Europe holidays

The guides on our trip to Croatia were really fun, knowledgable and helpful. They seemed to know absolutely everyone on the islands which was really nice and they always tried to include everybody in everything, even if their first languages weren't english. The guides were awesome.

The accomodation was very nice and authentic, everything you could ask for was provided and the views from the balcony were quite something

The pace and amount of paddling were good, shame one of the days we couldnt get out because of the bad weather which made the next day a bit harder but still very enjoyable.

The whole holiday as a package was very good. Everything was organised well even when the tourdust van broke down at the start, a replacement form of transport from dubrovnik was straight there. I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone interested in kayaking at all, because as a beginner i was slightly nervous at the start but thought i become quite good at the end, which is a testement to the guides and the trip really. I just wish i can get enough money to go again next year!!

David Langley reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break

Stable kayaks, powerful doubles in interesting paddling conditions.
geologically interesting coastline well explained by Rod. Wildlife somewhat sparse
at time of trip, however, some surprises as well, particularly the number of
Eleanoras falcons seen on all trips. Very friendly people everywhere in comfortable
accomodation.

Catherine Morrison reviewing Sea Kayaking in Greece

Just to let you know that we had an outstanding week of sea-kayaking, white-water rafting and trekking. Our guide, Sonja Grau, and Murat were simply outstanding in their manner, the design and delivery of the week's activities.

ThomasJ reviewing Seakayak Turkey's Turquoise Coast!

I had a fantastic group, the local knowledge of the guides was invaluable in ensuring the group had the best possible experience. Great paddling, great guides, great good, great time had by all.

TonyLitson reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday

Sea kayaking is the ideal way to explore these beautiful islands. Warm clear seas, fantastic local cuisine and a very helpful company with local knowledge of all the best places to visit and eat.

Maureen Birch reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday

We had a fantastic holiday - it's a lovely place and they are a great
couple.

Maryc reviewing Agriturismo family holiday

This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We enjoyed the kayaking whch was quite manageable even for a couple in their late fifties. The weather was brillinant and we met some really nice people. What more could you want - a bit of white water?

Neil Badger reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday

We would highly recommend the site & have done very many times to our friends & family. May & Ron were more than accomadating, in fact they were perfect hosts.

Sarah Thomas reviewing Luxury Camping in Andalucia

We'd def recommend to others (and have already been spreading the word to our friends). A real bonus of the Yurt hol is the excellent site manager, LJ. She is extremely helpful and welcoming. She went out of her way to make our trip a really enjoyable one.

Kate Rowson reviewing Stay in a Yurt on the Isle of Wight!

An excellent introduction to map reading and using a compass which has given me the confidence to plan my own routes.

Christine Conboy reviewing Silva Map and Compass Courses - Bronze level

My wife, Lindsay and I have recently returned from a great trip to Milos which is one of the Cyclades group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. This was a 5 day camping trip circumnavigating the island, a trip of about 120 km.
The trip was very well organised with good, up to date kit and was supervised by a very competent guide.
The island is absolutely fascinating with a huge number of caves, arches, inlets, lovely sandy beaches and a unique and very varied geology.
The weather was, as to be expected, uniformly sunny and warm which made camping a delight.
This is a reasonably cheap holiday (about £400) + travel to Milos. The price includes staying at a Taverna (B&B) for one night at each end of the trip and hire of all kayaking kit. You need to take most of your own camping gear and it is self catering with (in our case), each couple preparing the food on one night of the trip. (There were 8 of us)
We had a fantastic time and I can really recommend this as an escape from the current Scottish weather!!

John Donald reviewing Sea Kayaking & Wild Camping Trip

This was a fabulous holiday. Four days of kayaking, one day white water rafting and a day of trekking and a boat trip - perfect.

It didn't take long to feel at home in the kayak and it was great to stop at secluded beaches for lunch and snacks and to camp under the beautifully starry night skies.

