Secret Hills Guided Walking Holidays

Hi there

I just want to say thank for sending my lens

Also to say everything was excellent 

Meir and I had a lovely time. We will come back

Start for the lovely job that the guides did, the hotel ,the food and company

Thank again

Love to all 

Paulina

That is my feedback 
excexcellentellent + more excellent

Hi there

I just want to say thank for sending my lens

Also to say everything was excellent 

Meir and I had a lovely time. We will come back

Start for the lovely job that the guides did, the hotel ,the food and company

Thank again

Love to all 

Paulina

That is my feedback 
excexcellentellent + more excellent

Hi Alan,

         I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed my walking weekend in the Derby dales, led by Paul and Julie. Despite the intermittent showers, it was a great holiday. Please pass on my thanks to Paul and Julie. Their knowledge, good humour and expertise in the outdoors made the experience truly memorable.

 I would certainly recommend Secret Hills to anyone looking for a walking holiday, and I hope to book another trip with you in the future.

  Thank you again,

                  Barbara

Hi Alan,

         I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed my walking weekend in the Derby dales, led by Paul and Julie. Despite the intermittent showers, it was a great holiday. Please pass on my thanks to Paul and Julie. Their knowledge, good humour and expertise in the outdoors made the experience truly memorable.

 I would certainly recommend Secret Hills to anyone looking for a walking holiday, and I hope to book another trip with you in the future.

  Thank you again,

                  Barbara

.  Had a really good May Bank Holiday weekend with your team in Church Stretton (say thanks to them again for me) so thought I would give your European Holiday a go.  It's nice to have something in the diary to look fwd to.

I meant to write sooner to say thank you as it was a really lovely break - all down to you and Trevor and of course Alan's planning in the background.

Hello Alan Got home today just before the rain.

It was a good few days.  Fascinating place.

Hi Barbara

Thank you very much

We have a lively weekend and enjoy the company.

We will come back but for me will be just one walk a day after a taxi will be ok

I already encourage a few friends to go to this walk.

Again thank to you and Trevor for everything

Good wishes

Paulina
 

Hi Alan
A big thank you for organising such a great weekend for us, also to Barbara, Ian & Barbara V our other Walk Leaders.
Everyone enjoyed it very much and the new members to the Group are keen to come again.  The Feathers Hotel was superb, I have never had such good food on a Walking holiday.  The food and the service was also good on the Sunday lunch.
Hope the weather was kinder for you for the rest of the week in Majorca - I expect you heard it was great on Sunday & for the rest of the week in UK!
Thanks also to Julie  for keeping me on the 'straight & narrow' with the organisation
Tried to find your Facebook to send some photos, but no luck -will send some photos  under separate cover
Best wishes
Val

             I had a wonderful holiday in Majorca, thanks, and Eileen certainly looked after us well and communicated her great love for and knowledge of the island.  As a stroller I found all the walks on offer within my capabilities  -  we visited some lovely villages and saw the agriculture first-hand.  The mountain walks were great too.  Obviously one needs to be there longer to fully appreciate the towns and particularly Palma which we didn't visit on the day off because we prefered a local walk to Cala Sant Vincens.  Must return!  

Our hotel the Daina was terrific and by far the best I've experienced on a walking holiday with the Tripic probably in second place.  I felt that its location in the centre of Port de Pollensa was much better than the Uyal's because we had several supermarkets close by plus the bus terminus and we found it very quick to walk to the town square after dinner.  I couldn't fault it.

As you know, our group was small (8) but I heard that the previous week there were 31 walkers which is quite a crowd!  OK for 2 walk leaders if they split evenly but I would have been rather dismayed to be walking with so many others and of course the social aspect might not be so good.    

All the best to you and Chris and I hope your year is panning out excellently!  Kind regards, VIV                                                                                  

Hi Alan,
 
Thanks again to you & Ian for a great weekend!  Everyone enjoyed it  - I've had several emails testifying to that.
 
Regards,
 
Graham 

Had a very nice holiday thanks. Eileen is a lovely lady and we really enjoyed her company. Shame there wasnt more than 8 though. On the other hand we struck lucky with the one off stay at the Daina (which was excellent). It was right in the middle of town and ideally situated for the evenings in the local bars. Did you realise there were 5 of us from last year's Slovenia holiday - Gary, David and Viv were there as well. An amazing coincidence The weather wasnt very hot in Majorca either but it was ideal for walking. Might possibly look for you in the Peak District in May. Best wishes from Ellie and Barry
 

Hi Alan, 

Enjoyed holiday, hotel was superb, ideally located, excellent choice of food and quantity if required. 5 of us were on the

Slovenian holiday so it was like a reunion. Negative was that possibly do to the small group the walkers

 

Grateful Thanks to Alan, Chris, Paul, Andy and Joyce form Epping Forest HF group for all your help in leading our walks and especially for all the coodination involved in ensuring we all enjoyed the holiday.. We ahd a lovely time and will have special memories of the views and companionship. We look forward to working with Secret Hills again

I feel I must write to Secret Hills to show my appreciation for the excellent walks, accommodation and venue in Majorca.

I addition I am full of praise for the efficient professionalism and care by leader Eileen and back marker Chris.

Just got back home from a wonderful weekend of walking in the Malvern Hills with Mike and 5 fellow walkers. 

I have to say what an amazing find you have made in Mike Smart. He is a gentle, caring, exceptionally knowledgable person who loves his job and the Hills he guided us through. 

I think I could speak for the group in saying that Mike's guidance  and local knowledge made for an extremely pleasurable experience, and i hope to walk with him and Secret Hills again soon.Thanks, Alan, 'Smart Move":)

Kind regards, David

Dear Alan,

I have just returned from my third Secret Hills led trip and I felt that I must email you to let you know how much I enjoyed the walking.  It was lovely to see Trevor and Barbara  again and I thoroughly enjoyed their walk on the Saturday.  Chris and Jeanie led an excellent 'short walk' on Sunday and I would like to thank them (again) for getting me both up and (more importantly) down Sugar Loaf.  I was totally petrified and their support made the descent possible.

