Coronavirus: and Flexible Trip Deposit Transfers

We may be a small family business but we are a resilient company which has been in operation for over 13 years and that has had to face challenges before – starting out during the last global recession, the memorable Icelandic ash cloud and of course Brexit. We know the countries we operate in well and are in the ideal position to help members of our flock navigate what is and isn’t safe and offer the best advice on when and where to travel.

With the outbreak of COVID-19 consuming the media and the impact and uncertainty this is placing on many industries including world travel, we wanted to extend to you some peace of mind when booking your travel with us. With regards to deposit payments for overseas trips, we are excited to announce that until 1 May 2020 we are offering flexible deposit payments when you book an Adventurous Ewe overseas trip departing in 2020. What that means is you can transfer your deposit to another overseas trip free of charge if you later decide on another expedition or destination. Please find the full T&C’s below.

Rest assured we are working hard to capture up-to-date information regarding the fast-evolving situation of COVID-19. Following the UNWTO’s lead, we aim to respond to COVID-19 in a measured and consistent way. We strongly support international collaboration and cooperation needed to ensure pandemic panic does not paralyze the tourism industry which is so important to the global economy as well as sustaining the smaller tour operators and local communities across the globe. 

In the meantime, we have plenty of exciting UK based challenges if you’re still in need of a quick adventure fix. We’ve recently launched a brand new adventure – Snowdonia Packrafting & Wild Camping weekend. For more info on any of our UK adventures, simply visit our website. 

So if you have any questions about travelling, whether now or in the future, to any of our destinations, please give Jim or Sue a call on 01492 588 069 or drop us an email and we’ll be more than happy to chat about all things travel, health and safety.

FLEXIBLE DEPOSIT PAYMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS:

• Flexible deposit applies to overseas ground only trip bookings made between 6th March – 1st May 2020, subject to availability on the requested trip
• The flexible deposit applies to your first transfer only. Any subsequent transfers may be subject to our standard transfer fees
• Flexible deposits can be transferred to trips of a higher or lower value
• There may be some trips which are not eligible for this offer however we will make this known prior to processing your transfer request
• Deposits can be transferred free of charge before 1 June 2020 or before the final balance is due (whichever comes first)
• For bespoke charity trips you must contact us prior to requesting a transfer due to charity sponsorship T&C’s
• If you have already purchased flights for your trip, it is your responsibility to check with your respective airline to ensure your flights can be changed to another date prior to requesting to transfer to another Adventurous Ewe trip

Footnote:

• For our existing exclusive overseas trips which have flights included in their package, we will liaise with the main contact of the group/or the charity if any rescheduling of departure dates is required due to the development of the COVID-19. We will do all that we can to minimise any costs incurred, however deposit payments will be transferred at no extra cost.
• If you want or need to cancel your plans, check your travel insurance to see if it covers your reason for cancellation.

What is an Adventure

What is an adventure?
It's taking a leap outside your comfort zone; being drenched by tropical storms, searching for shade in unbearable heat and digging deep to keep going, blisters and all.
It’s climbing mountains, crossing deserts, trudging through jungles and connecting with other people.
It's is a challenge taken on by ordinary, everyday people. A level playing field where teachers rub shoulders with chief execs, nurses mix with lawyers, builders work alongside bankers, and consultants team up with cleaners.

Adventure does not distinguish between experts or novices. There is nowhere to hide – if Mother Nature throws down the gauntlet, you all must be ready to face the same challenge. Tread the same muddy trail, endure epic long days, experience different or even difficult situations, face your fears and bond with new people.

It’s about discovery, immersing yourself in new environments, customs and cultures. Adventure will have you uncovering strengths, sharing laughter & tears and looking at the world in a whole new light. It will teach you confidence, decisiveness and being self-aware. It will give you a sense of freedom and opens up unlimited possibilities. Experiences that are so vivid and remarkable that they may even shape your life.

