Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays Reviews 

Having returned a few days ago from walking more than half of the Scotland's West Highland Way, my mind is still swirling with images from the trail. The logistics were fabulously organized by Hillwalk Tours. Though they couldn't control the amount of rain we encountered (a wee bit on the first 2 days, more than a wee bit on the third, and none on the last!), other details were closely attended to.

We signed up for the Moderate 6-day West Highland Way walk. Due to availability of lodging on the first night, we walked from Crianlarich (instead of Tyndrum) to Fort William. The extra few miles added to the first day's walk was a bonus for us. There were no glitches with the B&B and hotel bookings, and our small bags were waiting for us when we arrived each day.

Evey email sent prior to the trip asking for additional information was answered timely. They even notified the B&Bs and hotels ahead of time of my dietary restrictions.

The breakfasts each morning were so substantial that only a bit of trail mix and an apple were all we needed during the day's walk (which we bought at a grocery store prior to arrival to our first B&B).

One of the wonderful things we enjoyed and appreciated about the WHW walk itself is that most of the trail was more of 'walking' trail than a 'hiking' trail - so we didn't have to keep our eyes constantly looking to the ground and were able to look around and enjoy the scenery.

If we return to the UK or go to Ireland for another walling tour, I would book again with Hillwalk.

For my first walking tour ever (West of Ireland, moderate hike), I was in excellent hands with Hillwalk Tours. Staff responded promptly and thoroughly to my questions before the trip. The route notes were so detailed I rarely had to use the topo maps also provided. Small things like the weather-proof map case were much appreciated. The hosts of the comfortable B&Bs were, to a person, warm, engaging and helpful. And each day's walk brought new sights and a deep appreciation of this beautiful land. Highly recommended!

We were two couples in our sixties who walked the West Highland Way from Inverarnan to Fort William medio June 2015. We have all good walking experience from the mountains of Norway.

We chose Hillwalk Tours mostly because they apparently were very selective when they picked accommodation for their customers. Another reason for us to choose Hillwalk, was that they gave us quick and relevant answers to questions we sent them via e-mail before we selected tour operator.

The information on the web site seemed to be correct. The B&Bs we stayed at were all excellent. The landlords were hospitable and helpful. The standard of the rooms was good, even the plumbing were acceptable. (Descent plumbing is not often seen in UK. Why not send all British plumbers to Scandinavia to learn?)

The information we received, description and map, were useful and accurate. The luggage transfer took care of our bags, and the bags were always there when we arrived at the accommodations.
Even the weather was good. We did not get one drop of rain when we walked. Twice the rain started the moment we went through the door to the B&B. I suppose that this is not usual for Western Scotland. It might be a special connection between Hillwalk and those who is in charge of the weather?

We will absolutely choose Hillwalk again if shall walk in their territory, and we will recommend Hillwalk Tours to all our walking friends.

Our walking tour of the Beara Peninsula was magnificent, truly like you read about! The weather was wonderful, with only one day of rain. The logistics were orchestrated perfectly. Accommodations and meals were first rate. Our hosts were gracious, warm and welcoming. We used the car services of Aidan Dunbar, who was not only informative about local culture and history, but amazingly entertaining as well. We can’t say enough about our positive overall experience. We recommend Hillwalk Tours without reservation, they planned the perfect trip for us.

We used the services of Hillwalk Tours (HWT) to organize our vacations in both Scotland (the West Highlands Way) and Ireland (The Dingle Way) The two walks were unique (weather and terrain) Hill walk Tours made both Vacations outstanding. The organization done by HWT made the vacation trouble free. There were a couple of Bed and Breakfasts that were not directly on the route HWT organized transportation to and from the B & B and made it so easy. Our bags were moved from location to location flawlessly all we had to contend with was the weather. Thank You Hillwalk tours. I would have no trouble recommending your company to anyone and you will see us again in the near future

Hillwalk tours allowed me to go hiking where I wanted in Scotland with the number of people I wanted and for exactly as long as I wanted. I appreciated the ability to build that kind of itinerary easily - other tours were more fixed. Sometimes the map directions they gave were a little confusing, but honestly never lead to getting lost on the trails. I'm not sure how much it would be to independently arrange the bed and breakfasts they reserved for us, but for someone who is short on time and patience for organizing a hiking trip, their taking care of the details was ideal.

The Hillwalk Tours team did an amazing job organizing my vacation. I walked the Kerry Way and Burren Way in August 2014. Maps, itineraries and details were just perfect. The selection of Bed and Breakfasts was great and I have enjoyed a warm and professional welcome in all the Bed and Breakfast. So Hillwalk Tours is a gem. An Irish gem. Thanks!

We were 2 friends from Sweden taking the opportunity to make a walk before we had to be at a conference in Dublin. The Wicklow Way provided the ideal setting. It was April with a bright blue sky,fresh air, early flowers and some short rains.. A changing landscape made for interesting and beautiful Irish views.The restaurants and pubs along our walk were all above expectations for a rural setting and also provided transport home without extra costs - a very pleasant surprise.. We booked on the internet. Hillwalk tours organized this walk and everything was uncomplicated for us although we had never been to Ireland before. We followed the instructions and were also met by charming and very helpfull B&B owners. The B&Bs were comfy and clean with very good beds and lovely bedding. Soo nice when you have made a long walk.
The only thing that was not so good was that we had to stay in the same B& B 2 nights and were transported back and forth to our starting point by taxi. But that was a minor problem.