I am looking forward to my next trip.

Giovanna Mills

Dear Alan,

I have just returned from my third Secret Hills led trip and I felt that I must email you to let you know how much I enjoyed the walking.  It was lovely to see Trevor and Barbara  again and I thoroughly enjoyed their walk on the Saturday.  Chris and Jeanie led an excellent 'short walk' on Sunday and I would like to thank them (again) for getting me both up and (more importantly) down Sugar Loaf.  I was totally petrified and their support made the descent possible.

I am looking forward to my next trip.

Giovanna Mills

Hi Alan

Just a note to say how much i enjoyed the walk in the Derbyshire Dales last weekend 12th April your leaders were excellent
and Trevor was very knowlegdeable and helpfull as was his assistant Unfortunately i could not do the Sunday because my new boots had given me bad blisters ( i will never use new boots again without running them in in future!)
I definately intend doing more walks with your company and one or two people asked me to let them know when i do, So i will be planning these shortly
Once again that for a professionaly organised holiday

With Kindest
Regards

Richard Hopkins

Hi Alan,

Hope you are back from a good week in Majorca?I have just returned from Great Malvern,and had the most amazing time.

Your new leader,Mike is a gem,and there is nothing he doesn't know about the place.Nothing was too much trouble for him and he looked after us really well.

The hotel was really nice and the food excellent,.Take care,

 Gwen

Back safely, all the connections ran to time and no problems at all.

Thank you for a lovely week, it was most enjoyable, great walking, good weather and pleasant company.

Slovenia is an interesting proposition for both of us next year.  Keep us in mind, if at all possible we'd like to fly from Exeter and if that is not possible, Bristol.

Back safely, all the connections ran to time and no problems at all.

Thank you for a lovely week, it was most enjoyable, great walking, good weather and pleasant company.

Slovenia is an interesting proposition for both of us next year.  Keep us in mind, if at all possible we'd like to fly from Exeter and if that is not possible, Bristol.

Could I say that we all had a wonderful time in Majorca. The walking, the hotel and the weather were all excellent. I am sure as the Secret Hills name gets talked about you will see more people from the Hook Norton area. Hope to see you again either in Shropshire or in Europe.

Could I say that we all had a wonderful time in Majorca. The walking, the hotel and the weather were all excellent. I am sure as the Secret Hills name gets talked about you will see more people from the Hook Norton area. Hope to see you again either in Shropshire or in Europe.

Hello Alan I had a superb holiday weather,hotel,Xlendi could not have been better.Carol is a lovely person and we enjoyed relaxing walking days getting to know Gozo.The hotel was comfortable ecxellent meals and friendly staff.Can I say more? best wishes Marjorie 

Thanks for the email. The sun did indeed continue ( have even brought  a little back with me) and the remainder of the holiday was very pleasant, with good walking and company. Transfers went like clock-work on the return journey despite early start.

Thank you for a very enjoyable holiday. 

Best wishes Lynne

Hope you are having as nice a time in Majorca as we had in Gozo It really was a lovely place and  although we did miss you (a little !!)  You were certainly right Carol and Ian would look after us  as they were great and Carol kept us at a nice strolling pace as it was really quite hot for us northerners !! Jason and family at the hotel also were exceptionally nice and the food was excellent

We all got on well with Lynn and Barry It would have been nice to have some more in the group but that`s life I fancied going in April to see the wildflowers and certainly was not disappointed    It was very colourful and I got some lovely pictures Thanks for organising the trip and hope to see you next year somewhere !!!   Kind regards to yourself and Chris

Edna Fraser

Hi Alan,  yes we had a good holiday, I was going to mail you but you  have beat me to it, Carol was very good and our day in Malta was great loved the walled city

not much of a tan as I was well creamed up did not want to burn,  every day sunny the last few no clouds at all 

Hello Alan,

Despite (or because of) being the only man in the party, I enjoyed Gozo a lot. No complaints at all: it was very well put together, travel arrangements ran smoothly, hotel and food were good, walks were interesting and the guides were excellent. To top it all the weather was pretty much perfect for the week. You may well find me doing another holiday with you.

Barrie Jones 

Hi Alan,

 Thanks for your email. I hope that you had a good Easter weekend with slightly better weather than last week! Just to say thanks for a really good break and for digging my car out of the snow! It is a stunning area, I'd like to see it again in the summer. We must be due some lovely weather at some point?

Regards

Emma Browne

Dear Alan
Got home about 3.30. You are the super hero for giving us a walking weekend to remember. I know it must have been really hard for you to come up with a programme to keep us safe and happy. And I think we have had a lucky and magical weekend. Thankyou.
Inka and Stephanie

 

"Excellent in all respects" (Though I would have preferred not to know the England/France score until after I had watched the recording!).

But on a more serious note, the planning, hotel, walks, food and, most of all, the company were just right.  Thank you.

John

Hello Alan

I hope things are going well for the new year. The Xmas pud trip was fantastic despite the weather and all being well I should be coming to another during the year as well. 


 

Hi Alan and everyone

Thanks so much for the Xmas walking holiday - it was fantastic in spite of the terrible weather! I had a great time, it was very sociable and who cares if it rains, that's what Gore-tex was designed for!

Alan

Just an email to thank you for the great weekend I had last weekend.  Despite the weather conditions it felt great getting out walking again and I’ll definitely keep an eye on future trips coming up during the year.  I really liked the hotel too. 

Hi Alan

Hope you have a successful 2013, all mud nearly washed away, keep up the personal touch, it makes a big difference.

Thoroughly enjoyable holiday that I would highly recommend to anyone, who loves, walking, beautiful scenery, flowers and vegetation.

Overall, a very enjoyable hilday, well organised. thanks a lot.

Hello Alan -
Thanks for forwarding the message to Ian.I really enjoyed my walking break with Secret Hills.Please thank Barbara and Trevor.I look forward to walking with you again.
Best wishesTricia Michell

Hi Alan, 

A slight delay in sending this message as it has been a bit manic since returning to work on Monday! 

