Harry strikes out on his first On Foot Holiday Back to News

Harry joined the On Foot bookings team in Salisbury last autumn, and will already be a familiar voice to many of you. He got the chance to try out his first On Foot route in the breath-taking Slovenian Highlands in June, and we asked for his impressions on his return.

How did you prepare for your walking holiday?
As a first-timer, I found the preparation that On Foot makes for all its clients really helpful – especially the packing list and the timetables and advice about public transport. It was all covered in the Walker’s Pack, even though I knew that someone in the office would be able to help if necessary! It gave me the confidence to go out and enjoy the stunning scenery. And the On Foot Companion App is so reassuring – just a quick glance to check we were on the correct path, and an alert if we stepped a little off the route.

What did you think of the route itself?
The route was clearly well thought out, with a calm circuit walk to start, a stunning mountain hike midway through, and a victory lap around Lake Bled to finish. The walks were also very varied, ranging from riverside tracks to woodlands and even a mountain ridge on the Austro-Slovenian border. I have always been told that our walks are designed to be ‘off the beaten track’ and that became apparent throughout the trip.

What about the hotels and the food?
After months of speaking with hotels and reviewing client feedback, I was confident our hosts would offer warm, welcoming accommodation – and they certainly did. The variety was a real highlight: each place had its own unique character and added something special to the experience. We loved the freshly baked bread, homemade honey cake and kremšnita – I’m sure those with a sweet tooth will be happy to make the most of the local cuisine! Breakfasts were generous, lunches were either provided or easily available along the route, and the recommended restaurants introduced us to places we would never have discovered on our own.

Are there some highlights that stand out for you?
Lake Bled is the perfect place to round off the trip. Yes – the water really is that blue in real life! There’s a toboggan run right beside the lake, which gave us great views and a hit of adrenaline before enjoying the lively evening atmosphere along the waterfront.

One moment from the Golica circuit has stayed with me. You emerge from the woodland, suddenly realise just how far you’ve climbed, and are rewarded with breathtaking views in every direction. The landscape is an incredible tapestry of blues, greens and whites that quite literally takes your breath away. Each day offered remote, picturesque walking, but this moment stood out for both the challenge and the unforgettable moment of stepping out of the trees to that jaw-dropping panorama.

Final thoughts
It was a real privilege to benefit from the thought, planning, and local knowledge that go into creating an On Foot route, and to appreciate how important it is that our staff are able to speak to clients with first hand experience of walking our routes. I look forward to helping you choose the right holiday and make the most of your next adventure!

Find all you need to know about On Foot’s Slovenian Highlands route here

Or our other walk in Slovenia, through the karst landscapes to Trieste