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Patterdale village is well placed for many easy-going walks in this lovely valley, including the path to the hamlet of Hartsop, or to Dovedale beyond Brothers Water with its craggy views and rushing beck. Another day we could head towards Lanty's Tarn for a superb outlook over Ullswater and maybe detour into Glenridding for tea on the way home. We can also take the ferry to Howtown and walk along a section of the stunning Ullswater shore - the most beautiful of its kind in the Lakes… The White Lion Inn is in the centre of Patterdale village - an old coaching inn now popular with walkers. The bedrooms all have ensuite or private facilities, each with TV and tea/coffee making facilities. This break is priced on a part board basis with breakfast in the residents' part of the bar, packed lunches, and in the evening we can choose from Rita Dawes' generous bar meals (evening meals not included - from £12). At the White Lion, we socialise in the bar as there is no separate residents' lounge. We will aim to order dinner at around 6.30/7.00pm on the first night. Well-behaved dogs are allowed.

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The Norfolk Coast Path wends its way under huge skies along the Norfolk Coast - an area of outstanding natural beauty. This gentle holiday with Madeline, our natural history guide, covers the 22 miles from Sherringham to Holkham Gap in easy 5-6 miles stages, using the Coasthopper bus to get to our walks each day. We may see terns, oyster catchers, avocets, marsh harriers, godwits, redshanks and even the rare bittern on the tidal flats or from hides overlooking saltmarshes, lagoons, and whispering reedbeds. On the last day we might also visit Holkham Hall or take a trip by boat to see the Blakeney Point seal colony. The holiday is based at Cookes-of-Cley G/H in Cley-next-the-Sea, 9 miles by bus from Sherringham station. The G/H has attractive, mostly ensuite, twin and single rooms and a tea garden for after walking. On 3 nights we will eat at the guest house, and on 2 nights we'll go out to eat at a good village pub (not included - from £15).

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Bohemia makes up two thirds of the modern Czech Republic and was once a kingdom in its own right centred on the medieval city of Prague. The Bohemian Paradise region 100k to the northeast of Prague is Bohemia's most picturesque corner - an area of gentle river valleys, meadows, and woodland, with fascinating rock formations, superb viewpoints, and tiny traditional villages. We will be based for the first 4 nights of this holiday at the friendly Pod Sikmou vezi Hotel to allow us to walk through the famous Prachov Rocks nearby, and visit the scenic ruins of Trosky Castle with its twin towers named the Maiden and the Crone. We will also walk beside a lovely lake to the rock town of Hruba Skala perched above a veritable forest of rock pillars, and on one day we will include the old town of Jicin - the 'gateway to Bohemia'. For our last 2 nights we transfer to Prague to stay in Hotel Atos in the centre of this extraordinary city. Prague remains one of the most architecturally beautiful cities in the world - the 'city of 100 spires' on the River Vrata, with a surviving medieval centre of cobbled lanes and ancient courtyards overlooked by Europe's oldest castle. In Prague there will be time to wander, take a walking tour around the most important sites, see the castle, the old town,the amazing astronomical clock, the statues on Charles Bridge - or just to sit in cafes and watch the world go by! If you wish to book extra nights in Prague to prolong your stay, please just let us know. Guided by Marcelle & local guide, Eva. This holiday is priced on a full board basis in Bohemia, and B&B in Prague. Plenty of ensuite single rooms available (Ensuite single suppl. £10 a night).

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For this lovely July weekend we'll be staying we'll be staying at the friendly Howe Keld Hotel in Keswick near the lake and the landing stage for the Keswick Launch - which we can use to reach walks around the lake. There are many lovely gentle walks in this area, perhaps starting with the path along the far lakeshore for its excellent views down the lake and across to the craggy wooded promontories of Borrowdale. From the end of the lake we can walk into Borrowdale for tea beside the river at Grange. On Sunday there could be a rewarding walk to Watendlath past pretty Ashness bridge and 'Surprise View', or we might walk to Castlerigg Stone Circle which has a superb setting surrounded by fells. This weekend is priced on a full board basis, and in the evenings we'll enjoy David and Valerie's excellent cooking - so do arrive by 6.30pm on the first night!

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Normandy's pastoral landscape is perfect for gentle walks. Horses and cows graze on rolling low hills or the flatter wetlands of the Marais, and the landscape is dotted with lovely manor farms, half-timbered barns, and even the occasional chateau. The medieval city of Bayeux is here with its famous tapestry, while on the coast there are small seaside resorts or the historic stretches of D-Day landing beaches. Behind the coast lies the Marais - a protected landscape scattered with small lakes, valuable to farmers, and forming an important habitat for migrating birds. Here we will be based 30 minutes from Cherbourg at Chateau Bellenau which has a wealth of history, character and charm. The Chateau offers ensuite twins, many ensuite singles, and excellent home-cooked meals. In addition, its superb gardens are a wonder with waterways and lake, caves and majestic rare trees. The ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg is included in the price. Portsmouth & Southsea station is easy to reach by train, or there is parking at the ferry. The holiday is priced on a full board basis except for one night eating out in Bayeux - from £12.