Here at Adventurous Ewe, adventure is what we're all about.
So if you're dreaming about your next adventure or in need of some inspo, get in touch check or check out our website or follow us on social media. We'd love to share an adventure with ewe. 

We found the Lost City

We found the Lost City.
Just completed the Lost City trek on the Los Nevados National Park on Caribbean Coast of Colombia.
What an incredible journey. Apart from trekking to an ancient city built in the mountainous jungle of the Santa Marta region 1000 years before the Inca, this trek has so much more to offer.

The four Indian tribes: Kogui, Aruhaco, Wiwa, Kankuamo who all own the land and allow us access to the city and learn about there lives and culture add such a huge part to this trek. The leader of the Kogui tribe still lives within the Lost City, which just blew me away.

This area was once controlled by FARC, the Colombian paramilitary group who forced the locals to grow Coca plants and controlled all the labs in the jungle for the production of cocaine. Everyone living the area had only two choices, join the paramilitary group and fight or work in the production of cocaine. They had no choice, and in my view it was basically a form of slavery. At its height this area was the largest producer and exporter of cocaine in the world.
There was so much money in the villages which arrived on the backs of mules, they never bothered to count it. All this money may sound great, but living in such harsh conditions, not allowed to leave & visit family in other regions and being controlled by the Narcos and FARC made life a living hell.
Moving on all this has now ended, all the coca plantations have gone, so have FARC the labs, and the NARCOs.
Now the area see’s upto 100 people per day doing a 4 day trek to the Lost City. All of which brings on income to the area and everyone lives in peace.

Jorge our guide: “We may have less money now but we are happier live in peace and can see our families when we wish”.

So the Lost City Trek is not just about an accident City in the jungle, it supports local communities and allows them to live as they wish, Indian tribes to exist in peace and continue living in there traditional ways, and we can go on an amazing journey and learn along the way.

More people visit Machu Picchu in a day then the Lost City in 6 months. This is one journey and encounter with local tribes that I will remember for a long time.

Trek Georgia & the Caucasus Mountains in 2020…..

SPECIAL OFFER: Trek Georgia & the Caucasus Mountains in 2020…..

With only 2 places remaining as part of our ‘special offer for the first 5 registrations’ on our new Georgia Trek in July 2020, be quick and book now to receive a 5% discount on the total cost.It may not appear much, but we always pride ourselves in pricing our trips fairly and ensuring a suitable donation is made to our partner charity, Cool Earth.

Be sure to join us for this pioneering adventure through the awe-inspiring landscape of Georgia. The overall group size is limited due to the remote nature and our responsible travel ethos.

For more info, simply visit the website or email jim@adventurousewe.co.uk

#trekgeorgia #bequick #ewecandoit

https://www.adventurousewe.co.uk/adventure-through-the-heart-of-the-caucasus-georgia/

Outdoor Enthusiast Magazine Article on our Arctic Kings Trail

We're absolutely thrilled to bits that our Arctic Snowshoe Trek of the Kings Trail in Sweden is featured in the latest issue of Outdoor Enthusiast magazine. A huge hats off to Jacob Little, outdoor photographer and writer, for his honest and creative words which take you on this incredible journey of the Arctic Tundra and also gives you a glimpse into the Sami Culture. Visit the 'Contents' page where you can click through to the article on page 38 'Snowshoeing the King's Trail'. We're extremely proud of this unique expedition we created and the opportunity it gives people to experience so much in such an irreplaceable natural environment. So grab a cuppa and hope you enjoy this awe-inspiring write up. http://www.oe-mag.co.uk/imag/oewinter18/

Top Tips for Trekking the Arctic Circle

Having just returned from our Kings Trail Arctic Circle Snowshoe Trek we asked our intrepid adventurers what their top tips were for trekking in the circle, so we can offer ewe the best tips for your arctic adventure.

Top tips...

