July 2010

If you have walked with us anywhere (Cornwall or elsewhere!) and would like to submit a small testimonial, it will be gratefully received and published below. Please state what made your holiday so special for you. Of course, any other little amusing asides are also welcome!

Simply send your comments in an email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Many thanks if you can subscribe - Martin.

Thank you so much for providing me with such a terrifc holiday. There really is so much to thank you for.
I loved staying with Jo Mooney and her family at The Beacon Country House Hotel. They are such a warm and friendly family, and lots of fun.  The meals there were fantastic, especially to return back to each evening after a day's walking. Paul was also a great leader in my second week. I feel the group in the second week were not as adventurous as those in my first week, but Paul 'measured' the group's needs very well. He has a great personality. It was a joy to have him come into the hotel on the last morning to give us a demonstration of his skills at the piano. I love being with people who love life and what they do.
And Martin it was so lovely to meet and walk with you (and Mufty). You gave us so much information, which for me, added a lot to my experience of Cornwall. You made me aware of just how much there is to be interested in in Cornwall, along with the natural beauty which I already had an appreciation for. I was so pleased I booked the two weeks.  It was perfect for me. So, now I must work and save up my pennies again. I need to visit a couple of other places which have been on 'my list' for decades, but then, I would love to come back to walk some more in Cornwall and some other parts of the UK.
Thank you again Martin.  It has really been a wonderful pleasure to experience your Cornwall with you. 
Jenny Robson, Australia

Dear Martin,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed my 'Cotswolds vacation'and to thank you for everything. Truly everything was lovely: the accommodations, the meals, the walks, you, John, all our lunches, the afternoon tea, the pubs and pints, etc, etc! This was also one of the best birthdays ever, thanks to you, John and Ann. I have attached two of my too few pictures from the trip.  One is our group shot at Egypt Mill and the other is probably my favorite picture! So, next spring, Cornwall here I come! Again, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Georgette Clement, Rhode Island, USA

A line from the iconic movie The Princess Bride goes something like this…"Get used to disappointment!"  Sadly, that had become our mantra for many vacations we had taken over the years. The hotels were never quite as nice as described, the meals not as delicious, the coordination and activities somewhat slapped together.  HOWEVER THAT WAS WONDERFULLY NOT THE CASE WITH MARTIN AND HIS ADVENTURELINE TRIP TO TUSCANY!Instead the trip was  better than described!  The fields of flowers bloomed more brightly than we could have imagined, the vistas were even more breath-taking than claimed, the food and wines beyond delicious, and every day a new adventure. Martin and Gofreddo did a superb job of picking sites that provided a terrific view of Tuscan life with a minimum of tourist hoopla.  We toured castles, walled towns and Etruscan grave sites (suitably creepy), heard Gregorian chants in monasteries, ate lunch under ancient olive trees, dined richly at agritourismos (and now have a whole new word for our vocabulary), basked in the waters of hot springs (sublime people watching!), and from the heights of our castle hotel rooms that were so high, we actually looked down on the swallows & swifts flying far below us! In short, we eagerly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to experience the lushness and delight that is Tuscany!   And finally, it should be noted, we volunteered to write this testimonial - Martin didn't even offer us a discount for it!  Take this trip to Tuscany - it is not to be missed.
Molly Langridge and Larry Foster, USA

