They organised/planned everything for me. Kept me informed. Looked into and adapted all changes etc I wanted to make. Responded to my emails quickly ie either that day or next day. As a solo female... See more
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Review summary
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What people talk about most
Reviews shaping this summary
This was our second trip through Headwater and once again, the booking was easy and we were kept well informed prior to departure. The travel arrangements went smoothly, hotels were of a good standard... See more
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Wonderful cycle holiday in Mallorca. Headwater quickly organised our trip as we were booking last minute. Friendly service. The cycles were good quality and well serviced. All transfers and luggage mo... See more
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This was our third Headwater holiday, the route and hotels were very good with plenty of options for eating. The Majorca cycling lanes are wonderfully relaxing and in spring there is a lot of col... See more
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Company details
- Tour Operator
- also in
- Travel Agency
Written by the company
Since 1985, Headwater Holidays has expertly planned independent and self-guided holidays, perfect for those who love to explore breathtaking destinations at their own pace. With over 300 trips in more than 30 countries, we specialise in cycling and walking holidays, as well as canoeing, cross-country skiing, and multi-activity adventures. From scenic UK breaks to breathtaking European escapes and further afield, our holidays are designed for active travellers looking for authentic experiences. We take care of all the details—flights, transfers, luggage handling, charming local accommodation, and meticulously planned routes via our navigation app—so you can simply enjoy the journey. Whether you're cycling through vineyards, walking along coastal trails, or opting to do all on a multi-activity adventure, Headwater active holidays ensures a seamless and enriching experiential travel experience. Perfect for those who appreciate freedom with support, our trips offer the best of both worlds—independence with expert planning. Our goal is to create unforgettable experiences that perfectly align with our customers' expectations—seamlessly delivering tailor-made holidays with the ease and simplicity of an off-the-shelf getaway.
Contact info
Unit 1, CW9 5HB, Northwich, United Kingdom
- 01606720021
- headwater@customerservices.com
- www.headwater.com
4.5
Excellent
186 reviews
No recent history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 1 week
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Puglia Cycling Trip
We had a fantastic holiday and everything was very well organised. We were really happy with the whole experience and would definitely book with Headwater again.
October 15, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
It’s wonderful to hear you had such a fantastic holiday in Puglia and were so happy with the whole experience. Thank you for your kind feedback, and we look forward to helping you plan your next Headwater adventure!
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Great customer service
Great customer experience and interesting cycle routes offered in many countries
October 24, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for your kind feedback! It’s great to hear you enjoyed the service and our range of cycling routes. We hope to see you on another trip soon!
We booked a cycle holiday to Bavaria…
We booked a cycle holiday to Bavaria with Headwater. The holiday was fine but the travel instructions were lamentable, causing us to spend a lot more on train fares than needed and finding that despite their advice, taxis were not available from the train station to our hotel.
We requested a 35 euro per person refund for the excess train fares we paid and despite raising a formal complaint, our request was declined. Having been loyal customers for decades, disappointment is an understatement.
August 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear of your disappointment, especially as a long-standing customer. We do provide detailed travel instructions within our holiday documentation, and in this instance the information provided for the train journey was correct. We carefully reviewed your concerns through our complaints process and, while we were unable to refund the additional fares, we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
Headwater Holidays: Experience with self-guided cycling tour of the Italian Lombardy Lakes Region
We did the Lombardy Lakes cycling tour in early September 2026 and the bike trip experience was the worst I have ever had. The eBikes and touring bikes we were provided were NOT SAFE! They were of ill repair. We had daily calls into Headwater for repairs, swap outs, we were stranded a few times out on our routes and had to navigate to local repair shops so we could complete our day rides. Accommodations were inconsistent with regard to comfort and cleanliness. At the Nuovo Hotel I awoke to ants crawling all over my room and my bed. DO NOT EVER USE THIS COMPANY. They provided us no apologies, no compensation for an expensive and miserable experience. THE WORST!