• Buy the best pair of gloves you afford. Hestra Gloves come highly recommended (Maxine)
• Research and test your footwear before the trek and ensure you have well insulated and waterproof boots. Salomon Tundra or The North Face Chilcat boots are a great option (Jane)
• Good quality socks (merino wool) (Jane)
• Take a hip flask. Great for taking a wee nip while watching the Northern Lights (Will)
• Bring a small bottle of squeeze jam or golden syrup for your early morning porridge (Andy)
• Tape you feet before you start trekking, to help prevent any blisters. Rock Tape comes highly recommended (Maxine)
• Bring lots of warm clothes, during the ski bike transfer  you'll need every item of clothing you have. Its cold!!! (Lucy)
• Take LOADS of photos during your whole adventure and learn how to take pics of the Northern Lights (Sue)
• Bring a light sleeping bags 2-3 season (Ali)
• Pack ear-plugs (Trish)
• Bring glasses and contact lenses. Wearing glasses with ski goggles can be uncomfortable (Trish)
• Don't forget to bring a pack of cards (Jim)
• Have a Swedish sauna and run out in the snow (Will)
• Pack some comfy sliders or crocs for the mountain huts (Sue)
• Get used to wilderness wees. It's quite liberating (Katrina)
• Bring a battery charger such as a Pebble, as you can't recharge your camera in the huts (Andy)
• Take time to look around you as you're walking the landscape is just amazing (Katrina)
• Enjoy the remoteness and disconnect from your mobile phone and social media for a few days. Take time to say g'day to everyone in the group (Sue).
• Pack a sense of adventure and humour! You're in for a trek of a lifetime! (Jim)

King's Trail - Snowshoe Adventures in Europe's Frozen North

The Northern reaches of this globe are well known to be cold and icy.

And it is here where the adventure and hardy members foray along the King’s Trail.  

Ah, but what on earth is the ‘King’s Trail’? Well, if we are to take its native name we would be calling

it the ‘Kungsleden’,and it’s a world-famous route which take you through some of Sweden’s most

amazing scenes.

The is in the borders of the Sami folk’s ancestral domain. The expanses of birch forest, glaciers,

rivers and the highest peaks in all of Sweden.

Those seeking a snowshoe winter trek in Europe need look no further.

Sweden’s Beautiful Wilderness

The adventure has its beginnings in Abisko, one of Sweden’s oldest national reserves.
It’s famous for having one of the greatest vistas to witness the ‘Aurora Borealis’ (Northern Lights)
out of anywhere in the world.

This adventure averages a distance of 14 km a day, venturing through the winter wilderness
bequeathed with an ever changing landscape. Each and every night shall be spent in a new location
in remote mountain huts. If you are a fan of saunas in the temperate weather of the United Kingdom,
then you haven't experienced anything until you enjoy a hot sauna after a day in the snowy mountains
.

A real Adventure.

If this sounds like the kind of adventure you would be interested in, Adventurous Ewe has the perfect package.

The real appeal of this adventure is that you will be entirely self-sufficient,
carrying 12kg-14kg of equipment yourself for the entirety of the trip.

As a result, you will need to be in a good level of fitness in order to be able to take part in
the challenge.

Those who go on a trip with a real desire to taste the local cuisine will be most pleased
that throughout the journey you will be eating traditional Sami food, that is reindeer meat.

You will also need to employ specialist equipment in order to traverse this snowy plain, as you will be in many cases stepping atop freshly fallen snow. For the purpose of this
you will have to make use of a snowshoe. But if you have never even seen, let alone put on a
snowshoe before, never fear! As you will be instructed on how to properly walk wearing them.

Trekking the Arctic Cirlce

The Arctic Explorer Trek was such a success last year were doing it again in march and April 2018. The trek is a unique opportunity to trek in winter along the famous Kungsleden Trail, also known as the Kings Trail in Swedish Lapland.

This is a totally new trek which to our knowledge no one else is doing, for at least the time being, the trail is limited to the number of trekkers at this time of year and we have block booked the cabins which means there will be no other groups on the trail other than intrepid Scandinavians.

