media kit - macs adventure · media kit about macs adventure founded in 2003, macs adventure...

Media Kit

“Macs Adventure specialises in self guided walking holidays, cycling holidays and tailor-made adventures in the UK, Europe and around the world.”

Dedicated to Delivering Adventure Excellence

Macs Adventure, 44 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK +44 141 530 8886 | [email protected] | www.macsadventure.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

About Macs Adventure .......................................................................................................... 2

Facts & Figures ..................................................................................................................... 3

The Team .............................................................................................................................. 5

Why Self Guided? ................................................................................................................. 6

Guided & Group Tours ........................................................................................................... 6

Coming Soon ......................................................................................................................... 6

The Macs Adventure Story .................................................................................................... 7

Latest Press Releases ........................................................................................................... 8

Themes and Stories .............................................................................................................10

Reviews ................................................................................................................................ 11

Press & Media Contact ......................................................................................................... 11

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.macsadventure.com/



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MEDIA KIT

ABOUT MACS ADVENTURE

Founded in 2003, Macs Adventure specialises in self-guided walking, cycling, drive and hike and multi-activity tours in the UK, Europe, and Worldwide, also offering guided and group tours in select destinations.

With a focus on quality and value, Macs Adventure delivers adventure excellence by offering enriching experiences, top rated customer service, high quality comprehensive route notes and information, baggage transfer, and hand-picked accommodation.

The company has an extensive range of over 300 tours in the UK, Europe and Worldwide. Each is carefully planned to give clients the very best experience of the area they are visiting and showcases the natural beauty, history and culture of each destination.

Macs Adventure’s tailor-made service includes knowledgeable, individual advice from your personal D&A specialist, the ability to start many tours on any date and choose ideal trip length, plus everything arranged for you.

Macs Adventure welcomes over 6000 walking and cycling clients each year, with long distance national trails, and Camino walking tours the most popular options.

Walking Tours Cycling Tours Camino & Pilgrimage Tours





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FACTS & FIGURES

HEAD OFFICE

44 Speirs Wharf Glasgow G4 9TH United Kingdom Chief Adventure Officer: Neil Lapping

TOP SELLING HOLIDAYS

West Highland Way, Scotland Scotland's finest long distance walk; towering mountains, tranquil lochs and rushing rivers combine to reward you with a unique and ever changing landscape. The various itineraries include route guidance, accommodation, and baggage transfer allowing walkers to walk the 96 mile West Highland Way in between 4 - 10 days. Camino Frances – Final Stage, Spain This self guided walking tour of the final 113km of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela allows you to earn your “Compostela” (completed Pilgrim’s passport), as you have walked over 100km. The 6 night itinerary includes accommodation in small rural hotels and hostels, twin/double rooms with en-suite W/C, route guidance, Camino guide, and optional baggage transfer. Danube Cycle Path, Austria Cycle along the renowned Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Vienna alongside the Blue Danube. The Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Vienna is an absolute cycling classic and Europe’s most popular cycle holiday. This 7 night trip includes route guidance, local produce samples, rail transfers as per itinerary, accommodation, and baggage transfer.

Further top selling tours in the UK include the Hadrian’s Wall Path (England), Hadrian’s Cycleway (England), Coast to Coast Walk (England), and Great Glen Way (Scotland).

Further top selling tours in Europe & Worldwide include the Amalfi Coastal Trails (Italy), Tour du Mont Blanc (France), and Walking in Tuscany (Italy)





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NUMBER OF TRIPS ARRANGED IN 2013

3035 – Year Ending 31st August 2013

PAX IN 2013

6531 – Year Ending 31st August 2013

AVERAGE TRIP ORDER VALUE IN 2013

GBP £1490 – Year Ending 31st August 2013

NUMBER OF FOOTSTEPS TAKEN BY MACS ADVENTURERS IN 2013

1,227,600,000 – (Wow!)

NUMBER OF COUNTRIES COVERED

24 - And Counting!

NUMBER OF TOURS AVAILABLE

330 + - And Counting!

