There is no better way of exploring Lakes & Mountains than with a walk. We have therefore put together some useful hints & information to ensure you get the most out of your stroll, ramble or hike

In selected resorts, we have arranged for you to be able to pre-book a walking map of the local area before you depart. The map will be posted to you at home so that you have chance to study the area, see what you like and make some plans before you go away on your walking holiday. All you need to do is complete the coupon below and send it with a cheque made payable to ‘Walking Maps’ The prices and map codes are shown on the appropriate resort pages.

We offer a range of walking in most of our resorts. In general our walks are suitable for customers with an average level of fitness so you do not need to go into training before your holiday! 

However we provide ratings graded from u  to uuuu on each resort introduction page according to the following guidelines:
u = limited
uuuu = excellent terrain with endless possibilities Strollers: Walkers enjoying relaxed gentle walks with some uphill stretches.

Ramblers: Walkers who enjoy a variety of terrain on well marked paths
Hikers: Walkers who enjoy more challenging walks on smaller mountain paths, and longer days out. A good pair of walking boots is essential.

• Avoid walking alone and always tell someone which route you are taking and when you expect to be back.

• Always keep to marked paths and invest in a good walking map.

• Take litter home with you and always close gates behind you.  

Although our resorts generally enjoy warm summer climates, weather conditions, particularly in mountain areas, can change very quickly, so walkers should always be equipped.

We strongly recommend that you take the following: • Comfortable walking shoes

• Comfortable walking boots (with ankle support)

• Walking stick for high mountain areas

• Waterproof jackets • Hat and sunglasses

• Suncream and lip screen • Insect repellent

• Spare clothing (sweater and socks) • Water bottle • Small rucksack • First Aid kit

To help you enjoy your walking to the full, Thomson is proud to offer a FREE Walking Guide Service in selected resorts. Hand-picked for their local knowledge and thoroughly trained before the season starts,

Thomson Walking Guides will organise a programme of at least 2 walks each week (weather permitting).

These will range from gentle strolls through open pastures to more adventurous rambles along more challenging mountain terrain - check the walking ratings in your resort for more details.

Italy: Selva, Val di Fassa

Slovenia: Bohinj, Kranjska Gora

Spain: Las Alpujarras

Switzerland: Grindelwald, Wengen, Zermatt

Many Austrian resorts now offer a free local guiding service where a knowledgeable local guide will explain about the area in English. The guided walks normally are offered 5 days a week and depart from the Tourist office. Ask your Thomson rep in resort for the details. Resorts offering this service include Niederau, Obergurgl, Saalbach

and Seefeld.

In Madeira and Las Alpujarras in Spain, we offer pre-bookable walks which include a drive to a more undiscovered area. Take the opportunity to explore the ‘levadas’ and maybe try the 3 Peaks or The Lakes of Madeira Walk and find out more about the local history, landscape, flora and fauna. In Spain the Malhacen Heights is a walk at high altitude whist The Taste of Andalucia combines walking and sightseeing.

SUITABLE: For anyone who is used to regular walking and has a good level of fitness.

A wonderful way to explore the Alpine splendour of Austria on foot accompanied by our expert walking guide. Base yourself in the pretty village of Ellmau in the heart of the Tirol and let our guide lead you on some exhilarating walks. Climb the Wilden Kaiser mountains and take in a variety of terrains, from dramatic gorges and high alpine ridges to lush green valleys. The tour includes 3 full days of walking locally, one full day excursion to either Innsbruck or Grossglockner and two ‘walk-away days’, giving you the chance to walk in varying landscapes. Call reservations for details.

Available to Thomson customers staying in Ellmau, Scheffau and

St. Johann.

SUITABLE: For anyone who is used to regular walking and has a good level of fitness.

This superb 7-day independent walking tour, leads you through some of Switzerland’s most magnificent scenery. From Wengen to Grindelwald and Meiringen, enjoy wonderful views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau as you walk through flower-filled meadows, passing pretty Alpine chalets, along well-marked routes. There is also plenty of time to take in the lovely resort of Interlaken, perhaps even get on board that famous lake steamer! Your luggage is transported for you (right from the UK!), leaving you free to enjoy the walking. There are also plenty of cable cars and mountain railways available if you want to take it easy.  Call reservations for details.

Pre-bookable Walking Maps

You now have the chance to order a walking map for your resort before you go. Your map will be delivered to your home ready for you to take away on your walking holiday. Please remember to quote the code from the resort page of the map that you wish to order.

All you need to do is print off and complete this coupon and send it to:

Walking maps, 41a Kilbourne Road, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 2GJ.

Cheques should be made payable to ‘Walking Maps’.

NAME:

ADDRESS:

:

:

:

HOLIDAY REF. NUMBER:

NO OF MAPS:

MAP NAME & CODE:

RESORT:

MAP PRICE:                    £           

PRICE & POSTAGE:      £2.50