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Absolute Escapes Traveller Reviews
Reviews of Absolute Escapes
Great escape in Scotland
A physical challenge (5-day walking trip along the West Highland Way in Scotland, 150 km)! Lovely stopovers with good accommodation and great food, and of course beautiful landscapes. We definitely recommend!
A physical challenge (5-day walking trip along the West Highland Way in Scotland, 150 km)! Lovely stopovers with good accommodation and great food, and of course beautiful landscapes. We definitely recommend!
Rating for tour operator:Superb organisation with the AITO operator "Great escape". 5 nights in 5 different great locations + luggage transfers. All went smoothly.
Many thanks for your review Ruth, we were delighted to hear you had a great time along the West Highland Way. Thank you for the photos and for the recommendation, if we can assist again in the future please don't hesitate to contact us. Best regards, Jason Martin
Fantastic walking holiday in North Devon
We holidayed in Somerset and North Devon, walking the South West Coast path from Minehead to Westward Ho! It really had everything you could want in a walking holiday, easy and challenging sections, amazing cliff top vistas, beautiful clean beaches, great towns and villages along the way, excellent accommodation with a friendly welcome at every stop, and plenty of options for great eating and drinking.
We holidayed in Somerset and North Devon, walking the South West Coast path from Minehead to Westward Ho! It really had everything you could want in a walking holiday, easy and challenging sections, amazing cliff top vistas, beautiful clean beaches, great towns and villages along the way, excellent accommodation with a friendly welcome at every stop, and plenty of options for great eating and drinking.
Rating for tour operator:Big thanks to Absolute Escapes for the excellent organisation of our walking holiday. All arrangements were spot on, it was a great itinerary for us, with comprehensive tips and advice for the walk and the locations we stayed at, and excellent accommodation. It really exceeded our expectations!
Thank you very much for your glowing review Andy. It sounds as though it was a memorable trip, one that incorporated all that you were looking for in a walking holiday. If you decide to attempt the next section of this diverse and dramatic coastline then do get back in touch with us as we love to help with your arrangements once again. All the best, Caitlin Richmond.
Beautiful landscape and soothing peace
We had a wonderful holiday with beautiful landscapes and very good accomodations. Compared with the other walks we did not see anybody walking. But this was just what we intended. We are living in a very crowded area in Germany (Ruhrgebiet, about 5,1 million inhabitants) so we were glad about the calm.
We had a wonderful holiday with beautiful landscapes and very good accomodations. Compared with the other walks we did not see anybody walking. But this was just what we intended. We are living in a very crowded area in Germany (Ruhrgebiet, about 5,1 million inhabitants) so we were glad about the calm.
Rating for tour operator:Absolute escape is operating with very friendly people and had fast reactions on our requests. The accomodations were always according what we were looking for.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review Frank. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the peace and calm in Scotland and had a great walk. We hope to welcome you back to Scotland in future. Best wishes, Pippa Robson
West Highland Way walk
We had a wonderful holiday! Thanks so much for organising it, especially the amazing hot, sunny weather! Walking across Rannoch Moor in the blazing sun was definitely a highlight as we had expected to get soaking wet, and it was so beautiful! We also loved hearing so many cuckoos - which are now such a rarity in England - and the bluebells were amazing everywhere. We were very happy to have been re-routed to Glencoe youth hostel as the ...
We had a wonderful holiday! Thanks so much for organising it, especially the amazing hot, sunny weather! Walking across Rannoch Moor in the blazing sun was definitely a highlight as we had expected to get soaking wet, and it was so beautiful! We also loved hearing so many cuckoos - which are now such a rarity in England - and the bluebells were amazing everywhere. We were very happy to have been re-routed to Glencoe youth hostel as the drive there was great through Glencoe and the Clachaig pub up the road probably has the best view from a pub ever! The accommodation was all perfect - just what we thought we were paying for ie. everything we needed(bed and shower!) but not excessive. It might be worth adding to the trip notes that the Backpackers' Hostel in Fort William has mixed gender dorms and showers- we didn't mind but maybe some people might, so might like to have been warned. We were joined by my brother who was doing "not the West Highland Way" ie. going over several peaks but following vaguely the same route and wild camping on the tops of the peaks. We climbed up to over 3,000 feet on our last day with him by walking/climbing directly north from Kinlochleven to Fort William rather than following the Way, and it was absolutely amazing to be in the hot sun, above the snow line with such a clear view we could see for miles.