Just a brief note to say many thanks for a really enjoyable holiday in Gozo last week. I had a lovely time and thought the walks, food and company were all great. 

Thanks for all your kind service and attention during the week and congratulations to you again on the 10^th anniversary of “Secret Hills”.  

I will certainly pass on my recommendations to any people I know who may be considering walking holidays in the future.

Best wishes

Adrian Peace

Dear Alan
I wanted to say thank you for organising such a lovely holiday last weekend.
It was a problem with my boots, not with my leg that restricted my ability to do the long walks, but it was most helpful to have an alternative option, so that I didn't have to miss out on the lovely scenery of the Shropshire Hills.
I particularly enjoyed walking with Ian. He was such a solicitous guide, nothing was too much trouble for him and I should be grateful if you would pass my thanks on to him too.
I look forward to walking with your company again in the future.
Kind regardsPam Hebden

Thank you for a really lovely holiday, I enjoyed it very much indeed and have been thinking enviously of you all walking today!

On behalf of the group, I would like to thank you and the walking leading team for a wonderful weekend. Superb walking,dramatic scenery and mostly great weather.

All the arrangements ran smoothly, and everyone appreciated the local knowledge and consideration shown by the leaders.Everyone liked the hotel, the quiz was great fun, and the lunch on Monday at the Green Dragon was excellent.

The weekend would have been more difficult to assemble without your help.

We will definately think about Secret Hills for future events.

Andy

Thank you for another great weekend. - everyone was really impressed. Many thanks for organising a fantastic holiday for us.

Just a note to thank you very much for an enjoyable holiday over the past five days. All right no apologies for my struggles uphill, but I would like to say how much I sppreciated the ways in which you and your walks leaders found methods of helping and accomodating me each day - thank you all.

Dear Alan

Many thanks again for yet another successful weekend of walking.  You and your leaders gave us all the usual attention which everyone appreciates - you have all become friends to us - so see you again next year.

Davina

Hi Alan

Yesterday I met the walking group for our monthly walk and I gather they had a most enjoyable time with you in Derbyshire, on the strength of this I would like to extend their grateful thanks to you for arranging this for, as always your expertise in walking makes it all more enjoyable.

Hi Alan, Barbara and Trevor

Thanks for another enjoyable trip.  I enjoyed every minute of it, and there was excellent company.  The hotel has improved in all departments considerably, since my last stay there.

best wishes

Tim

Thanks again for a great holiday. Here is the map you lent me. Barry

Hi Alan

 All home safe and sound.  Colin, Cyril and I went into Ludlow on the way home.  We had a small shower near Cirencester and it's a beautiful morning here.  We all had a thoroughly enjoyable time and the walk Leaders were excellent.  Looking forward to the next time

Best wishes

Christine

HI Alan
 Thanks very much for a successful weekend walking with Secret Hills.Had 100% positive feedback from my group.
Hope the Bucks Head weren't too miffed about us going in garden for dinner- just too hot in there after a mornings walk. Sorry no one took up the afternoon walk but a 3 hour drive meant most of us didn't get home till after 6.30pm when we left at 3.30.

 So Alan, thanks again for a successful & enjoyable weekend & please pass onto 

to Ian, Julie, Paul & Team  Kind Regards Mark Chilterns Weekend Walkers

Just wanted to say thanks for a great weekend and will look at your other locations to see what else I can do.

Kate

Just a quick note to say a very big thank you for al really lovely weekend of walking, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I look forward to walking with Secret Hills again, meanwhile all the best to you and your super team.

 Hello Alan-Thanks for v enjoyable 5 day walking holiday at Langollen.Enjoyed the trek up Mt Berwyn and also the train and panerama walks led by Paul Lesley Barbara and Trevor.
Good luck with 2013 programme

Just want to say - Thank you for a great introduction to your beautiful country. Superb.

Hi Alan, Thank you for good walking in the Berwyns, my failure to make Thursdays programme was no reflection on Scret Hills, more my failure to get my fitness and foot problem up to scratch for which I apologise.
Barbara, Trevor, Paul and Lesley are real stars of your outfit, please extend my thanks to them.

Hello Alan

Thank you for organising such a wonderful guided trip of Madeira. Both you and Riue were wonderful guides. All the group loved the trip. I hope that you got back ok on Friday. We had a great day on Saturday- enjoying the coastal scenery and geological rock formations to the north. 

A note to thank you and the team for a wonderful weekend. Sally and I both really enjoyed our time in the Peak District. My legs are telling me I've worked them! We both enjoyed the experience, appreciated the excellent walks and the hotel. It was a combination of exercise, lovely food and a lot of fun with a good crowd of people.

We hope we can repeat the experience on one of your other breaks.

Kind regards

Rosemary

Morning Alan,

I just wanted to thank you for a lovely weekend walking.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself and will certainly be joining you again.

Kind regards, Linda

Just a small note to say a big thank you for a most enjoyable holiday. Everything lived up to my expectations and did nt we have a great group.

Just to say a huge thank you to Alan and Chris for a super holiday in Slovenia. I really enjoyed myself and certainly am determined to keep walking!

Jan.

Dear Chris and Alan
Just a few lines to reiterate how very much we both enjoyed the recent trip to Slovenia. We had the most fantastic week and loved every single moment - yes, even the afternoon marooned in the thunderstorm in Lublijana! It was brilliant from start to finish. The beautiful country itself and 'our' exquisite area, the lovely hotel, food and attention, the super walking with our two wonderful guides,your excellent planning and constant kindness, the amazing weather and, of course, the companionship of such a super group of fellow walkers. Each and every day we had such fun and shared such laughter. It was an absolute joy. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
Best regards and good luck for the future
Lin and John Chesshire, Dorset
P.S. Sorry we were such a rowdy bunch!!!

Hi Alan,
Sure, that will be fine!
many thanks for a superb break with fine walks and company.
hope to meet again soon,
best wishes to all
Steve

Hi Alan, Barbara, Julie and Trevor,

I arrived home safely last night, and just wanted to say thank you for organising a fantastic weekend.