NEW TOURS LAUNCHED IN 2013

61

LATEST NEW HOLIDAYS

Cornwall In-Style “Hiking Chic”, walking in Cornwall, England, with boutique accommodation. Walking in Morocco 3 new tours exploring Marrakech, the High Atlas, and Essaouira Camino Frances – Sarria to Santiago in a Small Group Experience the magic of the Camino on a small group guided walking tour.

BEST CAKE ON A MACS ADVENTURE HOLIDAY

Cornish Cream Tea (South West Coast Path) Voted by Destination Specialist Laura Paterson



http://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-1375/cornwall-in-style

http://www.macsadventure.com/walking-holiday/worldwide-walking-holidays/morocco/

http://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-1364/camino-final-stage-sarria-to-santiago-group



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THE TEAM

CHIEF ADVENTURE OFFICER

Neil Lapping Chief Adventure Officer [email protected]

DESTINATION AND ADVENTURE SPECIALIST TEAM LEADERS

Our friendly team of knowledgeable Destination & Adventure Specialists are passionate walkers, cyclists, & travel enthusiasts who understand what makes a fabulous adventure holiday.

Laura Paterson Team Leader: Walking & Cycling in England & Wales Laura is one of Macs Adventure’s longest serving team members. She and her team are experts in all things active in England and Wales. Dan Greenwood Team Leader: Walking & Cycling in Scotland & the Islands Dan’s enthusiasm about Scotland is infectious! His team offer in depth knowledge and guidance about active travel in Scotland. Sophia Marci-Anderson Team Leader: Walking & Cycling in Europe & Worldwide Sophia and her team co-ordinate the diverse range of European & Worldwide walking and cycling holidays, including pilgrimage tours.

PRODUCT, & MARKETING TEAM

Nikki Rickett Product Manager Nikki & her team drive forward the exciting product development plans.

Fran Mitchell Marketing Executive – Press & Media Contact Fran and her small team develop & update online content & manage marketing campaigns.






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WHY SELF GUIDED?

A self guided walking or cycling tour is the very best way to travel which we feel can't be beaten for value, experience and enjoyment. Our self guided walking and cycling tours include carefully planned itineraries on the best walking routes in the UK, Europe, & Worldwide, hand picked hotels, inns and B&B's of character, daily door to door baggage transfers, a locally based support team and comprehensive information packs which include turn-by-turn route notes, destination guides and detailed walking maps. A self guided holiday gives you the flexibility to choose your travelling companions, preferred itinerary and travel dates. Our destination and adventure specialists will then work with you to tailor your itinerary, accommodation and activities to match your requirements and ensure you have a wonderful trip. Although you will be travelling independently, at your own pace and free to indulge your own interests and passions, our support team are always only a phone call away in case you need any assistance during your trip.

GUIDED & GROUP TOURS

Macs Adventure also operates a small selection of guided tours, where travelling in a small group may be preferred. Group destinations are Morocco and Iceland, plus a new small group walking tour of the Camino Frances final stage (ideal for first time long distance walkers).

COMING SOON

Walking in North America Beginning with New England, Macs Adventure will be launching a range of walking tours in

North America from late 2013.

Further Short Breaks Ideal for weekend relaxation and invigoration, and designed to allow walkers or cyclists to

experience the highlights of a long distance trail.

European Walking and Cycling 20 new tours are due late 2013, incorporating Spain, Switzerland, France & Italy, including further easy-grade tours and food & wine cycling. Discovery: Rail & Hike or Drive & Hike A great format allowing walkers to see and discover more of their destination. Classic Spain Drive & Hike, plus Switzerland Rail & Hike amongst others are due for launch late 2013.





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THE MACS ADVENTURE STORY

“Macs Adventure was founded in the living room of my one bedroom flat on Dumbarton Road in Scotstoun, Glasgow in August of 2003. The idea was simple – we would offer guided walking tours for backpackers in Scotland.

