About us
We are BACKABUSH XPLORERS, much copied but still the original and best hiking and outdoor activity Meetup group!!!
Who are we and how did it all begin?
Backabush Xplorers is London's longest established hiking and outdoor adventure Meetup group. Our group was originally created back in 2002 (actually before we were on Meetup) by a multinational group of friends who loved hiking and wanted to get more out of our weekends and holidays. We wanted to share our heartfelt passion for the great outdoors and enthusiasm with others. For some years Backabush was an informal, unincorporated association managed by the founders for the benefit of its members.
Our group grew rapidly in those early years and in 2008, following legal advice we decided it would be wise and prudent to become a registered company to protect our organisers and our members. Following this review and the formation of the limited company, our members can now pursue their legitimate activities and aims with complete peace of mind.
Why do we do it?
We love the outdoors! The primary motivation is fun (not profit) which means that our trips offer exceptional value for money. We continue as a group with the same ethos of organising events and trips for the benefit of our members. This is what we love and we are passionate about what we do. We will always endeavour to be budget conscious and price our activities only to cover necessary expenses.
What do we do?
Over the years we have hiked and explored the National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty in Britain and abroad. It may all have started years ago with a few hiking friends gathering for a weekend in a scruffy camping barn somewhere rural and pretty but it has developed a lot from there.
Backabush has been hiking and enjoying outdoor adventure for well over a decade now and over this time we have organised literally hundreds of hiking trips throughout Great Britain. We have enjoyed visits to the Lake District, Snowdonia, Scotland, the Brecon Beacons, the Pembrokeshire Coast, Cornwall, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Cambrian mountains, the Wye Valley, the Forest of Dean, the North York Moors, the New Forest, the South Downs, the Malvern Hills, the Shropshire Hills, the South Downs, the Cotswolds, the Chiltern Hills, the Jurassic Coast, the Gower Peninsula, the Pennines, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, the Isle of Arran, Glen Shiel, Torridon etc, etc, etc.
National trails and long distance paths in Britain are another favourite of ours and to date we have completed the full length of Hadrian's Wall Path, the West Highland Way, the Cumbria Way, the Herriot Way and Wainwright's Coast to Coast. Although we have yet to complete the full length of many we have also enjoyed hiking sections of the Cotswold Way, Pennine Way, Offa's Dyke Path, Limestone Way, Allerdale Ramble, South West Coast Path, Great Glen Way, Monsal Trail, South Downs Way, Ridgeway, Thames Path and many, many others.
We were also trailblazers when it came to offering exciting outdoor adventures overseas. Back in 2009 we organised our very first foreign trip when we headed down into Africa to climb Mt Toubkal, the highest summit in Morocco. Next we trekked in Nepal, climbing over a 5000+ metre pass linking the Langtang and Helambu valleys. Since these early treks we went on to organise things like via ferrata holidays in the Italian Dolomites, or hiking trips to the French Alps and Jura mountains. We also love 'hut to hut' trekking and have so far completed every step of the Tour du Mt Blanc, summited Monte Perdido in the Ordessa National Park and trekked for days in the French Pyrenees to reach the awe inspiring Cirque de Gavarnie. More recently we even organised trips to Slovakia to seek out winter snowshoeing in the High Tatras and gorge scrambling in the Paradise National Park.
There are many other adventures we could mention. No other Meetup group offers adventure like this!
How do the logistics work?
We know our members are busy people so we do our best to provide a complete package for you. Backabush will research the locations, the hikes, book the accommodation and make a plan for all the meals. If you do not own a car we will help you to find transport or a lift share. You just need to communicate with the organiser who will help to co-ordinate things with you.
With a little co-operation from our members it all works very well and allows us to keep offering new locations and new hikes, year after year. Although we might return to some amazing National Parks quite regularly we always endeavour to find new venues and plan entirely new hikes. If you check out our past events you will see that we offer unrivalled variety in the locations we visit.
What are the hikes like?
On every Backabush trip we try to provide a choice of hikes each day. Obviously we will choose from the most beautiful and best loved hikes in any given area. These hikes tend to be of various length, duration and difficulty. The idea is that each person can choose the hike that best suits their fitness, experience and interests.
It is true that Backabush has a reputation within the Meetup community for offering longer and more challenging hikes but we always also offer more moderate options for those seeking a more relaxed day outdoors. Generally speaking we would say that anyone who can hike for 10 miles in hilly terrain should be fine on our trips. If you have any concerns please don't hesitate to contact us to ask questions.
