Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several inspirational moments on this trip. One was viewing the fascinating rock formations on the peaks nearby while also seeing the coast of Mallorca on the horizon. I shallalways remember the scent of thyme bushes as we walked along the paths, brushing them with our boots. On the final day we ended up at our leader's home and helped harvest olives together. That was a truly special and unique moment, when we felt we had not just walked as tourists in the region, but had been privileged to have been invited to share in a tiny way in the life of the local community

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was an excellent leader. He took great care to enable everyone to feel safe, informed and happy, so they could enjoy each day. When two walkers had blisters, after the first day, he put dressings on them himself in such a way that they were then fully able to do all the walks, with no further problems. He led in a warmly engaging and humourous manner, so everyone in the group felt relaxed. He is passionate about Spain and his home region and commmunicated this to group members. When we were in the coach from the airport, he produced grapes and raisins from his own garden - a thoughtful touch which we discovered was typical of his thoughtfulness and hospitality. We really gelled as a group and this was due mainly to Jose's outstanding leadership qualities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trek is at the higher end of the B grade, so be prepared for one or two quite long, though beautiful, walking days. Walking poles would be helpful, as some descents are quite rockyand steep. You will need very little spending money, as wine is provided at the evening meals and you won't really come across any shops. Be prepared to be amazed - it is a world away from nearby Benidorm!

Most Inspirational Moment

4 climbs 4 amazing views.  An inspirational moment at the top of each.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The trip leader is Jose Garcia whose trekking expertise, local knowledge and great sense of humour make him an  excellent guide. If anyone is going to get you up the mountain he will!    

Most Inspirational Moment

14.00 Reaching the highest points on each day (up to1400 metres) and having the rare privilege of views across high mountain tops and then down into hidden fertile valleys that the casual visitor to Spain might be completely unaware of.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose the group leader was undoubtedly the making of this trip, his dedication to the cause was unstinting, always struck the right note, kept us all going and provided prodigious amounts of food and good humour. His communication with us was outstanding and provided a complete education in regional geography and history – with a light personal touch when needed, boring he is not. His vast experience of activity leadership in this region and elsewhere in Europe really shows. He shared his life with us for the whole week, to the extent of inviting us all to his home to pick his olives and drink tea on the veranda afterwards.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be lucky with the weather which at its best is fantastic for walking, but don’t worry if not. Bring a good appetite (good food is in plentiful supply and you may need it!). Make sure you are fairly fit, equipped and ready for regular but not excessively arduous high hill walking. Think Peaks, Lakes or Snowdonia without the mud. If you are going in the warmer months, have plenty of water carrying capacity and sun protection. As a minimum, light walking boots with ankle support are essential (not shoes or trainers) as are walking poles.

Most Inspirational Moment

The feeling of being so close to the crush of Benidorm, yet a million miles away was very special. On some walks we barely saw anyone else from beginning to end, and it really felt as if we were walking ancient trails.  On the day we went to the summit of Aitana, having tackled a bit of a scarey scramble and got through a slightly tricky pass, we lunched on a beautiful, sheltered patch of grass, almost a lawn, and Jose (our guide) produced a bottle of red wine he had carried with him to accompany our lunch.  It felt so strangely civilised in such a remote place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose led the group with great local knowledge, unstinting humour, skill and sandwiches. Jose's sandwiches should be the stuff of legend: it became a challenge for anyone in the group to finish them, double-deckered and full of amazing Good Things.  Don't be misled when the trip notes say lunches will consist of 'a sandwich', these are sandwiches of epic proportions!!He also displayed marvellous hospitality, inviting us to his house in Sella - although there was a cost (we had to help with his olive harvest - hardly a chore!).  Jose was an absolutely integral part of the week's enjoyment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take decent kit as the walks are 'proper'. That said, don't be put off by anyone that says the walks are tough - they're not a stroll in the proverbial park, but our group had quite a mixture of ages and fitness levels, and no-one really struggled.  I would recommend walking poles - I didn't take them, and could have done with them on some of the 'down's.The food in the hotels/guests houses is amazing, very local and very hearty.  You won't lose any weight on this holiday!

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking down the valley with a beer in our hands with fantastic company after an amazing 8 hour hike, sheer bliss!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was friendly, professional and his love and enthusiasm of Sierra was superb and we learnt so much and experienced amazing walks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As this was our first hiking trip we were so relieved to find we kept up with some very experienced walkers, and walking poles are great and help with the steep descents.

Most Inspirational Moment

* picking almonds and walnuts straight from the trees* views from the tops* rock formations 

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was superb.  Organisation was excellent in all aspects.  His command of English and humour were fantastic.  He was justifiably very proud of his area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We think that it must be a hard grade B and you need to be fairly fit to keep up and enjoy the pace.Paths are rather rougher than many found in the Alps. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking a few moments alone and basking in the quiet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A fine guide but could perhaps be more considerate of the weaker members in the group; this would perhaps not be a problem if graded more accurately.

Thoughts on Group Leader

 I've been on many group holidays and found Jose to be one of the best leaders I've experienced, extremely competent and good fun.  As a local, he was able to lead us over rough terrain through the mountainous, wilderness areas without marked paths - we had every confidence in him.  Refreshingly, he didn't feel the need to tell us to wear sunscreen in the sun, carry water to drink, a fleece in case it gets chilly and a waterproof in case it rains. Instead he explained the geology of the area, discussed how the region is affected by politics and answered all our questions regarding the flora, fauna and local culture.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

The whole of this holiday is very relaxed; you won't need any smart clothes or makeup.  

Most Inspirational Moment

I wouldn't classify this trip as particularly inspirational, but it was wonderful nevertheless, and the views every day were stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I'd rate Jose Miguel right up there with the best leaders I've met. Sociable, outgoing, well organised, and very caring, he maintained a very good balance between efficient leader and friend - something that can be very difficult to get right. I never saw him once get flustered or frustrated, no matter what kind of problem we threw at him! He would often produce little surprises from his Tardis of a rucksack, such as a thermos of tea or a bar of chocolate, just when we most needed them, and his sandwiches were the best I've ever had on an Exodus trip. As I've come to expect from Exodus guides, he was also passionate about his job, the local area and the environment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather can be quite changeable, so do go for a few thin layers and some kind of windproof top. Take walking poles, even if you've never used them before, unless you are a true mountain goat. On the slippery descents, if nothing else, they can really save you coming a cropper. This trip would actually be a good place to try them out for the first time. Also do make sure you have a decent level of fitness, it's a pretty tough week with some long days of walking. Also many people had blisters at some point so come well prepared - well-worn in decent boots, plenty of tape, blister plasters and make sure to protect your feet sooner rather than later. Applying Vaseline to your feet every day before putting your socks on really helps too.

Most Inspirational Moment

climbing the 4th peak (Puig Campana) and realising it wasn't so difficult after all!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was charming, very knowledgable about the area with a good sense of humour