Absolute Escapes Traveller Reviews

We had a marvelous time in Scotland! Our journeys on the Strathspey and Jacobite trains were delightful. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring every place we visited walking, on average, 8 miles a day. Hosts at each B & B were very gracious and hospitable. I particularly enjoyed talking with our hosts in Inverness. They are amateur genealogists, as am I. It so happens that we have common ancestors in our family trees! We love Scottish traditional music, and could usually find a session somewhere in town. It was a bit tricky figuring out the train passes, but the scheduling app was extremely helpful (more so than the hard copy train schedules). We also found it very helpful to stop by the TIs in each town to learn more about what was available and get additional information about the town.

We chose Absolute Escapes because we wanted a self-directed experience, but knew nothing about travel in Scotland. Jason worked with us to create our train journey within the dates specified. He was very responsive to our questions, despite the time differences between Texas and Scotland. A trip itinerary that would have taken us months to plan was developed within a couple of weeks, complete with detailed information about the towns, places to eat, and sites to visit. All B & B's were within walking distance from the train/bus stations. Absolute Escapes provided the framework; we built upon that framework to have an absolutely marvelous experience.

I would like to thank Absolute Escapes for making all the arrangements for our trip to the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Everything went perfectly, from the car rental, ferry rides and all of the accommodations. There was nothing that was left out, we never had any issue with any of the bookings made for us and never worried about any aspect of the trip.

We primarily dealt with Charlotte at Absolute Escapes. Once we explained what we had wanted to do, she was able to work closely with us to plan everything the way we wanted. We found Charlotte to be flexible with some last minute requests.

We are well, happy, and refreshed after the week Pippa planned for us, walking the SWCP from Perranporth to Penzance in Cornwall. Enhancing the experience, we had nearly perfect weather, sunny with a cool breeze off the water, and virtually no rain. While the rugged Cornwall coast and its long views lived up to their billing, as did the chance to go back into history at the many tin and copper mines, for me it was the delights of the English spring which flash in the mind and resonate deep within me. Hedgerows bursting with May color, some spectacular bluebell woods after we turned the corner to the southern part of the coastal path past Land's End and there were more trees than on the more rugged northern coast, and copious amounts of gorse, buttercups, and daffodils as yellow as can be. We thought we saw choughs as well, big, back birds with a curved orange bill. We were not able to complete all sections of the walk on foot, but that did not detract from the beauty of the walk. All restaurant recommendations were excellent, esp. The Tinners Arms in Zennor and The Logan Rock Inn in Porthcurno. The B&Bs were generally good, especially the Zennor Chapel Guesthouse, and we enjoyed staying at St Just's Commercial Hotel and walking back to the coastal path at Cape Cornwall via the beautiful Kendijack valley. My favorite part of the Cornwall coast was from St Ives to Zennor and from Porthcurno to Penzance...rugged, remote, and, it seemed, we were the only ones there, if that applies to anywhere in Cornwall! Along other sections we met proud Cornishmen and Cornish women walking their dogs for miles at a time, up hill and down, through picturesque coves, over and through towering sand dunes, fording tiny streams just reaching the sea, through little villages like St Agnes, or on white sand beaches or tidal estuaries. The walk was so varied day to day, hour to hour, that each part left indelible memories which can last a life.

We are well, happy, and refreshed after the week Pippa at Absolute Escapes planned for us in Cornwall, walking the SWCP from Perranporth to Penzance. From the v beginning, it has been so easy and pleasant talking and e-mailing with her and the team in setting up a walk which met all our logistical expectations as to maps, materials, B&Bs, and movement of our backpacks, all of which facilitated a fun, exciting, and in many parts a beautiful walking experience, one specifically tailored to us and which we will remember fondly for years to come. Thanks to all at Absolute Escapes for going the extra mile to assure the success of our walk. We were not able to complete all sections of the walk on foot, but that did not detract from the beauty of the walk. All restaurant recommendations were excellent, esp. The Tinners Arms in Zennor and The Logan Rock Inn in Porthcurno. The B&Bs were generally good, especially the Zennor Chapel Guesthouse. We also enjoyed staying at St Just's Commercial Hotel and walking back to the coastal path at Cape Cornwall via the beautiful Kendijack valley. We got that idea from a beautiful photo in the Absolute Escapes guidebook. My favorite part of the walk was from St Ives to Zennor and from Porthcurno to Penzance...rugged, remote, and, it seemed, we were the only ones there, if that applies to anywhere in Cornwall! I had the feeling that not only were Pippa and her team amazingly thorough in accommodating our wishes and preparing us for our trip, but that they were actually rooting for us all the way. Rare indeed.

