Expertly crafted walking holidays and self-drive tours in the UK & Ireland. We believe that travel should be exciting, intriguing, rejuvenating and memorable.
Absolute Escapes was founded with the belief that we could offer imaginative and unique travel experiences. Our innovative approach to arranging self-guided walking holidays and self-drive holidays allows us the opportunity to share some of the UK and Ireland's most spectacular scenery, finest historic monuments, and unique attractions. That's why we've created a company staffed by the most knowle
dgeable, passionate and enthusiastic experts available. Our philosophy is to offer holidays tailored to your individual requirements. We use our expert knowledge to seek out the best that the UK has to offer - the best places to stay, the best experiences, the best routes - and we take away the hard work by arranging it all for you.
17/09/2024
It's Scotland Food & Drink September, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing our team's favourite places to eat and drink in Scotland! 🥂🍴
From cosy taverns to fresh seafood havens, these are just a few of our personal recommendations. Have you visited any of these gems?
🦞 The Lobster Pot, Blackness - Katie
⛰️ Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe - Zoe
🧀 Isle of Mull Cheese, Isle of Mull - Lois
🦐 Oban Seafood Hut, Oban - Hamish
👨🍳 Nick's restaurant, Bridge of Allan - Kate
🥗 Dreel Tavern, Anstruther, Fife - Nairne
🍽️ Stravaigin, West End of Glasgow - Ella
🐟 Red Skye near Broadford on the Isle of Skye - Daisy
🥃 Roseleaf bar cafe and The Port of Leith Distillery, Edinburgh - Katia
🍔 Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Aberdeenshire - Anna
15/09/2024
"With such beautiful backdrops, it was impossible to take a bad picture. Thanks so much for putting together such a wonderful trip for us. Arran was such a happy 'last minute add-on' to our trip. I would not hesitate to use your services again, cheers!" - Heather Koelling
A huge thanks to our lovely clients, Heather and Gary, for sharing these breathtaking photos from their Hadrian’s Wall Path walking holiday, topped off with a visit to the stunning Isle of Arran. 😍
Inspired by their photos? Tell us - where would your dream walking holiday take you? Let us know in the comments below! ⤵️
13/09/2024
The best people to organise your holidays are the ones who love to travel themselves! 🏞️ Our intrepid team shares a love of adventure, and we’ve been out exploring some stunning spots across the UK this summer. ☀️
We even hold a friendly photo competition, showcasing our recent travels - from breathtaking Munro sunsets to peaceful Hebridean beaches, we’ve captured it all. 📸✨
We’d love to hear which photo you’d vote for! Drop a comment below and let us know why it caught your eye. ⤵️
09/09/2024
Meet the visionaries behind Absolute Escapes. 👋
In 2004, Andy Gabe and Sheila Tulloch started with a dream discussed whilst walking the West Highland Way. Fast forward 20 years, and they’ve turned that dream into a multi-award-winning tour operator which continues to be privately owned.
From our base in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, our passionate team is here to help you explore the UK & Ireland’s most breathtaking destinations.
Dreaming of a road trip in Ireland? 🇮🇪 Discover everything you need to know for an unforgettable journey through the Emerald Isle in our latest blog. ⤵️
Click here to discover more!
03/09/2024
Welcome to September! 🍂 What do you love most about walking in autumn?
If you're looking to fit one more unforgettable adventure into 2024, there's still time to book your autumn walking holiday. 🥾
Explore our favourite autumn walks with availability for this autumn:
Did you know, the Cairngorms National Park is the largest in the UK, and is home to a quarter of Scotland's native forest? That's a lot of trees! 🌲
Established on this day 21 years ago, this National Park has numerous mountains, forest paths, rivers, lakes, wildlife hotspots, and friendly villages. It's an unbeatable destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 😍
29/08/2024
On this day in 1930, the last 36 residents of St Kilda, a remote Scottish island 40 miles west of the Outer Hebrides, left their isolated home for good. 🏴
Now uninhabited, you can visit these islands, at the westernmost point of the UK, by boat from the Isle of Harris for an unforgettable experience. Check out our blog for details. ⛵ ⤵️
Curious to learn more about this fascinating community? Our Travel Specialist, Katie, recommends reading The Lost Lights of St Kilda by Elisabeth Gifford. 📚
Click here to discover more about this fascinating remote archipelago.
27/08/2024
Thinking about a walking holiday in Wales? 🥾
Our Assistant Operations Manager, Sine, has you covered with her expert advice for making the most of your Welsh adventure. 🏴 Click through the photos to discover her top five tips!