Rating for tour operator:Really helpful, friendly and informative.
Thank you very much for your lovely review Sally. We are delighted that you and Simon had such a good walking holiday on the West Highland Way and that the sun shone for you! If we can be of assistance with any future adventures please do not hesitate to get in touch. All the very best, Caitlin Rush.
Smooth travels! Amazing planning assistance!
My wife and I wanted a independent experience in Scotland but did not want to drive. The "Scotland by Train" trip was amazing and stress free. We opted for the locals stays at the bed and breakfast and it was like having a home cooked meal every day. People were so friendly and helpful it could not have been any better. This was a ten day loop around some of the best locations in Scotland so we really have a good taste as what Scotland has to offer...
My wife and I wanted a independent experience in Scotland but did not want to drive. The "Scotland by Train" trip was amazing and stress free. We opted for the locals stays at the bed and breakfast and it was like having a home cooked meal every day. People were so friendly and helpful it could not have been any better. This was a ten day loop around some of the best locations in Scotland so we really have a good taste as what Scotland has to offer. It was difficult to come home.
Rating for tour operator:Absolute Escapes was very good to work with and communication lines were open and prompt. I felt like they really understood the logistics for getting around Scotland as we never felt rushed or stressed with the itinerary. The B&Bs they selected were all great with the owners so welcoming. I would definitely recommend others to create a custom tailored trip to suit whatever needs are desired.
Thank you very much for your wonderful comments Steve! We were really pleased to hear from you and delighted to know that you had such a good and relaxing Scotland by Train holiday. Please do not hesitate to contact us again if you fancy another Scottish adventure in the future. Best wishes, Katia Fernandez Mayo
A Magical Visit to the Land of Our Ancestors
There were ten of us including my wife and I, our four sons, three daughters-in-law (one pregnant), and 9-month old grandson - each wanting to do something slightly different from walking at least half of the West Highland Way, to visiting at least a dozen whisky distilleries, to visiting a woolen mill, to visiting cemeteries (a favorite of my wife's), to seeing the ruins of our ancestors' clan's castle. Magically, we somehow all managed to ...
There were ten of us including my wife and I, our four sons, three daughters-in-law (one pregnant), and 9-month old grandson - each wanting to do something slightly different from walking at least half of the West Highland Way, to visiting at least a dozen whisky distilleries, to visiting a woolen mill, to visiting cemeteries (a favorite of my wife's), to seeing the ruins of our ancestors' clan's castle. Magically, we somehow all managed to do ALL of those things and everyone can't wait to visit Scotland again!
Rating for tour operator:The hotels/inns which were all selected by our tour operator were perfect. The distances on the West Highland Way walk each day which our tour operator determined were perfect. The arrangements for the baby were perfect. The restaurant recommendations were outstanding. Our private coach drivers was wonderful – and patient with our evolving plan - and were GREAT at keeping us all entertained and well-informed with tons of Scottish history which (who knew) our sons (who never seemed interested in history before) all LOVED.
Thank you very much for your fantastic review and kind words Mike! We very happy to hear that you all enjoyed walking the West Highland Way, as well as touring around Speyside. It was a pleasure to arrange your holiday, and we would be delighted to help you on another Scottish adventure in the near future. All the very best to you and your family, Katia Fernandez Mayo
Cotswolds at it's finest
Walked the Cotswolds Way during May experiencing the countryside at it's best.
Walked the Cotswolds Way during May experiencing the countryside at it's best.
Rating for tour operator:Absolute Escapes arranged the trip for us. We were delighted with the organisation .They had to change our accommodation whilst we were walking for one night. The communication was excellent and we were delighted with the alternative guesthouse.We would definitely recommend this company.
Many thanks for your kind comments Stephen. It was a pleasure to make the arrangements for your and Carolyn's Cotswolds Way walk and we're so glad the sun shone for you! Please do get in touch if we can be of any assistance in the future. With best wishes, Megan Bruce
10 Days on the Cleveland Way
So many wonderful walking options in the UK and we were lucky enough to pick the Cleveland Way. My husband and I spent 10 days walking the acorn marked path soaking in the sights and sounds of countryside. For the first 5 days, we walked through the Yorkshire Moors. listening to the grouse chatter as they nested in the thick heather. We were amazed by miles of ancient stone walls forming patchwork quilt patterns in the fields. The last 5 days ...
