The strong May Bank Holiday winds blew us all to the oasis of peace and tranquility of High Trenhouse near Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales.

We settled into our comfortable rooms in the two beautifully converted farm buildings set in gorgeous grounds and then met in the bar to get to know each other better and to find out from Anita and Helen what to expect on the days ahead.

The question on everyone's lips was - what's the weather going to be like?!

After a gorgeous meal, most people sat in the bar before going to bed early in prepration for the first day.

We awoke to a lovely clear but windy day and after a tasty breakfast we met outside amd split into two groups - gentle and intermediate.

The Intermediate walk was guided by Helen around the top of the tarn to a first stop at the bird hide.

We didn't stay long as the gentle group soon arrived and it got a bit crowded.

We continued walking along the Pennine Way, past the Malham House Field Centre and came out of the woodland for a great view across the tarn.

The route continued onto Mastiles Lane which was an old Roman marching route - we had a break sheltered from the wind at the bridge over Gordale Beck and then climbed up to the Roman Camp.

The path then crossed High Stony Bank and we walked through a herd of cute Highland cattle.

In the distance there were also a group of belted Galloway cows (thanks to Lesley who was chief cow breed identifier of the holiday).

We then climbed up Great Close to Middle House Farm which and stopped at the top for an amazing view of the tarn and local area.

The route continued left round the crags (and not right, ladies!) and we struck out towards our sheltered lunch spot where Heather found she had Dr Doolittle gifts whilst talking to the local sheep!

After lunch the route continued down Cowside and back to Malham Tarn and High Trenhouse along the Pennine Way.

The Gentle crew had meantime done a shorter version of our circuit, starting with a visit to the Malham Tarn hide.

They marvelled at the mountain pansies, the nesting curlew, and finally stopped for a short siesta above the tarn.

Back at High Trenhouse, people sat chatting the the lounge with tea and cake, drove down to Malham for an ice cream or took advantage of the jacuzzi and sauna.

After another gorgeous meal, most of us sat in the bar.

A very tense game of Jenga was followed by a raucous game of Articulate overseen by quizmaster Catherine but again, a lot of people went to bed early after their exertions.

The weather was similar to the previous day and we consoled ourselves that the strong wind meant that the rain clouds were automatically blown away.

Helen was leading the Gentle walk today and we set off on a south westerly direction from High Trenhouse, past Black Hill to meet the cycleway at Gorbeck.

Here we stopped to admire the view of Pen-y-ghent in the distance.

A kindly mountain biker took plenty of group photos of us - we think he was just glad of the rest after climbing up from Settle!

From here, the path continued to Jubilee Cave where we came across the Intermediate group enjoying the sunshine!

We enjoyed a rest at this sheltered spot for a while before going our separate ways.

From Jubilee Cave, the path descended gently towards Settle. We took the opportunity to stop again for lunch and sunbathing in a lovely sheltered spot just above Settle.

After we were all refreshed from our stop, we continued into Settle for more refreshments of a tea and cake variety and a spot of shopping!

The minibus came to collect us at 3.30 and took us back to High Trenhouse.

The Intermediate walk with me, Anita, had meantime continued onwards beneath Victoria Cave, where a cluster of Broad-leaved Orchid were spotted and admired.

Unfortunately, like little miss muffet, the Siesta was thwarted by an intruding spider, which created quite a fright for one of the group (and subsequent mirth all around!)

Shortly after, a lunch/mini Siesta was recommended sheltering from the strong wind which we were soon to confront on our return via Stockdale Lane.

On the return walk, the wind was certainly a challenge, and everyone breezed back to High Trenhouse red faced, and ready for tea and cakes and more wonderful hospitality back at the ranch.

Helen took a small group to Catrigg Force in her car to see the waterfalls.

The lack of rain meant that there wasn't too much water but it is still a beautiful spot.

After dinner, we congregated in the bar for a further round of Articulate and many tears of laughter - Jen, Nicky and Helen won the closely contested battle!

We awoke to light rain but the good news was that the wind had died down a little bit!

We assembled outside clad in waterproofs but amazingly, the rain didn't last that long and they weren't needed all day!

The Intermediate walk set off with Helen around the tarn again (everyone politely declining another visit to the bird hide!) and continued down the Pennine Way to Water Sinks.

Helen was amazed that the lack of rain meant that the stream had gone underground long before its usual place where it comes out below Malham as the start of the River Aire.

The route continued through a Lord of the Rings type landscape to the steps which lead down into the dramatic Watlows Valley.

After descending those, the path continued down to the impressive limestone pavement at the top of Malham Cove.

We then took the steps down to the bottom of the cove where we stopped for lunch.

The RSPB had set up a station where we watched the peregrine falcons which nest on the cove through powerful binoculars - a fantastic sight.

We then descended into Malham village where some of us took the opportunity to stock up on chocolate.

The Malham Safari Trail was on during May Bank Holiday so the pretty village was filled with an array of very strange papier mache animals!

We took the Pennine Way path out of the village and then turned off towards the beautiful Wedber Wood.

Within the wood is Janet's Foss and here we found the gentle group - a fabulous photo opportunity!

After we had waved them off we continued upto Gordale bridge where we had a welcome cup of tea from the van parked there before heading up to look at Gordale Scar.

After this diversion, we gently ascended back up the hill and continued our route back to High Trenhouse via Trougate.

The Gentle walk had meantime taken the Trougate path to the top of Malham Cove, stopping for lunch beneath a fine example of Clints and Grikes, which are so perfect for botanising.

We found a perfect tea van down at Gordale Bridge, with enough seats for everyone, then met up (as already mentioned) with the Intermediate walkers at magical Janet Foss.

The bus had been arranged for 3.30, but there was still time for ice creams - which were enjoyed despite the weather.

Later Jean ran a yoga session before dinner for those that were interested. The venue has such a fantastic, nurturing atmosphere, and the use of the conference room was perfect, and much appreciated.

The cloud was very low when we awoke the next day and it was very misty so this inspired some people to go sightseeing in the local area on their way home rather than do the last walk.

After saying goodbye them and those who had to get their trains, Helen took the hardcore six remaining ladies on a lovely walk from Malham Village down the Pennine Way to Hanlith and Airton.

Here we stopped for tea and cake at the tea shop which was a lovely way to round off the holiday.

We then returned via Kirkby Malham and along the river back to the carpark in Malham for hugs goodbye.

The venue had been superb - the rooms comfortable, the food gorgeous, and the jacuzzi and sauna very welcome.

However the best part about the holiday was that such a variety of women came together from all sorts of different backgrounds just to walk and laugh. And walk and laugh we did!