 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.
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 & 2: St Bees
(Cumbria - west coast) 
Night 4: Borrowdale (14
miles)(Lake District)
Night 6: Patterdale (9 miles)(Lake District)
Night 8: Kirkby Stephen (20
miles)(Eden Valley) 
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)
In 2009 we moved our Rothbury holiday to
the Coquetvale Hotel for an increase in comfort and facilities from our
previous accommodation. This move has proved a great success, and women loved
staying here last year.
The Twice Brewed Inn is set amongst
some of the most breathtaking scenery in England and stands in the shadows of
Steel Rigg, without doubt one of the most dramatic parts of Hadrian's Wall. The
rooms are simply furnished, but all have tea and coffee making facilities.
There are views of Steel Rigg to the front and side and the fells at the rear
of the Inn. There are ensuite twin rooms, and plenty of standard twin or double
rooms that we can take as singles (Single supplement £10 a night).
The Sunningdale Hotel is
family owned, and offers comfortable, good quality and value accommodation in
the beautiful coastal village of Bamburgh. The hotel's 21 bedrooms have ensuite
facilities and were extensivel refurbished 2 years ago. The rooms all have TV
and tea/coffee making facilities, and superb views of the castle and coast,
Bamburgh village, or stunning country landscape (Ensuite single supplement
£12.50 a night).
Sneaton Castle Centre is situated in
beautiful and extensive grounds adjacent to St Hilda's Priory on the outskirts
of the picturesque seaside town of Whitby. The castle itself dates back to the
19th Century, and following major refurbishment the buildings have been
transformed into a centre for groups and conferences. It is also used by
religious groups.
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. 
Hebden House is the residential wing of the
Birchcliffe Centre and is situated on the hillside above the picturesque town
of Hebden Bridge. Set in two acres of woodland, Hebden House offers a peaceful
and secluded setting. Usually the centre is used for training courses, but it
is also a great base for walking in the surrounding landscape of the South
Pennines.
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 House 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. 
The Crown Inn, in the Cotswold village of
Frampton Mansell, originated as a seventeenth century ‘cider house’
and is steeped in history. The locals regard it as the perfect village pub with
roaring log fires in winter, locally brewed real ales, and delicious
traditional home-cooked food.
Situated in the centre of Britain’s
widest high street, the Castle and Ball has had an interesting past. It
occupies a site which has had an inn standing on it since the 15th Century, and
some of its timbers predate the Armada. 
Set in the very heart of
Pangbourne-on-Thames, the Best Western George Hotel proudly occupies a site on
which there has been an Inn since 1295. In fact the first George Hotel existed
before there was a permanent village here at the confluence of the Thames and
the River Pang.
Situated on the banks of the River Thames
by Maidenhead Bridge, the charming Edwardian building of The Thames Riviera
Hotel provides the gateway to Maidenhead, just half a mile away.
Situated in rural West Sussex, close to the
historic city of Chichester and just a few minutes from the sea, Earnley
Concourse is a purpose-designed residential centre set in its own extensive
grounds, and offering good ensuite accommodation in several neighbouring
buildings. 
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!
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.
Nights 1
& 6 - Penzance Hostel
Zennor village is situated just half a mile from the South West
Coast path - a very picturesque small farming village boasting an 11th Century
church, a pub and the oldest privately owned museum in Cornwall. Zennor
Backpackers Hostel is a small independent family-run backpackers hostel
accommodating a maximum of 32 people.
This
hostel is the closest YHA to Lands End, but is actually near St Just, 4 miles
walk from Sennon Cove. It is a small cosy and relatively simple hostel in a
stunning location, and more than half the rooms command fine views of the sea.
The South West Coast Path is just five minutes walk away, and there is a local
pub close by that has live music on some nights. From this peaceful location we
will walk from the door on the first day as we head for Lands End. On
subsequent days we will have transport from the hostel to the start of our next
day's walk, returning with minibus transport in the late afternoon.
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!
The Lorna Doone Hotel is a
family run, licensed hotel centrally situated in Porlock, yet within walking
distance of both Exmoor and the Exmoor Coastline. Toni and Dick look forward to
welcoming you to the Hotel. 