What about safety?
Safety is always our number one priority. Although we can never make the outdoor environment entirely safe there are many steps that can be taken to minimise risk. Our team of outdoor activity leaders have many, many years of leadership experience and have received extensive outdoor training. Between all of our leaders we have years of military experience, ambulance work or mountain guiding.
Our principal leadership team are Mountain Leader trained at Plas-y-Brenin (the National Mountain Sports Centre) in North Wales and Winter Skills trained at Glenmore Lodge in Scotland. We regularly update our first aid qualifications and carry the required emergency aid equipment for wilderness situations. Some of us have taught or assisted on micro-navigation training courses and all have excellent route finding skills regardless of visibility or weather.
Additional our experience extends to high altitude mountaineering in several continents, be it summiting 6000+ metre peaks in the Andes, conquering the highest mountains in Africa or completing month long high altitude treks in the Himalayas.
We take our 'duty of care' of very seriously and are trained to deal with outdoor emergencies. Sometimes we hire in specific skills as necessary in the form of fully qualified instructors for things like rock climbing, caving, coasteering, kayaking, horse riding, ghyll scrambling or technical mountaineering. For some foreign trips we will either provide logistical support for safe self guided mountain trekking or hire International Mountain Leaders as deemed necessary.
Who joins our trips?
Although most people in the group are in their 20s, 30s and 40s age is not an issue to us - a fun loving and adventurous nature is more important. It is not uncommon to have over a dozen different nationalities represented in a single gathering.
Our groups of hikers and outdoor adventurers vary in size but on every trip some people will be regulars and some first timers. Its a great way to make new hiking friends and you need not worry about coming alone as you will always be made to feel welcome.
What we all have in common is a love of all kinds of outdoor activity including hiking, trekking, hill walking, mountaineering, scrambling, camping, canoeing, canyoning, kayaking, rock climbing, scuba diving, caving, coasteering, mountain biking and just about anything else that offers some outdoor adventure.
We are a very active bunch!
We hope YOU will join us sometime soon.
Positive vibes!
The Backabush Crew & Hiking Team
Contact Geoff & Nathan
Featured event
1 BED LEFT - GLEN SHIEL - MUNRO BAGGING IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS (BANK HOLIDAY)
Backabush is going back to the Scottish Highlands for another mountain adventure. This time we are going to Glen Shiel, a region on the west coast absolutely crammed with Munro tops and mountain ridges.
Group size - max 11 . Accommodation - Hostel
Cost with transport from Inverness - £369
Cost without transport - £319, if you are planning to drive yourself and don't need a seat in the minibus.
What's Munro bagging? - https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/walking/mountains-hills/munro-bagging
Glen Shiel is one of a few places in the highlands where as many as 7 summits can be connected in one tough hike so we will need a strong team of hikers to take on these arduous outings. Our hiking targets for this trip are:
South Glen Shiel Ridge - 7 Munros! 17 miles and 1800m of ascent. We will need a low wind/rain day for this monster mountain challenge but if the stars align it is well within the abilities of a fit and fast group. This long ridgewalk is mostly on good paths with surprisingly little descent between the summits, allowing hikers to maintain a good pace. There are also a few short sections of easy scrambling. We should expect to spend over 10 hours on the hill for the full day out, however, it is also possible to descend after 4 summits and cut the day in half if thats what the weather, or our energy levels, demand.
Five Sisters of Kintail - 9.5 Miles, 1400m ascent over steep rocky ground with some easy scrambling and narrow ridge trails. This is one of Scotland's best mountain ridge walks and connects 3 Munros with magnificent views.
For our third hiking day we have loads of options to choose from including;
The Brothers Ridge - another 3 Munros in just 7 miles.
The Falls of Glomach - Possibly Britain's most spectacular waterfall.
The shores of Loch Duilch, forest and coastal trails, a great option if the summits are not possible.
ACCOMMODATION
We have booked dorm rooms for our exclusive use at the Ratagan Youth Hostel. This hostel has got to be one of the most tranquil locations in Scotland, down a quiet little road, right on the shore of Loch Duilch, a stunning sea loch.
The hostel sits in a quiet corner of Scotland with not many local options to eat out, there is one restaurant nearby. The hostel has good kitchen and dining room facilities for self-catering. We will be taking most of our supplies with us from Inverness, there will also be the opportunity to visit the SPAR supermarket 20 mins away.
TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND
We will pick you up from Inverness Airport at 14.10 or Inverness town centre at 14.45 on Saturday 23rd May. Or alternatively you can meet us at the hostel from 5pm onwards.