My personal highlights were the snorkelling opportunities and gazing open-mouthed up at the huge boats in Gocek harbour as we paddled by.

Huge thanks to Sonja from Kaunos Tours who was a great guide, chef and goat wrangler!

Thanks to Tourdust too for their smooth organisation and booking of the trip.

Louise Kelly reviewing Seakayak Turkey's Turquoise Coast!

We really enjoyed our trip. It was a great introduction to Sea Kayaking and Milos has a wonderful varied coastline that is best appreciated by Kayak. We used the 2-man Kayak for some of the trips which helped when you wanted a lazier day. I completely agree with Angela's review already on site and add that Rod's a great photographer on the water. We also enjoyed relaxing in the guesthouse bar with the other kayakers after the day's paddling.

GavinStather reviewing Sea Kayaking in Greece

This is a great experience to see the real Croatia. I had never been on a group holiday before and was a little hesitant, however Filip and Radovan the guides were incredibly patient and I was blessed with a fantastic fun group.

MerihanTadros reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break

We were absolutely delighted with our recent kayaking trip. Both your handling of the booking and Rod's handling of the week were exactly what we expected and it was all good!

I would rate your service as a 5/5 and cannot think of anything to suggest improvements.

We would also rate Rod's service as 5/5 and have already recomended it to a couple of friends if they were to do a similar trip.

Many thanks to you and Rod for making this a very stress free holiday.

LynnKitching reviewing Sea Kayaking in Greece

Fantastic trip. Top marks on all counts.

ClaraFay reviewing Photography Courses in Italy

We had a thoroughly enjoyable holiday - Rod Feldtman looked after us very well on the sea trips and as beginners we felt 100% safe at all times. Milos is a lovely island & we'll definitely return one day

StephenBrown reviewing Sea Kayaking in Greece

Brilliant and varied trips for a whole week. The scenery was very different each day and there was a good combination of trips with caves and arches to explore and crossings to nearby islands. Lunches and snacks provided were good and the trips seemed suitable for both those with and without previous experience of kayaking. It was also nice to be able to choose single or double kayaks.,We enjoyed some very good food in the local villages in the evenings.A bonus was we were given a cd of pictures of our trip at the end.

Angela reviewing Sea Kayaking in Greece

We very much enjoyed the course run by Pete Hawkins. The two instructors were thorough and patient (very important in my case) and our confidence visibly grew as the weekend progressed. We were very pleased at the end to receive the bronze award and look forward to the next level.

Pauline reviewing Silva Map and Compass Courses - Bronze level

Received good support for my late booking through Tourdust who were able to answer all my questions in a timely way and even put me in touch with the Tour leader in Turkey via e mail. I thought Kaunos Tour staff were good and our Kayak leader Sonja was excellent. The camping food was ample and tasty. Felt that all our needs were met without any fuss.

Gill reviewing Seakayak Turkey's Turquoise Coast!

We had a fantastic holiday and would rate it 5 out of 5, the experience booking through you and all your help also 5 out of 5 and the experience of being there 5 out of 5!

Allie reviewing Mountain Biking in the Alps

Great holiday. Excellent value for money. We were looked after extremely well. I would recomend this holiday to anyone wanting to experience Turkey and not follow the crowds. It was everything we hoped for and more.

Ken reviewing Seakayak Turkey's Turquoise Coast!

We had a fantastic holiday in Greece. The island was beautiful and Rod, Paul and Petronella looked after us very well. We met some great people whose company made the trip hugely entertaining.

I'd highly recommend the adventure.

ZoeF reviewing Sea Kayaking in Greece

A wonderful, relaxing holiday and a great opportunity to enjoy some spectacular scenery. This area of France is very rural and has not succumbed to the touristic nature of other regions, this makes for a wonderful authentic experience - but make sure you practise your French or you may struggle! Karen and David are lovely people who endevour to help in any way they can, you wont need to worry about a thing! All in all, a very memorable adventure.