September 1, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry that your experience did not meet expectations. We acknowledge that the initial bike preparation could have been better, and this feedback has been taken on board with our local team. When other bike issues were reported during the trip, local assistance was arranged to help resolve them.
As this was a self-guided holiday, customers cycle independently, and our pre-departure information explains the support available, including the need to be able to repair a puncture.
We’re also sorry to hear about the ants in your hotel room and understand how unpleasant this must have been. We have spoken to the hotel regarding this to ensure it is resolved. We take concerns regarding accommodation standards seriously and are disappointed that this, alongside the issues you experienced with the bikes, affected your overall enjoyment of the holiday.
I have used Headwater for many years as…
I have used Headwater for many years as an expert in walking holidays and have generally been pleased with their service. However, my last trip was a complete disappointment. During the past couple of years they have grown and now seem to offer walking holidays throughout the world. What I experienced this year was the downside to this growth. Headwater handed over our trip to a local agent that we had no contact with apart from a few vague notes left at our 1st hotel reception. We received no walking notes, incorrect collection times and some very poor communication and accommodation. Headwater blamed local agent and vice versa. The past personal service from Headwater has disappeared leaving one wondering why anyone would pay them anything for a service they contact out with what appeared to be very little quality control. Much better and lots cheaper to deal directly with local agents
September 12, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. As a long-standing Headwater customer, we are particularly sorry to read that this holiday did not meet your expectations.
We would like to clarify that our use of local agents is not a recent change. They have always worked alongside Headwater as our on-the-ground representatives, providing local support and operational assistance, while Headwater remains the main point of contact both before and during your holiday.
We fully acknowledge that there were shortcomings with some of the materials that should have been available on arrival. The information pack left at your first hotel by our local agent did not contain all of the expected items, and we appreciate the frustration this caused. As soon as we were made aware of the issue, we worked with both the local agent and members of your group to provide alternative guidance, arrange replacement materials and ensure that practical support was available.
We would also like to clarify that accommodation details were provided prior to departure in accordance with the timescales advised for this itinerary. The walking guidebook supplied for the trip included instructions for downloading the GPX route files, which are recommended for following the Camino route alongside the well-established waymarking found along the trail.
We are disappointed to read that you felt unsupported during your holiday. Our records show that members of our Customer Services team made several attempts to contact customers within the group by telephone following the issues raised on arrival, in addition to providing detailed responses by email. Unfortunately, these calls were not answered.
While we recognise that our efforts did not meet your expectations, we genuinely regret the aspects of the holiday that caused disappointment. We value all feedback, particularly from customers who have travelled with us over many years, and your comments have been reviewed internally with both our operations team and local partners as part of our ongoing efforts to improve the customer experience.
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Great walking holiday
The whole holiday was very well organized and the walks were terrific with good instructions and an amazing app. The app monitors you and your walk and gives real time instructions so that it is impossible to get lost.
The taxis taking us to the different hotels were friendly, professional and always on time.
October 9, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for your lovely review. We’re delighted to hear you had such a great walking holiday and found everything so well organised. It’s great to know the app and walking instructions worked so well, and that the transfers throughout your trip ran smoothly. We hope to welcome you on another Headwater holiday soon!
Headwater's gross incompetence and the catalogue of blunders
We were a group of five well travelled friends who made the mistake of using Headwater to organize our walking holiday on the Camino trail. While Headwater is a legitimate business, their service was highly unprofessional, with a purely transactional mindset. Once they collected payment, communication became sporadic, brief, and largely restricted to generic marketing emails.
The sheer volume of careless mistakes and logistical failures was unacceptable:
Lack of Guidance & Information: We received no personalized welcome or information pack (packing lists, suggested reading, itinerary, places to eat, or cultural sites). Anything provided felt generic and AI-generated.
Last-Minute, Inconsistent Hotel Booking: Our hotel list was only provided one week prior to departure, leaving us no time to request changes or upgrades. The quality was erratic, ranging randomly from 1-star to 4-star accommodations.
