Meet our leaders: Avril McAllister

Since 2016, Avril has become a beloved guide on our walking holidays. Inspired by a friend’s amazing experiences with us, she decided to give it a go. Avril’s first trip as a leader in Austria’s Maria Alm left her hooked on the joy of exploring beautiful parts of the world with likeminded people. When she’s not leading Ramble Worldwide tours, she volunteers with the Woodland Trust, which is dedicated to planting new woodlands and preserving ancient ones.

Q: What are your favourite places for a walking holiday? 

A: Menorca and Majorca are very different islands, and I enjoy each for different reasons. Menorca in spring is full of beautiful orchids and other wildflowers, and we walk through quiet little beaches where we can stop for a swim or paddle. Majorca is a complete contrast. I never fail to be impressed with the stunning coastal cliffs and the different vegetation we walk through. 

Q: What have been some of your most memorable adventures? 

A: Twice recently I have had to pull myself out of bed at an ungodly hour to accompany the group on a dawn hike. Both times were memorable, and I’ve been so glad I made the effort. One was on Poon Hill in Nepal, amid cold and thin air at 3,200m, watching the Himalayan mountains take on the glow of the rising sun. The other was at a coffee ‘finca’ (plantation) on Mexico’s Pacific Coast listening to the birds in the jungle around us as they seemed to awaken with the rising sun – and we were served hot fresh coffee!

Q: Have you had a memorable wildlife encounter on a holiday? 

A: Last year in Nepal, the lodge where we were staying invited us to help feed breakfast to their orphan elephants. Those of us who got up early have wonderful memories of the elephants appearing through the dawn mist, slowly making their way down to cross the river to where we were waiting. We hand fed them tasty balls of dried grasses and chunks of fruit. It was such an opportunity to be so close to these huge gentle beasts and to support places like this who will care for these elephants and not exploit them.

Q:  Any tips for preparing for a walking holiday? 

A: First make sure the grade of the holiday suits you, then get walking in your boots so you will be fit to enjoy your holiday. If there is a lot of ascent and descent and you live in a flat area, try to get some hillwalking in before you go.

Avril is a big fan of Coast & Islands, Wildlife & Nature, and Worldwide Journeys - why not step into adventure and book yourself a Ramble Worldwide walking holiday.