Lesbian Bonfire w/e 1-4 Nov
with Diana, Marcelle & Sue M

1st November

This Bonfire w/e we were to stay at Tarn Outdoor Centre in the Howgills - over the M6 to the East of the Lake District. This comfortable camping barn has a wonderful situation and view - but it tricky to find, as some women found. The mist didn't help. Still everyone arrived safely with help of mobile phones - and women pitched in to help with preparing the dinner. Later we sat around chatting, talking about the next day's walk, playing games, then turning in for a not too early night!

2nd November

The morning was brighter. We had a good breakfast of toast, porridge, scrambled eggs, fruit... Marcelle took the High Intermediate walk up the other side of the valley, circling towards Randy Gill Top, then back down steeply to the valley. The views over the fells were clear and far reaching despite the cloud. At one point the steep grassy fell was too tempting, and there was a break for some sliding on a survival bag. Up on the ridge the views were stunning - and occasionally sunlit. We descended steeply over the grass until we reached Cautley Beck, and so back to Tarn Outdoor Centre just up the other side of the valley. Sue M's Intermediate walk had started off in the same direction, but had meantime taken a lower path to circle around beneath the ridge. Sue offered another walk in the afternoon for those who wanted longer and had a lovely walk down by the river. Back for tea and cake at the centre, before we went out to eat in the evening at a local inn. Back at the ranch later, a few late party goers constructed a walking woman with a message - for other women to discover in the morning!

3rd November

A fabulous sky in the early morning. After breakfast, both groups headed to Sedbergh by car to do circular walks from there up onto the Calf and Yarlside - depending on the length. Marcelle's High Intermediate walk got as far as Yarlside. They came across a sheep fold with some amazing stonework - apparently commissioned as fellside art. A good place to stop for a break! They reached the summit of the calf - and one woman literally got on top of the summit! Sue M's Intermediate walkers had been keen to do more today, and actually completed almost as much as the High Intermediate group! Back at Tarn Outdoor Centre food preparation was already underway for dinner, and for the bonfire and fireworks later. We had a lovely bonfire built by Sue, then all sat around it eating our soup, then baked potatoes, toppings and salad. Later, besides dessert, there were many marshmallows toasted and consumed, and women sat around the bonfire until late, chatting and gazing at the flames.

4th November

A bright morning greeted us. We tidied up the place, and packed our cars. A few women headed off home early, while there was time for others to have a lovely last walk in the stream valley below the centre. They walked up the stream to the little waterfall, and had a lovely break in the sunshine before walking back. It was then time to sadly say goodbye to new and old friends and start our journeys home.

Women's Feedback

"I loved the bonfire break - brill as ever! You can definitely put me on the comments as a very satisfied customer! Walking was superb!" Maggie

"The accommodation and the food was excellent I do feel that the owners of the property could invest in a proper sign at the end of the track as a lot of women had trouble finding their way. The guides were excellent the walks were sufficiently stretching and the scenery was wonderful. This is a part of the country I have never visited before and whilst relatively small was great for walking, I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend made extra special by such a lovely group of women. Thank you" Susan

"My first WW Lesbian break. Wholly welcoming, friendly, exceptionally well run without 'feeling organised', staff were whatever we needed them to be. Accomodation & food spot-on and exactly what it said on the can!! Marcelle was a very capable leader, easy-going or more in control as the situation dictated, very willing to adapt her plans to suit the groups mood and naturally a friendly, approachable guide. I'm back in February - can't wait!!" Yvonne

"As you could no doubt tell I had a great time, very much looking forward to the May break now too. The venue was outstanding, the walks were great, the guides were fab........." Sally

"I thought the weeekend was brilliant, really well organised, excellent accomodation, good directions, good food, well picked people!! The walks were good and well led. It was great to meet so many interesting people and it really lifted my spirits. I even managed to keep smiling right through Monday so it must have been good! I would recommend your company to others and I will definitely book again. Thank you very much for a great time". Claire

"All I can say is how impressed I was with all aspects of the weekend. The accommodation was much more luxurious than I'd expected for a camping barn. The walks were all well organised by the guides but stopped short of feeling "controlled" and were at just the right level for me. My biggest worry was that I'd be the youngest there by several decades, but this proved completely unfounded and I was really blown away by how friendly everyone was. My only (minor) criticism would be that breakfast felt a bit disorganised - perhaps a more canteen-like system would be better than a free-for-all?" Emily

"Sue was an amazing guide; good fun, supportive, flexible and responsive to the abilities and desires of her party. Bon was just a little more sure footed but wasn't so hot on the map reading!! Faultless as a companion".

"The location of the site and the facilities within the site were exactly what was required. However, I did have the luxury of a twin room and I am not sure how I would have felt sharing a dorm. The company was amazing. All credit for a well planned holiday. Only one change I would make and that was the pub night. Our group did a shorter walk and we could easily have mucked in to prepare food for the other group who appeared to be quite tired on that first night. I believe that the evening would have been more relaxing and we would have continued to build the connection which had started the night before. Thank you for a great time".

"Nothing but positives to give about the whole weekend! great food, people and location. The walks were ideal in length etc, and really impressed by the guide- seemed to know the area well and was comfortable with leading the group." Clare CS

"I would just like to say that for my first WW holiday I thought the whole set-up was fabulous. I was delighted with the standard of accommodation - although signs to reach it could certainly be improved - especially when the night fog is down to 5ft visibility! I met a bunch of wonderful women and hopefully I have made some long term friends. Whilst I have discovered my walking limitations I was very impressed with the choice available and the two guides - and Sue M was brilliant with me. I would also like to you for all your hard work - and Jude's". Lynne

"I really enjoyed the WW Bonfire weekend! The accomodation was v good as was the walks and the guides. Its difficult to think of how it could have been improved! Accomadation could have perhaps been improved if the showers had been cleaned but that feels a bit nit picky really. I had a fab time! Thanks" Joanne

More pages & WW contact details:

Tel/Fax: 08456 445335 (Local call rate) From outside UK: +44 (0) 1926 313321 Email: queries@walkingwomen.com URL: http://www.walkingwomen.com		Address: WalkingWomen 22 Duke St Leamington Spa Warwicks CV32 4TR, UK
The paintings on this site are Rosie Jeffries or Sarah Burt. The Lake District Map is Autoroute. The photos are and curtesy of whoever they are attributed to. The rest of the contents and photos areWalkingWomen.