 WalkingWomen----Accommodation |
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Common features of where we stayWe choose places to stay that are all well-located for the walks and scenery, that have a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and that give you value for money whatever their category. All of them can cope well with vegetarian food and special diets (given notice - though if you are gluten or wheat free, you may need to bring your preferred bread-substitute with you for packed lunches in case your particular preference is not available locally). Location Menu
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Glenthorne Guest House is a very comfortable and friendly place
to stay, and is hugely popular with WalkingWomen groups. Glenthorne serves
excellent food with choice of 2-3 dishes at each course, including a delicious
vegetarian option. The guest house also has a table licence. There's also a
tradition of free tea and cakes after walking - or you can help yourself to tea
or coffee at any time.
The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel offers a good
mix of twins, doubles and singles, some of which are ensuite while others are
standard but with a washbasin in the bedroom and a bathroom near. Practically
all the rooms have lovely views, tea/coffee making facilities, and are
attractively decorated. Downstairs there is a residents' dining room, a
residents' bar, and a large lounge with plenty of sofas and comfortable
armchairs to sink into at the end of the day! The Hikers Bar and outdoor
terrace is usually very popular with WW groups - gathering for a refreshing
drink after a walk, or sitting out in the evening if the weather is fine.
The White Lion Inn is a
striking black and white building opposite the post office in the centre of
Patterdale's small village. It used to be a coaching inn and has an interesting
history, e.g. Wordsworth was staying here when he heard the news of Nelson's
demise at the Battle of Trafalgar. More recently it has become the haunt of
walkers, its friendly atmosphere and generous helpings of good pub grub are
particularly welcoming at the end of the day. Its bedrooms are all ensuite or
have private facilities, each with TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
The Howe Keld is a small family run
hotel, situated in the 'Heads' - the area of Keswick nearest to the lake. The
hotel has been recently refurbished and upgraded and the bedrooms are
delightful, all with ensuite facilities and TV and tea/coffee making
facilities. Downstairs is the breakfast room and a small bar/lounge.
The speciality of the hotel is its vegetarian food (David and Valerie
used to work for Cranks - the wholefood restaurant). Weekend breaks here are
priced on a full board basis with evening meals included (Dinner time: 6.30pm).
4-night breaks are priced on a part board basis, with delicious breakfasts, and
packed lunches only. In the evening we'll go out to sample some of Keswick's
other good eating places (not included - from £12). To keep things simple
on the first night WW will prebook a table at a restaurant that has proved
popular in the past. It will help if you can arrive by 6.30pm on all breaks
based here. 
Glaramara Centre has a
wonderful setting at the head of Borrowdale on the outskirts of tiny Seatoller
hamlet - a location that has ensured its popularity as a walking centre for
many years. It has lovely views up Borrowdale's tributary valley of Seathwaite
and across to Glaramara - hence the name. A bonus feature is that we can book
up to 22 standard singles without a supplement! This allows us to run either
one group or two simultaneously with everyone enjoying the comfort of a single
room. The décor is simple, and none of the rooms have ensuite
facilities; however everywhere is very clean and there is no shortage of hot
water. Downstairs there is a large lounge and a separate bar - both with snug
log fires, a dining room, a small TV & Games room, and an efficient drying
room. Sometimes we will share the centre with another group - other walkers and
even previously some country dancers and felt-makers! 
Littletown Farm is a traditional
working Lakeland farm 4 miles from Keswick in the beautiful, unspoilt Newlands
valley. The farmhouse is in a unique location nestled at the foot of Catbells
and was the inspiration behind Beatrix Potters Mrs Tiggy Winkle stories.
Night 1: St Bees (Cumbria -
west coast) 
Night 3: Borrowdale (14
miles)(Lake District)
Night 5: Patterdale (9 miles)(Lake District)
Night 7: Kirkby Stephen (20
miles)(Eden Valley) 
Night 9: Reeth (11
miles)(Yorkshire Dales)
Night 12: Osmotherley (10
miles)(North York Moors) 
Night 14: Glaisdale (17 miles)(North York
Moors)
Night 15: Robin Hoods Bay (20 miles)(North
York Moors - east coast)
For our 2009 holiday in Rothbury we are
moving to the Coquetvale Hotel - representing an increase in comfort and
facilities from our previous accommodation. 
