A big thanks to all...

...who wrote with words of congratulations and encouragement after seeing us on Channel 4's "No Going Back".  We're still working hard and the house is looking better than ever - which is just as well, as the busy Spring season will soon be here.

Through this newsletter we try to update you on the latest developments concerning our family and the traditional village guest-house that we run here in this hidden corner of Spain.

For those of you who have already been to visit, you'll know something of what we're talking about, and for those of you who haven't  - what are you waiting for?   Come see us soon.

Craig, Sasha, Gordon & Gala

Wanda the 'Wabbit'

Wanda the rabbit arrived on Gala's birthday last October and can be seen in Gordon's arms in the photo above. Sasha assures me it's a rare breed known as a "long-eared gorgeous fluffy", but you know... she might just be making that up.

It's already almost as big as the cat and our current guests were highly amused to see it in the garden this morning attempting to goad the incredulous moggy into a game of hide-and-seek.

Activity based tours - now for kids too

For 3 years we've been running the  "Active Aracena" multi-activity week for 'Explore Worldwide', the UK's top adventure tour operator .

Due to the tour's continued success and the popularity of our guest-house as a base, they asked us to design an additional tour - this time for their family holidays. In putting this one together we had to make allowances for the kids and for the school-holiday summer heat, but we think we've got it just right. The first group is scheduled to arrive in May and if you're interested then you'll find full details and a trip dossier here.

Craig escorts the groups as always and, while the canoe excursion remains the same; we've shortened the walks, the cycling is now nearly all downhill and we're never far from a pool, a river or a lake where we can cool off.  There's a beautiful boat trip down the Guadiana River in Portugal and we even finish with two nights by the beach on the Algarve. And what do Gordon and Gala say about a bunch of kids coming to stay?   "Bring it on".

Lessons in bureaucracy

What a boon to have the kids' school just 3 minutes walk away. For a village of 200 we're lucky to have a school at all, but sometimes we have to fight for it.

Because the school roll dropped from 32 to 30 kids this year the provincial goverment decided to axe one of our four teachers. Classes were amalgamated and Gordon ended up in a class of 12 kids covering five age groups!  Gala, in primary two, was in with the 3 year-old infants!

Petitions, threatened strikes and media coverage failed to move the bureaucrats in Huelva during the entire first term.  Sasha and I seriously considered driving the kids 30km to and from Aracena each day. Then out of the blue a new teacher arrived with the new year - sometimes Spanish bureaucracy is unfathomable!

New direct flights to Seville from the UK

In addition to the budget flights operated by Ryan Air from Stansted and Liverpool, Iberia's new, low-cost subsidiary Click Air now operate daily direct flights from Gatwick for as little as 20 euros.

Don't forget! - the 1.5 hr journey from Seville to our village can be made by twice daily bus or, for an instant car hire quote at great rates try: Economy Car Hire.

You'll find more travel details here

It's official - we're recommended!

We now have a great mention in Lonely Planet's Andalucia guidebook. Author John Noble had heard some good things about us a couple of years ago and came round to see us for himself. Now, with the latest edition published last year, we get a steady stream of Lonely Planet readers passing through!

Also... last summer, 'Rough Guide' writer Geoff Garvey beat a trail to our door and has promised we'll be in this year's edition of their guide. Watch out for that one too!

For a walking guide of the Sierra de Aracena it's hard to beat the 'Discovery Walking Guide' by David and Ros Brawn which has a very good accompanying trail map. You can order these from their website though we also stock them here at the Posada.

Seville/Sierra mini-breaks

Now that it's so cheap and easy to get down here from the UK we've put together some 3 night mini-packages for those considering a long weekend. 

How do you like the idea of 3 nights at the Posada with 2 full day walks to local villages? We'll pick you up in Seville, supply the maps, route notes, diagrams, some meals and make all the arrangements regarding transport and accommodation.  Alternatively you may prefer horse-riding around the trails of the Sierra, or maybe even a day each of walking and riding.

Add to that the possibility of an additional night in Seville to savour a Flamenco show or just to relax in the tapas bars of the famous Sanrta Cruz district and you have the makings of a superb long weekend away. Here's the details.

Spring in your step - village to village itineraries

Springtime in the Sierra offers a profusion of wildflowers, and walking the old, cobbled, drovers’ trails between villages is truly a delight.

Award winning UK tour operator ‘Inntravel’ continue to run their highly successful ‘Secret Sierra’ self-guided walking package which spends two nights at the Posada. The original itinerary was designed by us and we still offer our version of the package if clients prefer to book directly -  and for a cheaper price too! 

On our 6 night self-guided walking tour we organise all your transport and accommodation and transfer your bags between hotels.  That leaves you free to find your way to the next village with the route notes, maps and diagrams we provide.  Here's a dossier...