Taking on a long distance walk can be a daunting affair, not just from the point of view of physically completing it but also from all the organisation that is required. For some people working it all out for themselves is part of the fun, but if you prefer to get on with the walking and have someone else worry about the logistics, then there are a variety of companies that can help. These provide services from simply moving your bags from last night's accommodation to the next, through to completely organising the itinerary for you.
The list below is for local companies offering these services, as well as companies organising more general walking holidays and guided walks.
Discovery Travel, York
National walking holiday operator, including plenty to choose from in Yorkshire. Self guided walking packages that include booking the accommodation, provision of maps and guidebooks and daily luggage transfer.
HF Holidays, Yorkshire Dales and Whitby
Stay in one of three beautiful Country House hotes, owned and run by HF Holidays, the UK's leading provider of walking and outdoor holidays, with excellent facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Choose from Newfield Hall and Thorns Hall, both in the Yorkshire Dales, or alternatively Larpool Hall, close to Whitby on the coast. Alternatively try one of their self-guided trails or join one of their leisure activity holidays, ranging from walking photography, cycling, climbing, surfing, dancing, painting, golf, yoga to cookery.
'The Inn Way' 2 day walking experience, Yorkshire Dales
Mark Reid, the author of 'The Inn Way' guidebooks also organises a number of two day walking experiences during the year. Baggage transfers included.
Morag Walks, based around Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
Susan, originally from Hebden Bridge, but now residing in Canada, welcomes you to join her on her walking trips back home in Yorkshire! She organises regular week long trips day trips to beautiful and historical locations and walks in the countryside.
Natural Light Photography Workshops, Yorkshire Dales
Do you enjoy outdoor photography but feel you could get more from your pictures? Do you love walking and want to capture memories of your favourite strolls? Or are you simply looking for an enjoyable, educational day out with a difference? If so, these group photography workshops run by professional photographers Sam Oakes and Mark Sunderland may be for you! Expect a bit of walking, lots of adventure, bags of advice and the ever predictable English weather.
North Country Guides, Richmond, North Yorkshire
Offering guided walks throughout the year. If you're just starting out in the great outdoors or would like to explore a new area, they can provide a knowledgeable and highly experienced guide for your group. Informative and interesting walking that will give you a real insight into the history, geography, legend and folklore. Offer guided walks around the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.
Where2Walk, Yorkshire Dales
Organise tailor made walking holidays in the Yorkshire Dales, navigation courses in the hills, or if you simply want to use one of their experienced guides to accompany you on one or more walks. They organise weekend or midweek breaks staying at a country hotel or multi day walks and long distance walks.
Contours Walking Holidays offer an unrivalled range of self-guided walking holidays, short breaks and weekends in Yorkshire. We provide everything you need for a relaxing, worry-free holiday - welcoming accommodation, luggage transfer, tour dossier, maps, guidebook and emergency support. Choose from over 80 walking routes including the Dales Way, Herriot Way, Six Dales Trail, Yorkshire Three Peaks, Nidderdale Way, Yorkshire Wolds Way and the Coast to Coast Walk.
Lost Earth Adventures, York
Provide guided walking trips, ranging from The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge to scenic rambles in the Dales. They can also organise navigation and map reading courses to suit you and your group.
If you're planning to walk a long distance route and prefer to organise your own accommodation, find out how here.
Something different
Jelley Legs organise guided runs and running breaks for all abilities in the North Yorkshire countryside, letting you explore great running areas that you wouldn't necessarily know about. They provide accommodation, food and a pick up and drop off from the station. You can bring along non-running friends and even your dog!
Charlie Hobson is different to other fitness retreats or bootcamp getaways, Bootcamp Breaks by Charlie Hobson allows you the flexibility to pick your own accommodation and plan your own itinerary during your trip, slotting in your Bootcamp Break training to suit you and your party. Prices start from just £30 per hour but it is advisable to call for a quote due to the flexible nature of the business and varying number of people catered for.
Natural Perspectives deliver professional, challenging and inspiring group personal training retreats and specialise in outdoor activities to improve health, fitness, physical performance and mental wellbeing. The retreats are all-inclusive and include professional fitness training, luxury accommodation at Natural Retreats and catering. These exclusive retreats are limited to a maximum of eight clients to guarantee effective coaching and training and are suitable for all levels from beginners to regular gym-goers, and age ranges from 20 to over 50. As well as specific all-inclusive weekend retreats, they also run retreats for groups, which can be booked anytime with a minimum of six people.
