The Wayfarer Story
The Wayfarers began in 1984 as a small family of friends, sharing fellowship and a love of walking as a way of experiencing the world. Now approaching our twenty-sixth season our ranks are still expanding, as are the destinations we visit and the discoveries we make along the roads less traveled.
2011 - The Road Ahead
After listening to guest feedback - we relaunch all five night walks as six nights - bringing new activities interest to five itineraries in England and the US. New walks include Pentillie Castle - a one-center Walk, Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales, Alsace in France, and The Dolomites and Eastern Sicily in Italy. The Bella Sicilia Package - two weeks in Sicily covering the best the island has to offer - proves popular!
2010 - A New decade begins with New Trails in England
We launch new walks in England - Jane Austen Country in Hampshire and Suffolk Coast & Cambridge in the Southeast - and Italy - Tuscany Gardens & Gourmet.
2009 - Celebrating 25 years with eight new Walks
We mark our 25th Anniversary (26th season of walks) with new trips to India, Alaska, England's Bronte Country, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Greece, the Pays Basque and Venice & The Veneto.
The Bronte Country Walk wins National Geographic Travelers' 50 Tours of a Lifetime Award
2008 - National Geographic Adventure
The Wayfarers new South Africa trip is recognised by National Geographic Adventure magazine as one of the top 25 new trips available and the company is rated one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.
2005 - Trusted Adventures Association
We join a select group of travel specialists dedicated to providing the highest industry standards in safety, comfort and personal service with an on-going commitment to promoting understanding and appreciation of the places we visit.
1999 - 15 years old
The Wayfarers come of age with new walks in the US and New Zealand, begun by Guy Walker, a new partner in the business.
1997-1998 - Going Digital in Living Color
The Wayfarers go online with their first website and publish their first full-color brochure with photographs replacing the beloved Wainwright-style sketches.
1993-1996 - The Wayfarers in Europe
We begin walking in France, Switzerland and Italy.
1991 - The Queens Award
The Wayfarers receive royal recognition by winning The Queens Award for export achivement. The Award is made by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace and collected by Michael West.
1985 - 1990 New Frontiers
The adventure and the walking frontiers expand throughout the British Isles spanning England, Scotland and Wales. In 1987 Judy Allpress opens The Wayfarers permanent US sales office in Newport, Rhode Island.
1984 - In the Beginning
Michael West, Christopher Hague and Peter Clifford, long-time friends, decide to share their passion for walking in the English countryside with a few American friends and several trips based in the Southwest of England. An idea is born, word spreads and before long Wayfarers are keen to return for a new walk.
