• Experience one of Japan’s most remote and rewarding journeys, the ‘Kumano Old Road’ in the Kumano Kodo Japan Self-Guided Trek!
• Trek this sacred pilgrimage trail once reserved for Emperors and Samurai
• Marvel at Nachi Falls, Japan’s highest single-drop waterfall 
• Visit all three of Kumano’s grand shrines: Hongū Grand Shrine, Nachi Grand Shrine, and Hayatama Grand Shrine
• Savour homemade meals made daily with fresh, local ingredients
• Experience shinrinyoku, (forest bathing) and unwind in soothing onsen hot springs
• Earn credentials to receive Dual Pilgrim status with the Camino de Santiago.

Overview

Embark on the Kumano Kodo, or the ‘Kumano Old Road’, which encompasses a network of ancient pilgrimage paths that crisscross the diverse landscapes of Japan’s Kii Peninsula. These sacred routes, with a history spanning over a millennium, have been traversed by individuals from every stratum of society—from peasants and craftsmen to nobles and emperors—symbolizing a journey accessible to all in pursuit of spiritual fulfillment. Moreover, the trails stretch across majestic mountain ranges and meander through verdant valleys, peppered with serene villages and vibrant spa towns renowned for their healing hot springs.

This ancient pilgrimage comprises several trails, including the Nakahechi, Kiiji, Iseji, Kohechi, and Ohechi. Specifically, our 6-day self-guided trek delves into the heart of this spiritual journey via the classic Nakahechi trail, ultimately culminating at the majestic Nachi Grand Shrine through the Ōgumotorigoe Pass. As you journey from village to village, the Kii Mountains unfold around you, believed to be a sacred location that serves as the home of the gods. Engage in shinrinyoku, or forest bathing, and feel the serenity of the deep, forested walks and otherworldly landscapes softly blanketed in fog. Furthermore, along the Kumano Kodo Japan Self-Guided Trek, relish the stunning mountain views, taste the region’s exceptional cuisine, unwind in soothing onsen hot springs, and visit all three of the Grand Shrines of Kumano.

You will be supported by our team in Kyoto, our local Chikatsuyu office, and by our bespoke turn-by-turn walking instructions and topographical maps to guide you on your way. Additionally, if you’ve trekked the Camino de Santiago, take advantage of the opportunity to achieve Dual Pilgrim status on our Kumano Kodō trek, or use this experience towards earning credentials on your future Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

Should you wish to extend your self-guided trip, you can combine this pilgrimage journey with the historic Nakasendo Trail—offering 3-day, 4-day, or 5-day treks—that connects Kyoto and Edo-period Tokyo.

• Walk village to village along the most charming sections of the ancient Nakasendō Trail in the Nakasendo Trail Japan Self-Guided Trek
• Follow in the footsteps of Samurai warriors on the Nakasendō Trail
• Soak in the thermal waters at a traditional hot spring ryokan
• Stand in awe of Matsumoto Castle, a ‘National Treasure’ and the oldest five-tiered, six-story castle tower remaining in Japan
• Explore the beautifully preserved villages of Magome, Tsumago, and Narai
• Travel by the world-famous bullet train from Tokyo to Nagoya.

Overview

The Nakasendo Trail Japan Self-Guided Trek invites you into the heart of Japan. Here, ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. This trek is more than a walk; it’s a journey through time on one of Japan’s historic pathways, the Nakasendō Trail. Originally, this was the northern mountain route between Tokyo and Kyoto. It featured 69 post towns, serving as stops where travelers could find food, lodging, and entertainment. Today, this route has been restored to highlight its historical significance from the Edo period (1603-1867). It offers an immersive glimpse into Japan’s pre-modern era.

Your adventure starts in the vibrant city of Tokyo. From there, you’ll take the iconic bullet train to Nagoya. This journey bridges the bustling capital with the serene landscapes of central Japan. A local bus ride to Magome transports you into a different era. This sets the stage for a deep connection to the paths once traveled by samurai, merchants, and nobles. The historic Nakasendo Trail connected Kyoto and Edo-period Tokyo, stretching 534km. Along the way, villages known as juku provided accommodation for weary travelers dating back to the seventh century.

You will walk ancient paved village paths and mountain trails between perfectly preserved Nakasendo post towns. These include Tsumago, Nojiri, Yabuhara, and Hirasawa. Each night, you will stay in small local minshuku or ryokan. Here, you will be welcomed as part of the family and enjoy warm hospitality. In Magome, Tsumago, and Narai, every stone path and wooden building tells stories of the past. This is thanks to the passionate conservation efforts by locals. Walking this trail, you connect with those who walked before you, feeling a sense of historical continuity.