Missing Trip Essentials: Our promised guidebooks, pilgrim passports, and route directions, which were supposed to be waiting at our first hotel were delivered to our final hotel instead. We had to rely entirely on Google Maps, local tourist bureaus, and AI to navigate our walk.
Luggage Allowance Discrepancy: Headwater informed us we could pack up to 20 kg, but local transport companies enforced a strict 15 kg limit. While our bags were ultimately moved, dodging the transport drivers every morning added unnecessary stress to our days.
Poor On-Trip Support: Phone calls to Headwater during the trip were met with indifference. An agent promised to call back with critical information for the day's walk and never did.
Dismissive Customer Service: Complaints sent to two individual agents were ignored and forwarded to Customer Relations. The response we received was patronizing, insulting, and completely failed to resolve our issues.
No Post-Trip Follow-up: Since returning, the promised customer feedback form was never provided, even after requesting it.
On the trail, we spoke with other hikers who highly recommended RAW Travel. Do yourself a favour and avoid Headwater.
September 18, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We were very sorry to learn that your group was disappointed with aspects of your Camino holiday and we fully acknowledge the frustration caused by the issues you experienced on arrival.
We accept that there were shortcomings with the delivery of some of your trip materials, including the Camino passports and guidebooks, and we apologised for this at the time. As soon as we were made aware of the issue, we worked with our local partners to provide guidance on obtaining passports locally, offered reimbursement of any associated costs, provided instructions for accessing the GPX route files, and organised for additional guidebooks to be supplied.
We would, however, like to clarify a few points. Your group's hotel list was provided prior to departure in line with the timescales outlined for this itinerary. In addition, while some of the paperwork referenced a standard 15kg luggage limit, a 20kg allowance had been specifically agreed for your group and this was confirmed on the day it was queried. We also ensured that any additional luggage charges incurred locally were covered by us rather than being passed on to your party.
We are disappointed to read that you felt unsupported during your holiday. Our records show that we responded to all concerns raised during the trip and made several attempts to contact members of your group by telephone, alongside detailed email responses, in order to provide assistance and guidance.
While we recognise that our efforts did not restore your confidence in our service, we do genuinely regret that your experience fell below the standards we aim to deliver. We appreciate you sharing your feedback, as it has been reviewed internally with both our operations team and local partners to help prevent similar issues occurring in future.
Self guided cycling holiday in Puglia
Experienced helpful staff in the UK. Due to world events our flights were changed twice but they were prompt and efficient at finding alternatives. The partner company in Italy was also excellent - well organised and provided well maintained good quality bikes and easy to follow app.
August 22, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for sharing your experience. We're delighted to hear that our team was able to help promptly when your flight arrangements changed, and that both our UK team and local partner in Italy provided such excellent service. It's wonderful to know you enjoyed the well-maintained bikes, easy-to-use app, and smooth organisation throughout your Puglia cycling holiday. We hope to welcome you on another Headwater adventure soon.
Excellent
Excellent, friendly and helpful staff both at Headwater and their local agent.
A super holiday combining activity and lovely areas to visit.
September 22, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted to hear you found both our team and our local agent friendly, helpful, and supportive throughout your holiday. It's wonderful that you enjoyed the combination of activity and the beautiful places you visited. We hope to welcome you on another Headwater adventure soon!
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The company have great customer…
The company have great customer service, provide all the information needed, and the booking process is very easy.
September 22, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear that you found the booking process simple and straightforward, and that our team provided all the information you needed along the way. Providing excellent customer service is something we pride ourselves on, so it's great to know this made a positive difference to your experience. We look forward to helping you plan your next Headwater adventure.
Great walking holiday in beautiful Piedmonte
Well organised walking holiday with upmarket hotels in a beautiful part of the world.
September 26, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for your review. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your walking holiday and the beautiful destination. It's fantastic to know that the organisation of the trip and the quality of the hotels helped make your experience so enjoyable. We hope to welcome you on another Headwater adventure soon.
