Madeira's volcanic origins are evident by the rocky shore line and rugged mountainous interior. Famed for its levadas and flowers, Madeira is an excellent walking destination with a steady year-round climate.
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Moderate
Holiday Highlights
See what's planned
 Flexi Walking: make use of our carefully planned shorter routes on many of the walks.- Stay in a centrally located hotels, with everything you need on your doorstep.
- Most dinners taken in local restaurants during your stay in Funchal and Porto Moniz.
- Two weeks exploring Madeira.
- Trace the famous Levada footpaths running beside water channels, cutting through the mountains.
- Visit the world’s second highest sea-cliffs at Cabo Girao and head into the central mountains on our walk between Boca da Corrida and Encumeada.
If you enjoy walking, have a good head for heights, and have never visited Madeira before, then one of your best holidays still lies ahead of you. It is the perfect walker’s island, with an extensive network of well maintained footpaths through very varied terrain. The famous levada footpaths run beside water channels which cut through the mountains, linking the relatively wet north half of the island with the reasonably dry south. Down by the coast is the subtropical vegetation of banana palms and custard apples. On the lush terraced slopes agapanthus and an array of colourful flowers brighten the way. Higher up there are forests of laurisilva before the peaks pushing towards 2000m offer panoramic views across the island and beyond to the Atlantic. This two week holiday starts in the modern city of Funchal, with its dramatic mountainous lush green backdrop. It’s difficult to choose the best walk. Is it the high level walk between the island’s two highest peaks, Pico Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, sometimes above the clouds? Perhaps the walk from Boca da Corrida, through the lush eroded crater of an ancient volcano, down to Curral das Freiras with spectacular views of the high peaks? Or how about the high-level traverse from Boca do Risco along the north coast, finishing in the seaside town on Porto da Cruz? Every walk in eastern Madeira is complete with dramatic scenery and unique panoramic views! At the far eastern end of the island we walk across the windswept landscape of the Punta São Lourenço, utterly different from anywhere else on the island. Your holiday starts in the little visited village of Porto Moniz, in the far northwest, with its sheltered harbour where a mass of pointed reefs provide unique natural bathing pools. This little hidden gem receives so few visitors due to its remoteness, so our exploration here is unique and special. Amongst our walks is the peaceful Levada do Moinho with several watermills along its course and descents along cobbled tracks through pretty villages. Our second centre is on the South Coast. We are are based in the quiet little town of Ponta do Sol where we cross high moorlands along the Levada do Paul, visit the world’s second highest sea-cliffs at Cabo Girão and explore the central mountains on our walk between Boca da Corrida and Encumeada. If you have a good head for heights, you'll love Madeira! Although our two week holiday is Grade 5, our walks from Funchal could also be described as Grade 6 due to some longer descents. Please see our Holiday Information Sheet for more details. Our December holidays operate with a reversed itinerary, where we visit Porto Moniz first. We then travel to Ponta do Sol and end our holiday with 7 nights in Funchal. Please see our Holiday Information Sheet for these specific dates for more details.
What's included?
- Return flights from London to Funchal Airport
- Airport transfers
- En suite accommodation with breakfasts taken in the hotels
- Dinners taken at the hotels or local restaurants
- All local transport costs
What's not included?
- Entrance fees (unless otherwise specified)
- Personal expenses (such as your bar bill)
- Discretionary tips
- Optional excursions
- Travel Insurance
Holiday Grade
The is a grade 5 walking holiday. There are several types of paths on Madeira: almost completely flat levada paths which run beside the water channels criss-crossing the island; mountain paths through the central area around Curral das Freiras or the major peaks which can be steep at times; engineered paths, sometimes along cobbled or vehicle tracks, which descend towards the coast and coastal paths which undulate high above the sea. Some of the walks along the high peaks are dependant on weather conditions so may not be possible. To enjoy the walks you need a good head for heights and to be prepared for occasional long descents of around 1000m. Although the holiday is a Grade 5 there are some walks that are more a Grade 6 due to long descents of up to 1,250m. The maximum altitude we reach on this holiday is 1,870m.
Our bottom line is happy travellers, and to that end we trust our tour leaders to use the itinerary below as a basis for providing you with a great holiday. We expect our leaders to make adjustments to the itinerary if the weather, group ability or other local conditions make that necessary. There are normally more options available to our leaders than those listed below and one or more of these options may well be chosen. All distances, heights & timings are approximate.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel.