You can get to Inverness easily by train or you can fly. These are our recommended flight which fit with our pick up times.
Outbound - Saturday 23 May
easyJet flight EZY847
Departs London Gatwick 12.25
Arrives Inverness 14.10
Return - Wednesday 27 May
easyJet flight EZY848
Departs Inverness 14.55
Arrives London Gatwick 16.40
We will drop you off back in Inverness on Wednesday 27th at around 13.00pm so please consider that when planning onward travel. There will be a town centre and train station drop off as well as a stop at the airport.
DIFFICULTY
This will be a physically tough trip so please take a look at the hike statistics above and be sure that you want to undertake this challenge. A good head for heights is also required for these exposed mountain trails.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 4 nights hostel accommodation in shared dorms.
- All transport in Scotland and airport transfers from Inverness. (unless not required)
- Guided hikes. Qualified Mountain Leader and certified outdoor first-aider.
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Meals - our accommodation will have self catering facilities and there is one restaurant nearby.
- Travel to Scotland.
- Travel insurance.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use internet banking your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use GLENSHIEL as your payment reference. The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622
The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/
Only payment secures your place. Please email nathancapay@googlemail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks. :)
Upcoming events
36
- £499.00
CAPPADOCIA (EASTER HOLIDAY) - Turkey's Fairy-tale Valleys
Kayseri Erkilet Airport, Hilal, Mustafa Kemal Paşa Blv., Kocasinan, Ka, TRBackabush is heading back to Turkiye for the Easter holidays on another exciting trip exploring the enchanting landscape of Cappadocia.
Cost from £499. Nights - 5. Group size - 18. Cave Hotel Accommodation.
The rocky valleys surrounding the town of Goreme in Cappadocia have been sculpted by the wind and rain over many thousands of years to create a truly unique geological landscape of intricate folds. This area is famous for it's distinctive tufas or 'fairy chimneys' as well as the many ancient cave dwellings, pigeon houses, canyons and of course the vast numbers of hot air balloons that fill the dawn skies each day.
We have booked the exclusive use of one of Goreme's traditionally styled cave hotels, with bedrooms that are partly set back into the rock. We have options for shared rooms, private rooms and some larger, luxury private rooms with jacuzzi baths. Our hotel has all the amenities that you would expect, with en-suite rooms and a generous breakfast served each day. There is also an outdoor terrace seating area that overlooks the town, the perfect spot to view the balloon fights each morning.
Shared (mixed gender) 4 bed room - £499
Shared twin room - £589
Private room - £699
Deluxe private room - £749Our plan is to spend the Easter weekend around Goreme with 3 full hiking days to explore the surrounding valleys and villages. We will also have 1 rest day so we have the chance to take an optional hot air balloon ride and spend a bit more time checking out the town of Goreme and the famous frescos at the Open Air Museum.
Highlights of our suggested hiking itinerary include:
- Red Valley & Rose Valley, a dreamy landscape in a beautiful crimson colour.
- Love Valley & Honey Valley. Love valley has some of the most iconic, and also phallic, fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, hence the name.
- Pigeon Valley & the Uschisar Castle, littered with rock cut dovecotes and an intriguing castle perched on the highest point in the region with panoramic views.
- Zelve Valley & Goreme Open Air Museum - The museum covers a large area with over 30 rock cut churches from the 9th century onwards complete with frescoes.
- Derinkuyu underground city & the Ihlara Valley, visit an underground city built as a Christian shelter during the Byzantine wars and the only lush green valley in Cappadocia nourished by the Melendiz river.
DIFFICULTY
On this trip will be hiking up to 10 miles each day on rough trails. Although we will not be hiking up any mountains there will still be some moderate ascents and descents so a good level of fitness is required.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 5 nights cave hotel accommodation (various room options available)
- All breakfasts
- 3 hiking days guided by an experienced local hiking guide
- Airport transfers and minibus transport to/from the hikes
- One trip organiser
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches and evening meals (There are many local restaurants to choose from around our hotel)
- Flights (See below)
- Entrance fees into the sites (Ihlara Valley, Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Underground city)
- Optional hot air balloon excursion
RECOMMEDED FLIGHTS:
Our airport transfers will be organised to meet these flights, if you choose to book alternative travel to Cappadocia then you will need to meet us at our hotel in Goreme, which is reletively straight forward as shuttle busses connect Kayseri Airport to Goreme regularly.
