Bert was a fantastic guide - nothing too much trouble, very patient, knowledgeable and organised. He even made sure we got our boat tickets to visit another part of the island on the rest day - which was above and beyond his responsibilities. The hikes were great, island very beautiful and good variety of landscape. We also had bonus of the wonderful Ester - a trainee guide of very high caliber. Group camaraderie was fab - it’s a holiday I will always treasure
This trip was very well organized. I was very satisfied well planned and communication great through out. Thanks to Andy was on hand to sort a problem. I recommend them and will be using them again soon.
La Gomera is a stunning island with an amazing variety of landscapes and stunning views. Our experience felt very authentic and we enjoyed the local hospitality. The hiking was enjoyable but tough. I would certainly rate some of the ascents and descents as challenging rather than moderate. The terrain is often rocky but it is the areas with small stones, particularly on the downhill that can lead one to be on their feet one minute and on the ground the next! It can be very slippery with all the loose gravel and stones and needs solid concentration! In spite of this we enjoyed the trip very much and would heartily recommend visiting La Gomera.
El Hierro is the least known, and most westerly, of the Canary Islands. In fact, it was the most westerly point of the 'old world'. El Hierro has escaped mass tourism and with a population of just over 6,500 it has a very different feel to the other Canarian islands. The Herrenos are fiercely proud of their island and are very welcoming towards visitors who come to appreciate the environment, such as walkers.
Like its neighbours, El Hierro was formed by volcanic activity along an offshoot of the mid-Atlantic ridge. There has not been an eruption on the island since the 18th century, but the cones of ash and old lava flows are a prominent feature of the island. The small central plateau, at 1000m or more, offers a mixture of volcanic scenery, pastures (cattle, sheep and goats provide fine cheeses), and the beautiful Canarian pine woodlands. To the north the lowland of El Golfo resembles a huge bite taken out of the island, and the impressive bordering escarpment, reaching 1500m in altitude, features in our walks. On the lower land of El Golfo vines, bananas and pineapples are grown. The islanders have preserved a number of local traditions and some of their sites are included in our routes. Overall, there is a surprisingly rich variety for such a small area!
The walking is designed to pass through the variety of landscapes on the island and to seek out the most spectacular views and a number of locations of cultural and historical significance to the islanders. No two days are the same. Your El Hierro experience begins in the small town of Valverde up on the plateau- the official capital of El Hierro. For early arrivals there are short walks locally to help you to get the feel of the island. From Valverde the route winds across the plateau, down to El Golfo and up again, then across to the far west of the island before heading back again across the plateau to descend and finish by the east coast.
You accommodation is a mix of simple and charming apartments and hostels, to 3 star hotels. All have restaurants either on site or very close by and so we have included half board for you on this holiday.
We were very satisfied with the arrangements made for our trip which we only booked very close to the proposed departure date. Accommodation was very good and the arrangements for transfer of luggage and ourselves between departure points for the walks worked without a hitch. App for walk was easy to use and accurate. Would use the same organisation again for future walks.
Adrift from mainland Spain, the Canary Islands form a dramatic archipelago, each offering a unique landscape to explore on foot. On this adventure, we hike two of the most scenic, led by a guide who knows all the best trails. Starting in Tenerife, you’ll marvel at volcanic-sand beaches, mighty peaks and otherworldly rock formations. Then, catch the ferry – keeping your eyes peeled for playful dolphins – to tranquil La Gomera. Nicknamed the Walker’s Island, it’s laced with extensive trails through subtropical rainforest and scenes of raw, untamed beauty.
