Comments from past clients from walking holidays

You gave us a splendid week, and turned up with everything promised and a lot more. Orchid score was 12 , I think, griffon vultures about 40, five lovely picnics and one a competition beater. The Ariege has distinct characteristics and those are surely marketable, and the Hotel Terminus is a find.
Anthony Earl, Spring Flowers Walking Trip 2007

"Personally, I thought that this holiday had just about everything. Brilliant weather, great organization and leadership (I think we all have to thank James for that), great accommodation in spectacular surroundings, mountain paths, scrambling, airy summits, excellent views, precipitous drops, lung bursting ascents, knee crunching descents, boulder fields, scree, waterfalls, rock falls (sorry, Mary!), people falls(!), swimming in mountain lakes, lying in the sun in our pants (ladies, I had my eyes closed - honest!), wine, women (sorry, I'm getting carried away now!) etc etc. Only the relatively short length of the holiday makes it difficult to rank amongst my other Waymark trips, but for general "excellence of everything" it ranks very highly indeed." Simon Glazier (Peaks and ridges of the Eastern Pyrenees, September 2006)

"I also wanted to say thank you.  I can't think of anything James could have done to organize it better. Thanks to him and to your all for a good holiday." Sue Fuller (Peaks and ridges of the Eastern Pyrenees, September 2006)

"Thanks for helping to make this such a brilliant holiday - we thoroughly enjoyed the walks, the pain (from laughing , of course!) the nosh, the scenery, the company etc. etc......" Andy and Chris Penson (Peak bagging in the Pyrenees, August 2006)

"Thank you again for a super trip. We just loved the whole Pyrenees experience, and consider ourselves fortunate to have been with a leader who could enthuse and inform across a whole range of interests." Jim and Moira Morrison (Peak bagging in the Pyrenees, July 2006)

"I would just like to say how much I enjoyed this holiday. James Thompson is an excellent guide. As he lives in the area, he was able to research routes that - although cairned and often marked on the ground, were not on any map. So in addition to the 'standard' routes through the hills, he led us into some beautifully wild places. His timings were well-judged, and he was also very attentive to weather conditions, allowing for safe days when thunderstorms were forecast." Alan Williamson (Peaks and ridges of the Eastern Pyrenees, August 2005)

"Recovering from super hol! Your ideas and philosophy were just right as was the trip. I really appreciated the peaks and the extended scrambling involved." Alastair Sutherland (Peaks and ridges of the Eastern Pyrenees, August 2005)

Comments from past clients from road cycling holidays

"Thank you once again for a well organised and rewarding week.  Your support, encouragement (and cooking!) was first class and exceeded my expectations on all levels.  The friendly personal service you provided made the whole experience all the more enjoyable."
David Reid, Raid Pyrenean June 2009

"Thanks you for organizing a fantastic week’s biking – Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed it and your service was nothing short of excellent!"
Tim Scott, Raid Pyrenean June 2009.

"I had a great holiday - thank you to all your team. Please remember the feedback Jock and I gave you. Your support was terrific and needs to be emphasised. And emphasise the details - eg drinks, food, water, two vans, do not have to carry much in your pockets etc etc. Huge value available there. You undersell yourselves I think."
Don Parry, Raid Pyrenean June 2009.

"Just wanted to say thank-you for the Raid trip the other week.  It was superbly organised and the support from you and Alan was much appreciated.  All in all, couldn't have been run better."
Anthony Lee, Raid Pyrenean June 2009

"Just a short thankyou. I had a fantastic week. Great ride, great weather and great company. Many thanks for your support whilst "making me" ride all those hills!! Many thanks again for such an enjoyable holiday."
Steve Binks, Raid Pyrenean June 2009

"Thank you so much for your excellent work in hosting the Raid!  The personal, high level of service exceeded expectations from the first e-mail to the last transfer.  Your efforts promoted and ensured success." 
Mark Strazinger, Raid Pyrenean June 2009

"May I thank you for such tremendous support last week as I completed the raid.  It really was an epic experience and although challenging will be a holiday I remember for a life-time.  Your continuous hard work, smiles and uncanny habit of appearing in the van when most needed were very much appreciated.  Although many of my friends and colleagues think I was mad I would always and wholeheartedly recommend Marmot tours to anyone thinking of such a challenge."
Adam Cunliffe, Raid Pyrenean June 2009

