Mountain biking short breaks in Spain
In the spirit of promoting greener transport and longer stays per mile travelled, we are offering guests who travel to Spain by rail the incentive of free top-of-the-range mountain bike hire for the duration of their holiday (worth £110 for an eight day trip). So, as well as getting a great deal, guests need not worry about the complexities of taking their bikes on the train.
It is surprisingly easy and a great holiday adventure in itself to travel from the UK to Andalucia by train. The afternoon Eurostar from London to Paris takes just 2 hours 20 minutes, followed by the excellent overnight trainhotel from Paris to Madrid. From Madrid there are regular regional trains to Malaga, Almeria and Granada.
Plus, if you do not need airport transfers, we offer you a £30 'no transfers' discount per person from the cost of your holiday.
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
We encourage a responsible approach to travel. We offer expertly and sensitively guided mountain biking for small groups, staying in our farmhouse in Sierra Nevada Natural Park, within The Alpujarra region of Andalucia. The development of responsible rural tourism in the area provides economic benefits and encourages an alternative development pattern to the intensive poly-tunnel agriculture or golf course tourism, which have affected many parts of Andalucia.
Accommodation: Guests stay in our farmhouse, which has been built in compliance with environmental and aesthetic considerations. We have regenerated the smallholding around the farmhouse and planted numerous indigenous trees, thus encouraging birds and other animals back to the land. The house runs on solar power for the hot water and electricity generation and guests are encouraged to understand the need for modest consumption of electricity and water.
Food: Meals are made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients, avoiding packaging wherever possible. We avoid paper napkins and disposable plates etc. Glass bottles are returned to the supplier or recycled. Kitchen waste is composted.
Water and water use: Potable water from local springs is provided for drinking, avoiding the need for bottled water. Guests are encouraged to be sparing in their water consumption. Towels and sheets are changed once a week on request.
Office: We use recycled and recyclable materials wherever possible; print as little as possible using double sided printing. Bookings and correspondence are done electronically, avoiding paper use.
Respect for the environment: Guests are informed of the fragility of the mountain ecosystem and required not to leave litter or damage or stray from the trails.
Community
We live in the farmhouse year-round, contributing to the economic and social structure of the village.
Staff: We employ local people for cooking, cleaning and transport.
When eating out we patronise locally owned bars and restaurants.
Culture: Guests are encouraged to interact positively with the local community by being respectful and courteous in the countryside and villages. We also encourage guests to try and to buy local foods, and wines and crafts.
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