Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The gorge walking was absolutely amazing, from the beautiful scenic 2-hour walk to get there, to the sheer rock faces in the gorge, and the challenging rock climbing and scrambling to get into the gorge itself.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was perfectly polite and did his job, but I would have liked a lot more enthusiasm and interest in / information about the area. Previously group leaders often provide useful information such as emergency services numbers, local customs, a few helpful phrases in the local language but none of this was provided.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A couple of the walks are a bit more challenging than the trip notes suggest. There is no choice of food at the hotel despite the trip notes suggesting that there is - and the food was very hit and miss (more misses than hits) - this was very disappointing, especially in a food-led island such as Sardinia.

Suggestions

I cannot stress enough how much better this trip would be at a better hotel in a better location.

Most Inspirational Moment

The seaside cliffs at Cala Luna really gave some perspective to sea level changes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Easy going. Trustworthy. Accommodating. Great guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a lot of water , suntan lotion and a hat.

Suggestions

For keen hikers note that there are only 4 walking days on this 8 day trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking a deep gorge .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leadership was inspired.

Advice for Potential Travellers

October proved to be a good month. Not too hot but still summer temperatures for UK residents.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery - absolutely stunning. Esp. Gorroppu Gorge and views on walks across mountain ranges and down to the coast.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric was very experienced and competent. On Day 1 briefed us with a few basic rules to ensure safety and goodwill of the group, e.g. turning up on time! Thereafter created a happy and relaxed atmosphere. Always happy to answer questions and provide information as he knew the area well. Gave us a full programme of activities, never a dull moment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For me, I'd avoid the hottest months of the year as I am not a super strong walker. Do carry plenty of water and wear good boots. Maybe hold back a bit on the beer and ice cream. The food is wholesome and plentiful and it's easy to gain weight despite all the exercise.

Suggestions

Aside from the walking programme, you get to see Gorroppu Gorge, Nuraghic villages, Tiscali, Su Cologone, Ispinigoli caves and have an excellent tutored wine tasting at local cantina.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk to Tiscali was fantastic. Both for the views, Tiscali itself and the rocky paths we had to negotiate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric was excellent. Very sociable, organised and good at imparting his enthusiasm for Sardinia and its history and culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gorroppu Gorge is an amazing site to see, so do go into the gorge once you reach it, The walk up to and in Tiscali, with added bonus of seeing a pine martin there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric was a great guide, well organised, and has good relationships with the hotel staff and locals. Eric is very informative and provides accurate descriptions of the walks for the next day so you know what you are in for, He engages well with group. On the walks Eric keeps a steady pace with reasonable rest stops.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whilst this is a medium grade walking trip, I would say its not overly strenuous and the paths are mostly good. The Tiscali walk and the coastal walk needs concentration in some parts as to where you are putting your feet do to the rocky nature of the paths, On the free day we went to Bue Marino cave. I've been to quite a few cave systems before and was a little disappointed. Not that long, colourful, or dramatic in stalactites. Its main attraction is the water entering from the sea and river. I'd recommend the Liquorice and Whiskey ice cream at the La Gelateria in Dorgali.

Suggestions

Maybe because we were early in the season, but there was not a whole lot to do in Dorgali once we got back from the walks. I think the trip would benefit from being located in Cala Gonone for 2 nights to cover the free day and the coastal walk, leaving better free time after the walks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tiscali

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Suggestions

Tiscali walk - at the end of this quite technical and excellent trip walk why did we walk 1+ hour along a hot, open, dusty, hard road with cars coming past creating more dust? I do not see the point of walking along a road at the end of a walk when a vehicle could pick us up. Last day - ferry (nice experience but most of us had already done this) to a beach and then walk in the forest along the cliffs. not very inspiring. few views. felt like a walk for the sake of it, must be better walks around.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Pine Martin was the highlight of my trip in Tiscali & the Gorge walk.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric was really good, he got the pace just right for the group & everything was well organised. Good description of the walks terrain and so you knew what to expect.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Poles & boots are a must, the underfoot is quite rocky in parts, I felt it was an easy walk, it's the underfoot that makes it a Moderate. I'm not keen on heights, but there were no problems, as foot paths are quite wide and well marked. I didn't think the optional visit to the Grotta del Bue Marino, was worth the price (transfer to harbour/boat/entry), especially if you have seen cave systems before. However there isn't much to do on your free day otherwise. Take a kettle if you want hot drinks (not many staff around in the hotel), hairdryer can be provided at the hotel.

Suggestions

I think it would be good to be a 2 centre based trip so you get to see another part of Sardinia, as there is not much to do in your spare time in Dorgali.

Most Inspirational Moment

Funnily enough, for me it was the view when we climbed to the top of the mountain above Dorgali, with clear views to the sea, and a long way inland too. Tiscali was a special site in its own way, but the first climb was the most rewarding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric Woolley is a seasoned veteran of the outdoors, and the group was very safe in his hands. The first day's walking, he pushed us a bit, in order to get the measure of us, all the better to time the rest of the week's walks, which were timed almost perfectly. One slight criticism; Eric's Italian seemed somewhat scanty, but this didn't affect the trip at all, since one of our group was of Italian extraction, and was thus able to translate when having more complex conversations, and the rest of the time, the group had enough Italian to get by. Most of the hotel staff spoke English.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to sample some excellent wines; the hotel "house red" was quite acceptable, and the local Cantonau Classico and Reserve were delicious. Not quite so sure about the local myrtle-based aperitif, "Mirto", though! Being a vegetarian on southern european trips can be difficult at times, and I found myself being offered fish at least twice - luckily, I'm flexible, but others might not be so.

Suggestions

Overall, a decent week's rock-hopping, clambering, and walking, all in a pleasant climate, staying in a friendly and very pretty town.

Most Inspirational Moment

The cave at Spinigoli was stunning and in its own way inspiring bot The Gorropu Canyon for shear, overwhelming impact was stupendous

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric Woolley was the best! He knew how to guide and be involved as a member of the group. I can best describe it as like being away with friends - Eric created this effect.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it - there is nothing not to enjoy!

Suggestions

So happy were we that we would consider going back to the area for more walks end exploration. The Sardinian people are so welcoming and friendly!