Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Walking in Andalucia, independent reviews
 Reviewed 26 Apr 2009 by Janice Brown |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole holiday was memorable. Lovely people, who all 'gelled' very quickly. Then of course Gill and Dave, two of the most friendliest people I have encountered in long time, warm and welcoming. Most definitely 'the hosts with the most'. Not forgetting, Rebiea?(not sure of the spelling or pronunciation but you know who I mean) Biggi and Rocco who always came on the walks.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do not worry about a solo holiday as everyone is so friendly. Just relax and enjoy the walks, as Gill and Dave take care of everything for you.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Local restaurants/shops used. Recycling items even the banana skins for the donkey.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It is one of the best holidays I've had in a long time. I had been anxious about going myself but soon discovered that that had been unnecessary as everyone was so friendly. The local food was excellent, as was the wine, which flowed. The house that I stayed in was lovely, as were the rest and the village is beautiful. Truly a tremendous holiday. Thank you.
| Reviewed 28 Sep 2009 by mercy sharma | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything about my holiday was absolutely fantastic. I have no complaints and recommend this to anybody who is thinking of a holiday which is different.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go with ease and worry free. You will be taken care of.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. Staying in this quaint village and eating locally produced food was amazing for me. I loved every bit.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely breathtaking views, gorgeous food, fantastic guides, fantastic people I walked with! It ticked all my boxes.
| Reviewed 1 Oct 2008 by Barbara Moore | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Gill & Dave make each participant feel important, their relaxed and happy company reflects on everyone. Nothing is too much trouble, each day keeps you wanting more. Every ability is catered for, so individuals achieve their own goals. The choice of walks give varied aspects of the Andalucian contours, lifestyle and cuisine, there's a feeling of being immersed in the beautiful area and it's charm.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book early
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Very much so, home grown produce, local properties occupied, local restaurants, every walk, took thought and effort on the part of the company, not to upset the environment and benefit local people, and the varied meals including vegetarian were both delicious and more than plentiful.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A standard of excellence and enthusiasm from all the company from booking to return far above the usual package holidays we have experienced.
| Reviewed 1 Oct 2007 by Keren Fiore | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful scenery, the good company, excellent vegetarian food and well-organised walks all made for a fantastic holiday. Prepare to laugh a lot.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Please make sure you do some hill walking before you leave or, if that's not possible, take it slowly. No matter how many miles are walked on the flat if you are not used to hills you will find it more difficult and if you walk in Spain in September expect it to be hot. Also expect rocky paths where you have to watch your feet. Common sense, I know, but some members of the party had problems because of these factors!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We were using local restaurants, drinking at local bars and staying in typical village houses so it felt that we were contributing to the local economy whilst also learning something about the area in which we were staying.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Reborn is over the top but I would give it five stars because it equals the best holidays I have had which have all been walking holidays.
| Reviewed 16 Jan 2007 by Sue Green | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beauty of the mountains and the feeling of achievement on completing each walk.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need to be reasonably fit to complete the walks. No need to take towels.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We ate at local restaurants and stayed in the old town.
4. Any other comments?
***** Really our every need was catered for.
| Reviewed 7 Oct 2006 by Perry Share | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The way that a group of varied people who didn't know each other became friends by the end of the week. Also the scenery and general ambience of the Torrox area - very relaxing. Weather - in late Sept - was pretty amazing too!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The usual - bring a good pair of boots, a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Don't expect to be hurtling over the mountains - remember a group walking expedition moves as fast as the slowest person. Relax!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, there was a clear effort to involve locals - both Spanish people and British refugees. Local restaurants (warts and all) were used and mainly local products were used. We did have to be driven to some of the walk start points but generally they were not too far away. And a couple of people got a bit excited moving bamboo plants out of the way on one walk - but I think they (the plants) probably survived!