It’s hard to know what to expect when you book something like this online, but everything on your website was spot on, you delivered exactly what you said you would – and lots more.

The flexibility of the walks, the flexible arrival/departure dates, the friendly hotel staff, the pub lunches you organised, your knowledge of the area, the location, the realistic price, it all contributed to making it a weekend to remember – and of course a great bunch of people, I can’t remember when I have laughed so much!

I’m looking forward to the next one already – hopefully in August.

Thanks again,

Helen from Marlow (and you are welcome to use any of this on your website)

Dear Chris and Alan - Thank you both for another memorable walking holiday, made extra special by the attentiion to details in arrangements and your ever ready care for "client" Roll on Secret Hills,

 A little note with a big thank you for very happy and successful weeks walking on the bc ring.All your planning and preparations for our walk made it so stress free for us and we appreciate the last minute changes that you made on our behalf.We enjoyed your leadership for 3 days and long will we remember the story of Hazel. Also give good wishes and thanks to Ian, Trevor and Barbara who all added to our enjoyment. Magnolia was such a happy choice, I cannot speak highly enough of the comfort and service they gave.

Hi Alan,

Hopefully you received my txt message yesterday and all did go well, in the end, for you back in Shropshire once you got back! As I say, Chris and Jeanie and then Dave on Sunday did us proud. Good people given our (my) sense of humour. Thanks.

I think all went well in the event and so I'm pleased with the outcome despite the run-up being less than fun. But I guess, that's a live and learn experience.

Hi Alan , Further to our telecon this morning can confirm that we all enjoyed our stay in Derbyshire despite the excitement initiated by Capt.Webb and the antics of Jane and Dorothy. Paul and Lesley were exceptionaly good as usual and bent over backwards to help us. The walks and scenery were Fantastic and very eventful . On leaving the hotel everyone wanted to know what we intended to arrange For 2013. Talking to Paul & Lesley they suggested a walk by the river in Wales because it will be nice And flat provided that Vic  is supplied with water wings.

At the end of our walk Paul read out some notes that he had scribbled on the back of an envelope Which were quite amusing and if he can resurrect them we would love to have a copy.

Ann and Chris

Hi Alan.
May I take this opportunity to thank you,Chris and Eileen for the wonderful walking holiday you organised for our group during our ‘Bowland Break’.
Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, making new friends along the way too.
Can I also say a thank you for making the holiday run so smoothly, taking everything in your stride.
Many thanks again and best wishes for the future.
The Beumaris Walking Group. 

Dear Alan ,

Thank you once again for a great holiday.  Bowland was a revelation to me – wonderful countryside,  good hotel and decent weather!  Thanks also to Eileen, it was good to meet up with you both again.

Cheers, Irene Duff – member of Beaumaris Walking Group.

Just to say a big thank you and how much I enjoyed the company and walking from Long Mynd Hotel over Easter. What an excellent organisation - so inclusive and I felt very well looked after. I also enjoyed the having the choice to go back to the hotel and put my feet up after lunch. Your 'promise' is real and I will be back again. already recommending you to friends.
With thanks, Carolyn
PS I do hope Alan is recovered from the nasty virus and back on form.

Hi Alan

Just to thank you and your team for  a really good weekend at Llangollen.

Dear Alan and Barbara
Just wanted to say, that you very much for a very enjoyable weekend in Llangollen with our Severnside Ramblers.  Robert and I particularly enjoyed the walk on the Saturday (in the sunshine) with Paul and Lesley.  The Hand Hotel was most comfortable and the food excellent.
Many thanks indeed.
All good wishes
Robert and Carolyn Muston

Shirley and I really enjoyed our walking holiday in Mallorca. We thought Eileen and yourself were wonderful guides and wanted to thank you both for our lovely holiday and all your care and for making it such a pleasurable and memorable experience.

Dear Alan

Thank you so much for a great weekend in the Shropshire Hills. This was the first time I'd been on a guided walking holiday and my expectations were exceeded. It was well organised, all the guides were delightful and I met some lovely people.

I look forward to doing another SecretHills trip one day.

Hi Alan

Thanks for your organisational skilss - it was a super weeks walking.

Just wanted to say thank you for organising such a great holidayin Majorca. Led by Eileen, the walks were all that I could have hoped for in variety and interest, of course you arranged the weather perfectly.

Just a note to thank you for another great holiday in Bowland. Looking forward to my 12th with you.

It should have been advertised as a beauty treatment holiday - there was enough mud for lots of facepacks!!. As usual a brilliant break, and eagerly awaiting 2012 brochure.

Just a note to thank you so much for the weeks walking in Majorca. It was all well organised, the hotel was just right and the weather cooperated. I am sure you will see me with one of your groups again, before long.

I would like to thank you and your team for a very enjoyable holiday weekend the Shropshire Hills. The hotel was excellent and scenary stunning. I was really impressed with the quality of the walks and friendliness and helpfulness of everyone.

The arrangement and choice of walks were brilliant. Ian deserves a special mention as he enhanced the weekend with his wit, wisdom and great company. I will be back again.

A fabulous weekend and thank you and the other walk leaders.

Thank you very much for a great walking weekend. We call enjoyed the guides who were very freindly and informative.

Dear Secret Hills,

Thank you for putting a ray of sunshine in my life!

Ian

Many thanks to you and all your helpers for a most enjoyable weekend away

Hello Alan,

I meant to write earlier to thank you for a really good experience during the recent Strolling and Exploring Holiday – I knew the country was lovely in Shropshire, but it was even more beautiful than remembered, and I felt we were well looked after throughout, good walking, good food and good company too.

Hoping to be back sometime,

All good wishes,

Gay Crace

Hi Alan

On behalf of the Willand Walking group who attended the Dolgellau trip last week may I extend our grateful thanks to you for organising a brilliant few days, I think on the whole we were lucky with the weather, everyone enjoyed it and said what a good time we had and of course the Cadair Idris was the highlight for those that hadn't been before.  Janet & I would also like to say how much we enjoyed the walk on the Wednesday and very much appreciated you giving up your time just for us two.

