FAQ
How do I book?
You can book online or by telephoning our office on: 017687 72335. For overseas dialling: 00 44 17687 72335. Our offices are open between 9am-8pm Monday to Friday & 9am-5:30pm on Saturday.
To secure your booking we require a 20% deposit, with the final balance being due no later than 8 weeks before departure.
What happens next?
Once we receive your booking and deposit, we will send you confirmation of your booking, which you need to check promptly to make sure we have understood your requirements correctly. We will then go ahead and book all your accommodation and complete the booking. We will contact you as soon as all the accommodation has been secured so you can make your additional holiday and travel plans. We will contact you immediately if we experience any difficulty with the booking.
Approximately 8 weeks before your holiday, we will contact you to ask for the final balance. Once the final balance has been paid, we will send you your complete holiday pack. This will be sent to you within 1 week of receiving full payment.
Can I book extra nights / rest days?
Yes you can add an extra night or rest day anywhere on your holiday (subject to availability). There is a charge for this.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance prior to your holiday with us. Even if you are travelling within the UK, the right travel insurance will protect your payments if you have to cancel your holiday, or the cost of assistance, including repatriation, in the event of accident, illness or death. For some good advice from ABTA see here
Do I need a Visa or Passport?
You must ensure you have all the necessary passport, visa and other immigration documentation required to travel on one of our holidays. Please see our Visas & Passports section beneath for details.
Can I change the dates of my holiday after I have booked?
We advise our clients to be sure of the size of party and dates of travel before committing to a booking. However, if you do have to amend a booking, we will do our best to accommodate the changes (dependent on availability). Once the booking has been accepted and/or booked, then any further changes can incur an amendment fee of up to £25 per person per night, plus any increased costs.
What happens if I have to cancel?
If you do have to cancel your holiday please let us know as soon as you can. Cancellation of a booking must be confirmed in writing by the person who made the booking. Cancellation charges will be made according to this schedule:
- Cancellation more than 56 days before the start of your holiday: 20% of the total cost with a minimum of £30.00 per person.
- Cancellation more than 21 days before the start of your holiday: 50% of the total cost.
- Cancellation more than 14 days before the start of your holiday: 75% of the total cost.
- Cancellation 14 days or less before the start of your holiday: 100% of the total cost.
Sorry, but no refund can be given for cancellation on the day the holiday starts or whilst on holiday. We recommend cancellation insurance to cover this eventuality.
When are your holidays available?
Our holidays are available between March and early November. We are sometimes able to offer holidays during the winter, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Do I have to start my holiday on a certain day of the week?
You can choose when you would like to start your holiday, on any day of the week.
How should I prepare for the trip?
As all of our holidays are active, we would recommend that you do some regular walking prior to your holiday, that way you will get maximum enjoyment.
It is really important to make sure your footwear is comfortable and “broken in” (if new), as you could be doing some long days and don’t want to experience blisters.
Can I walk alone?
Many outdoor professionals would advise you against going out in the mountains or remote countryside – a problem could occur and you could experience difficulty being on your own. However, many people undertake these trips alone and thoroughly enjoy the experience.
If you do decide to do a route by yourself, please ensure you are properly equipped and sufficiently experienced.
Do you cater for children?
Many children aged 6 and above have enjoyed our walks, but they do need to be fit and have the right equipment and clothing. We are unable to offer any discounts as B&Bs will charge us the same, but we can try and book accommodation where a family room is available, which tends to be more cost effective. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate babies.
Using public transport to and from your holiday
Summary information on public transport to the beginning and end of each route is displayed on our holiday webpages. We are happy to offer advice and guidance on your transport arrangements – please get in touch.
Parking
We can usually arrange parking for your vehicle at the start or end of your holiday. Parking is at your own risk and will sometimes be “on street” parking. Usually there is a small charge made and this needs to be settled with the proprietor on your arrival.
Weather
Any time between the beginning of May and the end of September tends to be a good time to walk in the UK. You are likely to encounter a mixture of weather at any time of the year, so it is always worth bringing waterproofs and suntan lotion!
Guided tours
Unfortunately we do not offer guided tours.
Travel agents
We are happy to work with bona fide travel agents and tour operators. Please contact us for further details.
Do I need to book any accommodation at the start of the trail the night before I start walking, or at the end after I’ve finished walking?