This purpose-built hostel is located just
half a mile from the most spectacular section of Hadrians Wall. Being two miles
north of Bardon Mill, it’s also within easy walking distance of
Vindolanda, where you can see how the Romans lived, and Housesteads Fort, the
most complete Roman fort in Britain. The hostel is located right next to the
Hadrians Wall Visitors Centre.
High Trenhouse has a
beautiful upland setting near to Malham Tarn. Just to step outside the door is
to be in the hills. The air is clean and pure, there is no sound of traffic and
no light pollution. The centre consists of two large adjacent old farm
buildings which have been lovingly restored by the owners, John and Bernadette.
The buildings are set in landscaped grounds looking out towards the tarn, and
from the bedrooms there are views of the garden, the tarn, or the surrounding
Dales. All the bedrooms are very attractively decorated. Most of them have
ensuite facilities, and many are ensuite singles - always a popular feature! In
addition the centre has a sauna and Jacuzzi for our use -
so bring your swimsuit. There is a bar (on an 'honesty'
system), a dining room serving excellent meals, a lounge and other spaces for
relaxing - including a small terrace outside in the garden. For this holiday we
will have sole use of the centre, its bedrooms and all its facilities - perfect
for the needs of a double group with two walks on offer each day. You can
arrive from 2pm. Dinner is at 7pm. (No extra nights are possible here as the
centre only caters for group stays).
The Crown Hotel is situated in the
beautiful Ribble Valley and is one of the few hotels in the Yorkshire Dales
National Park which actually stands on the Pennine Way. It is centrally located
amid the Yorkshire Three Peaks: Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. For
this holiday we have booked ensuite twin and ensuite single rooms at the hotel.
There are tea & coffee making
facilities in the rooms, and downstairs there is a welcoming bar, and outside
there's a beer garden to the rear of the hotel. The dining room serves a good
range of inexpensive dishes, or we can go out to sample other eating places in
the village. The hotel is located across the river from the Horton railway
station between Horton's two hump back bridges, and has its own car park for
residents'. To keep things simple we've pre-booked a table at the hotel for 7pm
on the first evening. You can arrive from 2pm. 
Ingleton YH is a recently renovated Victorian House close to the
centre of Ingleton village. It is popular with walkers, climbers, and cavers,
and there is an outdoor swimming pool in the village nearby. The hostel sleeps
58 in 4-6 bedded rooms, and has all the normal YHA facilities of a good drying
room, lounge, dining room, and self-catering kitchen (help yourself to a free
welcome cuppa when you arrive). The Inglesport Climbing Wall is a short walk
away. The hostel is open all day, so you can arrive at any time, though you may
not be able to get into the bedrooms until reception opens at 5pm. Holidays
here are priced on a full board basis, including breakfasts, packed lunches and
evening meals - at 7pm. 
Losehill Hall just outside
Castleton is set in 27 acres of magnificent parkland, and is a beautiful
tranquil place to stay in the heart of the Peak District National Park. We feel
very lucky to be able to stay at Losehill when it is normally reserved for
courses and conferences as the the Peak District Park Study Centre. (Losehill
sleeps up to 57 people, and will be other people staying there also).
Our accommodation at
Hartington is in ensuite singles, twins, and one triple bedroom with private
facilities at the exceptionally comfortable 4* Hartington Hall youth hostel.
Hartington Hall is a magnificent 17th century manor house with log fires, oak
paneling, excellent food, and a bedroom where Bonnie Prince Charlie once slept.
Hartington village is easily reached by bus from both Buxton and Matlock
stations. You can arrive at any time of day, and there can be an extra walk on
Friday if you arrive by 1pm. Evening meals are served from 6-10pm, but we will
aim to eat together at 7pm. 
Mynd House lies at the foot of the Long
Mynd in the unspoilt village of Little Stretton - 1 mile by taxi from Church
Stretton station. 
The Cleeve Hill Hotel is a family-run hotel
situated close to the top of Cleeve Hill, which is the highest point in the
Cotswolds and commands exceptional views across Cheltenham to the Malvern
Hills. 