It is also possible to fly from several other UK Airports to Istanbul and then catch the same group connecting flight from Istanbul to take advantage of the the airport tranfers.
Outbound - Thursday 2 April
Turkish Airlines - TK1982 & TK2020 (connection in Istanbul)
Departs LGW London Gatwick 10:55
Arrives ASR Kayseri 19:55Return - Tuesday 7 April
Turkish Airlines - TK2013 & TK1997 (connection in Istanbul)
Departs ASR Kayseri 10:45
Arrives LGW London Gatwick 16:15HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use internet banking your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use CAPPADOCIA as your payment reference. The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/
Only payment secures your place. Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks. :)
IMPORTANT NOTES
VISA - Please check if you need a visa to travel to Cappadocia. Turkey is NOT within the Shengen zone. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary documents, including visa.
18 attendees - £369.00
LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK (EASTER HOLIDAY)
Location not specified yetJoin us for a superb Easter weekend of amazing hiking in England's most mountainous and beautiful national park.
Number of nights - 3.
£369 for a bed in a shared twin room. For solo travellers (which is most people in the group) we will assign you a room buddy of the same gender.
£455 for a private single room.
£489 for a private double room (single occupancy).
With the most breathtaking natural landscapes and the highest mountains in England, there really is no other national park in the country to compare to the Lake District. Nowhere else can offer quite so much opportunity for outdoor adventure with the finest hiking options.
It is hard to imagine a more lovely place to spend the Easter holiday weekend. Delightful villages, craggy mountains, babbling streams, mossy woodland and beautiful wildflowers all add to the magic of this region at this time of year.
Our wonderful three star hotel is located high in the Cumbrian Fells, while the countryside setting ensures peace and quiet. It is the perfect place from which to hike and explore in the Lake District. We have visited the delightful Shap Wells Hotel a number of times as we love it's secluded valley and woodlands full of wildlife including native red squirrels in the grounds. You are virtually guaranteed to see them in the morning!
The rooms offer all the necessary comforts in a warm, relaxing, family run environment. This is a charming country hotel with a mile-long drive along a private road with breathtaking, rugged scenery in every direction. A pretty waterfall and trickling stream running by the front door will leave you with no doubts in your mind that this is a wonderful place in which to get away from it all. Evening meals are included and will be served at the hotel's restaurant.
We will have at least 2 hikes to choose from each day exploring the highlights of the local area. The Lake District boasts stunning views, picturesque villages and hikes which offer a mixture of rugged mountains, ancient woodlands, fields, riverside and lakeside walking.
On our last visit we have enjoyed many gorgeous hikes and the following are just some of the endless possibilities:
Place Fell & Ullswater from Patterdale (approx. 9 miles)
This is a great introduction to fell walking in the Lake District. Although the ascent to the summit of Place Fell (657m) is not too strenuous, the views across to many high peaks and along Ullswater are dramatic and extensive. The final section along the shores of Ullswater has been described in one walking guide book as the loveliest walk in the Lake District!
Watendlath, Borrowdale & Castle Crag from Derwent Water (approx. 10 miles).
This is an exceptionally beautiful hike and a personal favourite. Borrowdale is considered by many to be the most scenic valley in the Lake District and the ascent of Castle Crag adds a little adventure and superb views. There can be very few hikes as varied as this one and a couple of tea rooms in delightful villages along the way allow us to enjoy some light refreshment. Although we do not aim for any high summits there will be extensive views on a clear day. There are also a number of ascents (some long) but the only really steep ascent (up Castle Crag) is relatively short.
Blencathra and Atkinsons Pike via Hall's Fell (approx. 8 miles).
This is a superb route for hikers wanting to reach a significant Lakeland summit (Blencathra 868m) via an adventurous route but not wanting an overly strenuous day out. Starting from the village of Threlkeld this hike tackles the ascent of Blencathra via the steep and rocky hike/scramble up the cockrel's-comb rocky edge of Hall's Fell. The summits and ridges on this hike will offer superb and far reaching views across the Lake District and also the Vale of Eden. On a clear day the view from the summit of Blencathra is hard to beat and the overall route is wonderfully satisfying and somewhat adventurous. A head for heights is necessary.
Dove Crag, Hart Crag, Fairfield and St Sunday Crag from Brotherswater (approx. 12 miles)
This route offers superb fell walking territory from start to finish. Some ascents are steep and the terrain is somewhat challenging taking in several peaks. It is definitely a varied option with far reaching views of mountains and lakes. From the top of Fairfield (873m) we might be rewarded with views of Ullswater, Windermere, Striding Edge and Helvellyn.
