New walking tours celebrate St George’s Day

England’s patron saint will be celebrated around the county this week as tour operator Headwater marks St George’s Day with the launch of two new independent walking tours in Southern England.

It has been suggested that 2009 will be the year of the ‘Staycation’, the time to explore and find out more about this island we live on. Holidays are firmly on everyone’s agenda and according to published research the British public is not willing to cut back on holidays completely and will look to taking advantage of holidays closer to home. Patriotic walkers can now travel with Headwater for a Southern England experience.

These inspirational holidays feature glorious walks through the heart of quintessential English villages and holidays are suitable for even the most occasional walkers whilst alternative more challenging routes are available and suited to those who are used to walking all day.

The six day ‘Classic Cotswold’ Independent circular walking tour allows guests to walk from hotel-to hotel starting by the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ passing through Winchcombe, Broadway and back along the Roman Fosse Way to Bourton.

Headwater’s independent linear walk ‘Heart of England’ takes in some of England's finest historic sights between Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon, Chipping Norton, Woodstock and the final stretch leads to Oxford’s legendary spires and dozens of world-famous historic colleges. There is accommodation to suit all budgets with a choice between friendly, great value B&B options or more luxuriously appointed hotels.

Catherine Crone, MD at Headwater says, “You can choose from flexible any day departures, staying at hand-picked country inns and historic hotels oozing with charm deep in the English countryside. You can travel at your own pace; setting off whenever you are ready, choosing when and where to stop for lunch and planning the day around your own personal agenda.

“Extra nights can be added on, or removed to suit time poor individuals. Incase anyone has doubts about getting lost don’t worry as Headwater provides comprehensive step by step, easy-to-read walking route notes giving walkers the confidence of always knowing where they are!”

Classic Cotswolds walking tour, prices start from £470 per adult, for six days (five nights) on a bed and breakfast basis in four stylish hotels with daily luggage transfers from hotel-to-hotel and arrival and departure transfers. Available daily from 01 May 2009 to 31 October 2009. For more information and reservations, visit headwater.com.

The Heart of England walking tour, prices start from £399 per adult, for six days (five nights) on a bed and breakfast basis in four standard hotels with daily luggage transfers from hotel-to-hotel and arrival and departure transfers. The luxury accommodation is available from £510. Available daily from 01 May 2009 to 31 October 2009. Book online at headwater.com.