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Derwent Water is the lovely island-dotted lake next to Keswick in the northern Lakes. Skiddaw rises impressively behind the town, while Borrowdale with its crags and wooded promontories starts at the far end of the lake. For this holiday we'll be staying in the comfortable Howe Keld Hotel in Keswick near to the lake and the Keswick Launch landing stage - which we'll use to reach walks around the lake or shorten our journey home when needed. There are many lovely gentle walks in this area, perhaps starting with the path along the far lake shore for its excellent views down the lake to Borrowdale and back to lofty Skiddaw. Or there's the rewarding walk to Watendlath past pretty Ashness bridge and 'Surprise View', then on beside a rushing beck where otters have been sighted. Watendlath is a little hamlet with a teashop next to its own tarn. On another day, we could walk to famous Lodore falls which are impressive after rain, or take the launch to Borrowdale at the head of the lake to stroll through its magnificent woods. In the evening we go out to eat together - exploring some of Keswick's very good eating places (evening meals not included - from £15). The Howe Keld Hotel has been recently refurbished. It is reknown among WalkingWomen for the quality of their breakfasts - including a delicious vegetarian option. The walk is 4 minutes walk from the bus stop where the Penrith bus stops - making this venue easy to reach by train.

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Grasmere is one of the most central yet easily reached villages in the Lake District - with stunning scenery that has inspired poets and artists alike. There's also lots to do after walking - from visiting Dove Cottage, to tea shops and water-colour studios. We'll be staying at Glenthorne Guest House not far from the village centre, with wonderful views in three directions, comfortable bedrooms, and excellent food! From here there are wonderful Gentle walks to explore. We might start with the lovely walk beside Grasmere and Rydal Water, returning via Rydal Cave and Loughrigg Terrace for its stunning view over the lake. The wooded bridle path to Rydal village is also delightful, and we might stop at White Moss Common - or Rydal Hall for tea beside its tumbling beck. We can walk to beautiful Loughrigg Tarn (a small lake), or climb the path beside Sour Milk Gill waterfall to Easedale Tarn in the hills. On other days there are woodland paths where we might see deer or hear woodpeckers, the wild valley of Far Easedale for a secluded dip, or the stunning views from higher Dow Bank - whatever we feel like and have time for!

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This holiday is based just outside Sandwich in the village of Worth, 5 minutes taxi ride from Sandwich station. Sandwich is one of the medieval Cinque Ports like Hastings or Rye, and although it no longer lies next to the sea, the surrounding Kent countryside is rich in historical interest while its coastal mudflats and salt marshes are a Special Area of Conservation. From Worth village we can walk through the older part of Sandwich and out into the countryside to see Richborough fort and amphitheatre - possibly the most symbolically important Roman site in Britain. On another day we can walk to the sea and along the coast to Deal, stopping at Sandwich Bird Observatory on the way to see what we can see. There can also be a shorter walk to Pegwell Bay where the Saxons and St Augustine landed in the 5th century AD. You see, it was all happening here! In Worth you have a choice of accommodation between Solley Farm House - a superb 5 star B&B (£255) and St Crispins Inn across the road (£225) - a traditional 15th century pub where we will no doubt all eat in the evening (evening meals not included - from £15). You can arrive from 2pm. We will aim to order our meal on the first night at 6.30pm.

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Away from the crowds, this August B/H break has exclusive use of High Trenhouse near tranquil Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales - a beautifully converted farm and outbuildings on the edge of the moors above Malham Cove and Gordale. The Pennine Way from Malham Cove passes close by on its way to Fountains Fell and Pen-y-ghent, and across the moors are interesting paths to the pretty village of Arncliffe and the lively town of Settle with its tearooms and small shops. High Trenhouse offers a large number of single rooms - a boon for WW groups - and most have ensuite facilities. There are comfortable spaces for relaxing or making our own fun including a small honesty bar. The food is delicious, and there's even a sauna and Jacuzzi - so bring your swimsuit! A choice of Gentle and Intermediate walks each day will allow you to move between the grades to take it easy or stretch according to mood. We will also arrange an inexpensive shared lift from nearby Settle station at approx 4pm.

