In 2001, Wilderness Scotland hosted its first group tour; 20 years later, the team will this year launch its first England programme under a new Wilderness England brand.
Its 17 tours will explore England’s varied landscape, taking in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Cotswolds and Northumberland – as well as parts of Wales.
The programme will comprise guided and self-guided small group tours, self-drive itineraries and private holidays exploring the landscape on foot or by bike.
Hand-picked accommodation options include a range of small hotels and inns, promising "first-rate" customer service and local food.
“Over the last two years, Wilderness Scotland has been gradually introducing itineraries that crossed into England and their popularity gave us the confidence to launch a full range of holidays under the Wilderness England brand," said Wilderness England managing director Paul Easto.
Easto said the growing staycation trend, combined with continued uncertainty around overseas travel owing to the Covid pandemic, had driven a 26% year-on-year increase in bookings for private UK travel and informed the launch of a Wilderness England brand.
"While Wilderness England will offer some fully-guided small group departures, the lion’s share of this programme is aimed at people who want to travel independently on active self-guided holidays or partially-guided trips, reflecting this major shift in consumer demand," added Easto, revealing self-guided cycling holidays were so far proving most popular.
The operator added flexibility was built into the range, with options too for individuals and Covid bubbles, as well as breaks of varying lengths – including multi-location itineraries comprising aspects of Wilderness Scotland and fellow sister brand Wilderness Ireland’s trips.
Wilderness England\s four-night Tour of Yorkshire Self-Guided+ Cycling break leads in from £845pp based on four sharing and includes four nights’ B&B accommodations, the services of a Wilderness England soigneur (cycling trainer/masseuse) and transfers.