So many wonderful walking options in the UK and we were lucky enough to pick the Cleveland Way. My husband and I spent 10 days walking the acorn marked path soaking in the sights and sounds of countryside. For the first 5 days, we walked through the Yorkshire Moors. listening to the grouse chatter as they nested in the thick heather. We were amazed by miles of ancient stone walls forming patchwork quilt patterns in the fields. The last 5 days were spent along the cliffs high above the North Sea where we watched sea gulls soar in the wind currents and listened to waves crash against the rocks. We especially enjoyed stopping in the seaside villages, each one very unique. Reminded us of walking in Cinque Terre except the distance between villages on the Cleveland Way is much longer. Great trip!
Rating for tour operator:Absolute Escapes did a fantastic job planning and organizing our trip. All Bed & Breakfasts selected were very comfortable and the hosts warm, welcoming and helpful. Standouts are the Willow Tree Cottage in Boltby, The Villa in Robin Hood's Bay and Roraima House in Staithes. Absolute Escapes provided us with overviews, maps, emergency info and detailed daily trail sheets that covered instructions, directions and tips for food and sights, everything we needed to have a worry free experience. We would absolutely choose and recommend Absolute Escapes for future trips.
Thank you for your wonderful review Beverly, it is marvellous to hear you enjoyed your walking holiday so much and thank you for your kind words. We are delighted that all of the arrangements we made for you worked out and that you enjoyed some fantastic hospitality along the way! If we can be of assistance in the future it would be a pleasure to hear from you again. All the very best, Caitlin Richmond.
St Cuthbert’s Way and 8-day Independent Rail Travel
My husband and I walked the St Cuthbert’s Way and then traveled around Scotland using the Spirit of Scotland rail passes.
My husband and I walked the St Cuthbert’s Way and then traveled around Scotland using the Spirit of Scotland rail passes.
Rating for tour operator:Absolute Escapes was fantastic. They arranged our lodging and transportation as well as giving us a detailed itinerary for each day of travel. These instructions gave us directions to our lodging, suggestions for transport to our lodging, local eatery recommendations and sightseeing options. All of the arrangements were handled ina very professional manner. Our questions prior to departure for our trip were answered in a timely manner. The accommodations exceeded our expectations and we found the hosts at each lodging to be helpful. The hosts went out of their way to assist us and provide a truly comfortable stay.
Thank you very much for your kind review Jane and David. We were delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable holiday walking St Cuthbert's Way and discovering Scotland by train. I am also very glad to hear you had plenty of sunshine! Please do not hesitate to contact us again if we can assist with any future adventures. Best wishes, Katia Fernandez Mayo
The Traveling Dilburys in Scotland
From Glasgow to the very beautiful Fort William, this was the beginning and we were immediately captured by Scotland. We loved her grandeur, her isolation, her feeling of being wild. The people proved to be solid, enthusiastic, honest, warm and had an unabashed love of their country. We visited beautiful places, Fort William, Skye, Kyle of Localsh and a company called Sea dogs and a restaurant in the railway station run by a beautiful Kiwi. ...
From Glasgow to the very beautiful Fort William, this was the beginning and we were immediately captured by Scotland. We loved her grandeur, her isolation, her feeling of being wild. The people proved to be solid, enthusiastic, honest, warm and had an unabashed love of their country. We visited beautiful places, Fort William, Skye, Kyle of Localsh and a company called Sea dogs and a restaurant in the railway station run by a beautiful Kiwi. We loved Inverness and her river AND her canals and her beautiful Taxi drivers but also her delightful cafe by the river run by an hospice. We were at home in Pitlochry with our beautiful guesthouse, their amazing Highland Porridge, and the fantastic walk recommended by Nathalie. And of course we were then transported to our youth, when in Edinburgh we visited GreyFriars Bobby, a movie my Mum and I had cried over in my youth. ( I am 63 and these things are important) Thank you Absolute Escapes, you did a great job! Kind regards Sandra Jakins and Sue Turner
Rating for tour operator:I can only say good things. They were great !
Thank you for writing such captivating feedback, Sandra. From the way you describe your time here, I can tell Scotland really made an impression on both you and Sue, and we're honoured we could help make this dream a reality. Many thanks and Haste Ye Back, Jason Martin