Headwater
Headwater are the leading specialists in self-guided holidays since 1985. Each itinerary allows you to travel from place to place at your own pace and showcases the best regional highlights, historical sights, gastronomic cuisine and culture.
In 1985, Richard and Christine Bass turned their passion into a business from their kitchen table. With over 35 years of creating expertly crafted routes, Headwater has expanded its collection to include over 200 exhilarating walking, cycling, mixed-activity and snow trips. Designed to take you to the heart of each destination, our holidays create unforgettable moments with the people you love.
Why Travel with Headwater?
Not only do we guarantee expertly crafted routes, characterful accommodations, fantastic local cuisine experiences and excellent customer service, but we also ensure that our sustainable holidays give back more to nature than they take.
- Expertly Crafted Routes – We’ve spent over three decades creating and fine-tuning our itineraries, showing you the best parts of a destination while taking you off the tourist trails, so you walk away with a truly authentic experience.
- Hand-picked Accommodation – Rest assured we carefully source the finest, friendliest and most charming hotels and characterful accommodations, which can include French chateaux, historic castles, rustic cave suites and cherished, family-run hotels.
- Unbeatable Personal Service – From the moment you make your enquiry to the day you return from your holiday; you will experience an unmatched personal service from our Headwater specialists and hoteliers. We take care of you every step of the way.
- Sustainable Holidays – We’re proud to be the first tour operator to set the goal of becoming Nature Net Positive by 2024, with our Nature First commitment. Through this, we aim to continue supporting nature restoration projects, half our carbon footprint and eliminate as much waste as possible from our trips.
Ask an advisor
Speak to a Silver Travel Advisor for advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect holiday.
Destinations
Key Destinations
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gozo, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Vietnam, UK
Self-Guided
Travel from place to place at your own pace. Take the lead with your comprehensive route directions and decide whether you want to linger longer in places of interest – the choice is yours.
Guided
Our guided walking holidays are perfect for people who want an escorted walking tour in a small group of like-minded people. Enjoy learning from our local guides and share a moment with some new friends.
Walking Holidays
From gentle coastal walks in Madeira to more challenging treks among the jagged limestone peaks in the Italian Dolomites, our walking routes are as varied and beautiful as the landscapes you’ll encounter.
Cycling Holidays
With our comprehensive route directions, Headwater Navigation App and detailed maps, our relaxing cycling holidays offer great scope for independent exploring, while covering more distance.
Mixed-activity
On a selection of our trips, you can enjoy a mix of activities that enhance your holiday experience, from walking, cycling and canoeing on the French Dordogne to skiing and snowshoeing in Norway.
Snow Holidays
Enjoy gentle activities like snowshoeing or try your hand at cross-country skiing, dog sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides and tobogganing in spectacular winter landscapes.
Family Holidays
With family activity trips in Austria, France and Spain, rest assured our itineraries will keep your kids entertained, from canoeing on the Dordogne to taking refreshing dips in Austrian lakes.
Special Offers
Save £100
Enjoy £100 off your next trip by using our discount code SILVERTRAVEL22 at time of booking.
For more details on this offer, please call 0800 412 5678 or
We regularly receive special offers and discounts from our travel partners.
For the latest offers and a bespoke quotation, speak to our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678.