The walk starts by heading up from Brotherswater, over Dove Crag and Hart Crag to the summit of Fairfield, the highest point of our hike. From there the excitement really begins as we enjoy a bit of scrambling over Corfa Pike and onwards over the ridge of St Sunday Crag. We then start our descent back down to our car park at Cow Bridge.
Kendal, Scout Scar and Cunswick Fell (approx. 7 miles)
This is a walk in the limestone country that lies on the south eastern fringes of the Lake District. From lovey market town of Kendal the route heads up out of the town and continues by way of field and moorland paths to the edge of the escarpment of Scout Scar, a superb viewpoint looking westwards towards the central Lakeland mountains. We then continue along a fine scenic path along the edge of the escarpment which leads onto Cunswick Fell and then over Kendal Fell before descending through woods back into town where there are plenty of pubs and cafes.
High Street, Harter Fell, Branstree & Selside Pike from Haweswater (approx. 11 miles)
Don't be fooled by the unusual title. At 828 metres High Street is a serious mountain, which gets its name from an ancient Roman road that once ran across the long summit ridge. The hike begins with a challenging and rocky ascent up Rough Crag. A series of summits then offers superb and extensive views for miles around. A true Lake District classic for those who don't mind a bit of rough terrain!
The full 11 miles would make this a strenuous hike but it is possible to safely return to the carpark along a clear track which descends from the pass between Harter Fell and Branstree. Although this shorter (7 miles) option cuts out two summits, it still involves a lot of ups and downs with some rocky ground, which makes it an "energetic" day out in the mountains.
Shap Abbey (approx. 5 miles)
Shap Abbey is a key feature on this delightful walk. Gaunt and evocative ruins rise up above the banks of the lovely River Lowther. There is more of interest on this walk besides the ruin, not least a huge and mysterious monolith early in the walk, created by stone age settlers of this region. The tiny village of Keld is also very attractive and we can enjoy miles of wild moorland where skylarks trill from high above.
...............................................................................................
We will have experienced hike leaders offering fabulous hikes of different length and difficulty each day so you can choose exactly the kind of walk you like.
Don't miss this fabulous weekend away! :D
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 3 nights quality hotel accommodation.
- 3 breakfasts.
- 3 delicious three-course evening meals.
- A choice of guided hikes. Our leaders are Mountain Leader (MLTE) trained and qualified first aiders.
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992.
Amazing value!!! :D
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Transport expenses.
- Lunches - depending on the hike you choose we can either take a packed lunch with us or stop in a village pub.
To confirm your place on this trip please use internet banking. The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/
Only payment secures your place. Your RSVP is not sufficient for us to hold a bed for you. Please use LAKEDISTRICT as your payment reference.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.
We recommend that everyone participating in outdoor activities obtain appropriate insurance. The BMC offer excellent policies for all outdoor enthusiasts at very competitive rates: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/modules/insurance/Landing.aspx
33 attendees - £285.00
THE WYE VALLEY & THE FOREST OF DEAN (BANK HOLIDAY)
Chepstow, GBJoin Backabush on the bank holiday for some clifftop, riverside and ancient woodland hiking with historic hotel accommodation in the heart of beautiful Chepstow town.
Number of nights - 3.
£285 - Shared twin room
£385 - Private single roomWe have booked our group into a charming 3 star Welsh hotel which has all the modern comforts you would expect whilst retaining the charm and character of a 16th century coaching inn. Located right in the centre of town and just a few minutes walk from the train station this is the perfect location to base ourselves for a weekend of exploring.
There are also many great places to eat in Chepstow around our accommodation. We will organise reservations at some local restaurants so that our group can dine together each night and have a sociable evening after our day on the trails.
From Chepstow we will have some stunning walks following the River Wye straight from the door, as well as the opportunity to explore the view points, villages and ancient woodland of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean only a short drive away. Here are some of the local highlights we hope to include in our itinerary of hikes...
Wynd Cliff, Tintern Abbey, the Devil's Pulpit and Brockweir - The classic 'Grand Tour' of the Wye Valley, including the magnificent vista of the meandering river from the 'Eagles Nest' on top of the precipitous Wynd Cliff. We will also get a chance to visit Tintern, where the famous abbey is considered to be the most beautiful and superbly situated monastic ruin in the country.