We would highly recommend this walking tour and Hillwalk Tours. Routes and maps were easy to follow. Personal directions to inns were excellent. Accommodations were wonderful. Bags were transported as expected. Great job guys! We will be back for another adventure in the future.

Our Ireland Hiking tour arranged by Hillwalk was excellent! Our accommodations were wonderful and varied. We enjoyed the different lengths of hikes and different terrain. The board walk through the bogs was a challenge but we made it with a sense of wonder and accomplishment. Food was always plentiful and delicious. People were very friendly. We look forward to going again.

Absolutely stunning trip. Made all the better bye flawless service bye Hill walk tours. Transfers were on time and comfortable and all B&B's were as nice as advertised. Wonderful time and highly recommended

My wife and I have booked self guided hillwalking vacations with both Hillwalk Ireland and Hillwalk Scotland completing walks of the Beara Way and the West Highland Way. The bookings were very easy and the instructions provided were excellent. The quality of accommodation was top notch and I would not hesitate to recommend Hillwalk Tours.

My wife and I walked across County Clare in Ireland last year. Amazing trip. The directions were great, and so were the B&B's. As with any trip, you do run into some hiccups along the way, but Hillwalk was always there to help us. We would walk with them again any time. I hope they bring walking tours of this caliber to North America someday!

My daughter and I did the 5 day "gentle" walk of the Dingle Loop in Ireland, and it was unforgettable. The directions were clear to follow, and the maps and routes arrived well ahead of our trip (the pre-hike advice should be taken seriously: wear proper hiking boots, as they recommend, and not Blundstones like I did!) The scenery is spectacular, and I couldn't say enough nice things about the B&B owners, so friendly, with tea and warm biscuits waiting at the end of a long hike, and delicious breakfasts. For me, the gentle hike was more than enough hiking each day (I'm 50 and in fairly good shape.) Highly recommend!!

We love to walk and enjoy the naturelife and since we had never been in Ireland before we looked at what Hillwalk Tours had to offer - and we did not get disappointed!

Everything was planned right down to every detail with our luggage transported between the wonderful B&Bs and with excellent trail maps and hiking directions.

We can highly recommend Hillwalk Tours and will certainly go with them again.

Last May I booked a last minute trip with Hillwalk Tours for a 10 day walk through Western Ireland. Thanks to their attention to detail from the movement of my luggage, to every transportation connection, and the detail in directions this was the most relaxing vacation I've ever taken. Ireland in May is a magical place, the fresh wild flowers, mountain scenery, deserted trails, and friendly people are a combination not found anywhere else. Hillwalk Tours enabled me to forget about everything except what was important; walking the countryside without a care in the world. This September I hope to find the time for a walking tour of Scotland, you can be sure I will book with Hillwalk Tours.

On our first trip overseas we chose Hillwalk Tours to help us with our walking tour of the Dingle Way. They provided excellent service before and during to hike. Their detailed directions and the maps provided made walking the trails easy. We had an opportunity to talk with folks along the way who used other companies for the self-guided tours and I think the Hillwalk directions were more thorough. The B&Bs we stayed in were all clean and easily accessible. The owners of the B&Bs were all friendly. I would recommend Hillwalk tours to anyone thinking of taking a walking holiday. We will be returning to Ireland in the near future and will us Hillwalk again.

In celebration of our honeymoon last summer, my wife and I did a seven-day “gentle” walk through the West of Ireland arranged by Hillwalk Tours, which included an additional day at the start of our excursion on the Aran Islands. This was my first time taking a tour of this type and my first time in Ireland. The entire tour was extremely well planned with detailed route maps, contact information and cultural and historical anecdotes about the region. All walks and connections to inns and trailheads went off without a hitch.
More importantly, the Irish countryside lived up to its reputation for beauty and grandeur (I am a professional photographer and have posted a gallery from my trip on my Facebook page) Upon arrival at our night’s lodging, we were greeted by an amiable host or hostess offering hot tea and fresh, warm scones and jam, a yummy treat at the end of a long walk.
Throughout the booking process, the staff of Hillwalk Tours were friendly, prompt and professional and managed the details of our tour without issue. The only glitch occurred at the hands of Aer Lingus, which lost our luggage and further bungled their service by taking 3 days to return it to us mid-walk. We did receive compensation for items we had to purchase. My advice: wear your boots and pack your rain gear and sweaters in your carry-ons.

Our Dingle Way 6-Day Moderate Tour in Ireland was one of our favorite vacations! Hillwalk Tours created an itinerary and agenda for our trip that detailed accommodations, luggage transfer, food options, and walking trails. The accommodations were extremely comfortable, and the hosts were so hospitable and welcoming. And it was such a treat to have our luggage transferred flawlessly, which allowed us to hike comfortably with only our immediate needs. The paths along the way were clearly chosen with great care, as they provided breathtaking views daily, and the hiking directions were carefully and thoroughly written. This was our favorite adventure yet, and we look forward to more trips with Hillwalk Tours.

My wife and I took a Hillwalk tour on the Dingle Peninsula in May, 2014 and had a fantastic experience in no small part because of Hillwalk's care in providing excellent materials to guide us along the way and in providing great B&B accommodations. There selection of hosts in Dingle, Ballyferriter, and Cuas could not have been better - hospitality, rooms, food, luggage transfer, and a couple unexpected local tours - all greatly appreciated.

We could not recommend Hillwalk any higher.