We snow shoe the trail covering an average of 14km a day, which is good weather takes us about 5-6hrs trekking per day. This trip is not all about the walking, there's so much more as the team will be expected to help prepare the meals, collect and chop wood for the fire and collect water from the nearest well, which is an adventure in it self.

During our treks on the trail each night we were rewarding with breath taking lights shows with the Northern Lights due to the remoteness of the trail there in no light pollution, the only difficulty is with standing the nights freezing temperatures dropping down to -20, so good warm kit is a must.

I can't even begin to tell you how it feels and see the Northern Lights in full swing, all I can say is we were jumping for joy, like a child on bonfire night, nothing can prepare you for this spectacular phenomenon, make sure you bring a good camera.
The Abisko National Park were we begin our trek has been awarded one of the best places on the planet  to see the Northern Lights.

All our groups are limited to 10 lucky trekkers and we only have two dates available for 2018. If not already on your long bucket list of things to do, then I'd highly recommend you add the Northern Lights to ever increasing list.

The Three Peaks Challenge – Top Tips

Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon. In 24 hours. Sound easy to you?

The Three Peaks Challenge is definitely far from easy – but the venture is a perfect one for anyone wishing to test their fitness and endurance, or to feel the great sense of achievement that comes with the completion, or even to build stronger bonds of trust and friendship within groups. 

To ensure that you stay safe and well in order to complete each peak - here are some handy Three Peaks tips that you may find useful.

Plan ahead - Get the right postcodes for your starting point to avoid extra stress. Getting lost before you start would be a nightmare! By choosing timings and routes you can plan which mountain to climb in the evening/night – which is sometimes inevitable – to do so safely and in a prepared manner. Importantly - use the most up-to-date maps and ensure everyone is able to read maps and navigate, in case the group is separated. 

Chauffeur, anyone? Driving in-between walks is a huge no. You won’t be your most alert after a long day climbing – and you will need this time to rest up for the next mountain. Ensure you plan driving routes and parking to avoid stress. Take travel sickness tablets for the drive – just in case you feel car sick. Feeling sick will make it difficult to eat; something you must do to keep your energy up.

Be prepared for any weather – A common tip is to start off cold as you will get warmer. However this doesn’t mean to say you won’t get cold again throughout the journey! Carry extra layers as it can get cold at the summit – as there is always a chance the weather will make a dramatic change. 

Bring plenty of fuel - lots of high calorie snacks such as cereal bars and dried fruit/nuts are perfect for the cause. Eat little and often even if you don’t feel hungry – you will need the energy. It’s a great idea to bring sandwiches and pasta as they are high in carbohydrates, and slowly release energy.

Stay hydrated – This is incrementally important! You’ll need lots of water; at least 2 litres of water per mountain is recommended. Hydration packs are perfect as you won’t have to carry your water bottle by hand. Ensure your back pack is fitted with a water pack function.

Don’t overdo it – don’t ‘push on’ if the situation is unsafe. Admitting defeat can be really tough, but you need to be sensible. If you are hurt, the likelihood is it’s going to get harder the more you troop on. Remember that mountains are unpredictable and situations can change fast – especially where weather is concerned.

Let the slowest in the group set the pace – this ensures everyone will keep up and stay as a group. For faster walkers, this could be seen as a tactic to preserve energy!

Buy decent walking boots – Boots are arguably the most important part of your kit. You need proper support on rocky terrain. Breathable and waterproof materials are ideal, so look out for those functions when purchasing. Break your boots in some months before you embark on the challenge to ensure they will not rub or cause pain. Blisters are one of the largest reasons why challengers fail The Three Peaks – don’t let that be you!

Practice is key – ensure you reach a good level of fitness before attempting the challenge. Familiarise yourself with the types of terrain you will face by going on long walks or by attempting one of the mountains beforehand to build stamina.

