Latest news with #MacsAdventure
Wall Street Journal
14-05-2025
- Wall Street Journal
A Walking Tour Worthy of a Jane Austen Novel
'I prefer walking,' declares Anne Elliot, the heroine of Jane Austen's 'Persuasion.' To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Austen's birth, my husband and I decided to channel her characters' love of country strolls, walking from Oxford to Bath, the resort town where Austen lived from 1801 to 1806. A visit to her house in Chawton we'd save for another trip. To make the same pilgrimage to Bath by train takes just over an hour. By foot, it is eight arduous days. Macs Adventure, a tour planner headquartered in Glasgow, mapped out our 'easy-to-moderate' route, arranged our accommodations and transferred our luggage each day. We felt we could easily average about 13.8 miles a day, even while chatting.
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Get out and about with our step-by-step National Walking Month beginner's guide
Think better, feel better, sleep better. The benefits of walking are proven and the joy of being in the great outdoors with friends and family or by yourself for some 'me-time' is undeniable. So now you want to do more than boost your daily phone stats and step out on a walking holiday? You are not alone – more and more Brits are choosing to lace up and hit the paths and trails at home and abroad. But where do you start? What gear do you need for something more than a stroll round your local park or woods? We've teamed up with the experts at Glasgow-based self-guided walking holiday brand Macs Adventure to help set you on your way. And there's no better time than now, as May is the UK's National Walking Month – an annual campaign that promotes the physical and mental health benefits of walking. And the nation is blessed with a network of excellent signposted and maintained paths. Step this way for our top tips for first-time walking holidays… Your feet are your friends on a walking holiday – make sure you treat them well. Comfy boots are non-negotiable but they don't have to break the bank. Go for three-season boots with durable, water-resistant materials such as Gore-Tex or leather and make sure the soles have excellent grip for various terrains. Don't wait until your holiday to wear new boots. Break them in with short walks to make sure they're well worn-in and to avoid blisters later. Did you know that the way you lace your boots can make all the difference when tackling different comfort issues? Here are some quick and easy techniques to try... Pick moisture-wicking materials such as merino wool to keep feet dry and snug. Ensure a good fit that complements your boots, avoiding socks that bunch up or rub uncomfortably. Layering is key for unpredictable weather so it's worth packing in layers rather than anything too bulky. You can get a selection of the most interesting, important and fun travel stories sent to your inbox every week by subscribing to the Mirror Travel newsletter. It's completely free and takes minutes to do. Other ESSENTIALS Pack smart and pack safe. Here are some must-have items to include in your rucksack... Download the route before heading off as service can be a bit hit and miss in remote areas. Macs also recommends printing off the documents and guides as a back up. Otherwise, you should consider buying (or borrowing) a GPS handheld satellite tracker. Even the best-planned walking holiday requires some physical preparation and it's worth putting in some effort before you hit the trail. Picking the right trip for your first walking holiday is really important. With self-guided tours you are able to walk at your own pace, take breaks whenever you want, and enjoy the freedom of independent travel without having to wait for anyone else to catch up. Macs Adventure categorises all its trips by difficulty levels, so beginners can start with routes graded Easy or Easy to Moderate. Macs founder Neil Lapping said: 'Walking holidays are in great demand, with more and more people looking to turn a leisurely pastime into a great holiday. 'We have a huge range of itineraries to suit everyone, whether you're looking for a slower, more relaxed trip, or something more challenging. One of the best things about doing it self-guided is there is no rush – you can take a break when you want, linger over a long lunch, or just soak up the views. You get to set your own pace.' Here are a few beginner-friendly options to consider: To book a walking holiday see
Business Mayor
04-05-2025
- Business Mayor
