Walk This Way, with Pied A Terre Adventures
Family-run company, Pied A Terre Adventures, has released a selection of self-guided walking routes in the UK to help people explore the great outdoors after being cooped up due to COVID-19.
The company, which was co-founded by husband-and-wife team, Richard and Kirstie Betts, has 10 years’ experience arranging walking adventures, courses and challenges in the UK and beyond.
The new self-guided breaks provide inspirational, quality and sustainable walking experiences, allowing guests to escape, reconnect and engage in nature. Each trip is meticulously tailored to those taking part, and Pied A Terre Adventures will create a personalised itinerary, organise every bag transfer, make sure all equipment is in order, coordinate with each accommodation, and be on hand 24/7.
Every walker will also have their own Virtual Guide. This brand-new mobile application allows customers to access their own programme, trail notes, top sights and adventure pack. In addition, they will have the local knowledge of Pied A Terre Adventures’ expert guides at the tap of a button. The Virtual Guide will also plot the route via OS Maps, share insights to local flora and fauna and recommend places to eat and drink.
Bespoke requests are always welcome too: whether it be a luxury hotel with a pool, first-class seats on a steam train or an extra beer or wine tasting tour. Pied A Terre Adventures will always strive to make the customer’s feeling a reality.
Following the pandemic, Richard turned his sights on the UK; guests can see the South Downs in a new light, savour a picnic (with wine or beer), and get clued up on the fascinating geology of the local area. Most tours begin and end near mainland train stations, and those that don’t are easy to locate with public transport, so it is easy to travel in and out of London in a sustainable way for an adventure in the countryside. And all trips are dog friendly; four-legged companions are welcome.
Richard and Kirstie’s main goal is to help as many people as possible connect with the outside world. Working with a bespoke, knowledgeable team (comprising geologists, climbing instructors, professional photographers and yoga teachers) Pied A Terre Adventures now offers a wide range of guided and self-guided tours. Richard also holds an impressive number of professional outdoor qualifications, including Walking Group Leader, Nordic Walking instructor, Hill & Moorland Leader, National Navigation (NNAS) Tutor Award, Mountain Leader and International Mountain Leader. In addition, he is a mental health first aider, which is ever more important following the sharp rise in mental illness due to Covid.
Richard says: “We are delighted to be launching post lockdown walking adventures, experiences and courses. Never before has the great outdoors been so sought after as an escape. Drawing on 10 years’ experience, we have crafted a collection of immersive guided and self-guided walking adventures based on our client’s feedback.
“Our experiences are aligned to meet our client’s needs – ranging from one-day self-guided hikes to multiday bespoke family adventures that can include luxury hotels and personalised itineraries. All our experiences share a common thread, which is to showcase the best the local area can offer. We are proud of our partnerships with amazing local producers, accommodation providers, pubs, breweries and vineyards.
“We are passionate about creating and providing inspirational, quality and sustainable walking adventures where our guests can escape and immerse themselves in the outdoors, have fun, learn, challenge themselves, and create lifelong memories”.
Please find two examples of self-guided tours below:
The Eastern Wander
This brand-new self-guided walking holiday allows guests to experience the best of the South Downs National Trail in a short space of time. Beginning in the country town of Lewes, pass iconic landmarks while hiking along the spectacular English coastline and through scenic countryside, before finishing in the resort town of Eastbourne. Walk in the footsteps of smugglers who were notorious in this part of the world in the 1700s, and admire the many historic-graded buildings. Along the way, take in the tranquil river valleys, rich and diverse chalk downland, rolling farmland and ancient woodland. The South Downs are also home to a wide range of plants and animals, including the burnt orchid, barn owl, chalk carpet moth and the rare barbastelle bat. Finish each day at the designated accommodation where your overnight bag will be waiting, but not before treating yourself to a well-earned pint at one of the local pubs…
The three-night self-guided trip, available all year, costs from £325 pp (based on two people sharing a room with an en-suite bathroom) including breakfast; virtual guide and OS Map App; personalised itinerary; full route plan, trail notes and GPS; nature spotters guide; local history, heritage and geology information; treats for the walk; children’s adventure pack (if required); recommended refreshments stops; bag transfers; full support from Pied A Terre Adventures’ Sussex HQ before, and during the trip, 24/7.
The Serpent Trail
Take in the sheer natural beauty, peacefulness and solitude of the glorious countryside on this four-day walking tour of the South Downs. Starting in Haslemere in Surrey, and ending in Petersfield in Hampshire, the Serpent Trail is a 64-mile heathland route twisting through the National Park. Using the bespoke Virtual Guide’s GPS route for direction, marvel at the range of wildlife, flowers and landscapes, and enjoy the spectacular vistas. Tuck into delicious local produce – from warming artisan bakeries to quaint sandwich shops – and make sure to sample small-batch beer and regional wine on route. As each day draws to a close, cosy up at the welcoming accommodation organised by Pied A Terre Adventures, with a good choice of pubs and restaurants for dinner.
The five-night self-guided trip, available all year, costs from £545 pp (based on two people sharing a room with an en-suite bathroom) including breakfast; virtual guide and OS Map App; personalised itinerary; full route plan, trail notes and GPS; nature spotters guide; local history, heritage and geology information; treats for the walk; children’s adventure pack (if required); recommended refreshments stops; bag transfers; full support from Pied A Terre Adventures’ Sussex HQ before, and during the trip, 24/7.
For more information on Pied A Terre Adventures, please call 01403 788994 or visit https://patadventures.com
