Client Spotlight

12 December 2024

For those who receive our newsletter, we previously introduced you to two of our regular clients Alison and Sarah who were each training for a multi-day walk in the UK and Portugal. We are so happy to report back that both ladies managed to complete their goal and have provided us with some photos and an overview of their experience.

Alison

“The hike along the southern coast of the SW coast path in Cornwall was fabulous. We walked for 6 days between Marazion and Mevagissey, a total of about 135 km. Although we did end up shortening a few days by catching a bus at the beginning or end of the day”.

“The walk was much tougher than we had expected and much more rugged than the guidebooks would have you believe. However, my training program devised by Mel at the beginning of 2024 enabled me to do the walk and the tough climbs. I did it with 2 friends and they had trained too so we all felt pretty pleased by the end. My husband, Philip had planned to walk but a broken foot meant he caught buses instead and met us at the end of each day.”

“I would thoroughly recommend this walk. The scenery along the coast is spectacular and although it is rugged and tough in many places, there are also other sections which are quite easy. Every little fishing village is different and made for very pleasant down time on our in-between days.”

“Most days were 20km or so. We had to go much slower than we had expected to avoid slipping and get up the hills and many steps (not to mention climbing over stys and fences). My walking poles were absolutely essential and prevented me from falling many times. We were very pleased not to have to use our extensive first aid kit at all. Mel’s stretches at the end of each hike day also enabled the sore muscles to bounce back by the next morning.”

“All in all, a fabulous walk and highly recommended. Of course I couldn’t have done it without the training, support and encouragement from Spring staff, especially Mel and Chris. My advice to anyone considering such an adventure is, you can do it, just be prepared and trained up”.

Sarah

“My Husband and I recently walked the Portuguese Coastal Camino which was a 259 km walk over 13 days, from Porto in Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

We walked along coastal tracks, undulating mountains and through beautiful countryside as we passed through picturesque villages and towns. On average we walked about 20km per day, carrying a day pack.

The pre-trip training paid off; although we did both develop the odd blister and sore feet after the initial long days. Some of the hills were quite challenging, but luckily short enough that we were able to recover quickly.

Happy to share our experience with anyone thinking of doing a similar walk”.