Absolute Escapes Traveller Reviews

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!

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.

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Walked the Cotswolds Way during May experiencing the countryside at it's best.

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.

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!

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.

My husband and I walked the St Cuthbert’s Way and then traveled around Scotland using the Spirit of Scotland rail passes.

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.

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

I can only say good things. They were great !

It was so well organised and the route interesting ,scenic and although I have walked it twice i'd book and go again tomorrow. Extra day on Lindisfarne was a must do always. So much to see, so peaceful. The coast walk up to Berwick should be another must do. the golf course clubhouse is very welcoming to walkers. Our organiser(absolute escapes) were great from start to finish. we have used their organisation three times and they are a top shelf group.

Easy to book, great website that is easy to use, quick response, topline accommodation, available anytime during the walk. Friendly and know their business. The hotel and B&B people like dealing with them so they tell me.

Good accommodation, friendly hosts, too many chips :-) and Kennedy's Chocolate Factory in Orton - possibly the best chocolate cake in the world The Lakes were looking awesome - we had 3 stunning days - and it was really quiet on the hills - felt very lucky. Here's to the second half in September - Nine Standards Rigg was bathed in sunshine as we left Kirkby Stephen - where we did get to see the parrots by the way - really wanted to be up there - so if you can order the same for September we'd be very grateful!

Absolute Escapes - absolutely friendly, professional, organised. Wouldn't contemplate using anyone else.

From the initial decision to go with Absolute Escapes, through the support with planning , through the amazing walk itself, to our last night in Fort William everything was perfect. The accommodation was always comfortable, sometimes luxurious, always welcoming. The breakfasts were great. The suggestions for evening meals were brilliant. Our luggage was always there when we arrived. The walking distances were well planned. The West Highland Way is probably the best travel experience I have ever had. It has everything - challenges, stunning beauty, a sense of achievement each day, amazing variation in landscapes, awe-inspiring views, interesting people, great accommodation, great food, great whisky at the end of the day. Thanks so much!

Absolute Escapes ensured an experience that suited our walking ability and the number of days we wanted to walk; was completely without any organisational problems; provided appropriate and extensive information in the planning process; provided great maps and written guide to use during the walk; and thorough contact details for supports if required during the walk. Perfect.

I had an absolutely wonderful time. Knowing that Amanda and the team at Absolute Escapes had taken care of accommodation and baggage transport left me free to enjoy the walking. I was lucky to have great weather as well, especially considering it was October.

The team at Absolute Escapes were great. They were in regular contact with my before my trip, making sure I had the info I needed and keeping me up to date with progress. I highly recommend them.

I approached Absolute Escapes because I wanted to walk St Cuthberts's Way to my own agenda. From my first contact they were very pro- active and encouraging in planning an itinerary for me. I started at St Boswell's and finished at Linisfarne, taking seven days. I was brought up in Northumberland many years ago but had forgotten how beautiful the Border country is. A lot of my time was spent admiring the views and reflecting. My mother died earlier this year so as well as being a walk, it was quite a spiritual experience for me, the fact I was walking alone allowed this luxury. Despite being alone, I never felt lonely as everyone along the Way was very kind to me. This includes my accomadation hosts, hospitality staff at hotels and pubs, taxi drivers and people I met along the Way.. However my overriding memory will be of the magnificent countryside and the views of the Cheviots.

From my very first email contact(from Australia) the staff were very prompt in replying and encouraging me to go ahead to the point that this is why I DID go ahead with my walk. They understood and seemed to have an empathy for what I requested. The itinerary they prepared proved to be perfect for me and my accomodation was suitable. All the information given proved invaluable.