"Just wanted to say thanks for a brilliant holiday (Tour de France). I had the best time. Your organisation of the tour was wonderful and really helped me achieve what I had hoped but wasn't sure was possible. I will definitely recommend the trip to others and would love to do it again myself."
Helen Russell, Tour de France Road Cycling Special 2008

Firstly I would like to thank both of you for a fantastic trip, which I enjoyed immensely, (if having blisters in certain areas I would rather not discuss enjoyment then I think there is something odd about all us cyclists).
Kevin Macnamee,  Raid Pyreneen June 2008

I just wanted to say a big thanks for a great holiday – your support was just great!! I imagine you may well see me on the Raid again, maybe even next year
Richard Payn, Raid Pyreneen, June 2008 

Had a fantastic time thanks in no small part to you guys. No hesitation in singing your praises to anyone vaguely interested in cycling.
Tim Shaw, Raid Pyreneen, June 2008

Many thanks for fantastic experience last week (yes, I do mean it!!!). The organisation, support and encouragement, hotels, food and friendliness all made the PAIN worthwhile. There were definitely moments when I thought I had bitten more than I could chew but I had nothing but positive support from yourselves, the peerless Dunfermline club riders, the 'RAF' and Mike (who gave me water and a gel on the corniche before Cerbere). What a fantastic bunch of people to spend time with. Your personalities, knowledge and sense of humour really helped make this a trip to remember and I have no hesitation in recommending you to others thinking of taking on the challenge. Very best wishes for the future with baby and Marmot Tours.
Ian Barbour, Raid Pyreneen, June 2008

I have to say that your own and Cathy’s support during the event was exceptional – it is difficult to see how either of you could have done more to make the event a success.  I have already pointed some cycling friends to your website, and hopefully they’ll be persuaded to give the Raid (or another of your trips) a go.
Ian Condie, Raid Pyreneen, June 2008

Once again Thanks for a fantastic trip and I cant recommend you highly enough!  We’ll be back.
Simon Peters, Etape du Tour 2008

Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed our weekend with you in Argeles . Superb organisation - just what we needed with the torture we were subjecting ourselves too !
Andy May, Etape du Tour 2008

I have nothing but praise and thanks for all that you did.  The preparation, support, personal touch and interest were way beyond what I expected.  I don’t think we could have asked for better support than that which you provided, so thanks ever so much for what was a truly memorable venture.  The smoothness of your organisation, sometimes in the face of very difficult circumstances, provided a very powerful foundation for our Raid.  It enabled us to concentrate on the event and to have some great times, free of the worry of whether or not you would be there to provide the necessary support and high quality food and accommodation.
Mike Goddard, Raid Pyreneen June 2008

Many thanks for a super holiday. Both of you must have worked so hard to make it all happen but made it appear so effortless. A great performance.
Maurice Tudor, Tour de France road biking Special 2007

"Many thanks for a great week.  It was superbly organized.  Food and hotels were spot on and the back up throughout each day was excellent.  And, of course, I think we all really appreciated the encouragement as we reached the end of a hard climb.  A nice relaxed atmosphere both on and off the bike.  I’ll certainly put in a word with my fellow club members." Nick Gurmin (Raid Pyreneen, June 2007)

The Raid Pyrenean certainly has to rank amongst the best possible weeks of cycling anywhere in the world.  Thanks once again for your personal touch during the week, it was very heart warming for us all to have your support along the way and I was particularly grateful for the effort and care that you so diligently applied to our holiday.  You will certainly be my first port of call should I want to (or indeed be capable of!) doing any more biking down that way.
Ian Bryant, Raid Pyreneen June 2007

"The rides were great, as too the bunch of guys - I've been on many training trips in Spain and France, and you always seem to get a good bunch of cyclists. And your support from the van was also excellent - it was a pleasant change from the usual out and back type of training I have done previously. And, of course we were very lucky with the weather." Alan Westwood (Classic Cols of the Tour de France, September 2005)

I would like to say 'diolch yn fawr'/ 'thank you very much' to you both for providing such a fun packed holiday.  The daily routes which you carefully mapped out for us were so picturesque, and full of adventure. The personal touch:- going out to buy us all croissants for breakfast, providing us with a champagne celebration on the beach, looking after all of our cuts and bruises, which was a full time job in itself.  Together you make such a great team, and enjoyed your company throughout the holiday.
Menna Jones, Atlantic To Med, 2006

