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Absolute Escapes

Absolute Escapes Traveller Reviews

Reviews of Absolute Escapes

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99%
Excellent 765
Good 21
Average 4
Poor 1
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Reviews Submitted: 791
Reviews Accepted: 791
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791 reviews
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Absolute Escapes by Old man walking, 30 May 2015
Holiday Rating:

A challenging walk across Scotland

Walking the Great Glen Way from Ft William to Inverness. I stayed in a variety of hostels and bed & breakfast accommodation. All were good standards for the type of accommodation. I found some of the climbs more challenging as I took new higher routes that have been developed at the request of the walkers who use the route. In one word 'excellent'.

Walking the Great Glen Way from Ft William to Inverness. I stayed in a variety of hostels and bed & breakfast accommodation. All were good standards for the type of accommodation. I found some of the climbs more challenging as I took new higher routes that have been developed at the request of the walkers who use the route. In one word 'excellent'.

Rating for tour operator:

I had very good communication with Absolute Escapes throughout the whole enquiry and booking process. Their approach was very professional and friendly. They were a pleasure to deal with, and I would recommend them to anyone contemplating this style of holiday.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 30 May 2015:

Thank you for your comments after your Great Glen Way walk, and for recommending us to others - it is much appreciated! We were pleased to hear that you tackled the High Route which we think adds a lot to this already wonderful trail. Andy Gabe

Absolute Escapes by The Uddingston Bean Boys , 29 May 2015
Holiday Rating:

West Highland Way Uddingston Boys Journey

Three brother in laws from Uddingston headed off to do our very first WHHW. We did it over five days and had a truly brilliant experience. There's no doubt it was very tough in parts, especially day 2 Balmaha to Inverannan. However, most of it is no bother if you are reasonably fit, have GOOD BOOTS, and a decent waterproof. The smaller things go a long way(compeed, sudacream, suncream, balaclava for Rannoch moor ha ha). It's worth all the pain ...

Three brother in laws from Uddingston headed off to do our very first WHHW. We did it over five days and had a truly brilliant experience. There's no doubt it was very tough in parts, especially day 2 Balmaha to Inverannan. However, most of it is no bother if you are reasonably fit, have GOOD BOOTS, and a decent waterproof. The smaller things go a long way(compeed, sudacream, suncream, balaclava for Rannoch moor ha ha). It's worth all the pain to witness some epic scenery. Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe are really special places that take your mind off to a different place. It was good to hear the cuckoo all the way up north from balmaha onwards. Special moments? Too many to mention but here's a few; pint of Balmaha lager at the Oak Tree Inn, pouring rain on Conic Hill, Deer at Inveronnan, Rannoch moor, a red grouse up close, sharing a hip flask atop the devils staircase....the list goes on, oh, and finishing !

Rating for tour operator:

Great advice given as it was our first time. Excellent transfers and accommodation. I really would recommend this operator, we had not one thing to worry about the whole trip. You can't ask for more than that.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 30 May 2015:

Many thanks for your comments after your West Highland Way walk. We really enjoyed reading about your highlights - they brought back many happy memories for our team who have also walked the Way. It's certainly a wonderful walk with many special places, so we were delighted that you enjoyed your experience so much. Andy Gabe

Absolute Escapes by Nikki, 28 May 2015
Holiday Rating:

Brilliant

Excellent organisation, everything went smoothly . We walked the West Highland Way with our dog Bella and loved it. We lenjoyed meeting lots of fellow walkers on the way. All in all a fabulous "escape" Many thanks Nicola Jamie and Bella Purves

Excellent organisation, everything went smoothly . We walked the West Highland Way with our dog Bella and loved it. We lenjoyed meeting lots of fellow walkers on the way. All in all a fabulous "escape" Many thanks Nicola Jamie and Bella Purves

Rating for tour operator:

Excellent organisation and communication before the trip.

Absolute Escapes by WalkOnHappily, 28 May 2015
Holiday Rating:

West Highland Way It Is Supposed to Be

We had a wonderful time walking the West Highland Way. If we did it again, we would take more days to do the walk to shorten two of the longer hiking days. We could not envision the length and difficulty of each leg from the information provided and would opt for a 10-12 mile maximum per day. Each section of the walk has its own set of challenges, some more difficult and demanding than others. We like to arrive with enough energy to enjoy the ...