Hello Alan

  Many Thanks  for organizing a great weekend for our group. I’ve received lots of compliments about the weekend & requests to go again next year. I recall you even suggested the weekend dates when we originally arranged this back in April as you indicated the weather can be favourable. Well suggested! We even used the pool  to cool off & it is October!

It was good to meet you & would you pass on our sincere  thanks to Ian, Julie & Barbara.

Hi Alan, Just like to let you know that I really enjoyed the walks in the Berwyns - a good variety with fabulous views and excellent leaders.
Regarding the unusual small plums we found on Ian's walk - I have discovered they are Mirabelle or Cherry Plums - perhaps you could let Ian know. (More details on the web). Thanks and Regards Adrian

For the past 20 years I have been on walking holidays both in UK and in Europe and the recent holiday 'Strolling in Slovenia' is the best yet. The Walks in the Julian Alps were stunning, exploring the local area, lakeside walks and high alpine meadows gave a real feel for the country and we also visited the capital Llubjliana and the caves at Posojna.
Thank you Alan for all your organisation and company on this great holiday. We are already making plans for 2012!

You have found a magical spot with great walking and all the facilities to
go with it.  I congratulate you and thank you for a superb holiday in
Bohijn.  Your organization and thoroughness to detail that facilitated
everyone of differing strengths and tastes is commendable.  Hotel Tripic and
the staff were wonderful, not to mention our guide David; keep it up.

A very greatful and invigorated

Andrew

Just want to say thanks so much for everything! The walks
were absolutely lovely, great hotel and food, and such an interesting,
friendly group to walk with.  Thank you for arranging everything for me
at the last minute - I had a fab time.
Looking forward to next time.
Jackie

Hi Alan,Barbara,Barbara,Trevor
Thank you for 3days of fabulous hill/valley walking in lovely Shropshire.
from one very satisfied walker.

Kay

I said to you I found the whole experience excellent and will tell all my friends about you.  If you send me the details of majorica I might be able to join you.

Hi Alan
Just sitting here with my feet up, drinking a glass of red wine lol!
Just wanted to say a big 'Thank You' for the great week-end. I thoroughly enjoyed everything: the hotel ,the scenery, meeting all the other walkers, Barbara,Trevor and
of course yourself. I'm sure I'll see you again shortly.
I'll recommend Secret Hills to the other walkers in my area.
Best wishes and thanks again,
Sorel x

Superb location/ varied scenery. Friendly staff and excellent food in the hotel. Room - great space.

Enjoyed the Strolling and Exploring holiday. When going to places like this you need to be able to look at the views, which we were able to do.

Accommodation & food were first class, as was the walking.  Cannot fault in any way.

For me (and this is purely a personal choice) the holiday would have been perfect with a different age and gender mix – appreciate this is not within your control!

Thanks for a great holiday.

Thanks for a really excellent few days. We wish it could have been longer,

Kind Regards Susan R

Dear Alan and the team,
I had such a great time walking with you at the end of May and i'm still savouring it.
 
Here is a Mary Webb poem that brings it all back.
Best wishes
 
Maya Rawal
 
P.S I have a friend from Brighton joining you for a week in August
 
 
ON THE HILLS

Buffet on sweet buffet, the wild wood came,
Like a green wave or a green flame,
With melodies
And delicate fragrances
And the secret souls of the watching trees.

Colour on grave colour sleeps the ancient moor,
with its blue roof and its purple floor -
Where small birds fly
With merry, pencilled eye,
And like great gods the stately clouds go by.

Mary Webb 1946

Thank you for a very enjoyable weekend.  I have never done anything like that before and found the whole experience to be a very enjoyable one.

Thank you for an excellent weekend

Thanks for another great weekend

Thank you for another lovely walking holiday.  Great walks, lots of contrasts and lovely steep hills!

Thanks for a wonderful holiday in Slovenia.

A note to tell you how much I have enjoyed walking with you in beautiful Slovenia. It was an unforgettable holiday and everything I could wish for,Lovely people, a welcoming hotel, good company with fellow walkers and two knowledgeable leaders(young too, and you know how old ladies like young men!!). Thanks to Chris too who was always there with a helping hand and a happy smile.Looking forward to the next time

Many thanks for a lovely holiday. We have enjoyed every minute.

As Always, a very enjoyable holiday.

A very enjoyable holiday over Spring Bank Holiday - thank you.

I've had a fabulous time in every way - Thank you.

I loved every minute of my weekend, from the self catering lodge I was lucky enough to stay in to the fabulous hillwalking. Thank you.

Thank you for a wonderful week.

Hello Alan!
Thankyou for a super holiday!
Thanks again and Best Wishes to all,
Jill Osborne [Very satisfied customer!!]

My first walking holiday with you but will not be my last.Many thanks to Alan,Barbara & Trevor for your interesting and most enjoyable walks.The whole weekend was relaxing and will definately be booking again.

I'd just like to thank you all again for a marvellous few days. I'm already trying to work out when I can book again and again and again. Good luck with the walking festival.

The holiday more than lived up to my expectations.

Thank you - it was a really great weekend. I was a bit sore from the hill walking but nothing major - I'm pleased I did it! All of it was fabulous and just down the road from me. I particularly enjoyed you narrating Gone to Earth and was telling my group of friends last night. I hope you do organsie a trip with Patrick to Ireland - good luck with that.
 
The Bowland does look lovely. I will look at Madeira too and like the idea of joining one group with the option of going on walks with the other.
 
Really loads of thanks, and I wil definitely return soon in the not too distant future - this walking is a little too addictive!
 

I had a wonderfull long weekend with you - great experience, especially for a novice walker.One small thing - put on your web site that cost of entries to Gardens is extra.

Please keep group sizes small. This size -12 was ideal. Pace and variety excellent. Strolling concept is brilliant.

Once again another excellent walking holiday provided by Secret Hills Walking, catering for all requirements.

Alan. A most relaxed, well organized and enjoyable few days strolling in Shropshire; well done and thank you.

