Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays Reviews 65

TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.8

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We had a wonderful time on the nine-day Western Way hike. The two days on Innismor in the Aran Islands are a must and a good break-in to the rest of the hikes. All day's walks were easily do-able le... See more

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Rated 4 out of 5 stars

And so it's here 22nd August 2015. All the training hiking & walks has been for this. We did Sierra to Santiago de Compostela in 2013 now we were on our own turf. Sunday morning start Glenmalure to... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Lovely experiences (we've walked with them 3 times!) I'd particularly recommend the Dingle walk, but all of our trips have had very nice accommodations and amazing scenery. The booking process is ver... See more

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Company details

  1. Tour Operator
  2. Cultural Tours Provider
  3. Travel Agency

Information provided by various external sources

An award-winning hiking tour operator, Hillwalk Tours offer self-guided hiking trips in Ireland and the UK. Our walking holidays take you to some of the most beautiful hiking trails across Ireland, Scotland and England and, along the way, you will stay in B&B's that have been carefully hand-picked for their warmth, hospitality and comfort.


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4.8

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

65 reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful walk

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.

June 25, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Hi Svein,

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us a review - we really appreciate it. We are delighted that you enjoyed your time along the West Highland Way! We do try to pick the best B&Bs for our walkers along the route, and we are glad you enjoyed your stay in each of them. We hope that this will not be your last tour with us, and we look forward to helping you organise another memorable holiday at some point in the future!
Best Wishes,
Joanne & All at Hillwalk Tours

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Beara 7-day Gentle Hiking Tour (plus 2 extra days)

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.

June 24, 2015
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Hi Kate,
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us a review. We really appreciate it. We are so happy that you enjoyed your time in Ireland, and we sincerely hope that this will not be your last trip to the Emerald Isle! We are glad to have been a part of your holiday, and we look forward to hearing from you again in the future for another tour!
Best Wishes,
Joanne & All at Hillwalk Tours

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Walks in Scotland and Ireland

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

May 18, 2015
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Francis, it's lovely to hear back from you! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us feedback, we really appreciate it.

We're delighted to know that you had such an enjoyable holiday in both Ireland and Scotland. The two countries certainly do have a lot to offer (besides the rain!). We look forward to hearing from you again in the future for another tour, and in the meantime, we hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!

All the best,
Joanne & All at Hillwalk Tours

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Hillwalk helped make my Scotland trip one of my favorite vacations.

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.

April 15, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Thanks for the review Nishant - would love to have you back on another walking tour sometime

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Hillwalk Tours Irish Gem

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!

April 15, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

We spend a lot of time picking the right B&B's so it's really great to hear that you liked them! Thanks Stefania

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

A bright walk in early spring

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.

April 15, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Thanks for the review Viveca. Sometimes, due to the rural nature of our walks, B&B availability in certain villages can be tricky so, for this reason, we will provide transfers to and from the village so the walking tour can go ahead as planned. We are also quite choosy about which B&B's we work with so that might be why we arranged a transfer in this instance. In any case, I'm glad you enjoyed the walking holiday - we don't get enough walker from Sweden so be sure to tell your friends about us ;)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

West Highland Way

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.

April 15, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Thanks Teresa - glad you enjoyed your trip and we look forward to organising your next one!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent job Hillwalk!

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.

April 15, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

A good breakfast is very important for a walker so I'm happy to hear the food was both plentiful and delicious. We look forward to planning your next walking trip.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Time

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

April 14, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Thanks for the feedback Tom and glad your group had a nice time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Vacation

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.

April 14, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

You picked two fantastic walking trails Adrian - hard to beat the scenery on those hikes. Perhaps you'll try one of our England walking tours next - Hadrian's Wall Path is a beauty.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Trip

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!

April 14, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

We would love to organise walking holidays in North America in the future... but one step at a time! I just watched a film with Reese Witherspoon recently and some of the scenery on the Pacific Crest Trail is awe-inspiring. Thanks for the review - love to have you back this side of the water again sometime.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Would gladly go on a Hillwalk Tour again!

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!!

April 14, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Good work tackling the Dingle Way at 50 Sarah - that's a good achievement! Glad you had such a nice time - if you liked the nice B&B's in that part of the world, I reckon you and your daughter would get on really well on our Kerry Way or Beara Way tours also!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A perfect way to visit Ireland

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.

April 13, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Thanks for the review Mette and glad you enjoyed your walk along the Kerry Way. It's a bit different from the scenery in Denmark I imagine! We look forward to your next trip with us :)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Ireland in May with Hillwalk Tours

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.

April 12, 2015
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Glad you had such a wonderful time Mark - you hit the nail on the head about forgetting all your cares and just walking and enjoying the scenery. That's what it's all about - look forward to putting your Scotland trip together.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend Hillwalk

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.

April 12, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Always nice to hear that our tours compare favourably with those of our competitors. Thanks Bob!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

West Ireland Walk - July 2014

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.

April 12, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Delighted that you and your wife Tova had an enjoyable honeymoon in Ireland despite the hiccup with Aer Lingus. Happy to learn that you were eventually compensated.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic company and wonderful vacation!

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.

April 11, 2015
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Thanks for the review Jordan - we look forward to your next Hillwalk Tours trip also!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great walk - great care

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.

April 11, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Thanks for your kind words Rick - our B&B owners in Dingle will be glad to hear how happy you and your wife were with their service

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A fantastic hiking holiday in Ireland.

I hiked the Dingle Way and Kerry Way with Hillwalk Tours last year and it was a fantastic trip in every way! All of the B and B's were lovely with personable and knowledgeable hosts. Breakfasts were varied and excellent. Suggested restaurants for dinners were helpful and very good. Our luggage arrived without fail at each of the B and B's. Trail maps and hiking directions were excellent. It was a wonderful experience to do self-guided hiking with the assistance of Hillwalk Tours. I am now considering hiking Scotland using Hillwalk Tours again. They are great and all was perfect!

April 10, 2015
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Hi Sharon - I know you have been in touch with us already about a trip to Scotland this year. We don't do the Outer Hebrides or the Isle of Skye currently but perhaps the West Highland Way might be of interest to you? See www.hillwalktours.com/hiking-scotland or contact us at info@hillwalktours.com if you have any other questions.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful trip!

I was eager to go to Scotland one day. Last summer I started searching for the group tour, but during the googling for the route I found Hillwalk Tours and I realized that it's not necessary to walk in the group - I can do it myself accompanied by the friend of mine (I had't thought about it before). It suited me very much as one doesn't need to wait for somebody or to hurry following the guide. But I worried about organisation (if it's possible to buy the tour from Russia) and if I can find the route using map and description in English.
Actually there was no reason to worry! From the very first letters to HT till the end of the trip I felt that everything was well organized and people there really thought about my comfort!
Together with my friend we chose West Highland Way for 7 days - the most popular route and there wasn't any problem of the way! The bookings were made in good places and the transport was on time. We enjoyed the journey very much and I recommended HT to everybody who asked me about this active type of vacation.

April 10, 2015
Unprompted review
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Reply from Hillwalk Tours - Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Hey Polina, we would love to have more Russian walkers so we're delighted to hear you are spreading the word about Hillwalk Tours in your home country! Thanks!

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