Fiona reviewing Dordogne Rafting Holiday

My holiday experience was very good,for all round care and attention to
detail, standard of accommodation, and our tour guide Sonjia who was
brilliant, all round I would give it 4 out of 5, but for value for money, i
would give it 5 out of 5.

I will almost certainly return next year possibly for a week in May.

Gary reviewing Seakayak Turkey's Turquoise Coast!

We had an absolutely fantastic time in Milos and have recommended it to
many of our friends.

Chellie reviewing Sea Kayaking in Greece

Amazing. I didn't expect to have so much fun. Each day there was something new to explore or see that was unexpected. Rod is the perfect guide and coach. Paddling conditions varied which also made for some interesting windy trips and some more serene calm ones.

Louise reviewing Sea Kayaking in Greece

This was an absolutely brilliant holiday and pretty much ticked all the boxes - fantastic weather; lovely scenery; not too touristy and an activity that teenagers and middle aged adults alike would enjoy.
I had not kayaked before but Rod was so positive and encouraging that any feelings of apprehension were soon banished and paddling over the crystal clear waters and into the caves was fantastic. We all loved the snorkelling and jumping off the rocks.
On two of the trips we paddled home into the setting sun -so stunning!
The room we stayed in was basic but clean and comfortable and right above Petronella's cafe so great for ice creams and ouzo!!
Everything was so well organized but really relaxed and laidback at the same time. Generally we set off at 10am which feels pretty civilized and then we'd be back by about 6.30, nicely tired and hungry.
We can't wait to go again!

Robyn reviewing Sea Kayaking in Greece

I found this trip a fantastic and unique trip, First, I liked the professional team who took care of everything and was always on time, secondly, it was a good chance to enjoy the mountains in Spain. I do recommend it to anyone who love adventures and enjoy a special experience.
Also the experienced staff, helped me to have the right expectations about the trip, therefore I was prepared to everything. it is unforgettable experience.
Simply, at the top, you have just reached the highest summit in Spain.

Ahmed reviewing Climb Mulhacen - the Highest Peak in Spain

Mary and Alison were great - and we learned a lot. Everyone was just so helpful and thoughtful.

Judith reviewing A weekend of rediscovery

Very happy with everything, very nice yurt site, Anthony who runs it was very helpful, booked the ferry and was always about to help out , he communicated by text and was always available, would def recommend to friends and revisit

JohnB reviewing Stay in a Yurt on the Isle of Wight!

Thanks very much. Everything was of a high standard and we really enjoyed our weekend. Peter Hawkins was a fantastic leader.

EmmaW reviewing Silva Map and Compass Courses - Bronze level

This holiday is really great- I'm back in London now and missing the easy-going days of eating, paddling, swimming/snorkelling and paddling some more.

There are lots of different trips to go on and Rod (the guy who runs things along with his wife, Petrinela) tells you which you're doing at breakfast depending on wind and such like. One day we went to an old sulphur mine, another we spent going through lots of arches and into caves (Kleftico- my favourite day), another we paddled across to the nearby island Kimolos.

Ability doesn't matter. I started the week in a kayak with a rudder (easier for steering) and then 'graduated' to one without. I was happy just to paddle along and play about in the rocks but my brother wanted to eskimo roll and learn how to rescue people who fall in- Rod duly taught him to do so. There were some hardcore enthusiasts who practised their kayaking skills during breaks, folks on day trips only, and couples in two people kayaks. This meant group dynamics changed- sometimes the group would be speedy/fitter but on other days paddling was more leisurely (and Rod adapted as such). Either way I love the peacefulness of kayaking and Milos' beautiful coastline and gorgeous blue/green sea meant my holiday was pretty bloody fantastic.

The place where you stay is comfortable and clean and on your day off you can hire a buggy from nearby Adamas to whizz round the island on. Fun, fun, fun.