From the mountains to the Med: a self-guided walk in Provence, France
B ehind Cassis beach, the castle-topped cliffs glint red-gold in the late afternoon sun. Couples stroll on the sand, kids play on the carousel, pastel-coloured buildings reflect in the still waters of the old harbour. In the main square, lined by plane trees, a group of elderly men concentrate on a game of petanque. It's a charming slice of Provençal life, a world away from the Cote D'Azur's more glitzy hotspots. In summer, tourists flock to the narrow streets and pretty coast, but off season the buzz is gentler, with weekenders feasting on bouillabaisse along the water's edge. I grab a seat at a bar overlooking the Med and check out my walking route for the next day. Cassis is in the heart of the Calanques national park – an extraordinary place of steep fjord-like limestone inlets, deep green pines and turquoise sea – perfect for exploring on foot. It's a fitting finale to a solo self-guided hiking trip with Macs Adventure, which has taken me from the Sainte-Baume mountains down to the Riviera over six days. While my hiking legs have been put to the test with up to six hours of walking each day, I've not had to worry about logistics. The routes are plotted on the app and my luggage is transferred ahead, leaving me to simply enjoy the scenery. Solo travel is on the rise, according to the Association of British Travel Agents and tour operators (17% of Macs Adventure trips were booked by single travellers last year – most of them women). Offering the freedom to go at my own pace without having to interact with a group, but with help on hand if needed, this trip promised a winning mix of adventure and comfort; an ideal way to explore less-trodden Provence alone. The seafront at Cassis with Cap Canaille looming behind. Photograph: Davide Guidolin/Alamy My adventure begins with a night in the village of Pont-de-l'Étoile, 30 minutes east of Marseille by taxi, before I set out on my first hike: 10 miles (16km) to Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume. Tarmac soon gives way to stony paths as I leave urban streets behind and climb towards the ridge above Vallon St-Clair through a landscape of craggy limestone valleys, softened by shrubs such as cistus and broom and pockets of pine and oak woodland. Close to the ancient chapel of St-Clair, a mountain biker whizzes past but then silence descends again and there's just me and sweeping views all the way back to Marseille. My smugness morphs into contained panic when my phone battery dies and I realise I've left my paper map and power bank behind In summer, there is an acute risk of wildfires in this part of France, and water cisterns dot the route (it's advisable to do this hike in spring or autumn). I climb what looks like a giant wooden chair (a lookout tower perhaps?) to picnic under the bluest skies, then continue upwards along narrow tracks towards Col de Bertagne. There's no one around. I'm nailing it as a solo hiker, I think. But my smugness morphs into contained panic when my phone battery dies and I realise I've left my paper map and power bank behind. There is no one around. I take a punt and scramble down the hillside, battling through dense forest until I find a path which eventually leads to a road. More through luck than judgement, I find myself in Plan-d'Aups and the welcome sight of the Hôtel Lou Pèbre d'Aï – my home for the next two nights – just two hours later than planned. I'm delighted to find my room has a bath and sleep deeply that night. Read More Tickets for the hugely popular Santa Steam Express go on sale 'Walkers love it here,' the receptionist tells me as I prepare to head off the next day, 'the mountains are sacred – you'll see.' Indeed, the Massif Sainte-Baume draws pilgrims to its hidden chapels and holy sites. Today's circular walk is nine miles; I climb steep paths through woods to a ridge which I follow for a couple of hours, with 360-degree views across countryside and coast. The route takes me past shrines, hermit caves and the Sanctuary of Mary Magdalene (she's said to have lived a life of penance here for many years) before a shady forested descent. Sanctuary of Mary Magdalene, on the Massif Sainte-Baume. Photograph: Herve Lenain/Alamy That night I dine on endives with walnuts and goat's cheese and monkfish in a Provençal sauce – the hotel is known for its cuisine prepared by chef Jérôme. On a table nearby, an elderly man gets out an A4-size image of a gilded saintly figure and props it up next to him while he eats, like a friend