How to write this "testimonial" for my week of hiking with Martin Hunt's Adventureline in Cornwall? The thought of walking the coastal path on the Cornwall Peninsula was a daydream often indulged but never expected to experience. Backpacking for me was out of the question as I don't like it at all. I worried that only very athletic types went on these kinds of trips anyway and I would be a drag on a group, even if equipment was ferried from point to point. Adventureline proved to be the perfect answer where we would hike out each day and return to the same lodgings for the night. One just needed a daypack for lunch and extras. After finding Martin's site on line my daughter challenged me to go with her. We did some consulting with Martin and he was comfortable with my level of health, ability to walk five miles at a time two or three times a week, and my year round gardening. This was important as I am seventy plus. I increased the walking in the weeks before the trip and it worked. It was a most wonderful trip with some rain on only one day (go prepared). The memory of scenery consisting of heath, wildflowers, amazing rocks and cliffs, and blue, blue seas still has me mesmerized. The van rides back home each evening on some narrow two way back roads added some zing  I will long remember. Anyone who plans a trip such as this is of like mind and we had a wonderful, congenial group of people from Australia, Canada, Switzerland and the U.S. We made good friends. Martin explained the unique geology of the area as well as giving us lots of local history and information about wildlife. We saw tin mine ruins, cairns, and old churches. His choices of paths to follow, stories to tell, places to stop and admire, fantastic sandwiches have already been described so I won't belabor the point. I will just echo all the previous praises posted here. Our home for the week was the Cleaderscroft Hotel and we loved it. It was charming, comfortable, lots of towels, shampoo, all kinds of bath goodies, and even in our bathroom, two robes. To top this off, the food was so good we would go back just to stay at the Cleaderscroft for a week! The Ellis' were efficient, thoughtful, kind, witty, and very responsive to guests' needs as well. On the nights we were on our own there were restaurants a block or two away. The whole experience was even better than we had anticipated and would love to repeat it. Thanks so much Martin. Thanks also to Elaine who helped ferry us in and out and prepared tea for us daily.
Glenda Walker Virginia, USA

Being part of Martin's gang in the Picos de Europa of Spain was hiking at its best -- amazing terrain, imaginative guiding by Michael and Martin, charming villages, fantastic food, lovely accommodations, and rollicking companions who are great fans of Adventureline. Thanks for the memories!
Patti Gray, Williamsburg VA

We've been twice walking with Martin, in Cornwall and the Cotswolds. They are unforgettable holidays for us and we'd just like to say that being with Martin and also his friend John is like walking round with Wikipedia - they have so much knowledge of the places they take you to !!! And what can we say about those sandwiches!........nobody else can get so many things between two slices of bread!! Another thing you can look forward to when you walk with Martin is getting to know people from all walks of life. So if you've never been with Martin, we can highly recommend the experience.
Vera and Xisco Smith, Majorca, Spain

Thank you from the bottom of my heart (and feet!) for a breathtaking week. The views, history, folklore, company and lunches were FAB. Thank you for making my first trip out of the USA such a memorable experience. I will return...
Priscilla Wood, Connecticut

Two words: Do It. Cornwall is spectacular and is made even more so with Martin's knowledge and enthusiasm. His sandwiches are wonderful; his flexibility in giving the group the best experience is laudable. If you can, stay at the Clearderscroft Hotel; it adds to the fun. It was a marvelous way to spend a week. We were lucky to happen onto Adventureline for a wonderful vacation. I highly recommend it.
Judi Dalton, Tucson Arizona

During my first Adventureline holiday in 1995 I got to know many wonderful Cornish places. I shall never forget the trip down to the Lizard. We had an open air lecture on the geology of this very special part of Cornwall, followed by a little scramble over the rocks and later in the afternoon Martin took us to a fantastic little bay, where we went for a swim. Martin does know Cornwall like the back of his hand and he surely takes you to the most spectacular places. With his sense of humour he always brings out the best in his groups. Meaning that at the end of a week with Adventureline, you have found some new friends. Throughout the years I have been on many holidays with Martin and I must say I have thoroughly enjoyed them!
Erika Dieter, Bremen, Germany.