4. Any other comments?
Ten out of ten
| Reviewed 5 Mar 2009 by Paul Gray | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The superb walks.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure that you've done a few 5 to10 mile walks before the holiday to be fit enough to make the most of the experience.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.
| Reviewed 15 Feb 2009 by Aine Allen | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is difficult to pick out one thing because the holiday was such a perfect mix: of mountain walking, interesting company, good food and lovely sunny weather. What comes most to my mind when I recall the holiday is the sheer pleasure of sitting outdoors in the square in Torrox Peublo, just back from the mountains and still in hiking gear, catching the last warm rays of the late afternoon January sun, joining in the lively conversation and sipping a wine or coffee, before heading off to freshen up for the evening out.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If travelling in January make sure to bring one very warm sweater - for the later evening. But bring your sun-hat too!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. We gave good custom to the tapas bars and cafe bars and restaurants. We picked up our extra groceries and toiletries in the local supermarkets and 'farmacia'. We travelled on the local buses to get around and explore our environs.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
'A' grade: the best active holiday you could have in Europe in January!
| Reviewed 6 May 2008 by Lynne Williams | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Some well-planned and fabulous walks with charming people.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a water pack rather than a 1.5 litre bottle. Much easier to use while walking.
Remember to take shoes to change into after walking (I forgot my flipflops!)
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes in that we ate in local restaurants and were all respectful of litter etc.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Extremely good and would do another one.
| Reviewed 20 Apr 2008 by Anne Robson | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It would be hard to say - everything was great. Particularly memorable are the smells of wild flowers, herbs and pine trees during our walks.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't hesitate to book - you will have a great time! It's a great holiday for single people, it's a great way to meet people and you get the chance to chat to everyone while you walk. The group eats evening meals together, so you won't be on your own.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we ate in local restaurants and used local shops and markets. We had to drive to the start of some of the walks, but then our days were spent outdoors.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was excellent. Everything was well organised, our guides were very knowledgeable and friendly and the accommodation was extremely comfortable.
| Reviewed 17 Mar 2008 by Cathy Slater | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful scenery, the warm sunny weather, the blue skies, the fresh air, the wild flowers, meeting new people and making friends. Hard to choose just one thing.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Sticks would be useful particularly for the descents. Also one of those water bags with the tubes are excellent as you don’t need to take off your rucksack every time you need a drink. Bring sticking plasters & sun cream. Apart from that, the usual things, and bring an open mind and lots of enthusiasm. It is always good to know a few words of Spanish.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
This is hard to assess but we certainly made sure to leave no rubbish on the walks, and to be courteous and friendly to the local Spanish people. We also ate at local restaurants most nights and shopped at the local supermarket. But of course we did fly there and used the cars to reach our walking points.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was the first time I had been on a holiday like this, on my own, but it did exceed all expectations. As a group we bonded quickly and walking is a great way to get to know people. I had some interesting, lively and stimulating conversations and lots of laughter.
The food was good, I particularly enjoyed the picnics, which were all the better in the fresh air, after a good walk. I felt a great sense of achievement on reaching the summits. Dave & Gill were perfect hosts, and excellent company at all times.
| Reviewed 28 Nov 2007 by Nuala Bermingham | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The group were all good company and we had lots of laughs. The packed lunches were delicious particularly after a long walk. The great sense of achievement on the last day after a challenging walk with spectacular views and beauty.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Comfortable boots and clothing.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We stayed in a local house in Torrox village. We ate in local restaurants. Had our hair done on the last day in the local hairdressers. All our food was local and in season. I felt welcome in the village.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This holiday was all I expected and a lot more.
| Reviewed 17 Mar 2007 by Paul Coppi | |
With regards to the holiday, I had a superb time. Dave and Jill are excellent hosts, and have a good network in place with the locals.
All the Restaurant owners and staff welcomed us, as they clearly valued the custom that Dave and Jill are bringing them. And the food was very good too... The accommodation was very good, local houses with character and good facilities.
The walking was good, being aimed at the middle ground, but taking into account the needs of the particular guests. Having the dogs with us on every walk was a plus, as they gave us an extra interest, and were so well behaved, ignoring the local ones despite the yapping, in fact they never once barked on all the walks, and were great company...
I took one of their self guided walks on the free day, and found the directions excellent, with photographs of the points of interest and junctions, to help. Also managed some good bird watching.
Environmentally we never drove far to start a walk, and filled the vehicles to the maximum. The walks were on defined Park roads or goat tracks, so we did not feel we were causing any damage.