24/08/2024
We’re delighted to announce the launch of our brand-new self-drive holidays in Ireland! 🎉
Our Travel Specialists have been on the road, discovering Ireland’s most stunning landscapes and hidden gems just for you. 🚗 🍀
Check out our carefully crafted itineraries and tell us which one you’d love to explore in the comments! 👇
An exciting announcement is coming tomorrow at 1pm (BST)! 🥁
Can you guess what it'll be? Comment below with your guesses. 👀 🍀
22/08/2024
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path through the eyes of our client, Andrew. 😍
From dramatic cliffs to tranquil beaches, this Welsh gem offers some of the most spectacular coastal walking in Britain. Isn’t it breathtaking! ☀️ 🥾
19/08/2024
Happy World Photography Day! 📸 Today, we’re celebrating the stunning Isle of Skye in Scotland - a true photographer’s paradise. 😍
From dramatic landscapes to majestic waterfalls, the 'Misty Isle' offers endless inspiration. ⛰️ Special thanks to our Travel Specialist, Kate, for sharing these atmospheric shots from her recent trip.
16/08/2024
Have you ever experienced a traditional Scottish Highland Games? 🏴
Our team members, Katie, Lois, Zoe, and Mel joined Hamish in his hometown of Lochearnhead for their annual games.
Picture a field buzzing with pipe bands, Highland dancing, and the emblematic caber toss. They had an unforgettable time, indulging in local treats and admiring handcrafted gifts. The day ended with a lively dance in the Beer Tent that had everyone on their feet. 🎶
Take it from us - experiencing this joyful tradition is a must at least once in your life!
14/08/2024
Have you explored majestic Urquhart Castle, standing proudly over Loch Ness? Legend has it that St Columba encountered the Loch Ness Monster here in 580 AD. 🏰🦕
An enormous thank you to our client, Lorraine, for capturing this fabulous scene during her Scotland by Train holiday.
12/08/2024
Two years ago today, the legendary Coast to Coast route, stretching from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in the North York Moors, was officially designated as a National Trail. 🎉
From the rugged mountains of the Lake District to the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales and Moors, it’s no wonder this iconic trail has captured the hearts of so many. 💙
Melanie from the Absolute Escapes team recently explored the stretch from St Bees to Patterdale and was thrilled to see dedicated volunteers enhancing the path and adding waymarkers along the route. 🥾
Is this classic long-distance trail on your hiking bucket list? 😍
10/08/2024
Happy anniversary to the fabulous Kintyre Way. 🥾
Since its launch in 2006, this picturesque trail has taken walkers through the hidden corners of Scotland's spectacular Kintyre Peninsula. 🌄
Starting in the quaint harbour town of Tarbert, the route meanders past secluded beaches and ancient castles. Enjoy these glimpses of Tarbert and its ancient castle, captured by our Marketing Manager, Scott.
07/08/2024
What’s your favourite lighthouse in the UK? 💡 Let us know in the comments. ⤵️
Our Senior Finance Assistant, Dawn, fell in love with the striking Longstone Lighthouse during her recent trip to the rugged Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast with Serenity Boats. She was enchanted by the diverse wildlife, especially the charming puffins. Happy National Lighthouse Day! 🌊
06/08/2024
Due to cancellations, we can offer two discounted West Highland Way walking holidays in September. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 🥾
1️⃣ Starting 20th September 2024
• 11 nights premium accommodation
• Reduced price: £1285 per person (was £1385)
• Based on two sharing a double room
2️⃣ Starting 29th September 2024
• 11 nights premium accommodation
• Reduced price: £1495 per person (was £1595)
• Based on two sharing a double room
These offers present a rare opportunity to experience this stunning trail at a popular time of year while staying in an excellent standard of accommodation.
Feeling peckish? Join us on a gourmet adventure along our glorious coastline. 🌊 🦞
Explore some of our favourite culinary gems.
02/08/2024
The world's largest arts festival kicks off in Edinburgh today. 🎭📸 As locals, we're excited to share our insider's guide to capturing the magic of our beautiful city.
Ready to take some stunning photographs?
01/08/2024
August in the Scottish Highlands is a magical time, with the landscape ablaze in vibrant purple heather. 🌿💜
Our Senior Travel Specialist, Zoe, captured these stunning photos near Blair Atholl, showcasing the beauty of this season.
There's something special about being in the right place at the right time. At Absolute Escapes, we pride ourselves on our first-hand knowledge that helps you discover these perfect moments.
29/07/2024
We're delighted that The Flow Country in northern Scotland has been awarded World Heritage status. This is the world's first peatland to receive such a designation, following a 40-year campaign by environmentalists.
To celebrate, we're highlighting some of our favourite UNESCO sites across the UK:
🔹 The Jurassic Coast 🦖
🔹 Heart of Neolithic Orkney 🛖
🔹 St Kilda 🏔
🔹 The Forth Bridge 🌉
🔹 Hadrian's Wall 🏛️
Have you explored any of these extraordinary places? What's your favourite UNESCO site?
Our team have been busy researching a brand new self-drive destination. Any guesses where? 🗺️
24/07/2024
On this day in 1996, the Thames Path National Trail was born. To celebrate, we're sharing our client David's experience walking the eastern section. 💙
“Peaceful yet fascinating - loved the way the scenery and sites get bigger and better as you approach the centre of London with some truly iconic sites to photograph and remember. Love this company - they feel like my Edinburgh 'walking family'.”