It turns out that backpackers weren’t interested in walking tours and after six months in business my credit card bills had gone from £6000 to £40000. Clearly a rethink was required! I executed a quick pivot and in 2004 we launched a range of guided and self guided walking holidays and weekends in Scotland. Thankfully, these were more successful and we were on our way. The first few years were tough; not least of all because I was walking up to one thousand five hundred miles a year guiding tours, but in 2007 we could afford a full time member of staff and moved into our first tiny office in the Hidden Lane in Glasgow’s characterful West End. In 2008 we expanded our range of walking holidays in England, then in 2009 we added Italy and Spain to our programme. Since then it seems things have been on fast forward. In 2010 we decided to focus purely on self guided walking, cycling and multi activity tours in the UK and Europe. Between 2010 to 2013 we have moved to our current office in Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, taken on board a full team of destination specialists, an office manager, a two strong marketing team and a two strong product development team. 2013 has been as busy as ever with our cycling holidays and European pilgrimage tours going from strength to strength and some really exciting worldwide tours, including North American tours, being added to our portfolio. Our plans for 2014 are to continue developing new and existing tours, and to continue delivering adventure excellence”

Neil Lapping Chief Adventure Officer





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LATEST PRESS RELEASES

New moorland walk for Sherlock fans 01 – Oct – 2013

For fans of Sherlock, due back on television screen this Autumn, this new two Moors way walking trip from Macs Adventure is the ideal way to explore the landscape of Dartmoor, inspiration for Hound of the Baskervilles, and neighbouring Exmoor first hand.

Walking between nine and 16 miles each day, this self-guided walking trip covers 103 miles over 11 days and is graded moderate, so ideal for experienced walkers or anyone who is reasonably fit who fancies a challenge.

Starting in Ivybridge, southern Dartmoor, and ending in the Devon village of Lynmouth on the edge of Exmoor, the trail winds across heather-covered landscapes, ancient footpaths and woodland. Walkers will pass Hound Tor, made famous by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary sleuth as the inspiration for the Baskerville beast. This 11-day, 10-night self-guided walking tour is available to book until 30 October and starts from £695 per person, which includes accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis in handpicked country inns and guest houses, luggage transfer from door to door, guide book with a detailed map and pre-departure information pack as well as emergency support.

Ends.

Winter sun walking with Macs Adventure 15 – Sept – 2013

This year’s long hot summer may be coming to an end, but keep the sunshine feelgood factor with one of these winter sun walking trips with Macs Adventure:

Boutique walking in Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains:

Discover Morocco in comfort, visiting vibrant Marrakech with time to explore the High Atlas and Toubkal National Park on foot, with daily walks accompanied by your own qualified mountain guide. This seven-day, six-night self-guided walking trip from Macs Adventure (0141 5301950 www.macsadventure.com) includes walks between three and seven hours long each day and staying in boutique riads and mountain lodges throughout. It’s available to book all year round with departure dates on any day of the week. Prices start from £980 per person departing 7 December, which includes all accommodation in handpicked Riads, hotels and lodges, all breakfasts, 4 Dinners, 4 lunches, luggage transfers from hotel to hotel each day, maps and information packs

Walking in Gran Canaria:

Often referred to as a continent in miniature the Canary Island of Gran Canaria offers a unique walking experience, from the rugged coastline broken up with sandy beaches and whitewashed villages, to lush forests, tropical plantations and arid volcanic mountain ranges. This seven-night moderately graded walking holiday from Macs Adventure (0141 5301950 www.macsadventure.com) is ideal for experienced walkers. It’s available to book all year round and prices start from £625 per person which includes all accommodation in handpicked hotels, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel each day, breakfast, route plans, maps and information packs.





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Levada walking in Madeira

The walking in Madeira has been made famous by the levadas which form a network of paths across this sub-tropical, Portuguese island. This moderately graded seven-night walking from Macs Adventure (0141 5301950 www.macsadventure.com) is self-guided and covers three to five hours walking each day through some of the lush island’s stunning levada walks. It’s available to book from October, throughout the winter months until June and prices are from £565 per person, which includes all accommodation in three or four-star handpicked hotels, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel each day, breakfast, route plans, maps and information packs.

Ends.