Cookes of
Cley Guest House is a traditional flint-built house, located on the High Street
in the pretty village of Cley-next-the-Sea. Well, it was once next the sea, but
the shoreline moved over the years, and the Cley Nature Reserve now lies
between Cley and the beach. The guest house has views to Cley marshes and the
Glaven Valley, and some rooms have views of scenic Cley windmill. The village,
local pubs, beach and nature reserve are all within walking
distance.
Once an old coaching inn, The Ship Inn
boasts a long and interesting history, although its appearance hasn't changed
much over the years. Until the sea reclaimed most of the town during medieval
times, Dunwich was one of the busiest East coastal ports in the UK. Today the
considerably smaller village is lined with delightful period buildings, a
church and the ruins of an old monastery. 
For convenient access to the Thames
Path we will be based at the recently built Windsor Travelodge, located near
both Windsor train stations and not far from the banks of the Thames.
The Horse & Groom is an attractively
renovated 17th century country pub located in the village of East Ashling on
the edge of the Downs. The pub has traditional flint walls and old timber
beams. Mike and Michelle have also renovated the old flint barn adjacent to the
pub as a very attractive bedroom annex full of original features and roof
beams. These 11 ensuite bedrooms (some with bath, some with shower) can all be
taken as single rooms without a supplement. Each has a colour TV, and
tea/coffee making facilities. 
1st, 2nd, & 3rd nights - Arundel Park
Hotel, Arundel 
Wetherdown Hostel is part of
the Sustainability Centre, set up by the Earthworks Trust in 55 acres of
woodland and natural chalk downland next the South Downs Way three miles south
of the picturesque village of East Meon. As such, the hostel is situated on the
top of the Downs and benefits from some of the best views in Hampshire. A warm
welcome is guaranteed by Tori who runs the hostel! Check in time is at
5.30pm.
The hostel offers small bunk-bedded rooms which we have reserved
enough of for everyone to have a room to themselves. The bedrooms each have
hand basins, with shared showers and toilets nearby. All linen, duvets and
towels are provided. There are all the normal hostel facilities such as a
drying room, self-catering kitchen for our use making cups of tea, a
comfortable lounge, and a dining room serving buffet breakfasts. We will also
have an evening meal here on the day of arrival after a long day's walk - a
simple but tasty vegetarian meal cooked by Tori. (On the other night - our last
night of the trek - we will have taxis to a good inn a few miles
away).
Catriona and Alistair Miller run Cromwell
House Hotel with a small dedicated staff who aim to create a friendly
atmosphere in the style of a small Country House. The unique position of the
house with its outstanding views, goes a long way to creating the peaceful
atmosphere their guests enjoy. Cromwell House also has a swimming pool - so do
bring your swimming costume!
Built in the 1860's, Sandpipers is a spacious, elegant
Victorian family hotel, nestling in a sheltered spot just 50 yards from the
shoreline of Freshwater Bay. The dining room is a large and beautifully
decorated conservatory and the hotel chef's is renowned throughout the Island
for his aga-cooked dishes and fabulous breakfasts. The menu is changed daily
and incorporates fresh local produce whenever possible. 'Homemade really does
mean homemade', and there is also an extensive wine list.
The Chy an Albany Hotel in St Ives occupies a wonderfully elevated
site overlooking St Ives Bay, providing accommodation with every comfort and
amenity you'd expect from an award winning 3 star hotel. 
The hotel restaurant also overlooks this lovely view, and serves
excellent evening meals cooked from the finest local vegetables and produce,
and fish straight from the sea. 
Downstairs there is a comfortable lounge,
the dining room and bar overlooking the sea, an outside terrace for soaking in
the view.
Huntstile Organic Farm
is situated in the foothills of the Quantocks close to tiny Goathurst village,
approximately 3 miles from Bridgewater down twisty country lanes. Parts of the
farmhouse date back to Henry VIII and there the farm is rumoured to have a
resident lady ghost, although Lizzie and John have never see her themselves!
This holiday is based at the
comfortable 3 star Saints Bay Hotel on Guernsey. The hotel is situated on the
south coast cliffs at Icart Point, an unspoilt headland on the most southerly
tip of Guernsey. The scenery from the immediately adjacent cliff paths is
amongst the most stunning in the Channel Islands. Close by is picturesque
Saints Bay - a small fisherman's harbour at the foot of the cliffs below the
hotel just a short walk away. The hotel has a outdoor pool that is heated from
Easter, a large pool side patio and bar, a light and airy restaurant, and an
indoor split level bar warmed by a coal fire in the early months of the year.