From rural Cotswolds into the heart of London, this riverside walk is an excellent way to explore England. 👣💂♂️
Have you driven the breathtaking Golden Road in the Outer Hebrides? 🚗🌊
Widely regarded as one of Scotland's ultimate road trip experiences, the 21-mile track journeys through a unique lunar-like landscape on the Isle of Harris. Along the way, you'll discover stunning views, abundant wildlife, and charming art galleries.
What's the most beautiful road you've driven in Scotland? Tell us in the comments. 📸
19/07/2024
Experience the iconic West Highland Way without the summer crowds this October. ⛰️
From misty lochs to golden-hued forests, walking this famous long-distance trail in autumn offers a truly unique perspective. 🍂 Thanks to our friends at AMS Baggage Transfers, we can offer 2024 holidays on this trail until 19th October. 🎒
Contact us today to discover why October might be the best-kept secret for hiking this iconic route. 🥾
Book today and discover why autumn might be the best-kept secret for hiking this iconic route.
16/07/2024
What’s your favourite memory from your last Absolute Escapes holiday? ⛰️
Share your highlights in the comments below. 👇 We’d love to hear from you! 🙂
12/07/2024
We love seeing how our clients are enjoying their holidays. 😍
Tina and Mark are just over 10 days into their incredible 10-week journey along the entire South West Coast Path. It's fantastic to see them making unforgettable memories. 🌊 🥾 Thanks for tagging us in your posts, Tina and Mark. Enjoy your first well-earned rest day today! ☀️
From chasing the Northern Lights to exploring peaceful islands, we've making the most of the great British summer. ☀️🌧
In our office, we host a bi-monthly team photo competition which showcases the incredible places our team have been exploring. Check out our adventures in May and June.
Which photo would get your vote? Comment below and let us know your favourite. 👇💬
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Videos
Driving the Golden Road in the Isle of Harris
Have you driven the breathtaking Golden Road in the Outer Hebrides? 🚗🌊
Widely regarded as one of Scotland's ultimate road trip experiences, the 21-mile track journeys through a unique lunar-like landscape on the Isle of Harris. Along the way, you'll discover stunning views, abundant wildlife, and charming art galleries.
What's the most beautiful road you've driven in Scotland? Tell us in the comments. 📸
Did you know that our team regularly revisit all the walking trails we offer? 🥾
Each step, view, and conversation with a local supplier enhances our understanding, meaning we can create meticulously planned adventures where the logistics work.
Take a look at our new video to see where our research trips took us in 2023. 📽️
Where our team travelled on research trips in 2022
Our team are getting excited to be travelling on their research trips across the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands in the next few months. 🗺️
Each member of our expert team visits a different location every year to ensure we provide our clients with the best holiday experience, up-to-date information and outstanding service. ✅
Here’s a summary of all the beautiful places our research trips took us last year… 🥾🚙🚂
We can now reveal the six spectacular finalists in this year's photo competition (walking holidays category)! 📷
We would love it if you could help us choose the winner. Just hop onto our website to vote for your favourite. ⤵️ www.absoluteescapes.com/blog/2022-photo-competition-walking-holidays
Come with our Travel Specialist, Zoe, as she explores the wild northern section of the famous Pennine Way. 🌲🥾
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Walk with our Travel Specialist, Shivani, on the Great Glen Way through the heart of the Scottish Highlands. 🥾
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Absolute Escapes Director, Andy, had an amazing encounter whilst stand up paddleboarding around Craigleith Island in East Lothian. 🦭
Thank you to Andy's friend, Rob, for this spectacular underwater footage! 🎥
Absolute Escapes was founded in Scotland with the belief that we could offer imaginative and unique travel experiences. Our innovative approach to arranging self-guided walking holidays and tailor-made itineraries allows us the opportunity to share some of the UK's most spectacular scenery, finest historic monuments and many unique attractions.
We believe that travel should be exciting, intriguing, rejuvenating and memorable. That's why we've created a company staffed by the most knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic experts available.
Our philosophy is to offer special holidays tailored to your individual requirements. We use our expert knowledge to seek out the best that the UK has to offer - the best places to stay, the best experiences, the best routes and we take away the hard work by arranging it all for you.
As each of our holidays are individually booked, you have complete freedom and independence during your trip. Attention to detail is key and our highly trained consultants will ensure that every element of your travel itinerary is planned to the last detail.
We started our Company from our base here in Scotland and we continue to share our intimate knowledge and experience of this country through our tailor-made itineraries. We have since expanded our range of self-guided walking holidays to cover not only Scotland, but also England, Ireland and Wales.
We will ensure that you receive the very best advice, guidance and care from the earliest planning stages to when you are travelling.
Our reputation has developed through a deep passion and knowledge of Scotland and the UK walking market - we firmly believe that your visit should be truly unforgettable.
Fair Prices
While many travel companies like to promote low prices, we believe that value for money is more important. This translates into charging a fair price for your trip - whether staying in simple Guest Houses or luxurious Hotels - and not compromising on quality. We want you to travel with us again and know that you will not do this if you feel that you paid too much for your arrangements.