We had a wonderful time walking the West Highland Way. If we did it again, we would take more days to do the walk to shorten two of the longer hiking days. We could not envision the length and difficulty of each leg from the information provided and would opt for a 10-12 mile maximum per day. Each section of the walk has its own set of challenges, some more difficult and demanding than others. We like to arrive with enough energy to enjoy the evening. The B&Bs we stayed in were mostly very nice. All of them were acceptable. Several of them had exceptional breakfasts and we had a memorable dinner in one of them. The Kings House Hotel is in a not to be missed location, but is well beyond the point where it should be renovated. We were happy with the reservations, the itinerary, the luggage transportation, contact numbers, etc. The added transportation at the end of the walk went flawlessly. Overall, we are glad we made this hike.

Rating for tour operator:

Absolute Escapes did a superb job of organizing the package. We would use them again.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 30 May 2015:

Thank you for your feedback and comments about your West Highland Way walk. It's always difficult to judge how many days you should walk any long distance trail as each one can be so different - allowing enough time to relax at the end of the day is always a key consideration! I think your comments about Kingshouse Hotel are very fair - the hotel has been taken over earlier this year, and while it enjoys a fabulous location, we are expecting the new owners to refurbish the bedrooms and public areas. Andy Gabe

Absolute Escapes by ME, 27 May 2015
Holiday Rating:

Great experience of Northumberland

St Oswald's Way is varied and interesting. The sea coast (we did get to the Farne Islands) is fantastic, the foothills of the Cheviots lovely and remote. Woods and farmlands in between. We were focussing on the early Medieval history (St Oswald, in fact); to be there on the ground was most evocative. Pleasant B&Bs all the way - some outstandingly good. The only thing I would add is that the last 3 days are quite a marathon the way we did them...

St Oswald's Way is varied and interesting. The sea coast (we did get to the Farne Islands) is fantastic, the foothills of the Cheviots lovely and remote. Woods and farmlands in between. We were focussing on the early Medieval history (St Oswald, in fact); to be there on the ground was most evocative. Pleasant B&Bs all the way - some outstandingly good. The only thing I would add is that the last 3 days are quite a marathon the way we did them. My cousins's little machine clocked up 23.5 miles the last day, and we did not stray from the route. I appreciate the last stretch (Rothbury to Heavenfield) is short on accommodation, but it was just as well no one asked us to fight a battle when we got to the site of Heavenfield.

Rating for tour operator:

They told us everything we needed to know without fuss. The information came in good time and was exactly right.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 30 May 2015:

Thank you for your review and we were delighted that you enjoyed the St Oswald's Way. Northumberland is a great part of the country and glad to hear that you made it out to the Farne Islands. Andy Gabe

Absolute Escapes by Maaikees, 26 May 2015
Holiday Rating:

We could focus on enjoying our walks and didn't have to worry about luggage and sleeping arrangements

My friend and I decided to book via Absolute Escapes so we didn't have to worry about our luggage and where we would sleep while walking the West Highland Way. Although this costs more than arranging it yourself, it was sooooo convenient. Our luggage arrived safely at every new hotel / Bed & Breakfast, so that was awesome. The quality of the sleeping locations was good, with some extremes to good and bad. Bad = The Kings House Hotel. This ...

My friend and I decided to book via Absolute Escapes so we didn't have to worry about our luggage and where we would sleep while walking the West Highland Way. Although this costs more than arranging it yourself, it was sooooo convenient. Our luggage arrived safely at every new hotel / Bed & Breakfast, so that was awesome. The quality of the sleeping locations was good, with some extremes to good and bad. Bad = The Kings House Hotel. This hotel's location is awesome, but the rooms themselves are quite dated, ours was a bit dirty and you could literally hear the people in the next room talking. Considering they charge 100 pounds for a night I was a bit shocked. Awesome = the bed and breakfast in Kinlochleven, Brevins Guesthouse. The amount of comfort in the room was insane and we got spoiled with all the good food. Best scone I had during the holiday was made by them.

Rating for tour operator:

Absolute Escapes gave us all the info we needed, including a nice book about the West Highland Way and a daily itinerary. We went into the holiday feeling relaxed: everything was arranged for us. Nothing went wrong, so nothing to complain!