No, the holiday price includes accommodation the night before you start walking, and at the end of the holiday when you have finished.
What kind of accommodation do you use?
We use a variety of accommodation on our routes, including small country house hotels, guest houses in market towns, bed and breakfasts in farm houses, country cottages and Victorian town houses. Occasionally we may use a chain hotel. In selecting our accommodation we always look for helpful, friendly hosts with good quality accommodation close to the trail. The vast majority of our accommodation is 4 star guest accommodation or above, and is usually en suite (private bathroom).
What meals are provided?
As standard we provide breakfast as part of your booking. This will be a choice of full cooked breakfast or continental.
On some routes we can also arrange packed lunches to be provided for each day’s walk by the accommodation. These are optional.
Where do I have my evening meals?
We will normally arrange your accommodation near to local pubs and restaurants, and we will give you details and recommendations in your itinerary. Where there isn’t a decent eating place nearby, we will either book you a meal at the accommodation, or we will arrange transport to a nearby pub or restaurant.
I’m a vegetarian, can you cater for this?
Yes. Vegetarian meals are always available and more restricted diets can usually be catered for. If you do have stricter dietary requirements, please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
How do I pay for the holiday?
You can pay online using our secure website and by using a debit or credit card. Alternatively we can take the same details over the telephone, or you can send a cheque through the post, made payable to ‘Mickledore Travel Ltd’. Please note we do not take American Express. You can also pay us by bank transfer, please get in touch if you wish to pay into our bank account.
How much is the single supplement?
The supplement for a single room is a minimum of £55 per person per night (dependent upon route of choice). If you are travelling with other people and are prepared to share a triple room, we can sometimes book these rooms, where no supplement would be charged. If you are travelling alone there is an additional luggage supplement on some, but not all of our routes. The single supplement entitles you to a single room of your own, but not necessarily a double or twin room, and not necessarily ensuite. (We will of course endeavour to book en suite rooms wherever possible.)
Does Mickledore protect my payments?
Yes, Mickledore Travel are members of ABTOT.
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Mickledore Travel, member number 5695, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for:
• Non-flight packages
ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if transportation was included in your package. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Mickledore Travel.
In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.
You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634/contents/made
You can find out more about ABTOT here: https://www.abtot.com/
Balance Payments
We send an email a week before the balance is due, reminding you of the final amount and the payment date together with a secure payment link. If you would like to pay your balance early just get in touch and we will email you the details. We dispatch the holiday pack on receipt of the balance (up to 3 months in advance).
Holiday pack
You will be posted a holiday pack once we have received the balance (normally 8 weeks before the start of your holiday). Your holiday pack comprises:
Your itinerary with details of each night’s accommodation; information on your evening meals, as well as luggage transport and transfers, (where applicable).
Directions and detailed maps to each accommodation.
A guidebook (except for the North Lakes Traverse, Settle to Carlisle Way, Vale of Lorton and Westmorland Way for which you will get a route description) which describes the route in detail, and covers the whole route with a series of maps, as well as providing a wealth of background information.
Map(s) which cover the entire route(s).
Luggage Tags (if luggage transport booked) which the luggage courier will use to identify your bags.
Information on local facilities, such as cafes and other recommended places to eat, cash points, taxi companies, etc.
We supply one holiday pack per booking and this will be posted to the person that made the booking. Extra packs can be purchased at £30 per pack. Please contact us a minimum of 6 weeks in advance if you require an extra pack. We are happy to email any party member the itinerary if required (on receipt of balance).
Guidebooks and maps
As part of the standard charge we will issue the following:
- 1 guidebook and map for up to 4 people.
- 2 guidebooks and maps for 5-7 people.
- 3 guidebooks and maps for 8 people or more.
You may purchase extra copies from us at a discounted price.
Do you carry/move our luggage between each overnight stop?
If you book the luggage transport option then we will move 1 piece of luggage per person, usually up to 18 Kilos in weight, transported between your B&B’s as part of this price. On some routes the weight limit may be less, but we will advise you if this is the case. If you leave your luggage at your accommodation in the morning, it will be waiting for you on arrival at the B&B that evening. Any extra bags can be transported (at an additional charge) as long as they are pre-booked.
We also offer a storage service for extra luggage not needing to be transported for this holiday. Please contact us for a quotation.
