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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Winter walking courses in Scotland, independent reviews
 Reviewed 5 Jan 2009 by Sarah Daly |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Getting up some of the most beautiful mountains in the region, with a great bunch of people. Learning how to do an ice axe arrest whilst sliding down a slope was the best fun!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't be worried if you are going alone - I made some great friends on the trip that I'll keep in contact with and no doubt plan other trips together.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, the program would have kept business in the local region. The operator certainly ensure there is minimal impact on the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
9/10. The reason for not giving it 10 would be the lack of space for everyone on the course in the lounge area, especially when we needed to do some work after coming in off the mountain. It was such a great start to the year though - the perfect kick start to some solid outdoor training.
| Reviewed 8 Mar 2008 by Sue Waton | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The sense of achievement after pushing my boundaries when I climbed out of the Corrie with ice axe and crampons; not being keen on heights - the instructor was so encouraging and supportive that I faced my fears and got on with it! The views from the top of Cairn Gorm were amazing, the cold clear air allowed us to see for miles and I can't wait to go back.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you are fit enough before you go, the cold takes a lot more out of you than you may expect.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely, the lodge has an all-encompassing environmental ethos and everyone on the course was like-minded; the effect of hill walking on local flora and fauna was explained so that we were all aware of the consequences of our actions. Rebecca and Andy used local people wherever possible and the food was sourced locally too (and delicious!).
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant and I'll be booking with them again.
| Reviewed 9 Jan 2006 by Matthieu Pinel | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Learning the techniques including how to walk on ice using Crampons, learning how to navigate in whiteout conditions and recovery procedures after a fall using ice axes. Really good group atmosphere.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you take a camera, fix it in a front sited bag, there is little time to rummage through bags. Bring lots of layers a good quality pair of waterproof ski gloves or mittens (if hands get cold easily), and a spare set of thermals (you will need them). Be ready to walk for 80mins uphill with no breaks followed by maximum of 10mins stop (this is a technique to stop you getting too cold and it works well!) If you can buy some B2 boots beforehand; although the hired boots were good you need an excellent boot fit especially with crampons. Hire crampons unless you have a new model.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, the local Hogmanay evening was a local event to which ticket sales contributed to the community. Other than that fairly self sufficient. Helped the local economy, as several people brought wine and equipment.
4. Any other comments?
Really amazing food, excellent Hogmanay evening, and of course “Cake-O-Clock” (After the mountains each day tea and cake was served upon arrival back at the lodge).
| Reviewed 28 Feb 2005 by Amanda Dudman | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
To be up in very very cold snow conditions, at many points in white out, on the UK's most exceptional mountains for winter walking.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go VERY well prepared and equipped in terms of your kit and clothing. Do not skimp on either, though you can hire suitable boots and crampons and ice axes from the operator. If in doubt talk to the operator who is friendly and extremely knowledgeable and experienced. Be clear that you are spending the whole day out on the mountain and that it is a step up from your usual hill walking, even if you are an avid/hardened Snowdonia/Lakes walker.
Fly to Inverness - it saves so much time and they collect you from the airport. Suggest you embark on a focussed fitness regime which is specific to CV, lactic tolerance, and strength and stamina exercises about 6 weeks prior to departure, or if you go to the gym already, amend your routines to assist your fitness around the requirements of winter mountain walking.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The mountain leader was and is very conscious of the impact on the mountain environment we had as walkers, and paid attention to it as a theme throughout the week.
Food provided at the hostel is mainly sourced locally and local people in the village are employed to help out at the hostel. The proprietor grows a lot of her own produce and all food is fresh; bread is home made. Other village B and Bs are used when the hostel is full thereby spreading/sharing the business.