Lorna Doone story, and is equiped with
central heating, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Cots, hair-dryers, shoe
cleaning kit, sewing kit and iron & Ironing board are available for guests
on request. WiFi Internet connection is also available. 
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. 
The Worms Head hotel is a older family-run
hotel in an elevated position overlooking the sea on the edge of Rhossili
village. The decor of the bedrooms is homely rather than smart, but the making
of this hotel is its view of Rhossili Bay and the Worms Head from the bedroom
windows. What's more, ALL the bedrooms have these stunning views - some of the
best in Britain. Here we have reserved ensuite twin rooms and plenty of ensuite
singles, all with direct dial telephones and tea or coffee making
equipment.
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. 
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. 
Inchree Centre is a family-run centre for walkers and
climbers, located in the picturesque village of Onich. Set within private &
naturally wooded grounds, the centre has superb panoramic views overlooking
Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour Mountains. Inchree is a small hamlet, conveniently
situated off the A82 main road, yet secluded enough to offer peace and
quiet.
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.
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!
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). 
The Garfagnana valley is a
wooded, quiet corner of Tuscany off the beaten track of tour coaches and wine
tours. It is best suited to walkers and cyclists with beautiful woods and
trails, and awe insipiring views. The Casine di Bracciacorti (and neighbouring
Bracciacorti Centre) run by the Giovannetti family were Garfagnana's first
venture into Agriturismo. 
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.
The Hotel Wittelsbach is a
traditionally built hotel centrally located in the small but busy town of
Berchtesgaden. From here we will have easy access to shops, transport for
walks, and a wide choice of restaurants in the evening. Johann, the friendly
owner of the hotel , also speaks English. The service at the hotel is very good
- nothing seems too much trouble! The atmophere is relaxed and friendly, with
large, airy, ensuite bedrooms (singles, twins & doubles), a good sized
lounge and breakfast room, and a quiet, sunny, garden at the back of the hotel.
For breakfast there will be a large buffet to choose from served in the
breakfast room, and in the evening we'll go out to explore the many restaurants
in town - where the food ranges from typically German to Italian, Croatian and
even Chinese (evening meals not included - from £12).
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 only holiday we
offer 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.
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. These again have harbour views. The
small kitchen is on this floor. 
Dinka's house has 2 floors with 4 apartments on each
floor. The upper floor apartments share a small terrace, while the lower floor
apartments open onto a shady courtyard. 
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.
Our first night will be at Hotel Bulgaria in Plovdiv,
Bulgaria's lovely 2nd city. Hotel Bulgaria is totally modern from the outside,
but is surprisingly luxurious in an elegant style on the inside, with pillars
and ornate staircase in the lobby. 
Hotel Yagodina is a small village hotel run by two
sisters, located in the remote village of Yagodina in the Rhodopi Mountains.
Women really loved staying here in 2009. The loved the hotel, the staff, the
village, and the setting! The hotel has a new wing which will give us plenty of
ensuite singles as well as ensuite twin rooms (Ensuite single supplement
£10 a night). The rooms are all furnished with pine furniture in a clean
modern style. 
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. 
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 Sinai is an incredibly beautiful,
rocky, mountainous desert. The terrain will be rocky underfoot with some
scrambling at High Level, and steep rocky ground to cross even at High
Intermediate level. For this reason we have graded the 'easier' route High
Intermediate rather than Intermediate. The High Level route covers 94 km
and 4921m of ascent/descent. The High Intermediate route covers 73km and
3818m of ascent/descent.
Day 3 When ready to set off, we'll
head off down a wadi for 10km past small settlements, monastery gardens,
springs, palm trees and Bedouin gardens. As you head north the main bulk of the
mountains you will be climbing later on the trek will loom above you. As the
wadi twists and turns you will find welcome patches of shade to rest in and
brew up tea to incredible strengths which seems to hold amounts of sugar then
can defy laws of physics. Eventually the wadi spits you out onto the flat sandy
plains in the north which takes you round to the Eco Lodge. Everyone meets up
at the Eco Lodge, which will be home for the night. The lodge is beautifully
built and placed near bronze aged settlements, at the "back door to the high
mountains" The lodge is almost deafened by the desert silence and with no light
pollution it makes a perfect spot to study the stars above. A retired British
teacher in the village has a powerful telescope and the knowledge to unveil
some of the mysteries of the stars above (which we have asked him to do).
