Whats new for ramblers?
Among the new offerings from the specialist operator Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (01707 331 133; www.ramblersholidays.co.uk) is an easy-paced week on the Italian island of Elba, where Napoleon spent his first period of exile. Prices start at 596: Napoleon, one presumes, got to stay there for nothing. The company’s UK arm, Ramblers Countrywide Holidays (01707 386 800; www.ramblerscountrywide.co.uk) has new walking tours in the Trossachs of Perthshire, Snowdonia, Cornwall and the Lake District. A week’s hike of the 55-mile St Cuthbert’s Way, stretching from Melrose in the Scottish Borders to Lindisfarne off the coast of Northumberland, including half-board accommodation, picnic lunches, transfers and the services of a tour guide, costs 639. I’d like to learn something new on holiday next year Join the club. Themed, special-interest holidays are gaining ground at the expense of “fly and flop” breaks. Andante Travels (01722 713 800; >www.andantetravels.co.uk) has a dozen new tours lined up