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This holiday offers a choice of Gentle or Intermediate walks each day - and you can swap between them to stretch yourself or take it easy according to how you feel. Gentle walks will take us into the heart of Borrowdale, following mossy woodland paths where we might see deer and red squirrels, or walking beside the lovely River Derwent for tea at Grange. On other days, we can explore the wilder tributaries of the Derwent - the Langstrath and Seathwaite valleys - with foaming pools that might invite a swim or paddle, and rushing waterfalls if it's been raining. Or we can even go as far as Derwent Water for a peaceful stroll beside the lake - returning by bus if we wish. For Intermediate walks we might warm up climbing the path to Dock Tarn which will give us superb views over Eagle Crag and allow us to reach Watendlath Tarn as well as several less-frequented 'tops' nearby. The next day we might be tempted by the fabulous High Spy ridge where our uphill effort will be rewarded with views in all directions and a lovely descent overlooking Derwent Water. Alternatively we might head for Haystacks overlooking Buttermere, or tackle Glaramara just across the valley. This holiday is based at friendly Glaramara Centre near Seatoller in Borrowdale where there are plenty of standard single rooms available.

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The Dalmatian island of Brac lies off the coast from Split, threaded by lovely old mule tracks through olive groves and pinewoods. Ancient chapels and monasteries dot the island while along the rocky coast there are pebbly coves that invite a swim and small picturesque fishing resorts. Sutivan is one of these - built of famous Brac stone, and at night you can see the lights of Split across the water. Sutivan has no hotels so we do as Croatians do and stay in small apartments, all within walking distance of Pension Dora whose vine covered courtyard and restaurant/bar we will use as our focal point. Here we will share breakfasts, and meals on 4 evenings. On 3 evenings we'll eat out at seafront restaurants in smaller groups (not included - from £8). The apartments are simple and typically Croatian, some with ensuite rooms, others with 2 single rooms sharing a bathroom and small kitchen. Some have a terrace for relaxing after walking, others have sea views. At Pension Dora there are ensuite twins and singles. Besides a choice of Gentle & Low Intermediate walks, we will also take a day off to enjoy the sea, hire a bike or sea kayak, visit Diocletian's Palace, or simply relax with a book! Guided by Lorraine, Madeline, & local guide Ivana.

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This peaceful meditation break is guided by Heidi and is based at Glenthorne Guest House in Grasmere. Over these 3 days we will walk and talk, but also find opportunities for silence - stopping somewhere special to sit, be with nature, and find our inner stillness. A willingness to sit in silence and be still is all that is necessary. The caring and sharing of the group will assist in this process of turning down the volume of our busy lives, and participants should leave with a stronger sense of connection with spirit, themselves, and each other. We will be staying at comfortable Glenthorne Guest House in Grasmere which also possesses a conservatory of its own should the weather not be conducive to sitting outdoors. Glenthorne offers good ensuite twin or single rooms (Ensuite single supplement £10 a night). Bring a mat for sitting on, and an extra, sweater or fleece.

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The Abbey Hotel overlooks Tintern Abbey in the Wye Valley - an area steeped in history, and rich in wildlife, archaeology, and industrial remains. Here the River Wye forms the boundary between England and Wales, and King Offa built his famous dyke near the English bank. In places ancient woodland clings to the steep sides of dramatic limestone gorge, while elsewhere the river is boarded by tranquil meadows. Our first walk will take us from Wales into England across the river, and up to Brockweir Bridge before returning along the opposite bank. There is a local vineyard we could visit, and we can stop at the old railway station for tea and home-made cakes. The next day we might catch the local bus to Chepstow and follow the Wye Valley Walk through the woods to the spectacular viewpoint at Eagle's Nest. Finally we could explore the historic tracks and ancient ironworks towards Angidy. The Abbey Hotel has comfortable ensuite twin and ensuite single rooms (no single supplement) in Tintern village with its old pubs, tourist shops and craft galleries. Tintern is easy to reach by road or rail - close to the M4 & M5, or a 6-mile taxi or bus ride from Chepstow station.

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White dolomite mountains, crystal clear lakes, hayracks and traditional villages, river gorges and tumbling waterfalls… Slovenia is surely one of the most beautiful and friendly places to visit in Europe! For this holiday we will be based in Bled on the edges of the Julian Alps - a small resort town beside a jewel of a lake. Bled is surrounded by meadows and beech woods. We can walk on good paths around the lake and into the surrounding countryside to pretty villages with their wooden barns and ornate church spires, and to dramatic Vintgar Gorge. After walking, we can sit in cafés by the lake, visit the castle, and row to the island (or get a boatman to take us there!). On one day we will visit lovely Lake Bohinj to walk along its shore. Here we can also take the Vogel cable car to reach views of the Julian Alps before we catch the ferry back along the lake (Cable car optional - £8). For this holiday we have reserved ensuite single rooms at Penzion Vila Kolinska in a quiet residential part of Bled. In the evening we'll walk back into the centre to explore Bled's good places (evening meals not included - from £12).

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