KE's Operations Executive, Kerrie, has dreamt of going on a walking holiday in Madeira for years. So, when the opportunity to join our self-guided Madeira trip arose, she jumped at the chance! Kerrie shares her experience below.

This is a great trip to start with if you have never been on a walking holiday before, or if you have never been to Madeira before as it’s a nice introduction to the island. All luggage transfers are taken care of so all you have to worry about is walking from A to B using the KE app, or your paper route notes. As it’s sold on a B&B basis, we had the freedom to take our own snacks on the trail and also could choose where and what time we wanted to eat every evening, which added to the relaxed vibe of the trip.

The walks overall were quite straightforward. What makes it harder is the very variable weather, which is something that you definitely have to prepare for. We had one extremely wet day where we decided not to walk, which is another great benefit of going self-guided – if we didn’t feel like walking, we didn’t have to. Some of the levada paths are very narrow, so a head for heights is essential, but rails protect most of the very exposed sections.

The accommodation was fab! We stayed in a variety of hotels and guesthouses, which all served hearty breakfasts, which we appreciated! Most hotels had a pool and if they didn’t they were perfectly situated near natural outdoor pools.

The food was amazing. Breakfasts were a typical buffet style with everything you would want (and more), lunches could be brought from local shops for on the trail, but we found after a good breakfast all we needed were snacks and then we went out for a nice evening meal. We were spoilt for choice most evenings over where to eat. There is seafood in abundance and it was exceptional. We tried muscles, limpets and the famous black scabbard fish – which is typically served in a light batter topped with a banana and passionfruit sauce. It sounds like an odd combo but I promise you, it is delicious, especially when washed down with a glass of Madeiran wine!

The first day's walk was incredible. Our transfer took us to Machico and our route lead us to the Boca do Risco pass where the trail headed along a cliff towards Porto da Cruz. The scenery was breathtaking, although I would recommend not looking down to the crashing waves below you for too long!

Travelling around the island was great as we got to see the vast difference between the north and the south of the island, quite remarkable considering the island is quite small.

• Be prepared for unpredictable weather

• Consider tagging on a few extra days at the start or end in Funchal, there is so much to see and do we struggled to fit it all in!

• Make sure to take some euros. Most places take cards but we came across the occasional ice cream van or drinks vendor that only took cash.

• I would recommend taking some insect repellent - the mosquitos were not bad but you are walking through luscious areas so you may encounter some.

• Be prepared to fall in love with Madeira and want to go back again and again!