joining him for dinner. I think it's Mary Magdalene. skip past newsletter promotion Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion On a stretch of coast known more for the glamour of Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Nice, it's refreshing to discover La Ciotat The delightful town of Gémenos is 20 minutes by road from Plan-d'Aups, but the route I follow the next day takes five hours – and is perhaps my favourite walk yet. It feels wild and remote, with paths zigzagging next to deep gorges. I pass the ruins of a Cistercian abbey and follow a river into pretty parkland. From here it's two short bus rides down to Cassis, and flashes of ocean appear between the trees. Three nights at the Hotel Royal Cottage and a new landscape await. On a stretch of coast known more for the glamour of Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Nice, it's refreshing to discover La Ciotat – an unpretentious former shipbuilding town a 15-minute taxi ride east of Cassis. I wander suburban streets then climb to the top of the Soubeyran cliffs – the highest sea cliffs in France at Cap Canaille. Lingering morning mist clears to reveal the spectacular indented coastline as I follow the winding Route des Crêtes back. The path above Port-Pin. Photograph: Hemis/Alamy My last day is saved for the Calanques to the west of Cassis. The wind is up and rain is threatened but I head out past the sprawling villas on the outskirts of town and soon reach the Calanque de Port-Miou, boats bobbing on agitated water. In high summer, visitor numbers to the park are restricted to protect the delicate environment. Today I'm almost alone as I scramble up and down, descending to the white beach of Port-Pin, climbing above Calanque d'en-Vau, then descending again through a rocky ravine to the water. Its beauty feels even more raw under the darkening sky and distant roll of thunder. The heavens open as I begin the return journey and I arrive back in Cassis completely drenched. Heavy rain turns roads into rivers, flowing down towards the sea. I take refuge at Le Bonaparte, a family-run bistro in one of the backstreets. Dressed head-to-toe in black, complete with beret, owner Jean Marie tells me he's run the place for 37 years – 'and people still come back for more!' I'm not surprised, I tell him, when I taste the moules gratinées and deliciously fresh sea bass – accompanied by a glass of the local white wine de Cassis. It's an authentic taste of Provence – and, I feel, an appropriate way to toast an epic solo adventure through a special and varied part of France. The trip was provided by Macs Adventure . Seven-day self-guided Provence Mountains to the Mediterranean itinerary from £1,125 pp, including hotel accommodation, breakfast, two dinners, transfers, luggage transfers, route notes , GPS navigation and 24/7 support
The Guardian
04-05-2025
- The Guardian
From the mountains to the Med: a self-guided walk in Provence, France
Behind Cassis beach, the castle-topped cliffs glint red-gold in the late afternoon sun. Couples stroll on the sand, kids play on the carousel, pastel-coloured buildings reflect in the still waters of the old harbour. In the main square, lined by plane trees, a group of elderly men concentrate on a game of petanque. It's a charming slice of Provençal life, a world away from the Cote D'Azur's more glitzy hotspots. In summer, tourists flock to the narrow streets and pretty coast, but off season the buzz is gentler, with weekenders feasting on bouillabaisse along the water's edge. I grab a seat at a bar overlooking the Med and check out my walking route for the next day. Cassis is in the heart of the Calanques national park – an extraordinary place of steep fjord-like limestone inlets, deep green pines and turquoise sea – perfect for exploring on foot. It's a fitting finale to a solo self-guided hiking trip with Macs Adventure, which has taken me from the Sainte-Baume mountains down to the Riviera over six days. While my hiking legs have been put to the test with up to six hours of walking each day, I've not had to worry about logistics. The routes are plotted on the app and my luggage is transferred ahead, leaving me to simply enjoy the scenery. Solo travel is on the rise, according to the Association of British Travel Agents and tour operators (17% of Macs Adventure trips were booked by single travellers last year – most of them women). Offering the freedom to go at my own pace without having to interact with a group, but with help on hand if needed, this trip promised a winning mix