Walking The Spanish Heartland

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Jancis Pursaill

  SIERRA DE LAS MAMBLAS

  

  Written May 2011

  This holiday exceeded all expectations:  wonderful countryside, fantastic wildflowers, mediaeval village with stork nesting on church tower, good well-thought out itinerary.  We were well looked after by the hotel owner and our guide and the walks were achievable by our group of 60 to 70 year olds!!  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The walk to Santo Domingo de Silos was the most challenging (only 5 of us went). We followed an old pilgrim's route up from the Arlanza valley to a plateau, through a wonderful meadow of wildflowers, then up a steep, rocky path to the top of a ridge.  The view from there was spectacular, looking across to San Carlos.  A further steep, rocky path led us to another ridge, then down to the village of Silos for a well-deserved beer.

  Another day, walking along an old mule track in a beautiful valley between the tumbled down village of Castroceniza and Ura, stands out as being special.  Watching the vultures (both Griffon and Eqyptian) while having our picnic in the shade of an overhanging cliff, with the clouds drifting overhead against the blue sky, and a stream gurgling below.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The walks were both well planned and well paced.  Bob's knowledge of the area was a great asset - he knew the local people and the history of the area. His attention to detail was great and we felt very well looked after.  We were fortunate to have met him before the holiday - he came walking with our group (Pontesbury Plodders) whilst at home in Shropshire in April - so it was like meeting an old friend.  Next year, it's Austria! 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  You may think the countryside looks rather barren in photographs. Don't be put off.  The valleys are green with wheat fields, meadows, vineyards, cherry orchards and walnut groves (though the latter are suffering from blight).  But the hills are rocky and paths stony - however, they are covered in juniper scrub and smell divine with wild thyme, lavender and gorse.  Botanists love limestone country and this doesn't disappoint.  We saw early purple orchid, lady orchid, bee orchid, white helleborine, rock soapwort, blue aphyllanthes, white rockrose, asphodel, Pyrenean flax, Star of Bethlehem, tassel hyacinth, thyme broomrape, common storksbill, kidney vetch, and lots more.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I was rather daunted by the thought of walking 10 miles a day every day, but it's amazing what you can do when you try.  The walks were set at a pace to suit us all, and by taking all day over them and having frequent stops, they were achieved in relative comfort and, although we were concerned it might be too hot, there was a breeze most days and the air that high up was invigorating.

   
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  Martyn Cribb

  SIERRA DE LAS MAMBLAS

  

  Written May 2011

  This is a great holiday with a wide range of scenery, wildlife and plants to see.  It is located in a beautiful part of Spain and is a really good walking holiday. The hotel is very comfortable. hospitable and friendly. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The variety of orchids and birds was a real eye opener.  I did not expect to see Egyption buzzards.  The villages present a range of architectural styles.

  Attendance at vespers one evenings was quite spiritual!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent organisation, knowledge and planning made certain that this was a great holiday.  Nothing was too much trouble for Bob.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Yes book now!!  Be prepared for some great days and long evenings in the bar!!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I have been on many Exodus holidays but this centre is a real winner.  A really good hotel and excellent service.  Tremendous value for money and a great time as well.

   
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  Janet Lewis-Robinson

  SIERRA DE LAS MAMBLAS

  

  Written May 2011

  An absolutley fabulous holiday in spectacular countryside, hills, mountains, valleys.  Wonderful old villages and hermitages all full of history and beauty.  Covarrubias, where we stayed was delightful.  The hotel, simple but very well run. Excellent food and very comfortable accommodation, linen changed three time during week and towels every day.  Our guide, Bob Mason was excellent and very knowledgable.  We saw wonderful wide flowers and he imparted the history of the area very wel indeed.   I would highly reccommend this holiday.   I had a great time and look forward to another trip with Exodus in 2012. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Standing at the top of the wonderful montains and viewing the wonderful scenery all around us.

  Visiting the monastery at Santo Domingo de Silos and our trip to Burgos - great

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Bob Mason was absolutly wonderful.   His attention to detail was very good and his knowledge of the area extremly interesting.    I could not doubt his capabilities and he look after the group very very well.

   Great fun.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Good comfortable walking boots essential and a good sense of humour.

   
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  Jenny Brace

  SIERRA DE LAS MAMBLAS

  

  Written May 2011

  As a new member of the 'Exodus experience' I am happy to report the holiday was a complete success and exceeded expectations. The variety of the walks; the colours, fragrances, views...... The assault on the senses was amazing. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Possibly the realisation (each day) that the walks could not have been experienced without the knowledge of our group leader - Bob's love of the area and his desire to share with us this beautiful remote part of Spain.

  The stunning mountain ranges, the lush green valleys, the abundance of wild flowers, the villages, the tranquility, the wide blue skies........    

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Very experienced and aware of the needs of all the members in the group. He gave encouragement when needed and always kept us fully informed about everything.  Details of each walk were highlighted the night before and  then during the walk Bob's comprehensive knowledge of the area was dispatched on route!

  His concern for our comfort and well being, ensuring we all enjoyed our Spanish holiday was evident from beginning to end. He even found coffee houses in the most remote of places!   

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Group walking is a joy and this holiday with a knowledgable leader to guide and inform was a terrific experience and one I can highly recommend. Grab your old comfy boots and give it a go! 

   
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  Andy Fawthrop

  SIERRA DE LAS MAMBLAS

  

  Written May 2011

  An interesting and value for money trip that explores an area of Spain off the usual tourist trail. The locals, including those at the hotel and other villagers, were genuinely friendly and helpful. The food at the hotel was excellent and they produced regional dishes using local produce that included honey, cherries and wine. The walks, wildlife and scenery were all delightful. 

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  In our opinion Bob Mason is one of the best tour leaders we’ve experienced in many years of group walking. He paced the group appropriately so that we always arrived back at the hotel in good time to relax before dinner. The walks were well thought-out, planned and varied. He was very well-informed about the local flora and fauna and made the walks interesting by passing on some of his extensive knowledge. He was always calm and patient and showed an interest in everybody. Bob gave 'added value' to our holiday and made it memorable.

   

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