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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. 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 plenty of superb Intermediate walks to explore in the surrounding Grasmere fells. Wild Blea Rigg is always wonderfully deserted despite its stunning views of Easedale Tarn on the way up, and of the Langdale Pikes from the top. The path up Helm Crag also offers its own rewards with great views over Grasmere and a lovely long ridge walk to follow. On other days, we might find ourselves climbing the hillside to Alcock Tarn and Heron Pike, stopping for a swim in deserted Codale Tarn, or stretching ourselves as far as High Raise for its fabulous views. If we don't mind driving around to Great Langdale, there can even be an exciting foray onto the Langdale Pikes!

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Travel - nearest train station: Windermere, then frequent bus from the station forecourt to Grasmere + 4 minutes walk to Glenthorne.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals + guided walks.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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Here's a chance for some fab Intermediate walks from Littletown Farm in the beautiful Newlands Valley beyond Keswick - a venue which has proved a great success since we started staying there last year. Littletown Farm nestles against the hillside close to the path up Cat Bells, and from here we can head up onto strikingly shaped Causey Pike across the valley, or over whale-backed Knott Rigg towards Buttermere, not forgetting the new vantage point we'll have to walk the stunning High Spy ridge and Cat Bells. Littletown farm, which was actually mentioned in Beatrix Potter's Mrs Tiggywinkle, has its own licensed bar, serves excellent home-cooked evening meals, and offers comfortable twin and single rooms (with ensuite or private facilities) each with its own stunning view looking directly onto the fells. Guided by Marian.

Travel - nearest train station: Penrith Station, then bus to Keswick, & 5 mile taxi to Littletown Farm.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals, any transport to walks, + guided walks.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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This Great Langdale holiday offers you a choice of walks each day so that you can stretch or take it easy according to how you feel. 'Slow High' walks are high level walks taken at a slower pace. The holiday is based at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale - a lovely old building with charm and character located beneath the Langdale Pikes. From here we will have Lingmoor Fell, Pike O'Blisco, Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell right on our doorstep. The Coniston Fells will also be within reach, and of course, the shapely Langdale Pikes will be a 'must' for both groups, offering magnificent views from their rocky tops. The ODG offers a good mix of shared and single rooms, some of which have ensuite facilities while others are standard with a washbasin and a bathroom nearby. Most of the bedrooms have good views of the valley and the surrounding fells. The inn has a popular Hikers Bar which we can enjoy after our walks, and dinner will be served in the dining room at 7pm. Well-behaved dogs are allowed. (Extra nights: £63.00 full board).

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Travel - nearest train station: Windermere (+ bus or shared lift/taxi from station to the hotel).

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals + guided walks.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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Built in AD 122 during the time of Emperor Hadrian to "separate the Romans from the barbarians", Hadrian's Wall is Europe's largest surviving Roman monument and a UNESCO world heritage site. This year we are offering 2 holidays of different grades based at the Twice Brewed Inn with ensuite twin rooms and standard doubles and twins that we can take as singles. The inn has a prime location for exploring some of the most spectacular Intermediate sections of the Wall as well as the beautiful Northumbrian countryside beyond. There will be milecastles, turrets, Robin Hood's tree, fascinating Roman forts, and dramatic stretches of the Wall. On the last day we can walk from Vindolanda Fort onto Barcombe Fell for a last view of the wall receeding into the west. In the evenings we will eat together at the inn (not included - from £12.00). Bardon Mill station is 2.5 miles away by taxi.

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Travel - nearest train station: Bardon Mill station - 2.5 miles away by taxi.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, transport by local bus along the wall if needed, + guided walks.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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Away from the crowds, this August 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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Travel - nearest train stations: Settle (or Skipton). There will be an inexpensive shared lift from Settle station at 4pm.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals, any transport to walks, + guided walks.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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The lovely Bulgarian holiday starts with a first night in Plovdiv, Bulgaria's beautiful second city, from where we will travel via one of the largest and most atmopheric monasteries in Bulgaria - the Bachkovo Monastery - to the lush Rhodopi mountains in the south of Bulgaria. Though not as high as the Rila and Pirin massifs, the Rondopi are none-the-less striking with their rocky tops and outcrops, deep limestone gorges, fascinating caves, and beautiful flower-filled meadows. Here we will be based in the remote village of Yagodina, staying in ensuite twin rooms at the excellent Yagodina Hotel run by two sisters (Ens. Single supplement £10 a night). Women loved staying here in 2009! From here our walks will take us up through ancient forests and nature reserves that are home to roe deer, wild boar, and brown bears, and through lovely meadows full of flowers and butterflies. We will reach panorami viewpoints such as Mt Sveti Iliya, and explore stunning gorges such as the Trigrad Gorge with a cave where local legend says Orpheus emerged from the Underworld. Another cave, the Yagodina Cave not far from the village, is one of the most beautiful and interesting caves in Bulgaria with stalactites, stalagmites and a fascinating prehistoric dwelling… The last night of the holiday will be spent in the capital, Sofia, before flying home the next day. Guided by Beryl with local Bulgarian guide Svetoslava.

Flight from Gatwick or Manchester to Sofia is not included. However the transfers ARE included!
Our transfers meet the Easyjet flights from Gatwick and Manchester to Sofia. The flight is easy to book yourself on the Easyjet website, or we can happily book it for you if you wish (WW flight booking fee: £10). Book early for the best prices (flights are available now)!

Also includes: all breakfasts, packed lunches, & evening meals except for last snack lunch in Sofia; all transfers & transport; & guided walks including with local Bulgarian guide.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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This 4-night holiday with Lorraine & Sally stays at Glaramara Centre in Borrowdale and offers a choice of Intermediate and Slow High walks each day. You can choose which grade you prefer and swap the next day if need be. Slow High walks are high level walks taken at a slower, more intermediate, pace. For Intermediate walks we might warm up on a walk to Watendlath Tarn via Rosthwaite with fabulous views back to the valley. We will also include the fabulous High Spy ridge where our efforts will be rewarded with views in all directions and a lovely descent overlooking Derwent Water. On other days we might be tempted by Haystacks near Buttermere - Wainwrights's favourite fell, or rocky Glaramara - the fell across the valley where we'll pass waterfalls on our way to the summit. Slow High walks could start with rocky Glaramara across the valley, perhaps continuing beyond over Allen Crags, to descend next to a tumbling beck. On another day we might climb steadily to Dale Head for views of all the Central Fells, then return via Honister Pass to finish along an old miners track. Great Gable will also be within our range, leaving something shorter and lower for our last day... For this holiday we are staying at the Glaramara Centre near Seatoller. Though its decor is simple and like a hostel in some respects, Glaramara has plenty of single rooms without a supplement, serves delicious food, and is fantastic value in every way. It has a bar and a large comfy lounge, and the general atmosphere is warm and friendly.

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Travel - nearest train station: Penrith Station, then bus from the station to Keswick, and bus up the valley.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, & evening meals, & a choice of guided walks each day.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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This summer Clare & Yvonne offer you a choice of Gentle and Intermediate walks from comfortable Losehill Hall near Castleton where the landscapes of the White and the Dark Peak meet. You can choose the grade you prefer: Gentle walks include the Hope Valley and fascinating Cavedale nearby; a visit to the Blue John Cavern, a gentle walk in Edale, or we might want to stretch ourselves for fabulous views from Mam Tor by taking a gently ascending route onto this stunning broad ridge. Intermediate walks will include more ridges and moors - the Great Ridge of Rushup Edge, Mam Tor and Losehill; the striking Kinder Edges from Edale; Win Hill ridge with its fab views over Ladybower reservoir; or the circuit of Abney Moor from Brough or Bradwell. Losehill Hall is a lovely old Victorian mansion set in its own extensive grounds 10 mins walk from Castleton village, and we've reserved all ensuite singles without a supplement. Losehill Hall is the National Peak Park Study Centre, run on eco-centre lines (everything is recycled, ensuite showers instead of baths, communal tea/coffee facilities…). The Hall has a good bar, a comfortable lounge, and the food served in the dining room is excellent.

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Travel - nearest train station: Hope Station, then 2 mile taxi ride to Losehill Hall.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals, any transport to walks, + a choice of guided walks.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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This 3-night holiday with Sarah is a wonderful introduction to stunning intermediate fells of Borrowdale. We might warm up on the path to Watendlath Tarn - via Rosthwaite or Dock Tarn depending on our inclination - then circle down the Watendlath Valley to as far as the Lodore Falls if we wish. We can also include the fabulous High Spy ridge where our efforts will be rewarded with views in all directions and a lovely descent overlooking Derwent Water. On our last day we might be tempted by a shorter foray onto rocky Glaramara - the fell across the valley where we'll pass waterfalls on the way to the summit. If the weather keeps us low, there will be plenty of lovely low rambles through Borrowdale to enjoy. Glaramara Centre, though like a hostel in some respects, has mainly single rooms without a supplement, serves delicious food, and is fantastic value in every way. Its bar and large comfy lounge both have open log fires if needed, and the general atmosphere is warm and friendly.

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Travel - nearest train station: Penrith Station, then bus from the station to Keswick, and bus up the valley.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, & evening meals, & guided walks.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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For this very popular De Hoope Whale Trail trip we fly to Cape Town where we'll have 5 days enjoying this extraordinary city and beautiful walks like the Lion's Head, the Contour Path, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and maybe Table Mountain by cable car. We then drive to the stunning De Hoope Whale Trail above the Indian Ocean - a 5-day intermediate trek where you carry a day pack only and walk through the wild scenery and flowers of the De Hoope Nature Reserve to a stretch of coast where the Southern Right whales come inshore to mate or give birth. Sometimes up to 50 of these sea giants can be seen at one time from the cliff path where we'll be walking. We can also dip down to swim in rock pools and walk along beautiful stretches of beach before climbing to our next 'cottage' on the cliffs. These cottages are relatively comfortable in that each has a kitchen, shared rooms with bunk beds, solar power and warm water (usually!). After the trek, we stay at the Windsor Hotel in the small resort town of Hermanus for 2 nights - walking in a nature reserve, eating out overlooking the sea and whales, or taking a whale watching boat trip. We will then detour to Cape Point - the very tip of Africa - on our way back to our Cape Town B&B for the last night. In Cape Town before and after the trek there'll be time to visit Robben Island, the townships, the market, the Waterfront, and to eat out in great restaurants (eve. meals in Cape Town & Hermanus not included - from £10).

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Flight to Cape Town is not included. Transfer from Cape Town airport IS included!
The SAA flight from London Heathrow direct to Cape Town is currently cheaper than the lowest priced indirect flight! Book early for the best prices! (Please ask us for the details and flight times)

You can book this flight yourself on the Internet (SAA website, Expedia et) or we are happy to book it for you on Expedia or with our agents on their ATOL license (costing £10 WW flight booking fee). If you book a different flight from this one please you may need to pay your own transfer from Cape Town airport to the B&B in Cape Town.

Also includes: breakfasts & packed lunches; evening meals on trek: transfers & transport to walks & trek; luggage portage on trek; NP Conservation fees; Cape Point entrance fees.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335