Caroline Harper, London UK

Caro07 reviewing Sea Kayaking in Greece

Great riding, great companions and fabulous trails with very little road work. A glorious weekend, where we arrived as strangers and left as friends.

I would recommend this to others, but they do need to be able to ride its not a novice yard.

Erica reviewing Horse Riding Weekend Break

The trip was very well organised, and the accommodation was excellent. What really makes a trip like this special is that you can walk off the beaten track and our guide Richard was very knowledeable so we learnt a lot about the local history,flora and fauna. Nothing was too much trouble for Richard or our hosts Peter and Melanie and that made the holiday really enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this trip.

Pat reviewing Walk the Camino de Santiago

We had a wonderful time, it was simple yet magical; toasting marshmallows on crackling fires at the end of the evening, cooking locally caught fresh fish over hot coals, being a stones through away from the beach, stunning landscapes and beautiful bike rides, waking up to birdsong...we loved it and would recommend it to anyone.

MarieC reviewing Stay in a Yurt on the Isle of Wight!

I would be happy to recommend this holiday to anyone! Richard, the guide, was extremely knowledgeable and it was a delight to go walking with him, Snippets of information about the geology, history, architecture, flora and wildlife added extra interest to every walk we went on. The walks were well planned out in terms of the interests we had expressed and our walking ability. One member of the group was injured and Richard, along with our hosts at Casa Sarasa, made individual arrangements so that she could still join us at different stages of the walks. They also adapted a couple of days because of poor weather but managed this in such a way as to still provide excellent and varied walking experiences.

We stayed at Casa Sarasa which again exceeded our expectations. Peter and Melanie had exactly the right balance between treating us as friends in their home and customers. We could not have been more welcomed or better looked after. Our daily picnics were a triumph and different every day.

Organisationally everything went like clockwork; Richard and Peter made the planning look effortless a sure sign that in actual fact a lot of thought had gone into it!

I would score this holiday a 5 and we hope to book again. ( Probably 2012 as we have already booked a 2011 walking holiday through Tourdust) We would again want to stay at Casa Sarasa and have Richard as our tour guide, we would include some of the other activities on offer, canoeing, riding etc and we would go a bit later in May hoping for warmer weather!

Sian reviewing Walk the Camino de Santiago

Really good holiday - lovely cycling, both from ski lifts and straight from the farm. Trails you'd never find without a guide, and tailored to suit your ability.

High quality food to match - def one to recommend.

Charlie reviewing Mountain Biking in the Alps

I had a brilliant time and want to do it again next year. Ian our guide was fabulous. Really lovely group we met up with. Went at our own pace and made it. Harder than kilimamjaro and way more rewarding as I made it to the top. With no altitude sickness a trek like this is hard but doable. Would recommend it to anyone. See you next year!

Laki reviewing Climb Ben Nevis

The tour of the Dingle Peninsula was wonderful, the accommodations were impeccable and the food was lovely. The tour operator was very friendly and responsive to our needs. Even though this was a self-guided holiday I felt well cared for the entire time.

Debora reviewing Walk the Dingle Way

Our holiday arrangements for the Dingle Way walk were excellent. Everyone was professional, helpful and friendly with the accomodations being of a high quality for cleanliness, comfort, and location. Highly recommended!

Sheila reviewing Walk the Dingle Way

I would definitely recommend this trip to others. A great challenge and fantastic views make the uphill exertion completely worthwhile!

Natasha reviewing Climb Mulhacen - the Highest Peak in Spain

We love camping and cooking outside but we also like a bit of luxury - this was the perfect combination of both.

We loved being able to hire bikes for the whole family - including a tag along for our four year old - and to be able to cycle on quiet lanes and cycle paths to Yarmouth. Successful crab fishing in Yarmouth also went down very well with our young family.

We loved it and would recommend this to other travellers

Mike reviewing Stay in a Yurt on the Isle of Wight!

