If you've never joined a walking holiday before, it's perfectly natural to wonder what it's really like. Will the walks be too difficult? Will everyone else be more experienced?

To help answer those questions, I asked Susie, Nicky and Sarah to share their experience of joining their first walking holiday with Andalucía on Foot.

Over three days on my Beyond the Caminito walking holiday, they explored the dramatic limestone landscapes of El Torcal, the beautiful Guadalhorce Reservoirs, and the hidden Hoz de Marín gorge near Archidona. This is their story.

Day 1: El Torcal – Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

"It felt a bit intrepid."

That's how the weekend began. El Torcal's limestone landscape is unlike anywhere else in Spain, and for anyone joining their first walking holiday, it can feel a little daunting at first.

"There's no way I could have done that myself. Phil's really making it accessible."

There were natural concerns too.

"I was anxious about my mobility and worried about slowing people down. I found my own way down at my own pace. I stopped worrying because I didn't need to."

That's exactly how I believe walking holidays should be. We walk together at a pace that allows everyone to enjoy the journey, whether that's stopping for photographs, admiring the views or simply taking in the landscape.

"Unhurried is a great description. Phil calls it 'mindful walking', which really captures it, because in El Torcal you have to think about where you put your feet. I'm proud of myself after today."

"We're all a bit creaky one way or another, and it's a huge confidence boost."

The day finished with tapas in Antequera and time to wander through the historic streets before heading back to the hotel.

Day 2: Off the Beaten Track – The Three Dams & Hidden Andalucía

The second day revealed a completely different side of Andalucía, with quiet trails around reservoirs, sandstone ridges and landscapes far from the tourist crowds.

"Off the beaten track."

That simple comment summed up the day perfectly.

"We only saw the odd person. We were away from the crowds. Phil's local knowledge brings everything to life."

It's one of the reasons I enjoy guiding here. Some of the most rewarding places in Andalucía are the ones that many visitors never discover.

When I asked what advice they'd give to someone thinking about their first walking holiday, they didn't hesitate.

"You would enjoy it. Relaxation, lots of laughs, lots of food, and opportunities to see places and things you wouldn't otherwise see. The griffon vultures were an absolute highlight for me today."

Another piece of advice stood out too.

"Push yourself to do something you might not do by yourself. Then, feel proud of achieving something new."

Day 3: Archidona and the Hoz de Marín – Building Confidence

By day three, Susie, Nicky and Sarah were ready for a new challenge: descending into the Hoz de Marín, a beautiful and lesser-known gorge near Archidona.

The loose, uneven paths made walking poles especially useful, but they also highlighted how much confidence had grown in just a few days.

"I felt much more confident using a walking pole on those downhill sections. I'd never used one before," said Nicky.

"You're not here doing it on your own. The guides [Phil and Sue] really make a difference."

As the walk continued, we passed through spring wildflowers while the distinctive call of a nightingale echoed through the gorge.

Beyond the walking itself, there were practical lessons too.

"I've learned a lot over these past three days. One of the things I'd do differently is get a rucksack that sits on my hips."

For Susie, the social side of the weekend was just as important.

"Solo walking posts on LinkedIn really attracted me to the company. I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet like-minded people."

Sarah's verdict on the format of the trip?

"The length of the holiday is absolutely ideal. There have been lots of laughs, and that's been really important."

Looking Back

By the end of the weekend, it wasn't just the walks that stood out. It was how relaxed the whole experience had felt.

"It's really relaxing. You don't have to worry about anything. It's 100% hassle-free."

Another comment summed up the value of being guided.

"We wouldn't have done the walks we've done without a guide. We wouldn't have gone to any of the tapa bars either."

For Susie, Nicky and Sarah, the weekend wasn't about ticking off miles. It was about discovering places they wouldn't have found on their own, enjoying good company and returning home with the confidence to do it again.

Could This Be Your Kind of Walking Holiday?

If you've been thinking about joining your first walking holiday but aren't quite sure what to expect, I hope Susie, Nicky and Sarah's experience has helped answer some of those questions.

You don't need to be an experienced hill walker. You don't need to know the area. And you certainly don't need to arrive knowing anyone else in the group.

If you enjoy walking, are curious about discovering somewhere new, and like the idea of sharing the experience with a small, friendly group, there's every chance you'll feel just as comfortable as they did.

Many people arrive with a few uncertainties. Most leave wondering why they didn't do it sooner.