In 2009 we are moving our Wye Valley
accommodation to the 3 star Royal George Hotel, a Best Western hotel. The Royal
George is situated in the heart of the Wye Valley, 200m from Tintern Abbey in
Tintern village, with easy access from the M4 and M5, or the mainline train
station at Chepstow. 
For this holiday we will stay
throughout at East Trewent Farm East belonging to Pat and Peter Sherwood. The
farm nestles behind Trewent Point and is within the Pembrokeshire National Park
just half a mile from Freshwater East beach and the challenging Pembrokeshire
Coastal Footpath. Built around 200 years ago, East Trewent Farm stands in just
over an acre of land and is an attractive stone farmhouse with out-buildings
(one dating back to 15th century), tastefully converted to form three
comfortable cottages adjoining the farm. 
Nights 1 & 2: Dale Fort Field Centre
Nights 3 & 4: Broad Haven
YH
Night 5: St Davids YH 
This 2nd Pembrokeshire
holiday starts from Goodwich near Fishguard. Goodwick is on the mainline from
Haverfordwest. From here we will walk from Goodwick to Pwll Deri, then have
transport back for a second night before we walk from Pwll Deri to Aber Draw.
In Goodwick we will stay at
Ivybridge - a friendly family run guest house on the edge of Goodwick, a short
taxi ride from Goodwick station. The guest house offers attractive ensuite twin
room and single rooms with TV and tea/coffee making facilities. There is also a
heated indoor swimming pool here open from 7.30am - 8.30pm (and a whirlpool spa
bath!), a small bar, and a roaring fire in the lounge if the evenings are
chill. Full board is included with a Full Welsh Breakfast (or continental if
you prefer), packed lunches, and a delicious 3 course evening meal.
After walking from Pwll Deri to the bay of
Aber Draw, we stay just up from the coast at Caerhafod Lodge - a new concept in
hostels with ensuite 4-bedded rooms, and all bedding and bed linen provided
(towel hire is also available). All rooms have power showers, toilet, wash
basins. Outside there is a patio with picnic benches where you can enjoy some
of the best sea views and sunsets in Pembrokeshire, on a clear day you may
often see the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland! For our evening meal, we will walk
back down to the sea to eat out in the local pub (20 mins walk away), and after
breakfast the next morning, we will make our packed lunches from the buffet
Sion and Carolyn, our hosts, will have laid out for us.
The Nantlle Valley lies north of Beddgelert, at right
angles to the western face of Snowdon. It is a beautiful peaceful valley away
from the crowds on Snowdon's more popular paths. Trigonos Centre is situated
half way through Nantlle village on the only road through the valley. The
centre is set in its own grounds facing Nantlle lake and the striking Nantlle
ridge. 
We have found a new
accommodation for the first night of this holiday - staying at the friendly Dol
Peris Hotel which offers all ensuite rooms sleeping 2-4 people. The hotel is a
grade 2 listed building built in the 1890s. It is conveniently located in the
centre of Llanberis, set in its own grounds with ample off road parking. The
hotel has a cosy lounge and a cheery breakfast room. 
Due to popular demand from
previous years, we have steadily upgraded the accommodation on this holiday to
include more hotels & inns rather than B&Bs & hostels. There is
only one night in a very special bunkhouse (a beautifully converted railway
station at Bridge of Orchy). For the most part you will be sharing mostly
ensuite twins or 3-bedded rooms with other members of the group. 
We start our trek after a first night at
the Hawthornes B&B in Drymen. The Hawthorns was built in 1873 by the Duke
of Montrose to attract a doctor to the village of Drymen, and for over 120
years it was home to four successive general practitioners. The property has
been extensively restored in recent years to convert the 'Auld Doctor's Hoose'
into a superior quality bed and breakfast. All of the rooms are attractively
decorated and finished to a high standard, with en-suite facilities, colour
satellite television and tea and coffee-making facilities. In the morning a
traditional Scottish breakfast is served in the dining room. (Rooms taken here
are twins & 3-bedded rooms).
Situated on the rugged eastern banks of
Loch Lomond in the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Forest the Rowardennan Hotel has
breathtaking views of Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond and the mountains to the North.
