What is a self-guided walk?

A self-guided walking holiday is for those who like the freedom to walk at their own pace and with their own chosen companions - or, of course, on their own.

Cam High Road in the Yorkshire Dales
Cam High Road - Yorkshire Dales

Whether it's a long-distance trail like the Dales Way, the Coast to Coast or the Cumbria Way that you're looking for, or a tailor-made route, we're confident that you'll get an unrivalled level of service from a Knobbly Stick self-guided walking holiday.


You tell us what sort of walk you want to do, and we provide you with everything you need to complete the route without worry or hassle. We sort out and book your accommodation, arrange baggage transfer (if you need it), and we give you maps, guide books, route notes, and all the local and emergency information you might need.


All you have to do is decide what kind of walk you want, leave all the arranging and organizing to us, and then just turn up and enjoy the walk!



Do you want to walk in the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, or the Loire Valley in France?

St. John's
St Johns in the Vale, Lake District

Do you want a well-known trail like the Dales Way, the Coast to Coast, or the Cumbria Way?


Or, do you want a tailor-made self-guided holiday?


Do you want leisurely walking, or a challenge?


How many days' walking do you want?


What sort of accommodation are you looking for - hotel, pub, B&B, farmhouse?


We never organise a self-guided walking holiday without giving you the chance to contact us and talk through with us what exactly you're looking for. After all, how else are you going to get exactly the walking holiday you want?


Dales way

An ideal long distance walk if you're new to the game, or if you're visiting northern England for the first time. 78 miles of great, usually not too strenuous, walking or hiking.dales way details

Coast to coast

Basically the now world famous Wainwright route. This is quite a serious proposition, simply because it's long (190 miles) and covers some hilly terrain. You do have to be quite fit and determined to undertake it, but it's a wonderful ramble, and well worth the effort.coast to coast details

Cumbria way

68 miles from the south to the north of Cumbria, passing through the Lake District. A gem of a walk - do it in 5 days - or more if you want and take in a few diversions.cumbria way details

Railway walk

Settle to Kirkby Stephen - 4 days of really interesting walking along (or rather near) the first half of one of the most famous sections of railway line in the world. A connoisseur's delight, and an easier (and a lot shorter) alternative to the Pennine Way. About 40 miles long, with a longest day of 14 miles, plus 7 train rides.railway walk details

tailor made

You make the decisions here - as easy or as hard as you want. Just tell us what you want to do, and we'll sort it out for you! The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, or even the Loire Valley in France.tailor made details