Thanks for a lovely holiday as far as I know everyone had a really great time and the walking was excellent its so beautiful there.  I have put a review on tripadvisor for our B and B which was excellent and just couldnt have been improved on.  I think the only few comments I heard where anyone wasnt too happy came from Poppy but they seem to be minor.  The certificates are lovely and i will give them out when I see people.  Glad we arent up there this weekend with this wind and hope your other walks will be OK for you.  By the way Ian was also great!

Thank you for a lovely break in Ironbridge

Thank you for a great adventure. We all enjoyed ourselves very much thanks to you. We hope we acn walk with you again in the future.

Hi Alan

Just a line to thank you and everyone at Secret Hills for making the walking holiday with you at Ironbridge most enjoyable. Many thanks to yourself, Chris, Darren, Barbara, Eileen and all the staff at The Valley Hotel too (the meals were excellent).

Cheers

The Beaumaris Step Out Walking Group.

Hope to see you soon.

A  brilliant weekend - had lots of very favourable comments.  A really beautiful part of the country.  Guides were all excellent and although we don't normally we had a little collection for them so if I send a cheque to you, please would you be kind enough to distribute it?  They really were very caring and looked after us so well.Especially on Saturday when the weather conditions were quite difficult and with large groups of mixed abilities. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and hope that we are able to join you again in the future.

Thank you very much for all the arrangements

Alan, Barbara, Barbara, Trevor and Darren - with thanks from us all for looking after us so well and showing us such wonderful walks in your fair county.

Hi Alan,
Really enjoyed the walking at Church Stretton over Easter - just the tonic I needed!

Id like to thank you for arranging a most enjoyable programme of walks over Easter. It was really marvelous to have the lifts to go to the station and inbetween walks.

Thank you so much for all you did to make the weekend a success, we all had a great time and enjoyed the village, the hotel and the walks programme immensely.  I certainly hope we will have the opportunity of walking with you and your colleagues again.

Hello Alan
Back on line at last!
Thank you all for a great weekends  walking -everybody really enjoyed it and I am sure will be up for another wekend next Spring
We are now looking forward to Slovenia in September -haven't got any more members yet, but I am working on it.
 

Many thanks for a great holiday in Mallorca.The Hotel Uyal is far superior to the Ramblers accommodation in St Elmo. Your planning and organisation made the holiday run smoothly. I must give a special mention to Chris. I lead walks for my local group but I ahte to be back marker. Chris was so patient with Johanna and Margaret and you were both encouraging to "Little Joan".

Alan

Belatedly getting round to sending this email to thank you and the team for a great weekend in Church Stretton last month. I had a fabulous time, both walking and socially. It was great that you had plenty of leaders so that the group could split up to cater for varying fitness levels (or perhaps the amount of alcohol consumed in the hotel bar the night before !) You, Barbara, Trevor and Ian were really friendly and knowledgable about the area. 

I struck lucky with my accommodation at Mynd House, with the four poster bed, spa bath etc etc !!  A lovely place to stay, the new owners were really friendly, and the breakfast was excellent (delicious local bacon and sausages, yum).  Having local products in the mini bar was great too, varities of Woods ales at a sensible price, so I had to try them all ! I didn't get the chance to sample the lounge and bar at Mynd House, but they looked very welcoming.

The weather that weekend was also beautiful, so I was really pleased with the photos I took, now uploaded to Facebook, and my profile picture is of me on Caer Caradoc ! I had intended to take the easy route back to Church Stretton, but I'm glad I made the effort, the views were great. I enjoyed the pub lunches too, good value and good beers. The tea shop after the walks was excellent too, wish I had sampled the cakes, but the tea was good and it was homely and friendly.

I thought that the walking was taken at just the right pace, plenty of stops, and no rushing. Even the not very fit walkers seemed to cope - I would happily  recommend Secret Hills to people with little walking experience.  We had a good group socially too - Amanda and Margaret from Chesterfield were a laugh, and of course the Bexley "lads", and we had a good time in the Longmynd hotel until we took the hint that they wanted to close the bar !! But there were quite a few ladies who were happy to leave after dinner, rather than join in the drinking, and that was OK too.

All in all, it was a great weekend, everything ran smoothly even though the group was dispersed around various B&Bs, and I will definitely have other holidays with Secret Hills. Maybe even Majorca in October (Eileen was very persuasive !!) Great value, too. Here's to the next time.

Maria Kelly

Rochester, Kent

Hi Alan and Barbara

Just a note to thank you for another lovely weekend in Shropshire.  I love the landscape more each time I visit.  You have a great model and it really works – especially the pub lunches!  Even the hotel is growing on me! 

 I look forward to seeing you in Derbyshire.  La cheque est dans la poste!

Best wishes,

Judy

Thank you very much!Wonderful walking, good companions. I particularly enjoyed the local knowledge that the walk leaders brought to it.

Your suggestion of a Ukelele evening and sing song would be great.

Wonderful holiday - can you put GPS/Postcode on Joining Instructions for SAT NAV users.

Will certainly come again. Everything was "All OK""

The whole experience completely exceeded my expectations.

Break down of possible walks might be useful. Keep the groups small, it creates a super atmosphere. Secret Hills  UNIQUE SMALL TRAVEL COMPANY.

Thanks for the walking last week, one day I will pick those clear skies
and see the view. The Ashes valley was nevertheless memorable, as was
the hotel food.

Much improved standard of food at the Longmynd Hotel - hope the chef stays. Thanks for a good few days walking.Thanks for a lovely holiday a very good to end the year. Probably try and come again in March. Helped the local economy , bought a picture from the gallery and some "sneaky fox " from the ladies clothes shop, and some grips for boots for the next lot of ice !!!! best wishes to you and Chris , regards Claire   

The new chef at the Longmynd is fantastic- the food was superb. Thanks very much for fitting me in at the last minute - Secret Hills is as,always, friendly, efficient, thoughtful, and a great walking holiday.

Great to meet you. Thank you so much for a really lovely holiday.

As you will have guessed this was my first walking holiday and I loved every minute.  It was beautifully organised - the hotel, travel, food, company and most of all the walking - it was invigorating and fun. I will definitely add your website to my Facebook account as I have lots of sporty friends

My first experience of Secret Hills and I would love to try more.

Hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. Efficient without fuss. Walking guides were so helpful, particularly on the uphills where I struggled.

The whole holiday was well guided and most enjoyable. An excellent holiday.

Lovely holiday in Majorca- everything satisfactory

Dear Alan

Thank you very much for arranging another weekend for our group. Everyone had a wonderful time and was very impressed with the whole package( including the sunshine). The walk leaders wre really good and were praised by one and all - can you pass our appreciation and thanks to all of them. It has been suggested we use Secret Hills again (after me trying to get it passed by the committee for years.) Many members took your brochure so hopefully you will get a lot of follow up business. 

Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday in the Berwyns - fellow walkers made it the best one company-wise that I've been on (and that's quite a few).  Weather was actually better than what was happening at home in Essex!

I am writing on behalf of David Curwen and myself to let you know that we had a most enjoyable four days walking with Secret Hills last week. The walks were well planned through some glorious scenery, the leaders, particularly Trevor and Barbara, who led most of our walks , were friendly, helpful and considerate, and we were extremely fortunate with the weather, which was sunny most of the time.

I just wanted to say thank you for providing a wonderful holiday in Derbyshire last week.. I felt so relaxed and happy just walking with a few good people. Not only were the other party members great, but so was your team, walking at a relaxed pace and at the same time allowing flexibility. You and your team were superb, and I look forward to receiving news of next years holidays.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Thank you for making our weekend so successful. Everyone was delighted with all the walks and the adaptability of the different grades of senior citizens with which you and your excellent leaders has to cope with in our club! There were so many comments about the re- arrangement of the Sunday walks and several said that they very much enjoyed the Acton Scott Victorian Working Farm and would not have visited it if it had not rained.. Thank you for russjhing round to the fam and making us so welcome with comfortable chairs on which to sit for lunch.

The entertainment in the evening was great and Chris's lunches went down very well - thank you Chris.

The hotel itself was excellent.

Dont think you could improve on anything - unless you can learn to control the weather. This was a particularly good group as far as companionship was concerned. Rock on!

Thanks for yet another brilliant holiday. Looking forward to lots more.

Many thanks for a super walking holiday.Hotel and guides were excellent.

Thank you for arranging a most enjoyable short break in a delightful area. All the careful planning was appreciated by us all.

Just a quick note to thank you for organising such a successful few days.The hotel was good, food delicious, weather great and our leaders Lesley and Paul were superb.

Many thanks for a well organised holiday with my walking group, Lymm Womens Institute. Alan, Paul and Lesley were great people.

Hi Alan and Barbara,

Just a quick note to thank you for a superb few days in Shropshire last weekend. The walking was superb, great company and I enjoyed my stay at the hotel. Can you please convey my thanks to Barbara, Trevor and Ian for their hospitality.

Thank you very much for a really excellent week of walking in the Triglav National Park and Julian Alps.   Both you and Chris were superb hosts and looked after us all really well.

Just a quick note to thank you and your staff for such a wonderful break, I would like to pass my thanks to Barbara, Trevor and Ian who looked after us very well and made the stay so enjoyable, tyheir banter and energykept us all going when some of us where struggling with the hills. You live in an amazing part of the country and I will definately return some day.

We all enjoyed our holiday - and our knees have now recovered from all those steps. Look forward to seeing you in Slovenia.

Just a note to thank you, Barbara, Trevor and Barbara for another lovely holiday. Beautiful place, lovely hotel, excellent food and as ever perfect walking. Please thank Barbara for sorting out the lovely cream tea, and Trevor for saving my life -  AND I APOLOGISE FOR SCARING THEM HALF TO DEATH!! As usual I will continue to spread the word amongst my walking friends about your brilliant holidays.

I enjoyed every minute of the holiday and as far as I am concerned no improvements are necessary. Thank you for a great holiday.

Not only did I enjoy the Derbyshire walking, and meeting up with you and Barbara agian, but I seem to have caught the taste for tea. I paused for Earl Grey and Carrot Cake before the final descent on Sunday!

Thank you for the fabulous weekend that you gave us in Church Stretton. On behalf of all of us, will you please thank Paul and Lesley and Trevor and Barbara for making our walks so enjoyable. From a purely personal point of view, they managed to pace the walks perfectly for me, pausing to admire the scenery or point out local points of interest, just when I thought that I was breathing my last!

We would love to join you again and we have looked at your brochures. What about Crickhowell and the Black Mountains?

Many thanks for the weekend - very enjoyable - you put in more effort than is needed - but it's much appreciated. You even managed to organise the weather . Ill look at the list and see about joining you in the Berwyns some time.

Dear Alan and Team,

We are writing to thank you most sincerely for our lovely group holiday last week.

We had been looking forward to this for some time and our expectations were surely exceeded.

The walks were superb, just right for our differing capabilities. Those who didnt do quite so much walking these days were particularly grateful for the level of care and attention you gave them. And the fun"never ending tale" about 'hazel of Undern Hall" , us long walkers thoroughly enjoyed. This along with Trevor getting Graham and Pete to do "a turn" on your cairn, all went down a treat. Not to mention the tallk you provided during our stay and the grand musical event on our final evening.

All made for a jolly time for us all(when the weather could have been just that little bit drier)

Of course we must not forget our delicious sandwiches provided by Chris' s A corn Whole food Cafe. Just what we needed for our picnics.

It goes without hesitation that we thorougjly reccommend your company to others, and we have started already reading your brochure for the future!

YOU ARE TO BE CONGRATULATED ON ALL COUNTS

Pat Kidds - Exeter Ramblers

Thank you for your part in arranging my holiday in delightful, beautiful Slovenia.Friendly people and a comfortable hotel. The wine isnt bad either.One or two walks were above my standard, but thanks to our wonderful guides, it was all a great experience and throroughly enjoyable.

Just  a quick thank you for another lovely break in Shropshire, in The Ironbridge Gorge. Ginny and I thoroughly enjoyed the walking and the company, and I know Pam did too. When I get myself organised I will attempt to download my pictures on to your chat forum. I will definitely do one of the Slovenia trips in 2011, so see you then if not before.