I would rate the course 5 out of 5. We both had an excellent time and we learnt a lot, probably a bit more than we both expected.

First, it was an excellent walking weekend as we got to do some lovely walks in the Tideswell area. Second, we both had the opportunity to learn and then practice what we had learnt so I genuinely feel that I got my money's worth out of the course. And third, Pete was an excellent instructor.

I would thoroughly recommend it to other would be orienteers and friends.

EmilyJM reviewing Silva Map and Compass Courses - Bronze level

The Silva bronze Navigation weekend was a wonderful opportunity to mix with like-minded strangers who had missed out on learning about map reading and navigating earlier in life. The first evening was spent at The Anchor being introduced to the basics of map reading in preparation for Saturday's 7 hour walk in the lovely Derbyshire countryside with ample opportunity to practice navigating from point to point using map and compass. After many years of cursorily scanning OS maps it was only under Pete's expert guidance that they began to release their hidden store of information to make navigating both challenging and fun. The second day proved even more of a challenge having woken up to a 6 inch covering of snow obscuring many of the features that were to be the object of Sunday's attention. Unfazed, we set off for a long snowy walk putting our new skills to the test in conditions that we will meet again unless we become fair-weather walkers, which I doubt. Throughout the weekend Pete proved to be good host and the arrangements for the evening meals at The Anchor met everyone's approval. The B&B Jaret House was comfortable and I will never forget the wonderful packed lunches provided by Pete's lovely wife. The weekend Navigation course could not be more highly recommended and is well deserving of five out of five.

RichardS reviewing Silva Map and Compass Courses - Bronze level

The course was really good, Pete was very friendly and made it much less daunting -particularly when you go on your own. He gave lots of encouragement but also challenged you. Village and the b & b I stayed in also seemed very friendly. I liked the way we had evening sessions in the pub as you had the option of being sociable if you want and it helped the group to bond.

all in all would recommend it

rebecca reviewing Silva Map and Compass Courses - Bronze level

A superb wildlife cruise. This is really less about the cruise and more about the beautiful islands, the walking and great company. The food on-board is superb and comes in seriously hearty proportions. There is loads of time to explore the Islands independently, but skipper Mark was always on hand to point out a great hiking route or interesting diversion. I failed to spot much marine life but saw some fantastic bird-life, including the incredible sea eagle. Read our review in full here

ben reviewing Hebridean Wildlife Cruise

The surroundings are satisfying, warm, everything we need, cosy rooms with their two towels, hot showers, fat sofas, kettles starting to whistle, as those in our eight-strong group begin to get to know each other.

And the food, in the evening, is good and plentiful. Very, very fresh. I compliment the tiny bustling chef on the crab, and she beams. 'I'm so glad. Caught it myself just this morning.' By lights out (because of the generator) at 11, we know each other pretty well. Splendid bunch. Some retired, some still busy, some Scots, some English, some who know these hills; we all vie in self-deprecating fashion to say who's going to be the slowest. Unfortunately, I am telling the truth.

A sweet, sweet sleep by the sea, a good hot breakfast, and the walking begins. Plans are fluid, depending on the weather on the hills and the state of the water, and on this first day we get to go, gloriously, to Eigg. A half-hour or so's boat ride, with Skye and Rum passing to port in splendid sun, and then we're there. It's hot. I know this is Scotland, but it's hot. But there's a breeze, and I soon stop panting, or at least pant in a semblance of rhythm, and we find our walking legs, and move up towards the dark, looming, sheer, magnificently scary An Sgurr. It's only 393m high, good for our first day, but the fall, on those three sheer sides from the top, is pretty much every one of those 393.

Next day is, as they all are, different. We walk in Knoydart, up a long, twisting isolated glen, towards the apparently splendid peak of Meall Buidhe, hidden in the mist. We pass huge horned Highland cattle, asleep amid misted trees, and a cluster of white ponies, used to haul down stags during the season. We are very much in a wilderness, in Scotland, a knowledge that comes whirling in with the wind and rain. That's the thing about weather: it changes.

