Absolute Escapes Traveller Reviews

I used to believe that so long as I could take a week, or so, each summer to walk, I would be able to come back to myself, and regroup and prepare for another year of life's challenges. Well, between my job and my young family, I let four years go by, and I was desperate for a bit of wandering. I walked the West Highland Way four years ago, and I had my heart set on the Great Glen Way. When I announced that I would walk it this summer, two of my aunts asked to join me (one in her 60s and one in her 50s). I asked my sister-in-law to join us as she's never left Canada before. Finally, a dear friend had recently left a twelve year relationship, and as she had been with me on the West Highland Way, she asked to join this new venture. The walk was wonderful. I love how a walk of this length distills a day's goals and simplifies a day's challenges. I move from days full of "multi-tasking" -- juggling work, family, bills, groceries, appointments -- to days of recognizing that I have to get from point A to point B while trying not to develop a blister, and while aiming to stay dry. Ideally, I will have enough water and and some pleasant things to eat along the way. Simple! Attainable! How pleasant! The Great Glen Way was so incredibly beautiful, and the High Route (optional) is a bit of a physical challenge, but provides views that preclude chatter and simply demand that one stays still, and quiet, and just looks, and looks, and looks. The Great Glen Way provided something different to each member of our walking group. My aunts were so very proud of their achievement in completing the trail. I think my Aunt Tess, in particular, was doubting herself, and yet her radiant smiles at the end of each day spoke volumes about her bourgeoning confidence. My sister-in-law seemed to come into herself on this walk. Typically quiet and reserved, Sherry threw her head back and laughed out loud many a time on this walk. I discovered how witty . . . how downright funny she is, while walking with her. My friend was a month out from the end of her relationship, and the physical reality of walking a trail -- of leaving a place, and then arriving at another -- seemed to mirror the emotional journey that she was on. She was with us as we walked, but also, she seemed to be on her own at times, as she moved and processed and transitioned. I, who had rushed to pack for this walk (leaving Canada on Friday to begin walking on Monday), and who took two days to recognize that I was even on this adventure, was periodically startled and delighted to glimpse the person I was when I had time to daydream and wander and wonder. What relief. And what a gift. Thank you for this opportunity to reflect on one of the great walks of my life. Sincerely, Stephanie Giroux Sudbury, Canada

I think Absolute Escapes is a marvellous organization. They are exceptionally organized, and they are wonderful communicators (warm, personal and entirely useful communications). They offer wonderful walking holidays, and the accommodations were, without exception, excellent. I recommend them highly, and I would travel with them again in a heartbeat.

We had a wonderful holiday that included Ayr, the Isle of Skye,the Shetland Islands (Lerwick and Unst), and Edinburgh. The scenery and coastline were beautiful and we enjoyed all of our destinations.

Absolute Escapes was a pleasure to work with. They were very timely in their communications, and helpful in putting together a wonderful itinerary. Once our plans were made, the personalized itinerary with all of the advice on restaurants and things to see was great. The accommodations were all very nice. Overall it was a great experience to work with them, and I would highly recommend them!

My friend and I walked the Cateran Trail and loved every minute of it--even through the rain. ;-)The rolling hills and vistas, paths through woodlands, cows and sheep made it a perfect journey.

This is the third time I've used Absolute Escapes to arrange an unguided walk in Scotland so you can tell that I'm very pleased with them! They are thorough in their planning, chose good places to stay and transportation services for luggage. I'm already thinking about next summer.....

We had a hire car that we used to travel through the Scottish highlands finishing in Edinburgh

Jason was helpful in every aspect

We flew into London from the USA and made our own arrangements for our 3-day stay. We hen took the Virgin Train to Edinburgh where our 13-day Scotland adventure, planned by our travel agent, began

We worked with Caitlin Richmond at Absolute Escapes. Caitlin's planning and communication were outstanding. The materials and suggestions we received were wonderful. Every B&B and hotel we stayed in seemed to be better than the last. We could nopt be happier than we were with Absolute Escapes

My frined and I just completed St. Cuthbert's Way. Absolute Escapes did a fantastic job of attneding to the details so that we could just concetrate on the walk. I could not have been happier with the care we received before the hike and the arrangements they made for accomodations during the hike. Their packat was cear and was relly helpful.

Absolute Escapes gave us personal attention. Whenever I had a question I was promptly answered.

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It was a challenge made easy Thanks to the great organization. Lovely landscape, welcoming B&B, super breakfast, rain, walking mates, wonderful holidays.

Always available and help ful. We found all we expected and more.

Used Absolute Escapes to create a bespoke trip up the West Coast of Scotland including islands of Mull, Iona and Skye.

Extremely responsive to all questions and organized everything perfectly. we live in Australia and every email was answered in 24 hours. Great company

The Fife Coastal Path is a wonderful hike following beautiful scenery along the coast. We were lucky and had hot sunny weather most of the time and when the haar did blow in it kept us cool on the hot days, so it actually was very welcome. The air is fresh and clean and makes you feel invigorated. You can’t beat the scenery, beautiful sea on one side and green rolling hills on the other with the most gorgeous little fishing villages dotted along the coast. The local people we met were so friendly and were very interested in our walk. We chose to eat in the pubs whenever possible and we enjoyed good food, drink and great conversations. The guest houses were welcoming and the breakfasts great... enough to fill you up till supper. We loved ever bit of this trip. By the way, Scotland happens to have the sweetest, most delicious strawberries ever!!

We dealt with Pippa Robson from Absolute Escapes who helped set up this trip for us. She was very thourough and extremely helpful. Everything went very smoothly and we did not need to contact the company during our trip at all.

I cannot speak highly enough about how wonderful our self drive tailer-made Scotland experience was! We followed a route that traveled from Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Isle of Skye, Inverness and Edinburgh. These are the places were stayed overnight. We were able to see many more amazing places en-route, including Glencoe, Loch Ness, Culloden and Ben Nevis. We were provided with expert knowledge and many suggestions and information. From the absolutely amazing weather - we were very fortunate in this regard. The outstanding beauty of the landscape, warmth of the people, standard of the wonderful accommodation and the scrumptious food! Loch Lomond was a particular standout, the accommodation location was breathtaking and our host, Patrick, was especially helpful and friendly. The Isle of Skye was also outstanding for location and views. However, we were impressed and delighted by all standards of accommodation location wise and amenities provided. Every detail was easily understood and clear, all hosts friendly and helpful. I honestly cannot think of anything they could improve upon. All of our must sees were considered and catered for. Thank you very much for your thoughtful correspondence, professional yet very personal and such a high standard of service and product. I would not hesitate recommending Absolute Escapes.

Our tour operator Absolute Escapes were exceptional from our very first contact - a phone call from Australia on a whim. We are independent travelers - this was our first experience using this type of service. From that first phone call onward all contact was friendly, professional and personal. Nothing was a problem, all phone calls emails and mail outs were handled in an expeditious manner. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff, the services they provide and product standard . Honestly the whole experience was seamless and all staff were a delight to deal with!