The hotel dates back to 1696 but has been fully refurbished in a traditional
Scottish style with a country house hotel atmosphere. The bedrooms are
comfortable and all have ensuite facilities. (Rooms taken here are 3-bedded
& twin rooms).
The Drovers Inn is on old inn used by the Highland drovers who used
to drive their cattle down the side of Loch Lomond to the markets. The decor
and furniture, in deference to the past, look as though they have not been
changed or altered for a couple of hundred years. The rooms here however are
comfortable twin rooms, most of them with ensuite facilities. In the evening we
will most likely eat at the Drovers too - where previous years groups have
praised the cooking. (Twin rooms - all but one have ensuite facilities).
The Invervey Hotel is a comfortable small
hotel conveniently near the Way in Tyndrum, with ensuite twin rooms (each with
TV and tea/coffee making). 
The hotel has a bar and restaurant,
where we will most likely eat in the evening. There is also a laundry service
if needed. (Rooms taken here are all ensuite twin rooms).
The Inveroran Hotel which we
are using for our 2009 bookings, was built in the 19th century as a coaching
inn. 
King's House Hotel is in a
very remote situation, with magnificent views of the hills. It was built to
serve the drovers' trade in the 17th century, and is one of Scotland's oldest
licensed inns. The building was used after the Battle of Culloden (1745), as a
barracks for troops of George III, hence the name Kings House. It was the task
to keep the Highlanders under subjection and to capture their elusive champion
Bonnie Prince Charlie (there's lots more history - see their website!) With
full central heating and the double glazing and the high standard of cuisine
your modern day comfort is assured. The accommodation however is simple - in
3-bedded rooms - but the views from the hotel include Buchaille Etive Mhor -
probably Scotland's most photographed mountain. We will also eat here in the
evening as there is no where else to stay along this stretch! (Rooms taken here
are 3-bedded rooms and 1 twin).
The Tailrace Inn,
Kinlochleven
The Alexandra Hotel has been
part of the fabric of Fort William since 1876. The hotel boasts a lift to the
bedrooms for weary walkers, 2 restaurants, many refurbished rooms, and free
membership of the nearby Ben Nevis Leisure club if you fancy a relaxing swim.
Kinloch Castle: Rum is an island off the west coast of
Scotland opposite Mallaig. Here we'll be staying at the Kinloch Castle hostel -
one of the only places to stay on the island. The accommodation is in
dormitories, and we will take our breakfasts and evening meals at the castle
bistro (all included). A visit round eccentric Kinloch Castle is usually
possible - and well worth it, says Fran! 
Mull is an island of the west coast of
Scotland opposite Oban. Here we will be staying at Ardachy House Hotel - a
small hotel owned by Cathy and Maggie, set in typical farmland south of the
village of Bunessan. This is truely a peaceful setting, and the hotel looks
south over the deserted sands of Ardalanish Bay and beyond to the Hebridean
Islands of Jura, Colonsay and Islay. On a clear day you can see the coast of
Ireland. 
The Barons Craig hotel has a dramatic
location in the village of Rockcliffe in the southwest of Scotland, standing it
its own grounds overlooking the Solway Firth. It is an impressive Victorian
hotel with 23 ensuite rooms, many period features, and lovely grounds to stroll
through a few minutes walk from the sea. 
The small seaside town of Newcastle nestles at the foot
of the Mourne Mountains on the County Down Coast, located close to Downpatrick
which is thought to be where St Patrick is buried. 
Kingdom View B&B, run by Eileen and Jerome, is
situated on the ring of Kerry beneath Ireland's highest mountains - the
McGillycuddy Reeks and Carrauntoohil, not far from both Kerry Airport and the
town of Kilarney. From here we'll have easy access to half of our walks. The
atmosphere is warm and friendly, and there are traditional musicians in the
family. 
Mount Brandon Hostel is situated at the
foot of Brandon Mountain along the Dingle Way, in one of the most scenic and
unspoiled regions of Ireland. It is a small independent hostel and must be one
of the most attractive in Ireland. The comfortable lounge and the upstairs
appartment with a balcony look out over Brandon Bay, and from every window you
can see the sea or the surrounding valleys and mountains. 