"Just a quick note to say 'thank you' for a fabulous time - Craig & I really enjoyed ourselves. Having seen both ends of the Pyrenees now - I think around Ax is the most beautiful & can fully understand why you've decided to settle there." Anne Killick (The Ariegeoise, June 2005)

"I have to say it was a brilliant trip. Great cycling, great food, great accommodation and of course; great beer and great craic! Thanks for a fantastic holiday and I will recommend Marmot tours to anyone looking for an adventure holiday. Take care and I hope to see you somewhere on my travels again." Stephen Stokes (Classic cols of the Pyrenees, September 2004)

"The accommodation and food was great. We particularly liked the communal atmosphere of the Tour de France gite and the trip to the bicycle museum. I would strongly recommend this trip to any regular cyclist who is looking for a bit of a challenge. Speed and strength are not essential but persistence is an advantage. the picnickers who yelled "Alle,Alle" were a great encouragement as was the thought of coffee and a snack at the top of each col ,and of a beer at the end of the day." Margie and Adrian Cohen (Cols of the Tour de France, September 2004)

Comments from past clients from snowshoeing holidays

"...but most of all, very many thanks for leading such a superb holiday.  The Pyrenees is a magical place and you have the skill to show if off to maximum effect.  Everything was just tinkertyboo and we sincerely hope to be back (snowshooing?)." Paul and Joan Anderson (Peak bagging in the Pyrenees, July 2006)

"Now that I have had time to reflect on the trip, I can say that my expectations of fun, scenery, companionship, relaxation, etc…. were more than exceeded. I could cheerfully have spent another week snowshoeing and enjoying the scenery. My job entails a lot of decision making, so to spend a week without having to make decisions other than "do I want another drink" or "would I like something more to eat", was a welcome change to my normal day. I offer my sincere thanks to yourself for making the experience so enjoyable. I would also like to mention Alans' part in the proceedings. His culinary offerings and general hospitality added an extra dimension to the stay, so I would be grateful if you could pass on my thanks for his efforts in making us feel welcome. Of course, this leads to the question…"would I like to repeat the experience"?.... and the answer is "you're damn right I would". So watch out for next year." Steve Morgan (Snowshoeing in the Pyrenees, March 2006)

"I wanted to let you know that we both had a great time with you and the group last week. I never thought that I would enjoy snowshoeing so much, indeed I saw a pair of snowshoes in a shop this weekend and almost bought them. Next Winter is likely to be spent doing a lot of snowshoeing and my downhill skis might never see the snow again." Robert Meek (Snowshoeing in the Pyrenees, March 2005)

"Just to let you know we thought you coped very well with the week given the difficult circumstances. Was impressed by your cheerful and positive nature, and will certainly recommend you as a tour leader! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves - you may see us next year if you can promise a bit more sun!" Sarah Scott (Cross-country skiing in the Pyrenees, Jan 2005)

"I had a thoroughly enjoyable time last week and am thrilled with the new experiences and skills acquired. Your organization, leadership skills, local knowledge and (much used) taxi service just took away all the hassle and left us to get on with enjoying ourselves and, in the few days we had, that made such a difference. New Years' Eve was a very civilized and thoroughly enjoyable experience in an amazing location but to have dog sleddding, a torch light procession (and a drive in a piste basher!) thrown in just made it very special." John Harvey (New Year Eve winter muliti activity, Dec 2004 - Jan 2005)

"Just a line or two to thank you very much for a wonderful holiday. Everything was perfect!!...You can tell anyone you like that I thought the holiday was fantastic and Cathy and I are already thinking of wandering Ax-wards again sometime soon." Rosemarie Aitkinson (Snowshoeing in the Pyrenees, March 2004)

Comments from past clients from cross-country skiing holidays

Just to say many thanks for organising our skiing trip, we had a great time and are missing Ax and the mountains
Jenny Dewhirst, Cross Country Skiing in the Pyrenees, Feb 2008

What a great few days in the Pyrenees. I’m still buzzing from it!
Dominic Tomalin, Cross Country Skiing in the Pyrenees, Feb 2008