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THEMES AND STORIES

2014: The Year of Cycling in the UK The “World’s Greatest Cycle Race” is coming to Yorkshire in 2014! The Tour de France Grand Départ in Yorkshire will have the hearts and minds of cyclists worldwide focused on the UK, and what better reason to make the most of the endless potential for exploring the UK on two wheels. Solo Travel: Spend Some “Me Time” Walking is THE way to travel solo. If you are looking to meet new and interesting people, choose a well-known long distance trail, such as the West Highland Way, or the Camino de Santiago, and you’re almost guaranteed to meet many kindred spirits with stories to tell. Perhaps even select a small group option such as the Camino Final Stage. For finding space and time to think, a self guided coastal walk, such as the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, will refresh and inspire the mind, body and spirit. Bike & Boat – The most relaxing holiday on two wheels! Relax on your river barge and cycle the iconic waterways of Holland, Germany, Belgium, or

along the Blue Danube. Spend as much time on the boat, and as much time on your bike as

you like. Explore beautiful scenery, traditional villages, vibrant local markets, and fascinating

galleries and museums as you make your way at your own pace, returning to great atmosphere

and camaraderie on board your floating hotel each evening. Bike & Boat is high on our list of

the best ways to travel!

Pilgrimage for All With the 2013 success of Rachel Joyce’s bestselling novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, pilgrimage and Camino tours are once again big news, and a pilgrimage is something more and more are considering. People take on a pilgrimage for diverse reasons. Sometimes religious or spiritual, but increasingly simply to take time from busy, modern lives. A pilgrimage has a purpose, and whilst that purpose can be deeply personal to each pilgrim, walking for a common goal brings camaraderie that is incomparable. Sometimes, you don’t know what the purpose was until you can look back and reflect! Macs Adventure are expanding the Camino & Pilgrimage range in 2014 to include Camino de Santiago cycling and small group options, in addition to adding more unusual pilgrimage routes in the UK and Europe. Guilt Free Indulgence! Gourmet Food & Wine on a Walking or Cycling Tour Cycle the Vineyards and Villages of Italy, and savour the local produce at the end of the day, or indulge in the finest cheeses & charcuterie as you walk through picture postcard Provence. Gourmet Barolo Cycling and Provence: Walking & Wine are just a selection of our gourmet tours. And the best part? Well, after a day on two wheels or on foot, you deserve it!



http://www.macsadventure.com/cycling-holidays/uk-cycling-holidays/

http://www.macsadventure.com/cycling-holidays/uk-cycling-holidays/

http://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-93/west-highland-way

http://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-207/camino-frances-final-stage-sarria-to-santiago

http://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-207/camino-frances-final-stage-sarria-to-santiago

http://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-1364/camino-final-stage-sarria-to-santiago-group

http://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-248/pembrokeshire-coast-path

http://www.macsadventure.com/cycling-holidays/cycling-holiday-type/bike-boat-holidays/

http://www.macsadventure.com/camino-tours/

http://www.macsadventure.com/camino-tours/

http://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-800/gourmet-barolo-cycling

http://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-902/provence-walking-and-wine



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REVIEWS

Customer Reviews Site: http://www.macsadventure.com/walking-holidays/category/reviews/ Camino Frances – Final Stage 29/09/2013 Photo & Review by Teresa - Grand Junction, CO, USA

“Very well organized trip - no "glitches". Accommodations were all very adequate, with some outstanding ones. The entire trip was an adventure - varied terrain, wonderful food experiences, interesting people and places. Each day was new and challenging (in a good way). I highly recommend this experience for anyone looking for a different kind of challenge/experience in a beautiful country! Because of time constraints, we were only able to do the

first stage of the Camino (St. Jean Pied de Port to Logrono). We plan to come back and complete the remaining 400 miles of the Camino!”

Pennine Way Walking Holiday 29/09/2013 Photo & Review by Snr. Pedro – Low Bentham

“Don't just think about it, do it "Go Now". Variation in scenery and terrain and the beauty of passing through some interesting places make this one of the great walking trails. Will be hard to beat, but here's to the next adventure, where ever that may be. The organisation by Macs was up there with the best.”

(Photos supplied with reviews)

PRESS & MEDIA CONTACT

Fran Mitchell Marketing Executive [email protected] +44 (0)141 375 0733

Published October 2013



http://www.macsadventure.com/walking-holidays/category/reviews/


media kit - macs adventure · media kit about macs adventure founded in 2003, macs adventure...

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