Dear Katia, where do I start? We thought you might like a chronological feed back. However first let me say that we were blessed with the most amazing weather. I have lived in Scotland since 1973 so I know what the weather can be like!!!!!We had four hours rain on the Tuesday as we left Balmaha and that was it. Glorious sunshine for nine days. Travel lodge in Milngavie was great. Great breakfast too. Paths through Mugdock park were good and the walking very pleasant . A couple of our party did the distillery tour while the other's all went to The Beech Tree Inn 500 m past the distillery. Serving all the usual meals and drinks. The Hawthorns Guest House, Drymen was very comfortable and the hostess was very helpful and we had a great breakfast. Our dinner at The Clachan Inn was very good quality and choice. We got our packed lunch from the Spar shop in the village. The walk to Balmaha was varied with great views. Conic Hill was a challenge. It was very very windy. One needs to watch your feet as the path is very worn and the hill steep. Loose stones and different levels. huge views up Loch Lomond. Bay Cottage B&B lovely. The hot tub a huge winner after all our walking ( could have done with one at every stop!!!!) A beautiful afternoon tea from our hostess Liz. A lovely dinner at The Oak Tree Inn. On our way from Balmaha we passed through Milarrochy Bay Rangers centre. Toilets here. Then on further passing Cashel Camp site. Hot food and drinks , small camp site shop. Toilets. Your notes say that the next part “hugs the shore line of Loch Lomond all the way to Rowardenan” It does not!!!!! You start the walk along the side of the loch but at Ross Wood it takes a very sharp ,steep climb up a hill at Glasgow University field centre. This is a long slow steep climb. The steps set into the walk were difficult to navigate. We all agreed this was the hardest part of the whole walk. Rowardenan Hotel lovely, good dinner and breakfast. Very poor value and choice packed lunch. Walking on from Rowardenan was hard but full of scenery and views. The loch side walking is hard as you said it would be but rewarding. We stopped off at Inversnaid Hotel for food and drink. They are specially equipped to welcome walkers. There is a boot room , tables and chairs for walkers to eat their own packed lunches in out of the weather. Very hospitable. Some of our party got the ferry to Tarbet and a taxi to Beinglas Farm. The rest walked on. This was hard work as the going was rough but full of views. Accommodation was lovely. Chalets for each couple. Carpet on the floor in the bathrooms in the chalet was a surprise. Also, we had to pay a £10 cash deposit for our chalet key which was returned in the morning. I was some what surprised by this as we were a fully paid up advance booking! Good dinner generous portions. We did not go to the Drovers Inn as its over a mile away along the main A82 60mph main road. Returning in the dark would have been un safe. Also Beinglas Farm access bridge is locked at 11pm. Got packed lunch from camp site shop. Walking to Tyndrum was very enjoyable. A couple of under and over passes with the railway made it interesting. We stopped at Strathfillian Wigwams for ice cream, hot drinks, toilets etc. This is two miles short of Tyndrum but none the less a welcome break. Tigh na Fraoch guest house is plain but welcoming. The only negative would be the single room had nothing but the bed. no where to hang or put clothes. The single gent had paid the most for his single occupancy so very disappointing . We had dinner at the Real Food Place . Breakfast was great and we got our packed lunch from the village shop. A note of interest for you is that our hostess Heather is massage therapist. She would do treatments for walkers . This would have to be booked and arranged in advance. Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy was a lovely days walking , easy, open good paths. Great views and the railways beside you. Bridge of Orchy hotel is lovely , great accommodation and food. Service was very slow but the food worth waiting for . Cecil and I went down to the river and bathed our feet in the cool clear river. Sat on rocks and took in the scenery. Amazing. Leaving Bridge of Orchy is a steep climb through the wood. Inveroran Hotel is only two miles from Bridge of Orchy but none the less a great stop for drinks and toilets. Walking onto Kingshouse is a treat. large open spaces and tremendous views. As you said, no cover for miles but we had such amazing weather it did not matter. Several places en rout to stop for pic nics. The walk down towards Kingshouse Hotel is lovely. Kingshouse is miles away when you first see it , so a bit of a tease!!! We had drinks there and waited for our taxi. It turned out we weren't that late arriving at Kingshouse but we just rested and waited. Howard , our taxi driver was very nice. Safe, steady driver full of info and chat. He was very flexible and we re arranged the morning to suit our departure. Isles of Glencoe Hotel was fantastic. Rooms, food everything and the pool was a real treat. Just what we needed . A great choice of accommodation. The hotel cooked us 9 hard boiled eggs so we could roll our Easter Eggs on Easter morning. We walked along to the foot of The Devils Staircase thro Glen Coe which was very atmospheric and picturesque . We had our egg rolling competition, I won!!! The devils staircase is not nearly as bad as you think. Steep and zig zag but compact and the rise is quick with the reward at the top with a view. Its a long haul into Kinlochleven . They are doing a lot of foot path repair work so some of the path is very good other parts not so good, but interesting walking and views. Alt Na Leven guest house is lovely. Very high standard. Cecil and I ate at the Tail Race Inn which was good , the others went to sea food restaurant in Onich. They said it was excellent. The walk out of Kinlochleven in the morning is very steep and a long pull. Again the views are your reward but its hard work. This was the hottest day, so we kept stopping for drinks fruit etc but had an amazing day. They have felled most of the forestry plantation on the rise into the wood before Fort William so the feeling of space is lovely. Its great looking back at what you have walked with a feeling of achievement . The Glens on this part of the walk are beautiful, Ben Nevis Guest House is good. My daughter and niece had driven up from Glasgow to welcome us at the finish line which was rather moving. So we had a lovely evening and a meal at a Chinese restaurant in town. This is one of the most amazing things I have ever done . Your attention to detail ( as many baths as possible and keeping us all together ) was perfect. Thank you very much. I hope that some of the information here will help you and others enjoy this as much as we all did. One of our number took over 1000 photos so I will tell him of your wish to see some. Thank you for your support during our walk very much appreciated. Kind regards Alison Marr and Cecil Arnott

