A newly updated set of route notes is like an MOT, only really valid for that day - things can change at any time.  We know there are some destinations where changes on the ground are more regular than others, either because of development, or certain extreme weather in the winter. We're also really fortunate that our customers provide us with such detailed feedback when they return from a trip, which allows us to keep on top of things and alerts us to possible closures. We also have a rolling programme of checking the existing route notes regardless of whether or not we are aware of changes on the ground - this is prioritised on customer feedback and how long it has been since we have checked the notes. In addition to this we also have long-standing relationships with people on the ground, such as hoteliers who know our routes and will alert us to any changes. 

All of the photos in the presentation are taken from our routes. We have a large range of walking options available throughout Europe, so am sure we can find one which would suit. If you particularily want to walk through woods and forest then I can recommend our holiday in the Black Forest in Germany: https://www.inntravel.co.uk/walking-holidays/germany/black-forest

The distances on our website are for walking only; they do not include any lifts or gondolas used to access the routes. The ascent and descent figures are also for walking only and do not take into account any access by lift.

Our holidays are all self-guided so whilst we do arm you with the route note directions and GPX tracks you will be walking on your own. We do have quite a few single travellers who come with us, sometimes they meet other Inntravel customers en route or in the hotels, but you may also find yourself on your own. Maybe before trying an Inntravel holiday, I can recommend our sister company Explore. They offer small group trips and do some walking holidays too.

It is true that our top-selling destinations are France, Spain and Italy, as there is such a variety of options in these countries. That said, we have offered holidays in Eastern Europe in the past - Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania are a few destinations we have offered - and we are always on the lookout for new destinations to add to our programme.

We have a 24-hour helpline for when you are on holiday. During office hours, this is answered by our team in the office, and out of hours, we have a duty manager who can help. Our holiday documentation also includes emergency telephone numbers for the country you are visiting, as well as the necessary contact numbers for all our partners (hotels, taxis and ground agents). So, there is always a way to contact someone who can help if required.

We have a 4 and 7 night holiday in the Apennines: https://www.inntravel.co.uk/walking-holidays/italy/other-regions/the-secret-apennines

We grade our holidays depending on the difficulty, from Grade 1 (gentle) to Grade 3 (challenging). We have a selection of Grade 1 centre-based holidays where the walks range from 3 to 10km / 1h15 to 4h so you can choose how long you want to go out each day depending on how you are feeling.

A couple of suggestions:
https://www.inntravel.co.uk/walking-holidays/austria/tyrol-stubai-valley / https://www.inntravel.co.uk/walking-holidays/italy/alps/dolomites-val-gardena

Wifi is readily available at our chosen accommodation throughout the holidays.

Yes, our holidays are all self guided. You may be travelling at the same time as other Inntravel customers who have booked the same holiday on the same dates, but you are not walking together in a group.

Due to increasing difficulties in procuring maps in sufficient quantities, as well as the decline in the production of paper maps, we no longer provide maps for our holidays. Our detailed route notes have always been our main resource for navigation – containing everything required for each itinerary – and so maps are not needed. Our map providers are also moving towards more digital means of wayfinding. For additional, digital navigation material, we also provide accurate GPX tracks. If you'd feel more comfotable with a map, then we have a partnership with Stanfords from whom you can purchase the correct map(s) for the holiday you are doing.

Absolutely not, Senja is a wonderful place to visit and quite different to the Lofoten Islands. Whilst the scenery is as dramatic, the island is much less developed and therefore feels very authentic. We also offer quite a range of different accommodationh styles; a modern hotel, a former fish factory and a traditional fishing village transofred into up-market lodges.

Due to increasing difficulties in procuring maps in sufficient quantities, we no longer provide maps for our holidays. Our detailed route notes have always been our main resource for navigation – containing everything required for each itinerary – and so maps are not needed. Our map providers are also moving towards more digital means of wayfinding. For additional, digital navigation material, we also provide accurate GPX tracks. If you'd feel more comfotable with a map, then we have a partnership with Stanfords from whom you can purchase the correct map(s) for the holiday you are doing.

Stick to the Mediterranean countries - Italy and Spain are good options as the temperatures are perfect in october. A couple of specific options are: 

Via Francigena, Italy 
The Grazalema Sierra, Spain 

Komoot and Alltrails are clearly the two most popular with our customers, they're pretty intuitive from what I know, and they do have pages on their websites with instructions on how to add gpx files then follow the route. We can also provide links to the relevant pages on request. As for battery preservation, generally not an issue with modern smartphones, but it's wise to take a power bank as a backup. I might also mention that airlines are getting quite strict about power banks because of the risk they pose in storage, you have to carry them on board not in the hold, and may even need to keep them at your seat rather than put them in overhead lockers.

Please do also note that these will only be used as a reference point, as our walking notes are so detailed, you shouldn't need to always be on your phone. GPX routes are used as a reference point and for further reassurance if you are ever hesitant. 

In rural areas it can be more challenging to provide the best gluten-free experience where access to gluten-free products can be more restricted. That said, we know that awareness of the needs of Celiac travellers is generally good in Italy, where gluten-free pasta (for example) is increasingly prevalent. And in Spain, where tapas dishes can often offer a range of different options, many natually gluten free.