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Travel by Train

Holidays by rail

Why Choose to Travel by Train?

Train travel offers one of the lowest carbon ways to explore Europe, producing up to 80% less CO₂ than flying on routes such as London to Amsterdam. Choosing rail supports a slower, more meaningful way to travel, letting you see more while treading lightly on the planet. At Headwater, we encourage train travel as part of our commitment to more responsible, low impact walking and cycling holidays across Europe.

The Headwater way

What kind of trip are you looking for?

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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Good to know

Questions travellers ask

Train travel is a comfortable, low stress and lower carbon way to reach your Headwater holiday. It allows you to travel more slowly, see more of Europe along the way, and arrive relaxed and ready to explore—without airport queues or baggage restrictions.

Many of our European holidays are ideal for train travel, with routes connecting the UK to destinations across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and beyond. Europe’s extensive rail network makes it easy to reach both major cities and rural regions close to our holiday locations.

Yes. Travelling by train typically produces significantly lower carbon emissions than flying or driving, especially on short to medium European routes. Choosing rail is one of the simplest ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your holiday and travel more responsibly.

A flight free holiday lets you enjoy the journey as part of the experience. By travelling by train, you can avoid airport delays, enjoy more space and comfort, and experience towns, cities and landscapes you might otherwise miss. It’s a more mindful and rewarding way to travel.

Modern European trains offer generous legroom, spacious seating, facilities to move around and often onboard dining options. Compared to flying, train travel provides a more relaxed environment, making longer journeys far more enjoyable.

One of the greatest advantages of train travel is flexibility. You can plan stopovers in cities or scenic regions on route, turning your journey into part of the adventure—whether that’s a cultural city visit, a coastal stop, or a leisurely lunch before continuing.

Yes. Headwater is committed to more responsible travel, encouraging car free and low impact ways of exploring Europe. Walking and cycling holidays combined with train travel support local communities, reduce environmental impact and promote a slower, more immersive travel experience.

While train tickets are not always included, Headwater can provide guidance and information on train friendly routes and destinations, helping you plan a smooth, flight free journey to your holiday.