I really enjoyed the holiday thank you and actually enjoyed the variety of activities provided.  Thank you again Cathy for the massage - which was excellent.
Alison Bell, Cross Country Skiing in the Pyrenees, Feb 2008

"Thank you James & Cathy for being brilliant hosts. I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday from start to finish (well I know the weather helped). I hope that I will continue to practice my cross country skills in future - maybe on one of your other trips." Philip David (Cross-country skiing in the Pyrenees, March 2006)

"Just wanted to say thanks for a lovely week - we really enjoyed ourselves and definitely will go cross country skiing again." Clare Soulsby (Cross-country skiing in the Pyrenees, February 2006)

Comments from past clients from mountain biking holidays

I just wanted to send you a brief email to say how much I enjoyed the mountain biking.  One thing I took for granted at the time, but have thought about since I got back is how well the days were put together. Not only did each day seem to build on the previous one, but the parts of each day connected well together.
Chris Leeks, Mountain Biking Weekend, Oct 2007

"Thanks for the excellent holiday last week. I had a great time and learnt a lot. Alan was also a great host. No doubt we will be in touch about next years adventure and I have already forwarded details of your company to a colleague. Alex Veys (Tailor made mountain biking holiday in the Pyrenees, June 2007)

"Thanks for a wonderful week. The tracks, food, accommodation and the weather! I did not get chance to thanks Alan but I hope you can pass my gratitude on. It was a fantastic trip which we all enjoyed - I am sure you will see us all again!" Danny Frost (MTB in the Pyrenees - tailor made trip, June 2006)

"It's easy for an adventure travel company or guide to cover any one base well - good and varied terrain, adjustment to diverse skill levels, deep knowledge of specific trails, excellent food and camaraderie, superior equipment, knowledge of the region and its history, or the inside track on the Tour de France. James and Marmot Tours do the impossible, covering all
those bases exceptionally and seamlessly." Larry Robertson (Mountain biking and Tour de France supporting special, July 2005)

"The trip was excellent! I often return from trips thinking that they went too quickly. This trip went too quickly too, but the quality of the trip (and the riding) made up for any of those feelings. Thanks to everyone (Tom and James especially) for making this trip an experience I will not quickly forget. And long live the saucisson." Mark Stocker (Tour de France MTB special, July 2005)

"...thanks again to yourself and Alan for an awesome weekend. I can happily tell you that everyone I know has been told how much fun it was and recommended they go if they get a chance. Hopefully, I’ll have the chance to come back myself as well." Ben Melbourne (Long weekend of Pyreneean Descents, September 2004)

"Just a quick note to say thanks for a great weekend - great trails/ company/ food/ weather etc. No complaints at all, & difficult to think of anything that would have improved my time in Ax." Ian Easton (Long weekend of Pyreneean Descents, September 2004)

"..it was really nice to meet you, you were brilliant company and you made such an effort to make sure we had a great time, a very professional approach." Rachael Marsh (Pyrenees biking week, July 2004)

"Really enjoyed the Auvergne trip – one of the best… many thanks for all the organisation & the good food & hotels." Tim Nicholson (Lakes and Volcanoes, June 2004)

"Just a quick note to say thanks for a fantastic weekend. Everything was great - the best m/biking routes I've been on, great scenery, a good group and excellent, personal service from you and Alan especially. Best of all - no one about on the trails!" Steve Shrimlin (MTB Weekend, June 2004)

"Just a quick message to say thanks very much for a great weekend. I had a super time in fantastic scenery and company to match ! I particularly admired your professionalism, courtesy and patience you showed throughout the weekend - That made all the difference! Please pass on my thanks to Alan for playing the perfect host - that Apple cake was phenomenal! Hopefully I can persuade Nina to have a go at the Snowshoeing trip!" Ivor Rumsey (MTB Weekend, June 2004)

"Just a quick e-mail before I leave the office to say what a fantastic weekend I had. For a first MTB trip it was unbelievable and I don't think it can be bettered (does that mean I should give it up now?). Seriously I would love to come back for more of the same so hopefully I'll see you again. I can't believe it was only yesterday I was hurtling down those tracks. "Marvellous" as we Brits would say!!! Say thanks to Alan as well although I only saw his back side most of the time (you know what I mean). Great cakes as well!!!" Kent Parker (Pyrenees Long Weekend of Biking, May 2004)