Proposed Itinerary
Day 1
Proposed Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Funchal
Accommodation
Hotel do Carmo
On arrival in Funchal airport, we transfer by private coach our hotel in the centre of Funchal, ready to start our incredible 2 week adventure in Madeira. Transfer Time = 1h 30m
Day 2-7
Day 2-7
Discover Funchal
Accommodation
Hotel do Carmo
Our itinerary is expected to follow the daily schedule outlined below but please bear in mind that the order of the days may be amended, or walks substituted, due to weather conditions, attraction opening times, public transport timetables or changes beyond our control. During our time in Funchal we will explore the island through a variety of walks which may include one or more of the following:
The Big Peaks: This is an extraordinary walk, some would say one of the greatest day walks to be experienced! Starting at Pico Arieiro at over 1800m, we wind our way through spectacular rock formations to Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest mountain, passing through several tunnels on the way. Some days you are above the clouds, with the islands dramatic peaks poking through and the vast Atlantic beyond. From Pico Ruivo, you will be able to look back towards Pico Arieiro and Pico das Torres. This walk is challenging and more like a grade 6, a head for heights is needed. Please ask your leader for more information.
Ponto São Lourenço: The peninsula at the far eastern end of the island is utterly different from anywhere else on Madeira. Here there is bare eroded igneous rock with wonderful unique colour formations. It is dry, barren and windy, but the views over the rocky landscape and along the cliffs are out of this world. The walk is there and back, but perfect for an easier day when it might be wet in the mountains.
North Coastal Path: From the Caniçal tunnel we cross terraces, slowly rising to the Boca do Risco pass, where suddenly the turquoise sea opens up in front of us several hundred metres below. We follow a narrow winding cliff path to the pretty village of Porto da Cruz where there will be time for refreshments or maybe a swim in the sea water pools at the beach before returning to Funchal.A great way to finish a fantastic day!
Ribeira Frio to Portela: This is a beautiful and very enjoyable levada walk. There are spectacular views towards the central mountains from Balcoes and down to the north coast by Porto da Cruz. Our route takes us through lush laurisilva forest, a laurel type forest with World Heritage Status and a unique and niche selection of plants and animals. Madeira is said to have the world’s best preserved example and concentration of this ancient forest so this really is a unique and magical walk!
Free day: There will be a rest day offered during your time in Funchal for personal exploration. There are so many walking options to be considered, or maybe immerse yourself in culture by visiting other areas of Madeira. - Funchal is an enjoyable place to stroll around in and take it easy. Perhaps enjoy some souvenir shopping or explore some of its delightful restaurants and cafes for lunch!
- It is possible to visit some of Madeira’s famous gardens or the basket weaving centre of Camacha. Dolphin watching is also available too!
- Some groups enjoy the Ponto São Lourenço walk at the far eastern end of the island, utterly different from anywhere else on Madeira. Here there is bare eroded igneous rock with wonderful colour formations. It is dry, barren and windy, but the views over the rocky landscape and along the craggy cliffs are incredible. This is a there and back walk but perfect for an easier day when it might be wet in the mountains.
- Or maybe sit back and enjoy the hotel's swimming pool and bar area!
Day 8
Day 8
Welcome to Porto Moniz
Accommodation
Aqua Natura Bay
Today we say farewell to Funchal and transfer by road across Madeira to Porto Moniz in the north west corner of the island. The journey is very scenic with spectacular mountain and coastal views.
Day 9-10
Day 9-10
Discover Porto Moniz
Accommodation
Aqua Natura Bay
During our time in Porto Moniz we will explore the island through a variety of walks which may include one or more of the following:
Levada Moinho: An uphill walk through woodland from Achadas da Cruz opens to a levada. The path is narrow at times, but well protected. The levada is often fast flowing, used as it was to power mills. There are wonderful sweeping views of the dramatic coast and steep hillsides with cultivated terracing. We can detour to the source of the levada, then follow it to Santa for a café refreshment, before continuing down the traditional cobbled steps to Porto Moniz.
Levada da Janela: A great introduction to levada walking on Madeira! At the start of our walk near the pretty village of Lamaceiros, there are panoramic views through a terraced valley down to the azure sea. The flat levada path is lined by lush vegetation including agapanthus and eucalyptus. There are tunnels to venture through, thundering waterfalls and spectacular views inland into densely covered rolling hillsides. We return to the café in Lamaceiros for refreshments before the descent back to Porto Moniz, enjoying 360 degree views of the north coast on the way.