of adventure and comfort; an ideal way to explore less-trodden Provence alone. My adventure begins with a night in the village of Pont-de-l'Étoile, 30 minutes east of Marseille by taxi, before I set out on my first hike: 10 miles (16km) to Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume. Tarmac soon gives way to stony paths as I leave urban streets behind and climb towards the ridge above Vallon St-Clair through a landscape of craggy limestone valleys, softened by shrubs such as cistus and broom and pockets of pine and oak woodland. Close to the ancient chapel of St-Clair, a mountain biker whizzes past but then silence descends again and there's just me and sweeping views all the way back to Marseille. In summer, there is an acute risk of wildfires in this part of France, and water cisterns dot the route (it's advisable to do this hike in spring or autumn). I climb what looks like a giant wooden chair (a lookout tower perhaps?) to picnic under the bluest skies, then continue upwards along narrow tracks towards Col de Bertagne. There's no one around. I'm nailing it as a solo hiker, I think. But my smugness morphs into contained panic when my phone battery dies and I realise I've left my paper map and power bank behind. There is no one around. I take a punt and scramble down the hillside, battling through dense forest until I find a path which eventually leads to a road. More through luck than judgement, I find myself in Plan-d'Aups and the welcome sight of the Hôtel Lou Pèbre d'Aï – my home for the next two nights – just two hours later than planned. I'm delighted to find my room has a bath and sleep deeply that night. 'Walkers love it here,' the receptionist tells me as I prepare to head off the next day, 'the mountains are sacred – you'll see.' Indeed, the Massif Sainte-Baume draws pilgrims to its hidden chapels and holy sites. Today's circular walk is nine miles; I climb steep paths through woods to a ridge which I follow for a couple of hours, with 360-degree views across countryside and coast. The route takes me past shrines, hermit caves and the Sanctuary of Mary Magdalene (she's said to have lived a life of penance here for many years) before a shady forested descent. That night I dine on endives with walnuts and goat's cheese and monkfish in a Provençal sauce – the hotel is known for its cuisine prepared by chef Jérôme. On a table nearby, an elderly man gets out an A4-size image of a gilded saintly figure and props it up next to him while he eats, like a friend joining him for dinner. I think it's Mary Magdalene. Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion The delightful town of Gémenos is 20 minutes by road from Plan-d'Aups, but the route I follow the next day takes five hours – and is perhaps my favourite walk yet. It feels wild and remote, with paths zigzagging next to deep gorges. I pass the ruins of a Cistercian abbey and follow a river into pretty parkland. From here it's two short bus rides down to Cassis, and flashes of ocean appear between the trees. Three nights at the Hotel Royal Cottage and a new landscape await. On a stretch of coast known more for the glamour of Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Nice, it's refreshing to discover La Ciotat – an unpretentious former shipbuilding town a 15-minute taxi ride east of Cassis. I wander suburban streets then climb to the top of the Soubeyran cliffs – the highest sea cliffs in France at Cap Canaille. Lingering morning mist clears to reveal the spectacular indented coastline as I follow the winding Route des Crêtes back. My last day is saved for the Calanques to the west of Cassis. The wind is up and rain is threatened but I head out past the sprawling villas on the outskirts of town and soon reach the Calanque de Port-Miou, boats bobbing on agitated water. In high summer, visitor numbers to the park are restricted to protect the delicate environment. Today I'm almost alone as I scramble up and down, descending to the white beach of Port-Pin, climbing above Calanque d'en-Vau, then descending again through a rocky ravine to the water. Its beauty feels even more raw under the darkening sky and distant roll of thunder. The heavens open as I begin the return journey and I arrive back in Cassis completely drenched. Heavy rain turns roads into rivers, flowing down towards the sea. I take refuge at Le Bonaparte, a family-run bistro in one of the backstreets. Dressed head-to-toe in black, complete with beret, owner Jean Marie tells me he's run the place for 37 years – 'and people still come back for more!' I'm not surprised, I tell him, when I taste the moules gratinées and deliciously fresh sea bass – accompanied by a glass of the local white wine de Cassis. It's an authentic taste of Provence – and, I feel, an appropriate way to toast an epic solo adventure through a special and varied part of trip was provided by Macs Adventure. Seven-day self-guided Provence Mountains to the Mediterranean itinerary from £1,125pp, including hotel accommodation, breakfast, two dinners, transfers, luggage transfers, route notes, GPS navigation and 24/7 support
