Ellis
“Excellent, professional and friendly advice when booking. The adviser worked very hard to re-arrange dates and accommodation when she found that the accommodation for our first choice dates was fully booked. Information was clear on-line. Advised clearly about costings and refunds awarded. Advice about app provide on-line Advice on contacting a guide available. Guide professional, personable, provided very useful information and advice. ”
Mr Balmer
“Booking this trip was very easy and the staff in the office were extremely helpful. The accommodation was good and the luggage transfer was efficient. ”
A Valued Customer
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Average customer rating4.9 / 5

Independent service rating based on 144 verified reviews.

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