Day 11
Day 11
Welcome to Ponta do Sol
Accommodation
Enotel Sunset Bay
We transfer to Ponto do Sol for our remaining few days exploring Madeira.
Lombo do Mouro - Our transfer bus takes us up on to the impressive Plateau of Paul Da Serra where we will have our first views of the dramatic Big Peaks. As we start to descend towards Encumeada the bus will drop us off and continue to Ponto Do Sol with our luggage. We will descend, initially on a small levada with open views of the Big Peaks to the east. We continue through Eucalyptus forest, emerging to fine views down the Ribeira Valley. We continue the descent through small villages to the coast at Ribeira Brava where there will be time for a drink before prearranged taxis will take us to the hotel at Ponto Do Sol on the south coast.
Day 12-14
Day 12-14
Experience Ponta do Sol
Accommodation
Enotel Sunset Bay
During our time in Ponta do Sol we will explore the island through a variety of walks which may include one or more of the following:
Levada do Paul & 25 Fontes: Our walk begins at Christo Rei close to the Plateau of Paul Da Serra. We walk along the quiet Levada Do Paul with uninterrupted views to the dramatic south coast. Upon reaching Rabacal we continue through Laurissilva forest either on Levada Das 25 Fontes or Levada do Risco, both of which finish with impressive waterfalls. 25 Fontes (springs) is a group of waterfalls 30m high tumbling down to a rock pool and has become a premier must see spot in Madeira. Returning from the waterfalls, we continue through the Calheta tunnel, then taking a pleasant woodland path to Atouguia and the end of the walk.
Fontes & Chao dos Terreiros: Beginning in the village of Fontes we complete a circuit of the rolling hills to the north of the village before descending to Meia Legua in the lush Ribeira Valley. Heading uphill towards Terreiros, the views begin to open out towards Boca Da Cerro, Pico Grande and the Big Peaks. After a well earned rest with panoramic views at the summit, we return to Fontes. For those not wishing to undertake the descent, transport can be taken from here back to the hotel. However the views on the descent route are well worth the effort and the path, although narrow in places, is now much improved and enjoyable.
Cabo Girão & Levada do Norte to Faja: We begin with the visit to the Cabo Girão sea cliffs at 580m where its glass skywalk is now the most popular must see attraction in Madeira. Leaving the dramatic cliffs behind we walk along Levada Norte around lush rolling valleys and through sunny cultivated terraces. We will stop at a pleasant bar at Boa Morte at lunchtime before continuing towards Ribeira Funda. Leaving the levada below the pretty village, we take a stepped path down to Faja in the Ribeira Valley. The path down has 1600 steps and is a spectacular descent.
Day 15
Our exploration of Madeira is over and we transfer to Funchal airport for our return flight to the UK.
Walks & Excursions
Local Transport Costs
All local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary.
Optional Excursions
A range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator.
We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by
us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions.
Spending Money
Holiday Budgeting
When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price,
non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or
additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day.
Entrance Fees
You may also wish to allow £5-8pp for entrance fees.
Currency in Portugal
The currency in Portugal is the euro. You may wish to take some euro cash with you until you reach an ATM. Credit cards may not be accepted in smaller towns and rural areas.
Tipping
Although entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff and to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday.
Tour Leaders & Local Guides
Tour Leaders
Your tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.
Leader's Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know.
Your Travel Details
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements?
If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details.
Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance. If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel. Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details. Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you.
Regional Transfers
Regional Flights (R3). We offer regional flight options on this holiday and there will be one or two transfer vehicles between the airport and hotel to minimise any waiting time at the overseas airport on the outward or return journeys.
Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents
For all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure.
Personal Details Check
To ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible.
Entry Requirements
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country.
Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. General passport advice for UK nationals on the UK Government website. FCDO Travel AdviceYou must ensure you check all entry requirements in good time by reviewing the official FCDO advice for your destination. Please take time to read and regularly check this website for changes to the entry requirements and any local restrictions. Proof of Covid-19 VaccinationYou may be required to provide proof that you have been fully vaccinated when travelling or in your destination. Proof of vaccination can either be digital via the NHS app or a printed copy via NHS Hard Copy. We recommend allowing seven working days for your printed copy to arrive. Please note both the NHS app and printed copy are only valid for 30 days.