Cycling along the Canal du Midi was a…
Cycling along the Canal du Midi was a delight. The path was mostly in good condition and the directions given by Headwater on the app were very clear and carried additional useful information. The hotels were good value and the support provided by local agent was excellent. Electric bike was useful but not essential and it was a bit clunky for someone who normally uses a road or hybrid bike. Overall though a memorable trip.
September 13, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed cycling along the Canal du Midi and that our app helped make navigating the route straightforward, with useful information along the way. It's great to know the hotels, local support and overall organisation contributed to such a memorable trip. We also appreciate your feedback on the e-bike, as this can be particularly helpful for future travellers when deciding which option best suits them. We hope to welcome you on another Headwater adventure soon.
Excellent communication, accommodation, etc etc
Headwater provided excellent communication from the time of booking right through both our hikes with them. The app works extremely well, accommodation and included meals were all delicious. Included transport was always on time and luggage transferred without any issues. I would highly recommend Headwater to anyone looking for a great hiking experience without the hassles of carrying your own luggage.
September 24, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear that everything ran smoothly, from booking through to the end of your walking holiday. It's great to know the app, accommodation, meals, luggage transfers and transport all helped make your experience hassle-free. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you on another Headwater adventure soon.
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well organised
well organised, good value for money, good guidance notes and tips for things to see
September 14, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
We're delighted to hear you found the holiday well organised and good value for money. It's great to know the guidance notes and local tips helped you make the most of your trip and discover some of the highlights along the way. We hope to welcome you on another Headwater holiday soon!
Cycling holiday in Italy
Great customer service, wonderful cycling trip in beautiful area of Italy. Great accommodation and cycling routes. E bikes were of good quality.
September 13, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your cycling holiday in Italy, from the beautiful scenery and accommodation to the cycling routes and quality e-bikes. It's also great to know our team provided excellent service throughout. We hope to welcome you on another Headwater adventure soon!
Excellent customer service and…
Excellent customer service and communication. This was our first holiday of this type (self guided canoe trip to the Dordogne) and Headwater made things easy. Lovely hotels and seamless luggage transfers
September 2, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted to hear that your first self-guided holiday with us was such a success and that you enjoyed the Dordogne, the hotels and the seamless luggage transfers. We hope to welcome you on another Headwater adventure soon!
Excellent cycling experience in Holland
Our cycling experience in Holland was little short of superb, thanks to the routes, the hotels and the in-country service that Headwater provided. Their booking process beforehand was both swift and efficient.
August 20, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear that your cycling holiday in Holland was such a success and that you enjoyed the routes, hotels and support from our local team. It's also great to know that the booking process was swift and efficient from the very start.
We really appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on another Headwater cycling adventure soon.
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Great activity holidays in interesting places
Great organisation and communication before and during the holiday. Varied walking routes and comfortable accommodation. We've travelled with Headwater a few times now and I would highly recommend them for activity holidays in interesting places.
September 12, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for your wonderful review and for choosing to travel with Headwater again. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the varied walking routes, comfortable accommodation, and the support you received both before and during your holiday.
It means a great deal to us that you've travelled with us several times and would recommend Headwater for activity holidays. We look forward to helping you discover many more interesting destinations in the future.
I booked a self guided walking holiday…
I booked a self guided walking holiday for my wife and I in the Dolomites and used Headwater. The accomadation was fantastic and the Headwater App made the self guiding aspect a joy!
September 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're delighted to hear that you and your wife enjoyed your self-guided walking holiday in the Dolomites. It's wonderful to know that the accommodation exceeded your expectations and that the Headwater app helped make exploring such a beautiful region easy and enjoyable.
We hope to welcome you on another walking adventure soon.
Great route Passau to Vienna
Great route
Excellent App for cycling
Great hotels
Beautiful scenery
Quality bikes
September 20, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Headwater Holidays
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the route from Passau to Vienna and that the beautiful scenery, quality bikes, hotels, and our Headwater app all helped make your holiday such a success.
We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another cycling adventure soon.
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