Chateau Bellenau is 30 minutes drive from
Cherbourg and is English owned. It is a small chateau with plenty of character
and charm, and shows its history (you can still find bullet holes in the dining
room remaining from D Day). However it is simply furnished inside, homely and
comfortable rather than elegant - a place one can relax or wander, with lovely
gardens to explore. 
Two WW groups were so happy with Chalet
Nicole last year that we're returning there this year. Chalet Nicole is owned
and run by Family Friendly Skiing (a small UK company who are very pleased to
have no children for our 2 weeks!) The chalet has a virtually ski-in/ski-out
position at the bottom of the red run into La Tania just above the main La
Tania telecabine. The chalet is only 6 minutes on foot from the centre of the
village and the bottom of the blue run.
Hotel Finca el Cerrillo is a
lovely small hotel situated in peaceful countryside close to the traditional
Andalucian villages of Canillas de Albaida and Competa in the foothills of the
Sierra Almijara, Southern Spain. From its terraces there are sweeping views of
the valley below and of the nearby national park.
This is a lovely small hotel
set on the edge of Los Berchules village with a back drop of the snow-capped
Cerro Gordo. Outside is the long terrace with its beautiful view, where meals
and drinks can be served. The hotel gardens are well stocked with many
interesting flowers and shrubs and a small almond grove which produces enough
for the hotel's needs. Guests who come in October, when the almonds are ready
to harvest, are welcome to pick their own!
Hotel Federico is a lovely
old hotel in the pedestrain centre of Granada that has been tastefully
redecorated with lots of delightful features and comfortable ensuite twin and
single rooms. 
For this trek we will be staying in a variety of places
- small hotels, appartments, or rooms - whatever is available around the
island! The style of breakfasts & packed lunches will also vary, and
sometimes it will be easiest for Marian to buy packed lunch materials that
everyone then helps make up.
4th night: Chipude is a little
village high up in the mountains on the south face of the island, and has only
one place to stay - namely Pension Sonia. Here again we have reserved twin
rooms, and the evening meal is taken at the pension (and is included in the
price of the holiday).
The first and last night of this holiday will be at
Albergo Gran Paradiso in the pretty little village of Noasca. The Albergo Gran
Paradiso is an old hotel in the village centre next to the river Orca, and is
owned by Josepe. Unfortunately it is also near the church, so some rooms have
chimes through the night, and some have the river noise! Here we will take all
the rooms available - standard twins, and two 3-bedded rooms. In Noasca there
is also a tabacci (sells stamps) and post office, a souvenir shop, a grocer
(for buying last minute dried fruit, nuts and biscuits for extra supplies!), as
well as the Gran Paradiso National Park information centre - well worth a
visit, and they have stunning postcards too! We will eat at the albergo on the
last night, and on the first night also if the flights schedule allows. Easyjet
does not offer inflight meals, so please bring sufficient food with you for the
journey - especially if the flight time has moved to early evening. 
Higher up the Valle del Orca we will stop for the night (going and
returning) at the village of Ceresole Reale near to the lake of the same name.
Here we will stay in lively Rifugio Le Fonti which is a GTA refuge (Grande
Traversati degli Alpi - long distance footpath), again next to the rushing Orca
River. The lower part of the building is partly a pizzeria, and partly a
mineral spa - surely healthy, but tasting strongly of iron! Daniella runs the
refuge, and will cook us a good evening meal (trout, sometimes pizzas...). The
accommodation is bunk beds in dormitories of different sizes - and those who
have the larger dormitory on the way up, can have the smaller rooms on the way
back!
Reaching the Col del Nivolet we will stay at Rifugi Citta di
Chivasso with the extraordinary panoramic position mentioned in the holiday
description. Rif. Citta di Chivasso is an atmospheric traditional refuge
reserved for walkers and climbers. The refuge sleeps 30 in total, and we shall
have bunks in 2 dormitories - most likely the large downstairs dormitory with
its own washroom/loo where the beds are on 2 traditional-style platforms, and
then one other dormitory upstairs. 
The water for the refuge is pumped from a
small lake nearby, and has to be conserved to last the season: there is one hot
shower - on a token system, but sometimes there is not enough water for
showers, and it's generally appreciated if you mainly wash using the hand
basins (or swim in the nearby lake). The refuge has solar power with a back-up
generator, so lights have to be turned off at 10pm (bring a torch if you
want to read longer and to save putting the
light on at night). The food at the refuge is good and plentiful, and will be
cooked for us by friendly Alessandro the custodian and his team of 'raggazzi'
(young men). 
