William Armstrong
I am your English-born, French expert for all activity holidays in off-the-beaten track destinations in France. I have lived, worked and travelled extensively in France for the last 16 years. Passionate about all things French and outdoor activities, I love creating made to measure trips where travelers have an authentic experience, meet local people and indulge in the local way of life.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialise in active holidays, mainly self-guided hiking holidays, but also guided hiking holidays and self-guided cycling holidays in France and the UK. We focus on off the beaten track destinations with a strong regional identity, often overlooked by large companies, where our customers can enjoy a true local experience. Although we pride ourselves on interesting and varied circuits, for us the après-hike is of equal importance. We use small guest houses where there is a genuinely warm welcome and wonderful regional cuisine."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I moved to France in 2003 with my wife and first child. After perfecting my French and exploring the 4 corners of France, I decided to use my knowledge and extensive experience as a walker, mountaineer and traveler to create holidays which provide an authentic French experience in the wonderful destinations I had discovered. High Point Holidays was formerly created 10 years ago as an Anglo/French collaboration with my father Tony who was based in the UK office. Tony has since sadly passed away. My brother Mark has been involved with the company since 2011, becoming a partner in 2014. We now have two companies, one based in France and one based in the UK, working together to provide holidays in France, the UK and occasionally further afield, meaning that we are locally present where we welcome most of our customers. The company is growing but remains a family affair with my wife a partner in the French company, Randonnees Outre-Manche."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I would say that my favourite travel experience is a trip to the USA in 2000. It was one of the first travel experiences outside of Europe with my wife, soon after we were married. We hired a car and took a tour around the National Parks including Yosemite, Brice, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon. There were so many great experiences including watching the sun set over the Grand Canyon which was simply unforgetable. At the end of our road trip we stopped in Las Vegas and then flew to Dallas and had a great few days with my cousin and his wife who live there. What amazing contrasts. "
Featured trips & expertise
Hike the South Cornwall Coast - 9 Days
Lace-up your walking shoes and hike one of the most spectacular sections of the UK’s long-distance South West Coast Path on this adventurous 9-day self-guided itinerary. Starting on Cornwall’s south coast, you’ll trek east between the historic maritime centers of Falmouth and Plymouth, through a landscape of picturesque fishing villages, beautiful estuaries, and sandy beaches. Pass gorse-covered granite headlands, cut through wooded valleys, and skirt rocky coves. In between, discover bustling harbors and sleepy hamlets such as St Mawes with its Tudor castle, charming, unspoiled Portloe, and the elegant Georgian port of Charlestown.
Walking in Beautiful North Wales: Snowdonia & Anglesey - 8 Days
Experience the best of North Wales' rugged highlands, beaches, and historic villages on this eight-day self-guided walking tour through Snowdonia National Park, the Llyn Peninsula, and Anglesey Island. Stay in heritage hotels, visit historic castles, learn about ancient battles, and climb the highest peak in Wales. Choose from a variety of walks, take the train, or go for a drive: we provide suggestions and background information, so you can tailor your Wales self-drive walking tour to suit you (and the weather)!
Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye - 9 Days
This active 9-day hiking itinerary travels through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. Starting in the heart of the Highlands, you’ll walk along the West Highland Way, experiencing the wild beauty of Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe. The first leg of your walking journey ends at the adventure capital of Fort William, where you’ll get the chance to scale Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. After a memorable ride on the historic Jacobite Express Steam Train, board a ferry for the Isle of Skye, where you’ll have three days to explore the rugged mountains, secluded coves, and idyllic villages of the Inner Hebrides.
Cotswolds Road Trip - 8 Days
Explore the heart of England from the famous "dreaming spires" of Oxford to the Roman baths in Bath, passing by some of the most quintessentially English villages of the Cotswolds. After visiting Oxford, head north via Blenheim Palace and the Cherwell Valley to the home of Shakespeare, Stratford-Upon-Avon. Following an excursion to Warwick Castle, start winding your way through the Cotswolds Hills, passing through a host of pretty villages built from honey-colored limestone. Then explore the elegant city of Bath where you can enjoy the grandeur of its Georgian architecture.
Walk England's Jurassic Coast - 8 Days
This self-guided 8-day itinerary lets you walk Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic Coast at your own pace. Start in Lyme Regis and travel east along England's south coast, taking in dramatic chalk cliffs, shingle beaches, prehistoric earthworks, and charming thatched villages before ending in historic Lulworth.
Walk the Northern Cornish Coast: Bude, Tintagel & Padstow - 6 Days
This six-day hiking adventure follows a spectacular section of England's famed South West Coast Path. Starting in the historic seaside resort of Bude, you’ll walk south along Cornwall's Atlantic coastline. Take in rugged clifftops, sandy bays, ancient ruins, and whitewashed fishing villages, before ending your journey in the medieval port of Padstow.