We anticipate that all travellers will need to be fully vaccinated including the booster jab and to carry proof of this with them at all times. Some indoor venues require, and may ask for proof of vaccination, as well as masks becoming mandatory for indoor public spaces, and we ask you to be prepared for this. Face MasksSome airlines or destinations are requiring the wearing of FFP2, FFP3, KN95 or N95 masks without a valve. You should check the FCDO advice for your destination and with your airline before you travel, although you may wish to have one of these masks on hand just in case.
Brexit Passport Advice
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.
Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be: - less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
The guidance for Schengen border guards may not be updated until the spring of 2022. Until then, for some Schengen countries your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date. Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old. Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.
Meals
Breakfast and dinners are included in the holiday price. Hotel breakfasts are buffet style and include a variety of dishes such as fresh fruit, salad, yoghurt, cold meats, cereal, eggs, bacon, breads, cake and pastries.
Dinners are taken in local restaurants during our stay in Funchal and Porto Moniz so you can immerse yourself in the local culture and explore more of the towns. Our hotel's perfect locations also mean you can enjoy a walk to and from dinner, maybe even venture further for a drink in a local bar afterwards! We'll enjoy an authentic experience and sometimes lively atmosphere in a traditional restaurant along with local diners. Madeiran dishes are usually created using locally sourced fresh ingredients, and usually consist of soup, meat or fish, vegetables and potatoes. During our stay in Ponta do Sol, we'll dine in the Enotel Sunset Bay's highly rated restaurant where we can enjoy delicious local delicacies. Lunches are not included in the holiday price and these can be taken as picnics or in local cafes. During our festive dates, we dine in the Enotel Sunset Bay during our stay where we enjoy a festive atmosphere with delicious local delicacies at Christmas. On Christmas Eve we'll savour celebratory drinks and a festive buffet. After dinner hotel guests join local families at the Christmas Eve mass in the local church a short stroll from the hotel. Christmas Eve is celebrated more than Christmas Day in Madeira. Christmas Day is usually quieter and families eat and gather around the Christmas tree at home. We'll celebrate Christmas Day with a quieter but delicious festive dinner in the Enotel Sunset Bay's highly rated restaurant. We'll enjoy New Years eve in Funchal in local restaurants with a great celebratory atmosphere where the streets are filled with tourists and locals enjoying the fireworks.
Footwear & Kit List
Footwear
Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
- Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
- Lightweight quick-drying trousers
- Walking T-shirt/shirts
- Walking socks
- Fleece or jumper
- Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun block
- Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
- Swimwear (if appropriate)
- Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
- Day sack liner
- Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity (more than 1 bottle may be required)
- Basic first aid kit
- Lunchbox
- Walking poles (should you find them useful)
- Sit mat
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.
Torches / Headtorches
On this holiday you will find it extremely helpful to bring a head torch or hand held torch to assist you.
Travel Documents Checklist
Documents and Information to take with you:
- Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
- Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
- Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
- Holiday money
- Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
- Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
- Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
- Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
- Your travel insurance details
- Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
- Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport
- A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
- Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about
Electricity in Portugal
Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
Water To Go
An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is
filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter
such as a Water-to-go bottle available from
www.watertogo.eu.
Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go
for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website
at www.watertogo.eu and
enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the
discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us
to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays.
Maps, Guidebooks & Other Information
Maps, Guidebooks & More
Many local libraries stock a selection of travel guides and books which may offer you more information. Apart from any books available in local libraries, the internet is now an excellent resource for information about holiday destinations. You may find the below websites, books and programmes useful.
Maps of the areas we visit (1:200 000 scale) are available locally and at specialist map shops in the UK. Suggested map is 'Madeira Tour and Trail Map - David Brawn. To give you an idea of the walking on offer on Madeira why not take a look at the Trailblazer Madeira Walks book with downloadable GPS tracks and waypoints. Written by Oliver Breda. Visit Madeira Visit Portugal If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area. Funchal, Madeira Islands by Unravel Travel TV on Youtube. Madeira Travel Guide 2020 by Madeira Travel Guide et al. A Birdwatcher’s guide to Portugal, the Azores and Madeira Archipelagos by Colm Moore Madeira Walks: Challenging Trails and High Altitude Routes by Shirely and Mike White Head, Rosamund Brawn et al. Lonely Planet Pocket Madeira by Lonely Planet and Marc Di Duca BBC 4’s TV programme – Nature Wonderlands: Islands of Evolution see’s Richard Fortey travel to Madeira in episode 3 to examine volcanic islands.