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 30 May 2015:

Thank you for your review and we're delighted you enjoyed your walk along the West Highland Way. Andy Gabe

Absolute Escapes by Chris + Isa, 22 May 2015
Holiday Rating:

Walking the Wall

1 week for walking the Hadrian Wall from Newcastle to Carlisle. Good organisation and perfect execution.

1 week for walking the Hadrian Wall from Newcastle to Carlisle. Good organisation and perfect execution.

Rating for tour operator:

Excellent choice for Hotels and B&B (with a very special note for Leazes Head B&B and Oakwood Park Hotel). Good food, even for our French standards Good program and timing for the walk, Luggage transfer with no worries. Weather just fine !

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 24 May 2015:

Thank you for your review and feedback on your Hadrian's Wall Path walk. We were delighted to hear that the arrangements went well and that the food lived-up to French standards! Andy Gabe

Absolute Escapes by Waughy, 21 May 2015
Holiday Rating:

A wonderful five days spent on Arran.

My sister and I walked 50 miles over 3 days of The Arran Coastal Way. From the start to the finish we stayed in excellent accommodation, ate delicious food, saw some spectacular scenery, had some lovely weather and met some wonderful people. The last day we had a pamper at The Auchrannie Hotel and Spa and an overnight stay. From the beginning to the end our holiday was amazing!

My sister and I walked 50 miles over 3 days of The Arran Coastal Way. From the start to the finish we stayed in excellent accommodation, ate delicious food, saw some spectacular scenery, had some lovely weather and met some wonderful people. The last day we had a pamper at The Auchrannie Hotel and Spa and an overnight stay. From the beginning to the end our holiday was amazing!

Rating for tour operator:

This is the second walking holiday I have booked using Absolute Escapes. I have found them ,both times ,to be approachable and as efficient and helpful as you could want. Both times they helped customise our holidays to suit us which was brilliant. The accommodation they booked for us was always faultless and our luggage was always where we wanted it when we wanted it. The information and walking packs given for each holiday were always comprehensive and easy to follow even for novices like ourselves and the restaurant recommendations were always spot on. Using Absolute Escapes to book our holidays was so easy and brilliant value for money. I will certainly use them again.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 24 May 2015:

Thank you for your review and kind comments. We were delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Isle of Arran - it's certainly a fabulous place to spend a walking holiday. We were glad to tailor the holiday to suit your needs and I'm sure Auchrannie made a very comfortable end to your walk. Please don't hesitate to contact us again if we can help with any more walking adventures. Andy Gabe

Absolute Escapes by Jim P, 15 May 2015
Holiday Rating:

My daughter and I spent 4 nights in Edinburgh and also did the 3-day Speyside Malt Whisky Trail tour.

My daughter and I spent 4 nights in Edinburgh and also did the 3-day Speyside Malt Whisky Trail tour.

Rating for tour operator:

Duncan our tour operator for Rabbies could not have been more accomodating, caring, informative and entertaining. He certainly made our Whisky Trail tour everything that we could have hoped for and then some.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 18 May 2015:

Thank you for your feedback and we will certainly pass your comments onto Duncan at Rabbies. Andy Gabe

Absolute Escapes by TMaerz, 8 May 2015
Holiday Rating:

Second time we travelled with Absolute Escapes, there will be a third

We already travelled with Absolute Escapes, when we walked the West Highland Way. Now we walked the Great Glen Way. The provided information package was again really useful. We didn't listen just once to the recommendations for the evening and regretted it deeply. So we stuck to our info-sheets (we called them our Lonely Planet :) ) and we weren't disappointed on our walk again. Everything was as described, no bad surprises.

We already travelled with Absolute Escapes, when we walked the West Highland Way. Now we walked the Great Glen Way. The provided information package was again really useful. We didn't listen just once to the recommendations for the evening and regretted it deeply. So we stuck to our info-sheets (we called them our Lonely Planet :) ) and we weren't disappointed on our walk again. Everything was as described, no bad surprises.

Rating for tour operator:

fast responses, always nice

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 12 May 2015:

Thank you very much for your review and we're delighted you enjoyed the Great Glen Way. We're very touched that you referred to the Information Sheets as your Lonely Planet - praise indeed! We'd be delighted to assist with your 3rd walking trip and really pleased to hear that you'd be keen to book again. Many thanks. Andy Gabe