I’m afraid we do not offer a luggage service on its own.
What do I have to carry?
If you are having your luggage transported, then all you need to carry is a small day sack to hold your waterproofs, personal items, packed lunch, map, guidebook and camera.
What do I need to bring?
We have produced a list of items to bring. We like to advise our clients to always be prepared for all weathers, at all times of year.
- Walking boots – these should be comfortable and well broken in.
- Several pairs of breathable walking socks.
- Mittens/gloves.
- Warm hat and/or sun hat.
- Raincoat – waterproof, windproof and breathable, and with a good hood.
- Waterproof overtrousers.
- Base layers – worn next to skin, made from a wicking fabric such as synthetic fibres or merino wool.
- Jacket – softshell or synthetic insulation to wear on cold, dry days.
- Mid layer – fleece or light weight synthetic insulation.
- Walking trousers – technical fabric, softshell in colder conditions. Avoid denim and cotton.
- Shorts and t-shirt – again made from technical fabrics. Avoid cotton t-shirts.
- Leisure clothing for the evening.
- Small day sack (20-30L) for carrying your personal items, ideally with a liner and waterproof cover.
- First aid kit, including insect repellent, sunscreen, blister kits, pain relief and assorted bandages.
- Water bottle.
- Map case.
- Compass.
- Torch with spare batteries.
- Whistle.
- Sunglasses.
- Walking poles, if you already use these.
- GPS device, if you already use one.
We are outdoor enthusiasts ourselves and several members of our team have outdoor retail experience, please don’t hesitate to get in touch should have any questions regarding kit.
How do I get to the start of the holiday and back from the end?
We will provide you with information and guidance on how to get to the start of your holiday, but you will need to make the actual arrangements yourself.
What documentation do I need to visit the UK?
Please note that you must ensure you have all the necessary passport, visa and other immigration documentation required to travel on one of our holidays. In particular, please note the new requirement to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for all visitors to the UK (including the Channel Islands). This includes those who, prior to 2nd April 2025, did not need a visa for short stays. Anyone travelling from outside the UK should check the UK government advice and requirements for their own nationality, using the link below. The same is true of anyone travelling to Ireland (see separate link below). As always, we recommend that you also check your own government’s travel advice regarding travel to the UK and Ireland prior to departure.
Your passport, visa and other immigration/entry requirements are your responsibility, so please do check everything carefully. Mickledore do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration/entry requirements.
Entering the UK or Republic of Ireland – Useful links
Check if you need a visa or ETA to enter the UK (including the Channel Islands)
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
Check if you need a visa to enter the Republic of Ireland
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/
What you can do as a “standard visitor” to the UK (including the Channel Islands)
https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor
To apply for a Standard Visitor Visa for the UK
https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa
To apply for an ETA for the UK
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
To apply for an Irish tourist visa
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/how-to-apply-for-a-short-stay-c-visit-tourist-visa/
What do I need to know before travelling to Ireland?
Foreign Travel Advice
The UK government issues official travel advice for anyone travelling to Ireland. For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click here
Passport and Visa Requirements
UK residents do not legally require a passport to travel to Ireland, thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA). However, most airlines and ferry operators will ask for valid photo identification, such as a passport or driving licence, so it’s essential to check with your carrier before travelling. UK residents do not need a visa to visit Ireland.
For information on the British Embassy in Dublin please click here
For further information on passports and visa requirements from the UK Government, please click here
Anyone travelling from abroad should check foreign travel advice, passport and visa requirements, as well as information on embassies, issued by their own government.
Health Requirements
There are no compulsory health requirements or vaccinations for UK residents travelling to Ireland. Similarly, there are no compulsory health requirements for visitors from Europe, America, or other countries, however, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine vaccinations recommended in their home country. Further travel health advice can be found here
We can accommodate dogs on some, but not all of our routes. We currently have dog friendly itineraries on:
- Cleveland Way
- Cumbria Way
- Hadrian’s Wall
- Herriot Way
- Inn Way to the Lake District
- North Norfolk Coast Path
- Settle to Carlisle Way
- The Ridgeway
There’s much to consider when taking your dog on a walking holiday and we’ve tried to cover this on our page Walking With Your Dog where you can also see further information on the dog friendly itineraries we offer.