Just a post card from flat East Anglia to thank you and your fellow walk leaders. We so enjoyed five days in your hilly, beautiful Shropshire. Thank you for organising everything so efficiently.

"Just a note to thank you and your team for a most enjoyable, well-organised holiday last week. The walking and scenery were excellent and the Longmynd hotel came up to expectations, especially the view from our bedroom window"

"I know I'm being repetitious but we all (without exception) had such a wonderful time that I wanted to send and email to pass on our thanks to 'Secret Hills' (ie your good self, Paul and Lesley) for making our holiday such fun and such a pleasure."

"Many thanks for a splendid walking holiday - excellent hotel and walks. It was good to meet you and get to know you and the other members of your team - including Secret Hills' answer to Julia Bradbury (aka Barbara)! .....I'd definitely like to do Church Stretton or the Derbyshire Dales with you next time.

"Would have liked a little bit more time to savour the views and wildlife."

"Thanks for a great Strollers break, but the address/phone mo of the accommodation would have been helpful. Congratulations on your choice of staff - a great team! We do hope to come again."

"Thank you very much for a lovely few days walking in Shropshire. I hope to do it again."

"Thank you, Alan, and Darren and Barbara for an exhilerating few days.Skilled and supportive guiding helped to make this a very good holiday."

"Just to thank you for a very enjoyable holiday. I shall hopefully see you in 2010, and I shall certainly spread the word to my fellow walkers in Wales."

"We have enjoyed our secret walks
Thro' Shropshires scenery fair.
And hope to make a return one day
Another experience to share
Ode to a Secret Hills Walk."

"Thank you for the walking holiday in and around the Secret Hills, Hollows and Batches of Church Stretton and the Stiperstones. You put a lot of effort into ensuring I had a very enjoyable 5 days. Please pass on my thanks to Darren, Barbara and Joan for all their fellowship and help during the walks."

"I did enjoy my two days walking and hope to come agaian later in the year.Thanks to you and to Darren,especially the help over the stiles! All good wishes"

"Just writing to thank you for making our walking holiday so enjoyable last week, the walks were delightful, as was the choice of accommodation."

"The views around the Welsh borders, Brecon Beacons, and the Malverns were breathtaking, and the walking, though hilly at times was excellent.But what surprised me was the way Shropshire royally entertained us with superb food and excellent service - all contributing to the surprise element- go there and see for yourselves."

"Absolutely perfect."

"Just to thank you for a fantastic weekends walking. Everything about it was great - hotel, food, pub lunches, walks, and rounded off with a cake and a sixties sing song. What more could you want from a holiday."

"From start to finish it was superb. Today I have been mentally with you on the Stiperstones, work has not had much attraction."

"Hard to find anything wrong - a good holiday."

"I really did enjoy every last minute of it, from the welcome at the hotel, to the excellent organisation of the walksthat you led, the pub lunches, and the entertainment on the last night."

"Most enjoyable Strollers week. Varied days- good company. Total consideration from Alan, Darren and Joan. Thank you."

"Thank you for a splendid weekend- I enjoyed every moment - even the rainy bit. Lovely to walk and chat with other single people."

"A thoroughly enjoyable holiday - very good value for money. Walks challenging without being too demanding."

"I thoroughly enjoyed it and missed walking today and all the beautiful views. It was very well organised and everyone was nice and friendly - so I have good memories of Shropshire - and I will be back."

"Firstly Alan thank you for all your skill and hard work organising the Easter break. The break and walking did me good."

"Really good - I liked the pace and size of group - very interesting walks too - I liked the social history of the area"

"I thought I would drop you a line to thank you for a fantastic Easter break. I was very apprehensive before coming as it was the first holiday I had ever been on my own, let alone a first walking holiday. Everyone was friendly and supportive - It was extremely well organised and incredible value for money.  Take care and could you thank your other walk leaders form."

"Thank you very much for all you did at the weekend. I enjoyed it very much, and I shall certainly be walking with you again"

"Many thanks for Saturdays walk - brilliant Great views  - we all enjoyed it."

"Just a note to say again how much I enjoyed the weekend. Your arrangements and organisation were brilliant. Thanks to all the team."

"I could not fault the whole weekend. The personal attention and whole ambience were excellent."

"YOU CAN'T - IT WAS FAB! Hope to see you again."

"I had a great week - Ill try and get some of my club members to come next time."

"The holiday exceeded my expectations in every way imaginable. Evertyhing had been taken care of despite the apparantly relaxed and informal approach. Sunday's walk was amazing."

"Many thanks for a superb weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed it and will be back."

"The consideration and personal care of each individual make your organisation unique- never lose sight of that important factor."

"Can't think of anything wrong - enjoyed my break. Many thanks."

"Just a big thank you to yourself, Barbara, Joan, and Paul, for an excellent weekend of walking. The good weather was abonus, but this apart you looked after us so well."

"Just a quick email to tell what a wonderful time I had at the weekend. You should be justifiably proud of the service you provide, it clearly shows that you all care about what you do, and the way you do it. See you again soon"

"Thank you for a most enjoyable holiday. Victorai House was excellent and the food throughout was first rate. Superb walks, good leadership. I was surprised that Shropshire could offer such wonderful scenery, along with the added bonus of the warmth and hospitaity of its people."

"Thanks for a great weekend - it was really good and well planned and I enjoyed it very much. Thanks again"

"Im just writing to thaank you for such an enjoyable weekends walking. Despite a slightly wobbly start, everything came together in the end which I'm sure was down to your good efforts and determination to make sure everyone was happy. The hills were just the right size for me, so I did enjoy it."

"Quick message to say what a fantastic time Debbie and I had last week. We did not expect it to be so brilliant. I now don't want to live in London any more - I want to move to Shropshire, buy a dog and invite friends for holidays and walk the hills"

"Thanks again for a splendid week in the Shropshire Hills, I was certainly not disappointed after exploring by foot. I was particularly impressed by the personal attention you give to your clients."