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Forbes
5 Easy European E-Bike Trips For 2025
E-biking in Portugal with Macs Adventure Whether you call them e-bikes or electric-assist bikes, these battery-boosted bicycles offer a new way to see the world. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, cycling with e-bikes was a top-trending European activity in 2024. E-bikes are heavier than a conventional bike, but relatively simple to ride. Yet it's important to know that these bikes must still be pedaled. Their small motor allows you to add a power boost while pedaling, shifting gears, and balancing, which are pretty much the same as on a conventional bike. What they really do is open up a whole new world of cycling, especially for those who want to explore hillier places or don't have the endurance to go on self-generated pedal power alone. They also allow you to ride with a companion who might be a stronger or more accomplished rider and has chosen to ride a conventional road or touring bike. They're ideal for couples of mixed biking ability to ride together and for multi-generational groups of riders. Here's what some major travel companies offer in 2025, on trips that were available at press time. Macs Adventure has many self-guided e-bike trips, including Cycle from Minho to Porto. The eight-day trip starts at the spa town of Monção at the Spanish border, includes a stop in Barcelos, located on the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail, and finishes at the colorful city of Porto. It's a ride that offers Portugal's astounding Atlantic coastline and coastal nature reserves. Accommodation is in comfortable four-star hotels, and two wine tastings are included. Rated moderate, it's priced from $1,950 per person. The cost of an e-bike is an additional $250. E-biking in Slovenia with Trek Travel. Trek offers a Slovenia Bike Tour: From Lake Bled to Italy along the Goriška Brda Wine Region. This six-day ride includes a pletna boat ride on Lake Bled, an opportunity to explore the medieval town of Cividale del Friuli, and a ride through the wine region of the Goriška Brda region. The trip continues to Slovenia's only national park, Triglav National Park, and the glacial Lake Bohinj. Riders also cross the Slovenia-Italy border to the Fusine Lakes in the Julian Alps. Rated difficulty level 3 (out of 4), the cost is $4,399 per person. E-biking in Provence with Backroads The Provence Luberon to Lavender Country Easygoing E-bike Tour is a dedicated e-bike trip from Backroads. One of their Dolce Tempo trips, with a more relaxed pace, you bike from Saignon to Mane-de-Provence, through beautiful villages such as Bonnieux, Roussillon, and Gordes, past vineyards and lavender fields. The trip includes two nights at Les Couvent des Minimes, a 17th-century convent transformed into a spa hotel by L'Occitane. The final night's dinner is at the Michelin-starred Le Feuillée. This six-day trip is priced from $5,799. Puglia e-biking with VBT. VBT has chosen the coast of Puglia for this off-the-beaten-path guided e-bike trip. Italy: Puglia's Undiscovered Coast is a seven-day excursion with overnights in luxurious masserie, restored fortified farms typical of the area. The biking route includes some of the most historic towns in the region, such as Monopoli, the walled city of Acaya, and Otranto, a town built by the Greeks. It's a trip that combines seaside views with olive groves and historic towns. Rated easy, the seven-day trip is priced from $5,145. Biking in Costa Brava with ExperiencePlus! Bicycling Catalonia's Costa Brava is an eight-day trip from ExperiencePlus! The ride begins in Girona and continues east towards Costa Brava and the rolling hills of the Emporda region. This journey, filled with Roman ruins and medieval towns, finishes in Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali. The trip is rated Classic 2.5 (on a scale of 1 to 5). The price is $4,950, and there's a $250 surcharge for a hybrid e-bike.