Re Tips,
Take Poles if you have them, as they were invaluable on a couple of occasions, not needed on some walks. Take a water bladder if you have one, as it made it so much easier to keep hydrated... Take a mix of clothing, as it can be cold first thing and in the evening, if the wind is from the north. Take a high factor sunscreen, as even in march it can be hot. Take a camera and or binoculars if you can carry them. I had a small pair of bins (10x25) as they were lightweight but still had the magnification. Good Boots and socks made a difference; this was the first walking holiday that I did not get a blister.
If you are into plants and flowers, take a small identification book, as there are some interesting ones to see. Ditto bird watching had some eagles, shrikes, warblers, and a variety of others, even though it was not a bird watching holiday. Overall excellent, and I will go again...
All the Restaurant owners and staff welcomed us, as they clearly valued the custom that Dave and Jill are bringing them. And the food was very good too... The accommodation was very good, local houses with character and good facilities.
The walking was good, being aimed at the middle ground, but taking into account the needs of the particular guests. Having the dogs with us on every walk was a plus, as they gave us an extra interest, and were so well behaved, ignoring the local ones despite the yapping, in fact they never once barked on all the walks, and were great company...
I took one of their self guided walks on the free day, and found the directions excellent, with photographs of the points of interest and junctions, to help. Also managed some good bird watching.
Environmentally we never drove far to start a walk, and filled the vehicles to the maximum. The walks were on defined Park roads or goat tracks, so we did not feel we were causing any damage.
Re Tips,
Take Poles if you have them, as they were invaluable on a couple of occasions, not needed on some walks. Take a water bladder if you have one, as it made it so much easier to keep hydrated... Take a mix of clothing, as it can be cold first thing and in the evening, if the wind is from the north. Take a high factor sunscreen, as even in march it can be hot. Take a camera and or binoculars if you can carry them. I had a small pair of bins (10x25) as they were lightweight but still had the magnification. Good Boots and socks made a difference; this was the first walking holiday that I did not get a blister.
If you are into plants and flowers, take a small identification book, as there are some interesting ones to see. Ditto bird watching had some eagles, shrikes, warblers, and a variety of others, even though it was not a bird watching holiday. Overall excellent, and I will go again...
| Reviewed 6 May 2006 by Kristin Simonson | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hiking was beautiful, and Gill and Dave were great hosts and guides - so much fun! And so helpful - they were great! The view from the roof terrace at the house I stayed in was also pretty great!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Other than to go on it - I'd say to maybe plan for a few extra days before or after if you want to see other places in the area (like Granada, which is a bit too far for a day trip on the free day)
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, definitely.
| Reviewed 15 Apr 2006 by PT | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Fantastic scenery, warm hospitality of Gill and Dave, great company, delicious picnic lunches and evening meals. For me, seeing eagles, wild orchids, trees laden with fruit. For my daughter, climbing up to an old Moorish watchtower.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take: a camera, Compede to prevent blisters and a "platypus" to drink from easily while walking. Always talk to the organisers if there are any problems.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. We ate in local restaurants every night and once in the day. Picnics are local produce, often home-grown. Walking was not damaging to the environment and we learnt a lot about local fauna and flora.
| Reviewed 5 Dec 2005 by Rosemary Cavanagh | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of the holiday was the friendliness of Gill and David who made everyone feel at home and catered for all our needs
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The tips we would give: bring good walking boots and walking poles and make sure you are reasonably fit to tackle the walks which include quite a lot of uphill (it is mountainous country). It is well worth the effort for the beautiful views.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We dined at restaurants owned by local Spanish people and visited an olive oil bottling plant run by a local cooperative and were able to buy olive oil. Most of our time was spent walking and we ate fruit and veg grown organically, minimising impact on the environment.
4. Any other comments?
We very much enjoyed our holiday, lovely walks, excellent accommodation and food and good companionship. We would definitely recommend this holiday.
| Reviewed 5 Dec 2005 by Carol Taylor | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Most memorable part of the holiday was the last day walking in the National Park, up in the high ranges.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Tips for other travellers - nothing specific comes to mind. Perhaps, make sure you bring a camera.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Benefits to local people - Gill and Dave have made efforts to integrate into the local community. They speak Spanish, have Spanish friends and put custom the way of local people, e.g. by eating out in local restaurants. Given that travel always involves some environmental impact (air/road travel), I would say that positive impact is through using local houses for accommodation, well-guided and environmentally friendly walks.