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Weather
Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Useful Information
Find out more
Portugal
-
 Capital Lisbon
-
 Currency Euro
-
 Language Portuguese
-
 Time Difference UTC, UTC +01:00
-
 Flight duration 3hrs from UK
Visas and Passports
No Visa Required
 Average weather
-
January
11°C
Avg. Rain: 109mm
-
February
12°C
Avg. Rain: 93mm
-
March
13°C
Avg. Rain: 75mm
-
April
14°C
Avg. Rain: 66mm
-
May
16°C
Avg. Rain: 52mm
-
June
19°C
Avg. Rain: 26mm
-
July
21°C
Avg. Rain: 12mm
-
August
22°C
Avg. Rain: 16mm
-
September
20°C
Avg. Rain: 44mm
-
October
17°C
Avg. Rain: 91mm
-
November
14°C
Avg. Rain: 111mm
-
December
12°C
Avg. Rain: 120mm
Staying Healthy On Holiday
Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility
to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on,
and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP.
Health Advice for Portugal
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Portugal.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
You may wish to consider immunisations against Tetanus. Dengue fever exists in Portugal; please take normal precautions against mosquito bites.
Further Travel Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Ramblers Walking Holidays that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the trip, including all optional activities.
Your travel insurance policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation. Please ensure your policy covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are walking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. Medical and repatriation insurance cover are not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Whoever you insure with, please ensure that you take full details, and ideally the policy itself, with you on holiday and provide our tour leader with your insurer's name, the policy number and emergency assistance contact numbers. Please note that it is very difficult to obtain travel insurance once your holiday arrangements have started. Covid-19 Cover If you should have symptoms and test positive for Covid-19 whilst abroad, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative and you may have to seek treatment. We strongly recommend that you take out an insurance policy that covers you for this eventuality. Looking for travel insurance? If you have not already arranged cover, please visit SunWorld who offer travel insurance. SunWorld policies include cover for COVID-19, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
EHIC & GHIC Cards
From January 1st, 2021 UK travellers can continue to use their European Heath Insurance Card (EHIC) – which can last up to five years, until its expiry date, to gain access to medical assistance during your holiday. However, you will no longer be covered in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Travellers without a valid EHIC can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replaces the EHIC once it has been phased out. Please note however that the EHIC/GHIC should not be considered a substitute for medical or travel insurance.
Personal Safety
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination.
Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used.
Cultural Awareness
Responsible Travel
We're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations.
Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence
of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups
not only gives you an up close and personal experience of
your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate
environment. We feel that the most important starting point
to protect the environment is to be out in it.
For more details visit our website.
The Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust
Unlike many tour operators we have our own trust through which RWH Travel’s profits are channelled back into a variety of outdoor, walking-related or environmental conservation projects in the UK. The focus of the Trust’s financial support is Britain’s leading walking charity, The Ramblers, and their role in promoting the benefits and importance of walking to the British public. In addition the Trust welcomes applications for small grants from local organisations in the UK who need support for walking-orientated activities. This includes the establishment of footpaths and bridleways, funding for rebuilding bridges and renovating huts, as well as bursary funding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for children who could not otherwise afford to do it. Please visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website and click on the Charitable Trust link for more details.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able
to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives.
Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose
aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries
we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long
term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less
developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way.
See our website for more information and details of some of the
projects we support.
Staying In Touch
Mobile Phones
Please do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements.
Do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements. As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals.
Feedback
We welcome all comments about our holidays and value ideas for the future. If you have provided us with an email address we will invite you to complete an online questionnaire or to add feedback to our page on the independent review site 'Feefo'.
Important Information
Please note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued.
In most cases the revisions will be minor and the overall nature
of the holiday will remain unchanged. Should we make a major change
to your holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and
your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your
attention to any significant change.
You may wish to review the latest version of this Holiday Information Sheet online prior to travel.
Please note that any advertised offers, benefits or initiatives may be discontinued at any time.
Contact Us
Ramblers Walking Holidays
Our office is open and our Sales & Reservations team are available to speak to you from: - 09.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday
Please quote your Booking Reference number and Tour Code whenever contacting us. We wish you an enjoyable holiday!
 Close Our holiday walking grades
Moderate
Grade 5
Full day walks with moderate amounts of ascent and descent.
The paths are mostly good, but there may be some steep and rough ground.
Walks will last up to 6 hours and could involve as much as 750m of ascent and descent. Some walks will be less demanding.
Discover more about our walking grades
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01707 331133
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