Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the wild flowers and the Camino del Rey gorge. Each day was different and very enjoyable with beautiful and striking scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel (Michael) was so knowledgeable especially about the plants and birds of prey. He even organised a tapa lunch for us in Seville although it was his day off. Friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take some warm clothing if going in early May. Unfortunately the weather although sunny was cooler, ideal for walking but not for sitting at the pool. You don’t need to bring your own tea and coffee as this is provided free with biscuits. You just help yourself.

Most Inspirational Moment

Two moments: We had a lovely and delicious picnic set up for us at the monastery of Caños Santos on Day 3. This was a peaceful respite after our walk from the Cortijo. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the Caminito del Rey on Day 6. Our guide made sure we beat the crowd and I am grateful for that. We were able to walk it at our own pace, stopping as much as we wanted for photos and to admire the El Chorro gorge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael was a good and knowledgeable (history, plants, wildlife) guide who set an appropriate walking pace for our group. He aptly timed quick rest stops and photo stops and was good at pointing out birds, plants and features we might be interested in and might have missed otherwise. He knows many of the locals so we were often warmly greeted along our way. I found him to be encouraging and supportive, showing each of us interest and a good sense of camaraderie.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I advise you use hiking shoes/boots and sturdy trekking poles. I used poles from the Cortijo but someone had theirs shipped beforehand. I also wore trail runners which I always hike in and they were fine, but I did wish I had brought my boots. Be sure to have what you need because there are not many places to shop until you go to Seville or Ronda. Most importantly, make sure you are in good enough physical shape to do the walks safely.

Most Inspirational Moment

Can't choose- every day had it's inspiring moment. The National Park was amazing, but what was unexpected was the mind blowing display of wildflowers at this time of year (April 20-27) on all walks. The walk through the oak wood and meadows day 4 was particularly memorable for the wildflowers, followed by the tapas picnic at the monastery, and then the visit to Setenil with the cave houses. We also saw so many birds of prey throughout the week- vultures, rare eagles etc which Miguel quickly identifies and lends you his binoculars!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel inspired us all to embrace everything Andalusian with his expert knowledge of the fauna, flora, history and people. He led the walks at the right pace and pointed out so many things each day. He gave excellent advice , especially restaurants and bars in Seville and Malaga. Exodus is very fortunate to have him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are into bird watching, bring your own binoculars. Have a wander round the village on your own late afternoon. We revisited the bar where we had coffee on day 4 the other side of the village. We were instantly recognised and welcomed, and either side of us had guys passionately playing dominoes!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the Grazalema National park

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant - shared extensive knowledge of flora and fauna worked really hard to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. Set a sensible pace for the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do pack footwear suitable for some rough tracks and terrain

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the Day 3 Sierra de Grazalema and Day 6 with the El Caminito del Rey and optional Ronda visit. The optional Seville tapas lunch organised and selected by Michael was exceptional. The tapas lunch on Day 2, while enjoying (and in some cases participating in) the Flintstone festival, was also delicious.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael was very approachable and informative, sharing his knowledge about the local area and people, the flora and fauna, tips for enjoying El Caminito del Rey and comprehensive and helpful arrangements or tips for the occasions where he was not present (Seville and Ronda).

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are a keen photographer, the pace of the walks does not fully allow you to indulge in your hobby. There were a few occasions where I paused to take photos, only to see the group disappearing round a bend some way ahead. However, it was always possible to catch up at the intermediate rest stops. The optional visits to Seville Alcazar, the Seville Tapas lunch and Ronda were very enjoyable and worthwhile. Tell Michael if you would also like to visit Seville Cathedral. We had a few mosquitos in our room in spite of the dry heat, so bring some insect repellent. Worth looking at suggestions from earlier reviews on coffee, electrical points etc which I found useful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, one of the best ever

Advice for Potential Travellers

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Most Inspirational Moment

On the first day we had unseasonal cold weather with very heavy rain. We nevertheless walked up a mountain through an amazing oak rainforest. Much greener than I expected, it was magical and the rain somehow enhanced the excitement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader, Michael Newcomb, was excellent. Very clear with information and adaptable to the circumstances as you would hope for. Always going the extra mile. Keen to be a positive part of the local community. Above all Mike was absolutely passionate about his interest in local wildlife, land management and food production, history etc and in sharing this with the group. And good company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come on this holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing the bridge at the end of el Caminito del Rey (Chorro Gorge) and the Grazalema Natural Park

Thoughts on Group Leader

Whilst Mike was very knowledgeable, engaging and fun, the moment things were not going to plan his attitude changed quite quickly. Some group members picked up on this and it put them off approaching him for anything throughout the trip. Poor time management on one of the walks, led to the group being rushed which wasn't ideal after weeks of torrential rain and very slippery terrain.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although we had pretty landscapes during the walks (olive groves, mountains) on some occasions it resembled the British countryside, so if you're looking for a trip with stunning scenery at every corner, this isn't it. Optional afternoon in Rhonda was fab, we recommend going! Having done several exodus trips before, whilst there were a couple of level 4 moments, the rest of the walks were more a level 3.

Most Inspirational Moment

Funnily enough, the first days walking in atrocious weather ( I thought we were still in England!) where we nearly made it up the first mountain but had to abort not far from the summit - a very sensible decision from Mike - which we all agreed with.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb. Mike/Miguel was a very passionate and committed leader. Always eager to help and make our trip as fab as possible. Extremely knowledgeable on Andalusian wildlife, culture, history and geology.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

hiking with the group to the summits

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding!