A few women flew from Gatwick and arrived at Vila Kolinska in Bled just after lunch, in time to explore the town.

The rest of us arrived from Stansted in the late afternoon - just in time for the first snow fall - the weather had just taken a turn for the worse!

But the bad weather was more than made up for by the beautiful pension and the warm welcome we received from Maryan, our hotel manager.

After settling into our rooms and freshening up we met downstairs for the traditional welcome drink of local Blueberrry schnapps provided by Maryan.

We had our first evening meal together in the Vila and were delighted by the delicious soup followed by a choice of vege, meat or fish options - all washed down by tasty table wine.

Most of us were tired after our journeys and soon went to bed for an early night.

It had snowed during the night and this made the surrounding white-capped mountains even more spectacular.

After a very tasty buffet breakfast we set off through town, soon leaving the suburbs of Bled, and headed towards the forested paths south of Lake Bled.

En route we soaked up the fresh air and lovely views and appreciated flowers and mushrooms (white melilot, jupiters distaff, wild chicory, various bellflowers).

We also enjoyed the hanging flower baskets and drying corn-on-the-cobs outside local houses.

We stopped for an 'elevenses' break by the river Bohinska.

Here we enjoyed the warm sunshine - Jan even thought about swimming in the freezing cold water (which she insisted was warm) but she didn't get further than a quick paddle!

As we sat beside the river the bright turquoise flash of a passing kingfisher sped across the water - heaven….

We seemed to have a lot of energy today and unanimously decided to extend the walk through the forest tracks south of Lake Bled towards Obroc.

The walk was full of delights - including the mobile, multi-coloured bee hive truck in one of the fields!

Nearby was a long log - just right for our lunch break.

After lunch we continued our stroll towards the pretty village of Bohinjska Bela where we found our first coffee/bar - what joy…

Then along through the magnificent golden beechwoods of Osojhica before finally reaching Lake Bled.

Later still we all piled into the local Pizzeria and tucked into some well deserved pizzas and wine.

Today we planned a trip to the Vintgar Gorge and after a hearty breakfast set off from Vila Kolinska in a northerly direction.

Once again we enjoyed the local scenery - and especially fascinating were the neatly stacked piles of firewood which were works of art in themselves.

So, too, was the display of huge squashes and gourds outside one of the village houses and another surprise were the newly born little lambs, in one of the more sheltered fields.

On our way to Zasip we also admired the pretty church of St. Janez Krstnik and then climbed up the hill to the shrine of St. Katarina.

Just beside the shrine, at the entrance to the Triglavski Norodni National Park, a large new bar had been recently built (it wasn't there last year) - and this is where we had our first coffee break of the day - complete with mushroom shaped complimentary biscuits.

Then onwards and down through the glorious autumn colours of the beechwoods to the foot of the Vintgar Gorge.

We stopped here to enjoy the views over the edge of the Sum waterfall - the highest river fall in Slovenia.

The Vintgar Gorge is the narrow channel where the emerald green River Radovna flows between steep rocky slopes and precipitous cliffs.

The path crosses back and forth across the channel via bridges and decking and we took our time enjoying the beautiful colours of the river and golden/orange glows of the surrounding beechwoods.

We had our lunch en route in a little grotto beside the gorge - and enjoyed watching a little dipper dive in and out of the water's edge searching for food.

After lunch we continued our journey along the gorge and then just couldn't resist yet another essential coffee break in the bar at the end of the gorge.

Then we headed up the road towards Podham village, where we passed several curious murals on the walls of one of the houses, as well as several tempting bunches of grapes.

Then over the railway tracks and finally back to Bled - where we just had to sample the fabulous cakes and coffee of the Bear Café….

I counted over 40 different types of heavenly cakes in the display….

Today we planned a trip to Lake Bohinj - about 40 minutes local bus ride.

The weather was cloudy again but the views along the lake were still stunning.

We took our time soaking up the views from the bridge - as well as admiring the local Mandarin duck who was proudly displaying his fine feathers at the lake's edge.

We took the path through the beautiful woods along the shore, sometimes wading knee-deep through mounds of autumn leaves.

As well as the wonderful mountain scenery we passed bright jewels like cyclamen and periwinkle still in flower.

We reached the meadows and picnic tables at the head of the lake in time for lunch.

After lunch we strolled on over a small wooden bridge crossing the emerald green colours of the River Savica, which feeds into Lake Bohinjska.

Unfortunately, however, the Vogel cable car was being repaired - so we couldn't access the high mountain ranges.

Also, the tourist lake boat wasn't running (it had been cancelled the day before due to bad weather.

Although it wasn't clear why it wasn't running today!) - but, luckily, the local bus was still up and running and so we caught it from Ukranc all the way back to Bled.

We got back to Bled much earlier than expected (about 3pm) and this gave us an opportunity to shop or visit the castle at Blijski.

Meanwhile some of us indulged in a swim, jackusi and sauna at the Golf Hotel - and this included a quick play on the water slide.

Later on we enjoyed our best evening meal to date at the Union Restaurant - and they gave us some complimentary blueberry brandy at the end of the meal!

After breakfast we headed out for another local walk from the pension.

This time we headed south for our walk to Koritno, first wandering through peaceful meadows towards Sobec.

Before reaching Koritno we happened across the vivid yellow and black colours of a salamander - slowly making his way across the damp forest path.

Bright flowers sprinkled the footpath (knapweed, bellflower, red dead nettle, self-heal and thyme) - and we were passed by a very traditional horse and carriage muck spreader!

Once past Koritno we headed for the small village of Na Peceh with its ancient 15th century church of St. Lenert - covered with frescoes both inside and out.

We walked up a small path behind the church to have our elevenses at the top of the knoll where there was a large wooden cross and a fantastic view point.

To top it all a nutcracker flew by across the tree tops…

After descending the hill we continued down into Sava Bohinjska valley.

Here we reached a pretty lunch spot by the river - enjoying the views and watching an enterprising little dipper feeding in the water.

Then we walked up the hill to Ribno where, unfortunately, no cafes or bars were open - and then then quite quickly onwards towards Dindol where we saw a red squirrel scurry down the road and into the nearby wood…

It was now not far back to Bled where most of us decided to hire a boat to visit the small island and St. Maria church in the middle of Lake Bled..

We had our final meal at Vila Kolinska and later on Marjan put on some traditional Slovenian music and then joined in the dancing….. a great last night …..

Our last morning in Bled and, ironically, it looked like it was going to be sunny - making the views from the hotel even more spectacular!!

Some of us visited the nearby Triglavski Norodni National Park wildlife exhibition before heading into town for some last views and shopping or a final visit to the castle….

Then we were taxied to the airport where we had our last joint picture taken… The end