Walking holidays on la Palma

You might have noticed that our walking boots are not get out and about very much these days.  And if they are, it is not exactly off the finca or the north of La Palma at least!

But just because circumstances mean that we aren't doing too much walking at the moment doesn't mean that other people aren't.  For example, did you know that there are many different companies who offer walking holidays on la Palma?
To begin with, there are La Palma based companies who offer daily walking trips on the island.  For example, you might choose a route such as the Volcano Route or the 'Wild' North.  All you need to do is book, turn up at the appointed meeting spot such as at Los Cancajos, Hotel Princess or Puerto Naos and a coach will take you to the start point of the walk and then collect you at the end.  You will of course be expected to walk from one end to the other but at least you have a multi-lingual guide to make sure you don't get lost and who will also point out natural flora and fauna and generally keep you amused.
Then there are the companies who offer a full holiday with each day's walking organised.  This is certainly an option if you enjoy not just walking but also walking with the same group.  And of course you don't need worry about having a car, where you are going to eat, where you are going to stay ...or who you are going to talk to.
And last but not least, the companies that offer self-guided walks on the various routes with lots of tips thrown in.  Usually, with this type of walking holiday, the accommodation is also arranged in advance and often the car hire too.   A couple of companies organise not just your accommodation but also luggage transfer as well.  The idea is that you walk between hotels, apartments, bed and breakfast accommodation and when you arrive at your destination for the night, you luggage is already there.

 And then of course a combination of all of the above such as the bespoke walking tours that we offer to individuals, couples or small groups with accommodation arranged and part guided, part self-guided walks on La Palma. 

Surely something for everyone!

Star walkers complete the GR130 route around La Palma

Our huge congratulations to Christine of Star Trex, Jen and Bill, who all completed the GR130 route right around La Palma on Saturday, 2nd October.

Jen, Bill, Christine and Dave

It is a fantastic and impressive achievement - approximately 155 km along forest trails and volcano fields, pretty country paths and coastal ways, cobbled streets and deserted wilderness, ridiculously steep country lanes and not forgetting the numerous deep and rugged ravines to be traversed - completed in just ten days, with two rest days included.  To add to the constantly changing conditions underfoot and the scenery surrounding them, they also had challenges from up above with rain on the first day, then hot sun virtually all of the rest of the route and some thankfully slightly cooler weather towards the end.
Back up was provided by Dave with whom they stayed in phone contact and if the team were not actually walking directly to or from their accommodation, Dave was there to drop them off or pick them up.  Bailey was the fifth member of the team who did nothing but wag his tail, run around looking happy, bark once and sleep.
Very well done team - you are all stars!
Really, it was a privilege to meet them all and be a small part of their great challenge. They stayed with us here in Franceses for four nights and I am glad they had time to enjoy some of the facilities including the 'party port.'  They certainly deserved a sit down!

If you think you would like to walk the GR130 route on La Palma, either self-guided or with Christine, just send me an email or if you would like to walk in Tenerife with Christine, do drop into her website.  Apart from being a qualified mountain leader plus having walked extensively in the UK and spent eight weeks trekking in the Himalayas, she is a great guide and an inspirational person.