In March this year two of our long standing members went on a Ramblers Walking holiday. We were interested to hear how their holiday unfolded and what they liked or disliked about their trip…..

Q. Give us an overview of your trip. 

A – This was an 8 day walking holiday based in the scenic mountain area of Grazalema in Andalusia.  There was a programme of 2 grades of day walks, plus some sightseeing of local villages and a day off to do your own thing on which we went to fabulous Ronda as did most of the group which meant we could share a taxi.

Q. Why did you choose this particular area for a walking holiday?

A. The walking looked very varied and was in a lovely, quiet, scenic area of Andalucia.

Q. What was the food like?

A. Food was fantastic and varied, very traditional. We had a 3 course meal every night, eating out at local restaurants on 4 of these nights and in the hotel the other nights.  Lots of fish and local soup made from veg and chorizo which was like a plate of stew.

Q. Who were your walking guides?

A. We had 2 British guides who were fluent in Spanish and swopped which walks they led each day over the two grades .  Lots of info on the geology and fauna surrounding us.

Q. What were the walks like?

A. We had two grades of walks to choose from.  Grade 6 was more challenging and longer in distance, and the other grade 4 was easier and shorter.  We were given walk descriptions the night before and chose which walk we wanted to do. The group split into two groups of about 8, with people just doing the walk they fancied on the day. All met in the morning, and the easier walk got transport to their starting point, whilst the harder one started from the village. 

Q. Describe a typical day

A. Breakfast was about 7.30 and plentiful, and the walk usually started at 9.00 from the meeting point. The walk we did was roughly about 10 miles and involved a climb.  We carried our lunch and drink which was usually picked up from the shop in the village.  After the walk, both groups met up at the same finish, had a beer, and looked around the village where we had finished.  We usually had time for a dip in the pool at the hotel, and a relax before dinner at 8.00.

Q. What was the accommodation like?

A. The accommodation was good, with traditional Spanish, dark wood, and tiles. As mentioned, the food was great.

Q. What was the highlight of your walking holiday?

A. The highlight was the variety of walking. Loved the limestone rock formations and seeing the vultures.  The group were a variety of people from different backgrounds and all very interesting. We got on well exchanging stories and of course walking holiday info.

Q. Did you feel the trip was worth the money?

The trip was great value especially as we were offered a flight from Glasgow, Anne received a discount as she had done a holiday the year before and our Rambler's group also received some money.  If fact we hardly spent any money whilst away as everything was catered for and we were too busy walking.

Q. Would you recommend this trip to others?

A. I would and can't wait to do another holiday.