After no less than 16 holidays with Martin, starting in 1995, it's high time to put him in the limelight.
Eight times I had the privilege of savouring the delights of Cornwall - and from my first trip onward I knew Adventureline was just the perfect holiday formula for me: lovely and international company (I'm a language freak!), exploration of truly unspoilt places, happy atmosphere. Martin is always himself: open, cheerful, enthusiastic and caring - making each and everyone feel special. Showing genuine interest in all of his clients, without ever being indiscreet or over-curious. Everything is organised meticulously, seemingly without effort. If one day you are uncertain as to whether or not you can cope, Martin will find just the right words to make you regain your confidence - or else he will find you a worthwhile alternative for spending your day! And lunch - well, Martin's home-made sandwiches are just the things to make your mouth water; also if, like me, you are a vegetarian. And then being able to enjoy that lunch on, say, a remote and deserted beach with just the sound of the waves and the seagulls for background music - no crowds, no hurry, no exhaust fumes. Just a delighted bunch of like-minded people you will soon consider to be your friends!
Another talent of Martin's is his incredible sense of humour - so the only tears you are likely to shed while on holiday with him will be tears of laughter. And should your trek in some far-away land turn out to be a hard and tiring one, don't worry. At the end of the day Martin may be willing to give your aching feet, a welcome massage! I remember this from my trek in Morocco. So I hope for you all, lovers of unspoilt nature and other cultures, that Martin will be keeping up his treks for many more years to come!
Kia Meijering, Vlijmen (the Netherlands)

I just completed my fourth hike with Martin--Cornwall, Tuscany, Dordogne, and Cotswolds.  These are my favorite vacation adventures.  I can leave the daily planning to the local experts knowing each day of good exercise will have a special reward in some beautiful place, not overrun by other tourists, so it feels like it is just our special secret.  As they say in England, it's Splendid! Brilliant!
Vanda Galen, Minnesota, USA.

Martin is the best.  No matter where on earth he takes you it is worth seeing some part of the world through Martin's trips.  He has the knowledge and works with the best people whether it is the folks responsible for your bed, your meal, your transportation or leading you to the most interesting places to walk.  I have over 25 years of training and experiences as a travel agent -- Martin really is the best.
Joan and Ed Singler, Seattle Washington, USA.

Thank you very much for the wonderful walking holiday. It is one of the best holidays I have ever had. Cornwall has so much to offer for everyone. I definitely will come back and recommend to all my friends.
Lily Chen, China.

Martin was wonderful and  bent over backward to accomodate our needs...he is personable, knowledgeable, and infuses each day with good humor and good food and good commentary.  Even getting around in that van is an experience not to be forgotten.  I would take a trip with Adventureline ANYTIME!  What GREAT gourmet lunches we had!  Martin was even able to take us to the part of Cornwall where it was not raining each day... he has an awesome skill set.
Barbara Steel, Connecticut, USA.

A week in Cornwall...I really enjoyed my time in St. Agnes and the walks with you and the group. It's a part of England I'd never visited and feel now that I have. I really was entranced by the beauty of the coast and enlightened by your knowledge of seemingly all things historical, botanical and geological thereabouts. The company couldn't have been better - interesting, interested, fun, funny. It was a trip I shan't forget.
Stepahnie Tucker, California, USA.

Martin Hunt’s walks cover lovely miles in the Cornish countryside, but he also shows the secret crevices in which rare birds nest.  He knows the hidden paths to the secluded beaches where the cliffs reveal millions of years of geology.  Martin’s friends Peter and Val invited us to visit their beautiful, hidden away, tropical gardens, and their museum of the oldest man-made artifacts in Cornwall, found right on their property.  Martin knows where the best ice cream is sold - right on the farm.  When walkers have questions about wildlife or mine ruins, Martin knows the answers.  Best of all, Martin is a friendly, charming companion.
Judy Harper, Glastonbury, New England, USA.

I was never a keen walker, but Martin somehow managed to get me on my feet... Thanks for sharing your secret places with us all. I met some great people and fell deeply in love with good old Kernow. We keep coming back! Morocco was a great experience as well!
Katrin Büchi, Switzerland.

Thank you Martin for making that Cornwall holiday so worthwhile.  From the start, staying at The Cleaderscroft Hotel was a good choice. Jeannie and Ted are such a fun couple and know how to make their guests feel special. Everything about them and their Hotel was great and the meals they served were always very good. The walks we did with you each day were so interesting and our whole group of nice people got on well together.
We lost who wrote this one - sorry!