In the morning, the group set out again, chattering. Long days, long climbs; mist and wild wind and sun, and supple hard sinews by the end, and happy scrambles for the showers, and long talks into the night.
(Euan Ferguson writing for the Guardian in August 2008)

The-Guardian reviewing One Week Knoydart Peninsula Tour

After a week spent taking part in the Woodlander course, learning wilderness bushcraft, I know that I will never own a PlayStation. No amount of sitting in front of a television exercising my thumbs could possibly have the magical effect of this supremely absorbing subject. Strangely, producing fire by friction is an emotional moment. I feel initiated. There is something quite primal about the process, as if I’ve connected in some significant way with my ancestors. I feel more tuned-in with the outdoors than I have ever felt. I also have an irrepressible grin etched across my face.

The course takes place in one of nature’s most beautiful classrooms on a remote 300-acre private forestry estate to the west of Lake Windermere, with a spectacular backdrop of mountains, lakes and rivers. Such a location gives the participants - a maximum number of 12 taught by five instructors - the chance to really commune with nature on a very intimate level. In my ten years of enjoying outdoor pursuits, mainly climbing and mountaineering, with a healthy dose of mountain biking and hill walking thrown in, I’ve never really engaged with my surroundings in this way until now.

Before I arrived, I did have concerns about the nature of the subject matter, in particular whether it would be an exercise in Rambo-style machismo, an initiation into tree-hugging pseudo-spiritualism, or a sentimental regression into the past. Thankfully, it is none of these things. Rather, it encourages me to see what I’ve been missing when out walking.

(Written by James Reynolds published in The Scotsman on 19 June 2004)

Scotsman reviewing Survival & Bushcraft Courses in the Lakes

Sunshine, warm blue seas, beautiful scenery, comfortable air conditioned accommodation and a grinning Aussie guide. ………We had come to Milos to paddle but the warm evenings, when the shops and cafes reopened after their long siesta, gave us time to glimpse Greece at its best. Milos is where many Greeks go for their holidays, and within easy walking distance of Petrinela’s guest house is a labyrinth of picturesque lanes and alleyways, strung with fairy lights and flowers, tiny white-painted houses with colourful doors and balconies, and a wondrous array of artisan craft shops and relaxed restaurants (most with English translations in the menus). After dinner, if you have any energy left from the day’s paddling, I would recommend the stroll up to the top of the hill to the castle, originally a lookout post for pirates, but now affording beautiful views across the whole island and unparalleled glimpses of the sun setting over nearby islands. I could feel my cares dropping away from me on the very first evening and soon felt more relaxed than I had done for years.

The scenery was amazing. Milos is volcanic and Rod (who came to Milos originally as a geologist) was able to explain about the fantastic rock formations, caves, arches and islands. Each corner revealed a new surprise: a tiny fishing village, a deserted beach, and a labyrinth of mining tunnels or a kingfisher flashing past.

The first few days were calm, time to get used to the boats and enjoy the scenery. The trips were long enough to make us feel pleasantly tired but nothing strenuous. Each day we had two lengthy stops, usually on a sheltered beach or rocky area good for snorkelling. After morning snacks of biscuits and chilled fruit I was amazed to find I still had room for the huge amount of lunch Petrinela packed for us each day.

(Rhoda Daniels Published in Canoe Focus in September 2008)

CanoeFocus reviewing Sea Kayaking in Greece

Our stay was fantastic. Both Nick and Kate were so obliging (and Nick's mum on our late arrival....!)
The two yurt are beautifully set out, and are a wonderful place to stay. With the gas heater we were plenty warm enough even in late October. The kitchen with wood burner is a lovely place to cook and meet other guests. There's even stuff to read and games to play.
The shower and toilet block is very clean and the shower hot and spacious.