 Photo credit: Henry & Jane

The Wonders of the Patagonia Glacier and Ice Cap Trek

The Southern Continental Ice Field in Patagonia is one of largest non-polar ice caps on earth, and the third glacier mass in size after Antarctica and Greenland. This magnificent and dramatic area of the world has an abundance of exciting treks teamed with breathtaking views and landscape. These are just a few of the wondrous places that you will pass through on your Patagonia Trek, each just as more remarkable than the other!

Any glacier trip will start at the picturesque El Calafate – an important tourist destination named after a particularly common berry bush that can be found around Patagonia – that acts as a key hub for many adventurers who wish to visit any part of the Los Glaciares National Park. It’s a small town which therefore makes it easy to get around – however booking buses to and from the town is recommended. The town is ultimately a fun place to be with a large variety of services including its main strip posing many endearing souvenir shops, chocolate shops, restaurants and tour offices. El Calafate offers so much to see and do, including day trips to the exceptional Perito Moreno Glacier or to the romantic Onelli Bay, and boat excursions which are a great idea on a brilliant summers’ day. Ensure you spend some time here before embarking on your journey!

While journeying through Los Huemules reserve and beech forests at Laguna de Los Tres, keep your eyes open and camera at the ready for some breathtaking views. This is a trek that will lead you through mystical forests and stunning scenery; brilliant blue lagoons and impressively beautiful glaciers are plentiful. On your way, you’ll pass through many famous base camps that have in the past been used by the most renowned of climbers.

For more panoramic views, follow on to Laguna Torre, which is enveloped by stunning views of Fitz Roy Range, glacially formed valleys with splashes of dense forests. You will reach Paso Del Viento  - meaning ‘windy pass’ – an entirely unmissable stop that boasts immense views across the Southern Continental ice field; The Viedma glacier, the Upsala glacier and the impressive Mariano Moreno range acting as the perfect backdrop.

Another unmissable finishing stop is El Chalten. This small mountain village set into the Rio de las Vueltas riverside has previously been names Argentina’s Trekking capital, as well ranking second of “Best cities in the world to know” in 2014. Be sure not to stay long enough to explore a range of activities offered by the village; short walks, day trips, visits to renowned chocolate or ice cream shops, and sample brews that are available in the many Brewhouse’s. A perfect way to end your Patagonian adventure!

Could you handle the ice cold river crossings of Patagonia?

Patagonia Ice Fields Trek 2016

I've just returned from possibly our most exciting and stunningly beautiful treks I have ever been lucky enough to lead, Patagonia has to be one of last true wilderness trekking destinations in the world.

First up a visit to the Perito `Moreno Glacier one of only 3 advancing Glaciers in the Patagonia and the centre piece for the Los Glaciers National Park in Argentina. It's sight to not to be missed. As one team member commented on arrival surely it can't get any better than this, and it's only day 1.

But it can and it did.

Arriving in El Chalten our trekking base and my home for an entire month I was feeling very blessed, we had great weather for both treks around the Fitz Roy Range and the Southern Ice Cap.

Our route was 7 day traverse of the Fitz Roy Range before making our way to Paso Del Viento (windy pass) with panoramic views of the largest Ice Cap outside the Polar Regions.

I could talk about this trek forever and possibly will do, but rather than me bore you, take a moment to read the write up from Rebecca Burn-Callander from the Telegraph.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/business/sme-home/news/12193601/business-charity-challenge.html

                                                                    Cerro Torre

                                                          Lower Tunel Glacier

                                                                   Paso Del Viento

   For more information on this once in life time adventure and 2017 dates Patagonia Glacier & Ice Fields Trek 

The Benefits of Trekking

The Benefits of getting out in the Hills

People who go trekking on a regular basis have a better overall health, are more energetic and suffer from less stress, If you’re looking to get fit in 2016 or take on a new challenge whether it be the 3 PeaksChallenge or Trekking across Iceland, there’s no better time to dust off those boots and Get Outside.

#1 Improve your Overall Health and Fitness

Getting out in the hills on a regular basis, you’ll not only feel great but you’ll enjoy optimum fitness making your days out in the mountains a lot more fun. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, you can gain so many benefits being the mountains.