thoughtful, listened to all our requests, resourceful, attentive

We had an absolutely fabulous time visiting the Outer Hebrides and appreciated the planning and detail that Absolute Escapes had put into preparing the itinerary. For us Harris was probably the most enjoyable of the islands although each of them brought something very special. We were kind of sad to leave Harris behind and enter the more populated areas of Lewis and Skye ;) The calm and silence of the lower islands is so attractive. The B&B’s were all outstanding in their own right: each bringing something quirky and endearing. Anne’s warm hospitality and breakfast spread at Shivinish on Grimsay will always be fondly remembered while we will never forget Derek kindly parking our car every time we came back to Fernlea Guest House in Stornoway. Full marks to Tim’s very inviting and comfy B&B Grashmor near Portree where we had the best sleep by far. TaylorHill in Leverburgh hosted by Shona and Chris was brilliant and Linda was our first warm welcome to the islands at Tigh na Mara in Castlebay. So full marks on the selection of the B&B’s and full marks on the coordination of the ferry journeys: there were a thorough enjoyment too. Our spirits have rejuvenated and the Outer Hebrides are engraved on our minds.

Contact with Absolute Escapes was very good and they handled each question we had promptly. The whole proces was clearly communicated with us. Absolute Escapes has a good reputation with the hosts - they are clearly doing something right with them too!

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This was a self drive holiday in Scotland, visiting as many Outlander/Jacobite and Harry Potter locations that we could fit in, within the 10 days.

Absolute Escapes helped me to sort out an itinerary and booked all the accommodation for us. They were extremely friendly and helpful whenever I phoned with a query, and I cannot fault any of the guesthouses/hotels they booked.

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Great walkon SW Coast Path

Absolute Escapes did a fine job for me

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We just returned from 8 days in Scotland and Absolute Adventures planned a perfect trip. We stayed in Guest houses both inside towns as well as ones outside of town with beautiful views. The guest houses were immaculate, friendly, and very comfortable.

Along with our itinerary, Absolute Escapes gave us suggestions about where to stop along the way as well as dinner recommendations when we arrived. Their directions for getting to each guest house was spot on, so we had no trouble finding them.

My sister and I booked an Arran Coastal Way walking tour through Absolute Escapes and it was amazing! The walk itself was slightly challenging in areas, but even on our longest day (just shy of 30km), it was just a beautiful experience. The Isle of Arran is magnificent - it really is "Scotland in miniature" - and we really enjoyed the adventure. We lucked out with mostly beautiful weather, too, only experiencing a bit of rain at the beginning and end of one day, and then on our extra bonus day in Brodick; the rest of the time, it was perfect walking weather. From Goatfell to the standing stones and stone circles at Machrie Moor to the Kings Cave and Giant's Graves, not to mention the deer, cuckoos, sheep, and seals, we enjoyed it all. Our accommodations were, for the most part and not to put too fine a point on it, perfect.

Absolute Escapes worked with us while we were first looking into this holiday and tailored our accommodations and itinerary to match exactly what we wanted. Everything was looked after for us and we had no issues, no complaints at all. They were delightful to work with, as was the gentleman arranged for transport and all the folks we met at our accommodations. Any questions we had (there were many) or concerns (there were none) were answered quickly and with a lot of information. We will absolutely work with them in the future, and I have recommended them to friends and family who are considering their own walking holidays.

We had a fantastic time island hopping in the Outer Hebrides. All of the transfers went smoothly and all the guest houses we stayed in were perfect and we were made to feel very welcome. The detailed information provided by Absolute Escapes also helped us plan our days and pick out places we wanted to visit and where to eat on each of the islands. Amazing holiday with none of the stress of organising a self-drive tour.

The staff at Absolute Escapes were extremely helpful from start to finish. They paid attention to the tiniest details ensuring that the trip was exactly what we wanted. Everything was organised very efficiently and they always responded within the time stated. We will definitely be using Absolute Escapes again.