CHOOSING A TOUR What is the level of hiking? How should I choose a tour? Our tours are enjoyed by people of all ages and all levels of experience. You needn’t be a “hiker” to participate fully and enjoy your tour. You carry only a light daypack containing spare clothing, personal items and, often, a packed lunch. All tours offer opportunities for sightseeing. It’s always an option to take the day off for personal relaxation, reading, sightseeing or shopping. Our pace is leisurely, for maximum enjoyment of the exquisite scenery. Each of the six individual tour itineraries describes its walks and hikes in terms of distances and elevation changes. Tours with Challenging options have daily choices of Easy-to-Moderate walks for the average walker, and more difficult hikes for those who seek the challenge of longer, rougher walks, often leading to the tops of mountains. All the Scottish trips and the Lake District Inn-to-Inn trips are at a Moderate level, though in the Lake District there is always a rendezvous with our minibus at midday, allowing the option of a shortened walk. Hiking conditions in Scotland are often more rigorous than in England due to the unpredictable weather and the longer distances between roads. The Cotswolds walks tend to be easiest. We encourage all participants to be active before departing for Britain, and to bring an ample supply of enthusiasm. If you have any questions about the suitability of a trip, please call.   What are trail conditions? Trail conditions in the Cotswolds are gentlest -- mostly level underfoot and not steep. In the Lake District and Scotland, trails may cross areas of rough or rocky ground. There may be sheep, and occasionally cow, droppings. And conditions may be slippery underfoot after rain. In sections, the trails may be steep and there may be loose stones underfoot. If they cross boggy ground they are likely to be soft and wet. Long, wet grass may sometimes have to be negotiated, and this is more wetting to feet and ankles than falling rain. Be prepared for whateverlies in your way!   What weather can I expect? All in all, hiking in this part of the world is a most pleasurable activity. At the time of year when our trips operate, weather conditions are usually quite agreeable. Temperatures are more moderate year-round in the British Isles than in much of the U.S. It’s rarely “hot” by American standards. There are unlikely to be major variations in weather between the two areas of northern Britain included in our tour program: the Lake District and Scottish Highlands & Islands. The Cotswolds, lying further south, tend to enjoy the most benign climate, with warmer temperatures and less wind. Daytime temperatures in spring and fall tend to range from 55 to 70F (feeling cooler at higher elevations on some Lake District and Scotland hikes, especially with wind). In summer, add several degrees. The Cotswolds tends to have the mildest weather. Wet weather is not as common as many might expect. The average week has one, or sometimes two, days with some rain.   How many walkers will be on my trip? The average group is 8 to 12 participants, with some smaller and some larger. Group size will not exceed 15 plus two guides. So, group size is limited and early reservation is recommended. As we do maintain waiting lists for trips, call anytime as space may be (or become) available. Will I be comfortable as a single traveler? Solo travelers invariably find our tours a congenial, convenient way to travel. Tours are a mix of couples, traveling friends and single travelers. We can assign you a roommate or you may choose a single-bedded room and pay the $375 supplement.   Can I contact tour references? Don’t take our word for how wonderful the trips are. We’ll be delighted to provide you with references of others who have rambled with us. They would be delighted to share their experiences with you. Just ask. What will meals be like? Food is a highlight of every trip. You’ll feel pampered from morning’s hearty breakfast to a sumptuous dinner each night. Menus range from sophisticated continental fare to traditional local favorites like roast leg of lamb, Scottish beef and salmon, and fresh vegetables. Meat, fish and vegetarian choices are provided -- and we do whatever possible to accommodate special diets. Which meals are included? All meals -- breakasts, lunches and dinners -- are included in the tour price. Breakfasts and dinners are at your hotel. Lunches are either packed and taken on the trail or are pub lunches. What is the smoking policy? Our policy is to book only hotels which have no-smoking dining areas, and generally to provide a smoke-free environment throughout the tour for clients preferring this. There is no smoking in our minibus, and many of our hotels are entirely no-smoking. Smoke-free bedrooms, lounges and bars are normally available