#2 Decrease Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Recent studies show that walking for an hour a day can cut a person’s risk of stroke in half. Walking conditions the heart and will help you live longer.

Head to the hills and help keep your cardiovascular system healthy!

#3 Be Happy

A day in hills, be it a wet and windy weekend in Snowdonia walking not only calms you but improves your general well being, being In the grandeur of nature, away from the pressures of everyday life and technology works wonders for stress relief.

#4 Prevent Diabetes

Walking in the hills will reduce your risk of diabetes. A good day out in the hills will work your muscles, which transfers glucose from your bloodstream for energy.

#5 Increase Your Energy Level

Aerobic activities will provide oxygen to your muscles and other body tissues. This extra fuel helps boost your muscles and lungs and increases your alertness, and energy and endurance levels!

#6 Lose Weight

Trekking is one of the best ways to burn calories and lose the unwanted pounds! In fact, numerous studies have proved that hiking can burn more than 400 calories per hour

#7 Increase Bone Density

Strong bones are essential to your overall health. Hiking consistently will decrease your chances of developing osteoporosis and arthritis. If you have arthritis, studies have shown that two and a half hours of hiking per week will maintain flexibility in your joints and decrease joint stiffness.

#8 Expand Your mind and Discover New Places

Hiking is a great excuse for visiting new places, great for creating excitement, avoiding boredom and opening new synopsis’ in the brain. Instead of planning an ordinary holiday to Spain, take a hike! Adventure trips can encompass snow-capped mountains, spectacular canyons, fascinating deserts and verdant forests, the world is your oyster.

#9 Tones Your Muscles

Since hiking can include steep inclines, it is perfect for challenging your body and for toning your muscles. With brisk movements and a steady pace, you can get a full body workout. Remember to stretch before and after a vigorous hike, so that your hamstrings and quads are toned.

#10 Develop Healthy Habits

Another compelling reason to head for the hills is a much-improved quality of life. Each time you hike, breathe the outside air, exert and challenge yourself, you will come away feeling better than you did. Your body and mind will feel healthier and your stress level will drop off. Because of this great feeling, you’ll want to hike again. It may even become addictive!

As you notice improvements in your mind and body, you may adopt other healthy habits such as eating healthy foods.

Get Outside, Challenge Yourself and head for the hills

Laugavegur Trail Iceland

The Iceland Laugavegur Trek is a wild and wonderful trek set amongst the wonderful and impressive landscapes of Iceland.

From the modern city of Reykjavik to the volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and steaming lava fields of the interior, Iceland is a country of great contrast. Iceland homes truly unique environments, like nothing you would come across in mainland Europe, which attracts visitors that want to experience magical surroundings and a phenomenal trekking arena.

An excellent choice for those that want to experience this is the undertaking of Laugavegur Trail. A famed trail for its stunning views and range of terrain, those lucky enough to experience this will not be disappointed.

Spanning 49 miles, this is the longest hiking trail in the country. Well travelled, with past hikers and rangers adding special wooden signposts in important positions, the trail can trekked alone or with a special group.

As suggested by the name, Iceland will (depending on climate and season) have icy sections and generally cold temperatures. This means you'll not only have the battle of the long walk up and down trails and mountains, but also have to do so whilst bracing yourself from the cold conditions.

The 6 day Iceland Laugavegur Trek offered by Adventurous Ewe can guide you as a part of the group through some of the most spectacular wilderness that will see you enjoy camping along the way. Discreet vehicle support is also on hand that enables the supply of well-equipped camps and means you can travel lightweight, ensuring maximum satisfaction while working through the environment.

This specific trip allows you to travel through lakes and magnificent lava field, gurgling hot springs and steaming vents, as well as deep canyons, small valleys and the opportunity to whale watch or enjoy the Blue Lagoon.

When you opt to go with a tour group, you is much less risk, more convenience and you get to meet like minded people that will make the experience just that little bit better!

The following video will give you a taste of the Laugavegur Trek in Iceland!