Overall I can thoroughly recommend the Broome Retreat to anyone wanting to try out a yurt or just have a different type of holiday.

Jonathan

Jonathan reviewing Yurt holiday in the Tanat Valley

I had just the best time here. It was peaceful, beautiful and unlike anywhere else I have stayed.
The yurts are very comfortable and warm and the kitchen area was unexpectedly good, had everything we could want.
Local pubs were great and our visit to Chirk Castle was fantastic!
My one and only negative would be (and this is very much a personal thing) is that we had the facilites to ourselves and that was amazing but if the other yurt had have been booked, we probably would have not been able to spend so much time in the kitchen area or let ourselves go as much. However, this wasn't the case, and we had the best holiday!!

nikki reviewing Yurt holiday in the Tanat Valley

This course has been a fabulous experience! We arrived a couple of days before and stayed just outside Orvieto in a fantastic hotel called InnCasa (http://www.inncasa.eu) so we were refreshed and relaxed before the photography began.

Patrick Nicholas picked us up in his beat up Land Rover as promised right on time at the top of the Orivieto Funilcular and our course began straight away with wine and pizza then a gear review.

The accommodation Patrick supplies is charming and comfortable but we were seduced so much by InnCasa we decided to go back there and use the hotel as the base for our course.

Orivieto is a beautiful town and Patrick knows the place and it's people like the back of his hand. A 'frightfully English' chap, Patrick has spent half of his adult life in Italy and speaks Italian like the true local man he is. You could not wish for a better guide for the area and his photography skills are second to none.

Not only did we see all the best spots in the area through the 3 day course we learnt an amazing amount from him about photography and the history of the local area.

From ancient Italian towns and architecture through to the beautiful rolling Tuscan landscape we photographed it all! Going off road in the Landrover and picnicing in 2500 year old tombs were some amazing moments. Patrick's course encourages you to discover the culture as well as the correct aperture and shutter speeds!

We were fortunate in that it was just two of us on the course, but we are considering going back again next year!

funkbunk reviewing Photography Courses in Italy

The best destination for an all round mountainbike experience. Trails are endless, terrain varied with something to suit every skill level. Hospitality and proffessionalism from Upanddownhill is something to be experienced. Location and scenery second to none. Accomodation excellent and food from this region irresistable. They really have a gem.

rossil46 reviewing Mountain Biking in the Alps

When I originally booked this Bushcraft day I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Were we going to be like Ray Mears, skinning rabbits, or cooking moose on hot coals, or were we going to be exposed to the Bear Gryls way of life where we dived into frozen rivers, and jogged 50 km’s through mosquito ridden swamps. Luckily it wasn’t the Bear Grylls side, phew! but it was definitely more Ray Mears, and definitely a lot of fun!

As soon as we arrived in camp, which is set in a beautiful pine forest, set on the far banks of Lake Winderemere, we had to make fire, and properly. We all failed miserably at this task, but we learnt very quickly how to make a fire properly, and this lesson will stick with me for a long time to come. Throughout the rest of the day we made some Banock cakes that we then ate. Tracked foxes and squirrels, ate wild berries and mushrooms, and even made fire from wood. Not only do I feel like a proper caveman but the whole group thoroughly enjoyed the whole day and we were all sad to see it come to an end!

Stephen was a great instructor, who delivered at just the right level, and the day has made us all want to learn more about how to survive in the wild.

Bear Grylls, eat your heart out! And maybe a snake too!

5 out of 5 – Brilliant!

nbamford reviewing Survival & Bushcraft Courses in the Lakes

I stayed here with my wife, sister and young son in early July and enjoyed it can highly recommend it.

The location is great, close to some stunning coastline, off the beaten track family beaches whilst the site itself is nestled amongst an orchard which keeps any breeze to a minimum.

We stayed in a yurt which was as good if not better than it looked in the pictures. I really liked the fact that it was in an Orchard criss crossed by pathways rather than in an open field like most camping setups.

