Transfers replace hire cars on new ‘car free’ walking holidays

Upland Escapes, which specialises in independent walking holidays in remote upland areas of Europe, has devised two new styles of holiday.

Previously, there’s been a choice between 'original' escapes, which depart on set dates and include packed lunches and some guided walks, and cheaper 'no frills' escapes without the support services.

New this year, there will also be an ‘original car free’ option, which offers local group transfers, so you don’t need a hire car.

“Clients who prefer not to drive, and who wish to minimize their carbon footprint, can take advantage of these group transfers, but every other aspect of their holiday remains independent,” explains director Laura Whinney.

A new ‘no frills hosted’ option has also been added, which adds the support of a locally-based Upland Manager to the lower-cost holidays.

Upland Escapes features walking holidays in France, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Gran Canaria and Wales, and all of its destinations, with the exception of Gran Canaria, can be reached by rail in 24 hours or less. The company says the number of people choosing the train over air travel has increased significantly since the company began in 2006, rising from 2% in that first year to almost a fifth this year. All car hire carbon emissions are offset, and customers are also encouraged to offset their train and air journeys.

Upland Escapes also supports remote, local communities by buying local produce, and staying in small-scale, low-impact accommodation.