Chepstow Castle, Wintour's Leap, Lancaut and Tidenham Chase
This lovely walk is not challenging but offers splendid views across a dramatic stretch of the Wye. We can set out on foot straight from our hotel to follow the Wye upstream to where the river makes a great curve around the Lancaut peninsula. We can take in the spectacular viewpoint of Wintour's Leap and return to Chepstow to visit the Medieval Castle.Symonds Yat Rock, the Hand Pulled Ferry and the Wobbly Bridge - Symonds Yat is one of the most iconic and beautiful locations in the entire Wye Valley and a fantastic opportunity to watch Peregrine Falcons. There is the novel opportunity of crossing the Wye on a hand pulled barge, the trail then winds up past King Arthurs Caves to an Iron Age Hill Fort.
We also hope to find time to visit the some other local beauty spots like Puzzlewood, Cannop Ponds and the Forest of Dean Sculpture trail. Join us for a weekend of superb hiking in this lovely valley. A perfect weekend away! :D
WHAT IS INLCUDED:
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in single or twin share rooms.
- 3 cooked breakfasts.
- An itinerary of guided hikes by trained Mountain Leaders (MLTE) and qualified first aiders
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Transport expenses.
- Lunches & evening Meals
- Travel insurance
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP
To book onto this trip please email nathancapay@googlemail.com and send full payment to the Backabush account. Please use WYE as your payment reference...
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622Your RSVP alone is NOT enough to secure your place, full payment is needed to make a reservation.
The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/21 attendees - £475.00
THE FISHERMEN'S TRAIL - PORTUGAL (BANK HOLIDAY)
Porto Covo, PTPortugal's Fishermen's Trail is a spectacular 4 day trek along the country's untamed Costa Vicentina.
Due to the popularity of our previous trips, Backabush will be going back to Portugal for the early May bank holiday weekend to do this stunning multi-day coastal walk.
Nights - 5. Group size - 14.
Cost - £475 twin share.
£599 single occupancy.
We will stay at different guesthouses each night as we walk village-to-village along the coast and baggage transfers will be included for our 4 hiking days.
Starting in the village of Porto Covo this coastal trail winds up and down over the cliffs and along miles of golden sand, connecting a string of pristine beaches and covering 48 miles over 4 days. This is Portugal's least developed and most rugged coastline. At the end of each day we will arrive at another authentic Portuguese fishing village where we can relax for the evening as the sun sets over the ocean.
Spring is a great time to hike the Fishermen's Trail. Temperatures are pleasant and well-suited suited to hiking plus the wildflowers are blooming and the storks are nesting on the cliffs.
ITINERARY:
Saturday May 2 - We will be meeting in Porto Covo, which is easily reached from Lisbon with a 2.5 hour bus ride (see details below).
Sunday May 3 - Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes, 12 miles
Monday May 4 - Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve, 10 miles
Tuesday May 5 - Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar, 14 miles
Wednesday May 6 - Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe, 12 miles
Thursday May 7 - We will travel back to Lisbon by bus after breakfast in time to fly home on the same day. Or extend your holiday by visiting Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve.
DIFFICULTY:
You will need the fitness to cover up to 14 miles each day. The ascent is moderate but much of the trail is over sand which can make the distance more challenging.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 5 nights guesthouse, hotel or hostel accommodation
- 4 breakfasts
- A full itinerary of hikes
- A trip organiser (Mountain Leader and 1st aid certified)
- Luggage transfer for our 4 hiking days (one bag of 15kg max)
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches, evening meals and 1 breakfast
- Flights (see below)
- Airport Transfers (see below)
- Travel Insurance
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:
We would recommend travelling to Lisbon on Friday 1 May (or before) and spending a night in Lisbon before catching the Saturday morning bus to Porto Covo at around 10:30am (exact May schedule TBC). This would allow us an extra afternoon walk from Porto Covo to visit the spectacular coastline towards the north of the Fishermen's Trail head. The organiser can advise on recommended Lisbon accommodation and we can meet up in the city.
It is also possible to catch a morning flight on Saturday 2 May and travel to Porto Covo on the same day on the afternoon bus service. The last bus departs from Lisbon at around 16.00 (exact May schedule TBC).
On Thursday May 7 we will get back to Lisbon at around 13.30 (exact May schedule TBC). It will only be possible to catch flights departing that day after 16.00.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use internet banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use FISH as your payment reference. The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/
Only payment secures your place. Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
IMPORTANT NOTE: We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.
We recommend that everyone participating in outdoor activities obtain appropriate insurance. The BMC offer excellent policies for all outdoor enthusiasts at very competitive rates:
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