Love, love, loved cooking by open fire and savoured the smell of the woodsmoke in the evenings. (we we're lucky with weather, could be a little of a bind if it rains).
Each Yurt had decent quality table and chairs to enjoy the al fresco dining which was a nice touch and meant we spent nearly all our time outside. (Very rosy cheeks on return).

Some might find the compost toilet a little much but the cafe next door offered use of their toilet. Owner Anthony was very welcoming and helpful, even when it came to helping us contact a local GP for our son.

The site was perfect for little ones and we felt very comfortable giving out two and a half year old a farly free rein. There were also lots of other little ones to play with when we were there. (but not so many as to annoy;))

The only very slight disappointment was that the adjoining Farm Shop had very limited stock (particularly on the drink front) which forced us to visit the local Co-op more than we would have ideally liked.

Excellent mid week value for us means I wouldn't hesitate in giving this fabulous holiday experience a 5 out of 5 and will hopefully visit again.

almacaw reviewing Stay in a Yurt on the Isle of Wight!

By far the best cycling holiday I have ever been on! Staying in the stunning converted barn in Mas de Flory, I was treated to fabulous 4 course dinners every evening after touring the spectacular sites that the region has to offer. I particularly enjoyed the visit to Rocamadour, a beautifully unusual Monastry overhanging a cliff with spectacular views over the valley below- especially if you're brave enough to venture to the top! As this is quite a way away, John kindly drove us here on our rest day, although I have heard some valiant souls once cycled this! A very personalised , perfectly balanced holiday with carefully planned routes by the very patient John and amazing food and wine prepared by the extremely talented Aileen, who in my opinion deserves a few Michelin stars! - The best Tarte Tatin probably ever made! I would happily recommend this to anyone who is a lover of great food and cycling (at any level), and will definitely be paying them another visit.

chloj110 reviewing Cycling holiday in the Lot

Excellent holiday! The accommodation on the family farm was warm and hospitable. Stunning setting amongst the mountains.

Keith was an excellent mountain bike guide - he had outstanding local knowledge, was extremely patient with our level of fitness and even had us 'catching air' by the end of the day!!

Unreservedly recommend the accommodation, the area and Keith as a guide. The only problem is that now we are back home we want to buy one of his high spec bikes - a pleasure to ride!!

Dave and Caz - West Yorkshire

detheri reviewing Mountain Biking in the Alps

Everything about this holiday was brilliant. LOCATION - very rural, next to woodland, peaceful and relaxing. ACCOMMODATION - in a superbly converted barn - first class, very comfortable, lovely showers. FOOD - to die for - every meal was a class act. THE CYCLING - different routes every day, includes historic sites, vineyards, great scenery - friendly bars! Diversions available for those who wish for a more challenging ride. THE COMPANY - great to spend a day relaxing with the others over a glass of wine on the decking, enjoying some music in the spacious dining room. THE SUPPORT - Nothing was too much trouble, whether at the farm or out cycling. We felt really well looked after at all times. All in all a fantastic experience.

scrunch reviewing Cycling holiday in the Lot

Well, what can I say?, This has to be one of the best holidays I have been on for a while. Very knowledgeable people who will go out of their way to make sure everything is to your expectations. All the cycling equipment was in a very clean and very good conditition. I was a bit dubious at first about going as I'm not a fast cyclist and like to take things easily, but this was no problem as we were able to go at our own pace due to having very clear instructions on which route to take. We visited some fantastic places and I was able to take some wonderfull photographes. Another great thing about this holiday was the food Aileen prepared for us. It was out of this world. Excellent home made soup for starters followed by fillet of beef (which I believe is sourced locally), locally produced cheese with walnuts and to top it all off some fresh fruit. With excellent accommodation, gourmet cuisine, picturesque scenery and excellent hosts you just cannot go wrong with this cycling holiday. Highly recommended.

mjd245 reviewing Cycling holiday in the Lot