Night 1:
Interlaken 
Night 2:
Lobhornhutte 
Night 3: Spielbodenalp - Murren
Night 4: Stechelberg - Lauterbrunnen
valley
Night 5:
Eigergletscher 
Night 6:
Grindelwald 
Night 7: Faulhorn 
little delapidated due to the prohibitive cost of
modern repairs. Our evening meal is included (no longer a la carte like in the
old days, but just a cosy place with hearty food.
Maria and Christina's Oasis
Rooms in Polyrisos near Rothakino consist of ensuite twins or singles, all with
sea views (see the white building furthest to the right in this
photo).
The rooms are up a short
slope from the beach with olive trees behind and flowering trees in front. Each
has a balcony overlooking the sea, and a simple kitchen area with stove and
fridge for fixing breakfast. We can ask Maria to order us fresh bread daily
from the bread van, and we can buy butter, honey, yogurt, cheese, tomatoes and
anything else needed for breakfast and the next day's packed lunch from the
shop on our way home each day. There are several small tavernas in the village
for evening meals from £9 - or for lunch on the day we take off from
walking to enjoy the sea. 
Definitely a holiday with a difference, this is the first time that
we have offered a holiday on a sailing boat - even if we will be walking as
usual on most of the days! What better way to explore the stunning Turkish
Coast with its forested hillsides, quiet inlets, coves and
islands.
Vila Kolinska is a newly
refurbished small hotel in a quiet residential corner of Bled, 10 minutes walk
from the lake and Bled centre. 
For the June Slovenia holiday we will be
staying at Penzion Bohinj, located on the outskirts of quiet Stara Fuzina
village next to the rushing Mosnitca River. Nearby is beauiful Bohinj lake, and
from the bedrooms there are views over the trees to the peaks bordering the
Bohinj valley. 10 minutes walk down the road is Ribcev Laz - a busier and more
touristy settlement on the main road.
Since Sutivan has no hotels or large pensions, here you
choose between Pension Dora and apartments within walking
distance of Pension Dora.
What are the apartments like? 
Pension Dora will
be our focal point. We will meet up for breakfast here each morning, make our
packed lunches from a buffet table, then eat together here on 4 evenings. The
Pension has an attractive vine-covered courtyard with tables where excellent
meals are served, and you can always order a drink here.
Rakela is a
building tucked away in a quiet street behind the sea front. As such there is a
sea view between the buildings from the terrace and from one of the bedrooms.
It is conveniently located near the front, and only 3-4 minutes walk from
Pension Dora. The furniture is traditional - but this building is due to be
renovated (possibly) so the furniture might change.
Apartment 1:
On the 1st floor, has 2 single bedrooms, kitchen, small lounge, bathroom,
access to non-sea view terrace. 
Apartment Sanja is on the
harbour front above one of the restaurants we have most enjoyed eating at.
Despite this proximity to the harbour, unless you want to go to sleep before
11, you are unlikely to find it noisy here as we will be in Sutivan after the
peak season has ended. 
This building is actually a 17th
Century protected monument - one of the oldest buildings on the edge of Sutivan
Harbour. As such it has sea and harbour views, but no terrace or courtyard.
Beside the Tower there is a bench under some palm trees for sitting with a book
- but this isn't a private space. (The owners live on the ground
floor).
2 bedrooms on the 2nd floor which share the 1st floor
bathroom. (Although this is an exception to the rule of not more than 2 women
to an apartment, we have included the Tower because of its wonderful views).
The small kitchen is on this floor. 
On arrival at Sofia Airport, we
are met by our guides Lati and Nelli and driven to the Maliovitsa Valley where
we will spend the first 4 nights of this trip. Hotel Maliovitsa has been newly
renovated, and from here 2 of our walks are right on the doorstep. (This is a
change from the previous 2 years when we had to drive up to an hour each way
from Borovets to reach these walks). The hotel has a very peaceful setting at
the start of the Maliovitsa valley, with pine trees on 2 sides, and views up
the valley from the bedrooms. There is no village here, just the hotel and a
few other accommodations, including a refuge. (In the winter Maliovitsa is a
small ski resort). However, we will stop on our way to the hotel from the
airport in the nearest small town - to get a feel for the area, and for any
forgotten items. We will also drive to Borovets for our second walk where there
are several cafes, small shops, and a supermarket to explore after
walking.