Both groups: Walking out of
the lodge and up into the winding wadi behind leads back into the mountains
till the wadi itself is at the foot of the 400m sheer face of the legendary
Jebel Banat. (The legend has it that two sisters that were both forced into a
proposed marriage climbed to the summit braided their hair together and jumped
falling down the 500m high north west face to their deaths. Their suicides
shocked the local community and opened up better rights and more choice for
today's Bedouin girls). A 45m high dry waterfall at the base of the face will
be a great place to stop for tea before climbing round its side. You will then
wander through a labyrinth of boulders and gardens as you climb up higher. Here
the group will divide into those wanting to climb to the summit and those
wanting an easier day. The view from the summit looks back down to the Eco
Lodge and the distant flat deserts in the north. Wandering on over easy flat
ground the group will eventually look down onto the village of Abu Silla that
is close to the end of the day's walk. A narrow canyon, which cuts a ridge,
will lead the us to our new home for the night in the form of a Bedouin
doctor's medicinal garden. It will be here that we will start to meet some of
the camels that will be carrying our bags and food further into the mountains.
The high level walk will head up small valleys at times
leaving the footpath completely to the summit of Jebel Abbas Pasha (2344m).
Jebel Tiinya is the peak's original name, but its alternative name is what it
is most commonly called. The viceroy of Egypt Abbas Himli I - Pasha started to
build his palace to recuperate from TB. Construction began in 1853, but in 1854
he died and work stopped. It now stands in a ruin of 45m square that was said
to be two stories high. It is uncertain whether he was murdered or he died of a
stroke. The High Intermediate walk will follow the valley past a large 2m deep
pool and up higher to the summit of Jebel Naja. Although the climb is not as
steep, the view is as impressive as you would expect from a higher peak. If the
highlands are a ship then this peak must surely be its prow. A 500m sheer cliff
drops away by your toes with a view sweeping away to distant sand dunes. A
narrow canyon with a natural spring will be your path towards camp for the
night. Both groups will meet up in the Bedouin garden of Abu Tweita. Bedouin
gardens show the true art of growing flowers and fruit in a land starved of
water. While you explore the gardens, food will be cooked over fires and
sometimes in the fire. There is a Bedouin bread called Leba this is cooked
within the hot ash and sand beneath the fire. 
After a short climb both walks will descend to one of the biggest
pools of water in the Sinai. Galt El Azraq, which means the 'black pool'. This
is a perfect place for a swim and a rest in the shade of trees, whilst no doubt
more tea is brewed. The wadi from here is full of trees, reeds, herbs and
boulders. As the wadi twists and turns you will climb steadily higher. The high
walks will climb up to the large plateau of Bab El Dunya, door to the universe;
here the brave can climb peaks to views over looking 2,000m down to the Gulf of
Suez and mainland Egypt. The high intermediate walk will continue up the wadi
past more gardens till we reach the one we'll call home for the night.
This will be the toughest day
for both groups. From the garden you will wind your way up over the first hill,
which will reveal the objective of the day and the massive mount that is Jebel
Katherine. At 2642m high it can be seen over the majority of the southern Sinai
Desert. The chapel on top can be seen shining in the sun high above the dunes
and wadis below. The ascending path follows a narrow wadi that may have small
pools of water to navigate round. Those not wanting to go all the way to the
top can rest on the ridge for a relaxing snooze and a cup of tea. The descent
down the other side will show views of the next day's objective and one of the
most famous mountains of the world, Mt Sinai. This night's home will be in a
tiny Bedouin settlement, with a nearby monastery garden full of ancient Cypress
trees and olive groves. 
Today you have the choice to stay around the bay and
snorkel on nearby reefs and shop for souvenirs. (Snorkling gear is available
for hire from the hotel). Or if you want a little bit more you can take the
30min jeep ride north to the famous Blue Hole reef. Here you will snorkel out
over the 110m deep hole and drift along with the current viewing the marine
life that hugs these deep steep reefs. Then catch some sunrays over lunch
before going back to Dahab. On this last evening we will have a delicious feast
provided for us! 
