Meet camper EIMEAR
Eimear found Trails & Roots via an Instagram ad. With Madeira already on her bucket list and her passion for supporting Irish businesses, she saw no reason not to sign-up! She reflects on her Trail Camp Madeira experience, the benefits of solo travel, and her favourite moments from Camp...
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I came across Trails & Roots through an Instagram ad. I had previously been on a trail running holiday with a UK company, and although I loved the experience, I wanted to support an Irish business this time. When I saw that there was a Camp in Madeira, a place that was already on my bucket list, everything fell into place. The island looked stunning, the trails looked epic, so I knew I had to go and experience it all for myself.
After I signed up, I went to the Trails & Roots Christmas Meet-Up in Ireland six months before Camp, where I got to meet Heather, Lily, and another camper. That made a big difference, but honestly, even without that, I’d have felt confident going. From looking at the previous Camper testimonials and the content on Instagram, and from the first message exchange with Heather, I could tell I would be in safe hands. |
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Arriving at Camp, my very first thought was how warm and genuine the welcome from Heather and Zandy was. That instantly put me at ease. My second thought? “Are we actually staying here?!” The Quinta was way more than I imagined! The house was huge, the grounds were beautiful, and we even had our own yoga studio and swimming pool. It was an incredible property, and I couldn’t believe it would be my home for the week.
I’ll never forget our welcome meeting on the veranda that first afternoon, where we all sat down together. Everyone was friendly, relaxed and excited; it set the tone for the week ahead, and I knew instantly it was going to be a brilliant week. My roommate was so lovely and easy-going too, and I felt like I clicked with her straight away.
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I had seen videos and posts from other Camps, so I had an idea of what to expect, but honestly, Trail Camp still exceeded my expectations in every way. The Quinta became a real home for the week, the food was out of this world (Chef Lily is a genius with vegan food), and there were always treats and snacks waiting for us.
We were so spoiled. Our local guides had so much passion for Madeira. They took us to hidden trails off the beaten track, where it felt like we had the mountains all to ourselves, a rare thing on such a popular island.
Coming to Camp solo turned out to be a great decision. Most of my friends are at the stage of life where they have young kids, and my sister is too. Of course, I’d love to have shared this with her (there were sisters in our group at Camp!), but I wasn’t going to let that hold me back. Going solo actually gave me the freedom to connect with people on my own terms. It pushed me to socialise more than I might have if I’d been there with friends. I even extended my trip and met some lovely people before and after Camp, who I probably wouldn’t have spoken to otherwise.
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The whole experience went beyond my expectations.
Heather, Lily and Zandy think of everything. You’re looked after in a way that makes you feel so safe, supported and cared for all week. What surprised me most, though, was the level of positivity within the group. Even on the big climbs or in the heat, nobody complained. Instead, there was this constant encouragement, which meant when you struggled, the group pulled you through, and when others struggled, you did the same for them. The vibe all week was positive, welcoming, fun, and relaxed.
Looking back, the most meaningful part of Trail Camp was spending time with people who share my values and passions. Those connections are hard to put into words; it’s something you really have to feel and experience.
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Favourite Trail Camp Route!?
That levadas-and-waterfalls trail with the bridge view! Pure magic.
Favourite Trail Camp meal/snack!?
Every single one, I can’t pick! But I have to give a special mention to the muffins, scones and welcome treats.
Next Trail Camp on my list?
I haven’t decided yet, but honestly, I’d happily go to any of them!
Final Words?
For anyone nervous about signing up solo, my advice would be: the best things happen outside your comfort zone.
You will be in the best hands, and you won’t be the only one arriving on your own.
You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!
You will be in the best hands, and you won’t be the only one arriving on your own.
You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Have any questions for us or our Campers?