The Nakasendo Trail Japan Self-Guided Trek offers more than a spiritual journey through the mountains. It is a deep engagement with culture, history, and the enduring spirit of Japan. It invites you to slow down and reflect. Absorb the beauty of nature and the legacy of human endeavor. This trek is not just a way to see Japan, but to feel it. Experience the respectful silence of the ancient roads and the preserved beauty of the juku towns. These towns have stood the test of time, preserving a rich history.

If you wish to extend your self-guided trip, you can combine this trek with the pilgrimage journey along The Kumano Kodō Trail. 

• Journey deep into the fjord system of Southern Greenland and discover the country’s most dramatic landscapes
• Witness glaciers in one of the world’s most wild, remote and awe-inspiring settings
• Hike to the summit of massif Niggu and take in the incredible views extending to the Greenlandic Ice Sheet
• Keep a look out for local wildlife – reindeers, ptarmigans or snow hares, foxes and eagles
• Wild camp on the edge of Kangersuneq peninsula by the beautiful ice fiord
• Sleep under a glistening stary sky listening to icebergs calve from mighty glaciers
• Fish for arctic char or forage for local herbs, mushrooms and berries to accompany home cooked meals
• Embrace the mountain lakes for a cold-water dip
• Hike to the only river in Greenland where the salmon come to spawn and learn to fish the traditional way
• Explore the traditional Greenlandic village of Kapisillit
• Learn about the Inuit culture and way of life
• Enjoy the best camp coffee in the world spiced up with stories from your local guide
• Receive a free Adventurous Ewe Water-To-Go bottle when you depart on this trip to minimise our plastic foot-print in Greenland!

Overview

The fjord systems of Southern Greenland are blessed with some of the most dramatic views the country has to offer – white mountains and green valleys, towering icebergs and landscapes in full bloom. Towns cling to its rocky coastline and vast glaciers slowly carve their way through the mountains. This is the place for a breath-taking adventure. Explore the depths of these fabulous fjords on a 5-day expedition that takes you through the second largest fiord system in the world by boat before hiking to a truly special place – Kangersuneq / the ice fiord! Here the Greenland ice cap meets the bottom of Nuuk fiord and fills it with thousands of years old ice. Hiking these vast landscapes and mountains, wild camping amid the raw ecological beauty whilst listening to the ice carving from the glaciers with a warm cup of coffee, sets the scene for one heck of a journey.

The weather conditions can be harsh & ever-changing while the people are friendly & welcoming; you’ll get an insight into daily life for the indigenous locals and learn about their fascinating culture. Plus, you’ll have the chance to fish and forage in traditional ways and enjoy homecooked meals in some of the most pristine wilderness settings on the planet. Plus you’ll have the  opportunity for some optional extensions of glacial SUP’ing, whale safari’s or coastal kayaking trips.

This is the perfect adventure for those seeking a remote expedition with no paths to follow and epic landscapes to set up camp. Undoubtedly your local guide will take you on a trip of a lifetime in a meaningful way with real connections to the pristine environment and the people that call it home.

• Discover one of the world’s greatest and purist wildernesses, the wild south of Argentina
• Witness chunks of ice shearing off the impressive natural wonder of the Perito Moreno Glacier
• Explore the rugged glacial landscape, snow-capped peaks and windswept grassy plains on foot
• Witness the colour changes on the granite peaks of Mount Fitzroy at sunrise 
• Be in awe of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the world’s third-largest continental ice sheet outside of Antarctica and Greenland
• Cap-off your adventure with world-class food and wine in the colourful Buenos Aires
• Join us for this thoughtfully crafted, unique and off the beaten track itinerary by Chief Ewe, Jim, following years of working in South America
• Private bubble trips available for groups over 8 people
• Free Water-to-Go bottle with every departure to eliminate our plastic footprint in such a pristine environment.

Overview

Patagonia, the ultimate destination in the pursuit of pure wilderness and awe-inspiring landscapes! On South America’s southern frontier, nature grows wild and the scenes are raw and dramatic. Spaces are vast, as are the silences that fill them. This backdrop sets the greatest stage for one heck of an adventure. Following years of guiding in South America, our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you will experience the pure ruggedness of Patagonia and more.

This is an essential trip for trekking enthusiasts to experience snow-capped sheer granite towers, sweeping glaciers, cascading waterfalls, stunning turquoise lakes and sprawling steppe-like plains stretching to the horizon.

This diverse itinerary will have you trek amidst some of the most jaw-dropping glaciers in the world. From the immense blue-hued natural wonder of Glaciar Perito Moreno to trekking the Tunel Glacier up to Paso Del Viento to witness one of THE most incredible wonders to behold in a lifetime – the colossal Patagonia Ice Field (the third biggest mass of ice in the world after Antarctica and Greenland).