These chalets are located
just outside the historic mining town of Graskop right on the Escarpment and
enjoy wonderful views over the Low Veld. We have booked the chalets which have
the best views! Most of them contain a twin and a single room sharing the
bathroom, a small kitchen, and a lounge. We will use one of the chalet for
preparing a communal breakfast and our packed lunches before walking. In the
evening we'll drive the short distance into Graskop to eat out at one of
several small restaurants there. There will also be oportunities after walking
to explore Graskops many small curio shops. All linen, bath towels, and hand
towels are supplied and the chalets are fully serviced daily.
Talamati Bushveld Camp is a
small 'private' camp situated in a large open valley, affording superb game
viewing opportunities. The luxuriant grassveld in the area attracts large herds
of grazers, and the predators never lurk too far behind. Here we have reserved
4 comfortable guest cottages looking out towards the perimeter fence - each
with 2 bedrooms with ceiling fans which we will use as a single and a twin. The
twin bedroom has an ensuite shower room, and there is another bathroom for the
use of the single bedroom with both a bath and a shower. The chalets are fully
self-contained and we will use a central chalet
for preparing 'help yourself'
breakfasts. Usually we will drive out early to view game, sometimes taking a
packed breakfast with us to eat at a picnic area or game hide. Generally, dawn
and dusk are the best game viewing times. In the middle of the day we will most
likely return to the camp to relax, read, snooze, or watch game from camp's own
viewing hide. In the evenings while we are at Talamati, Ros and Diana will cook
barbeques ('braai') and other meals. The dining room is a fabulous open veranda
looking out onto the bush, and usually while we're eating we'll be aware of
animals beyond the fence. 
For the 2nd half of our time in the Kruger National
Park we drive south to Skukusa Camp on the Sabie River, where we will stay
luxury single bungalows next to each other, most of them looking out over the
water where game comes down to drink. Everyone has a single room here, and only
the river view bungalows pay a supplement. Each luxury bungalow has one double
bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and most have their own kitchen. At night you
will hear the hippos grunting, and maybe baboons barking if a predator comes
near. Large numbers of game are attracted to the abundance of water, sweet
grass and foliage in the vicinity of Restcamp, giving rise to a diversity of
game. In the camp itself
we might see Warthogs, Vervet
monkeys, wonderful birds, and bushbabies in the trees. Driving out from here
each day we hope to see Lion, Elephant, Hippos, Rhino, Buffalo, Buck, Baboons -
and again we'll sometimes take our breakfast with us to eat out with the bush
around us. (Ranger led bush walks and night drives are also available here). In
the evenings Diana & Ros will cook, or else we can go out to eat since
Skukusa is a large camp with 2 restaurants, a post office, bank, shop, an
internet café and even a swimming pool for an afternoon swim - so don't
forget your swimming costume!
- Bergwaters is a beautiful
peaceful retreat situated in a secluded valley flanked by sheer cliff-faces,
where eagles nest and crystal clear streams trickle through natural forests and
nurtured gardens. Family owned and managed, Bergwaters offers very comfortable
accommodation and delicious meals, and is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere.
Here we will stay in chalets with ensuite twin and ensuite single rooms. The
chalets all have air conditioning and TV.
We can enjoy an evening
meal at the Lodge's "Five Owls" restaurant, and on our two mornings here we can
have our breakfast on the veranda overlooking the pool. From here there is a
beautiful walk up the valley past the rapids, pools, and small waterfalls of
the Joubert stream, and a longer walk up onto the escarpment with fine views.
Alternatively you might want to spend the last morning relaxing before we
complete our drive to Johannesburg airport, with time for a relaxing stroll in
the gardens. Some members of the 2009 WW group arranged a massage here for
their final morning! (There is also a tennis court, squash court, gym with
sauna, pool table and a dartboard). Before leaving we have an early lunch at
the lodge. By 5pm we will be checking in for our flight home. 
After a day flight to Cape Town (via
Amsterdam) we stay for the first 4 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
Nights 3-16: Langtang Trek - Tea
Houses
Rosie Jeffries or Sarah Burt. The Lake District Map is