Night 5: Hotel Tsarev Vruv , Rila
Monastery
Nights 6: Melnick near
Pirin mountains
Driving today
into the Pirin, we reach the resort town of Bansko with views out to the
mountains including magnificent Vihren. Here we stay at Hotel Molerova. This
hotel is recently built, light and spacious, tastefully decorated, offering
ensuite twin and single rooms, some of them overlooking the courtyard
restaurant where we eat. A gypsy band sometimes plays here serenading diners.
Bansko retains a beautiful old centre full of traditional buildings and taverns
which we will also doubt want to visit...
Night 10: Hotel Serdika, Sofia (or similar)
Nights 1-4: Hotel Pod Sikmou Vezi Jicin,
Bohemian Paradise
Hotel Atos is situated in attractive part
of Prague-Mala strana - within walking distance of Charles Bridge and Prague
Castle. Across the bridge lies Prague Old Town Square with the Astronomical
clock and most of the other famous sights of Prague are within walking
distance. 
The first 7 nights of this
new Cross country skiing holiday are spent in the village of Kvilda, the
highest village in the Czech Republic at 1065m. 
Nights 1:
Hotel Riad Assia, Marrakech
For
these trekking nights to the summit of Jebel M'goun and back, we will stay in
2-person tents which mules will carry for us during the day along with our
gear. You will need to bring a warm sleeping bag for these nights - 4 season
for the highest camp. Here is the itinerary:
This night we stay at a restored
casbah on the top of a little hill, surrounded by the houses and orchards
of the village. Here we can enjoy a well-deserved shower and rest before dinner
- still cooked by our trekking cook. If we are lucky, the muleteeres will
return to make their traditional music with us in the evening. 
Day 8:After breakfast we pack up and walk
through the orchards to the main road where our minibuses are waiting
(Muleterres will come to take our luggage). It's time to leave Ait Bouguemez
and drive out though the valleys and foothills of the Atlas to return to
Marrakech. On the way back we can detour to the stunning Cascades d'Ouzoud
(waterfall). 
Arriving in
Marrakech we stay at Hotel Amani - a different hotel to our first stay.
Nice touches give this modern hotel a more traditional air inside. 
if you want to treat yourself (Single
supplement - £14 a night). There is even a small swimming pool and a sun
terrace, and on the roof there is a roof terrace with stunning views over
Marrakech. The staff have a reputation for being friendly. In the evening we
will go out to eat.
After a day flight to Cape Town (via
Amsterdam) we stay for the first 5 nights of the holiday at comfortable Brenwin
Guest House, situated in cosmopolitan Green Point on the slopes of Signal Hill.
The bustling V&A Waterfront with its many shops, bars and restaurants will
be only 8 minute walk away. 
For 2 days of the trek
we walk through the De Hoope Reserve down to the coast - a stunning walk even
before you reach the sea with many flowers and birds, and wonderful views. For
the next 3 days of the trek, we walk along the coast past bays where the
Southern Wright whales come close to give birth at this time of
year.
At the end of the trek we will stop in
Hermanus for 2 nights before returning to Cape Town. Here we will stay in the
comfortable Windsor Hotel on the cliffs, with sea view rooms from which you
might see more whales in the distance! In the evening we'll go out to explore
some of the good eating places in Hermanus (not
included).
Tea Houses on the
trek
Breakfast, then start our trek. From Refugio Las Torres, we continue
to the foot of the El Paine massif for a view of the torres. Camp at Refugio
Las Torres. (B, L, D) 
Day 7: Walk above Lago Grey to
Glacier Grey 
Transfer to Chalten 4 hours aprox. Start
trek to Cerro Torre Lagoon - a pleasant hike through lenga forest with views of
Cerro Torre, Torre Egger, and Cerro Standhart. Return to town. Sleep at Hostel.
(B, L) 
In the
morning we will hike to Laguna de los tres. Magnificent views of the Fitzroy
with close up of Fitzroy's stunning North Face. Walk back to town. Sleep at
Hostel. (B, L ) 
Rosie Jeffries or Sarah Burt. The Lake District Map is