Experience pristine wilderness camping in the shadows of sheer granite towers of the Mt Fitzroy Range. Take advantage of the perfect opportunity to marvel at the colour changes of this massif during sunrise and sunset. See guanacos roam and a few hardy gauchos tend their sheep, catch a glimpse of condors soaring in the sky and trek the Los Humules private reserve to catch a glimpse of the critically endangered Patagonian Huemul deer.

Throw in rich cultural traditions, world-class food and wine, the wild-west style town of El Chaltén and the colourful Buenos Aires. You’re in for an adventure of a lifetime.

The memories created with trekking Patagonia are endless. You’ll be sure to develop a deep love of the natural world and an appreciation of the rugged wildness.

• Experience the Dalai Lama Himalaya Trek a journey that goes deep into the heart & soul of India
• Encounter a vibrant mosaic of peoples, cultures & communities, criss-crossed by ancient trading & pilgrimage routes 
• Journey on an overnight train from Delhi to Pathankot
• Visit the hillside city of Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile
• Trek through yak pastures to prayer flag-strewn passes, cross alpine pastures with wildflowers & medicinal plants
• Trek age-old trading routes in the Uhl valley, immersed in the shadows of some of the world’s highest peaks
• Smell the oak & rhododendron forests along an ancient trading route towards Haribag Pass (2,500m)
• Walk alongside shepherds & friendly village locals to cross the Sun Pass (2,700m)
• Keep a close lookout for the diverse Himalayan wildlife & birdlife – the Himalayan griffin vulture, monal, golden eagle and the lammergeier
• Witness the nomadic lifestyle of the Gaddis (Himalayan shepherds) and enjoy home cooked meals
• Wake up beneath the snow-capped summits basking in the early morning sun with a cup of delicious Himalayan tea
• Catch a once-in-a-lifetime visit of what is widely considered the most beautiful building in the world, the Taj Mahal.

• Amalfi – this medieval town is the largest on the coast and home to stunning architecture, including the Amalfi Cathedral and Piazza Dante
• Trek the Path of the Gods – the most famous and scenic hiking trail on the Amalfi coast
• Experience the picturesque town Positano known for its colourful houses and charming narrow streets
• Take in the sights from the hilltop town of Ravello with views of the coastline and its beautiful gardens, including the famous Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo
• Relax with a day trip to the Island of Capri with a choice of walks including a beautiful coastal trail wander via the famous Blue Grotto
• Enhance your walks with a refreshing swim in one of the beautiful coves
• Sample the best Amalfitano Limoncello made with St Teresa lemons, a lemon variety native to the Sorrento Peninsula of Italy
• Choose your very own trip date between April – December
• Receive a complimentary Water-To-Go bottle when you depart on this trip to minimise our plastic foot-print in Italy!

Overview

A self-guided walking holiday is a great ways to get under the skin of Italy’s diverse landscapes, and there is no finer coastal trail than the Amalfi Coast. This self-guided trek gives you the chance to explore this picture-perfect region at your own pace on foot while having all the necessary tools and information beforehand: the route notes, places of interest, accommodation and transport all accessible through an easy and intuitive app.

This is your chance to discover a true Italian gem, the Amalfi Coast in the region of Campania.

A UNESCO world heritage site steeped in maritime history; island hop across turquoise waters, walk the ‘path of the gods’, marvel at the beautiful clifftop villages, and savour some of the freshest seafood in the world –  the scialatielli ai frutti di mare is not to be missed!

Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your luggage will be transferred with ease and a good night’s rest awaits at each of the family run hotels enroute. 

Why go Self-Guided:

FLEXIBILITY
You get to choose your very own trip date between April – October. Take advantage of low-cost flights or make the most of your precious leave by arranging travel around a Bank Holiday or a weekend.

YOU CHOOSE THE PACE
Travelling independently gives you the freedom to go at your own pace and stop where you wish to sample local food & drinks.

PICK YOUR TRAVEL BUDDIES
You let us know who would like to go with, and we’ll arrange the rest. For cost purposes these trips are best with a minimum of 2 people. Solo trips can be arranged and feel free to contact us for more info.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE DESTINATION
Stop at places that take your interest, linger in a local market, savour your coffee or chat with the locals.

SAMPLE THE LOCAL FOOD
Time to indulge in all the local delicacies. Find the best ice cream, sample the finest cellar door wines or enjoy locally famed cuisine.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Relax in the knowledge that we have made all your arrangements for your self-guided walking holiday. From your starting point to your departure, we have it covered. We handpick your accommodation, transport your bags each day and provide you with all the route details and information you need to have a fantastic trekking journey. And don’t forget, a self-guided adventure doesn’t mean you’re all on your own. The local team is only a phone call away to offer a helping hand, should you need it.