|
|
WalkingWomen Calendar for Walking Holidays in Autumn 2009All our Autumn holidays & short breaks (or walking tours) are given below. Click on any title for more details. General Arrangements and Contact Details are to be found at the bottom of this page.See the main WalkingWomen website?You may have arrived on this page via a search engine. This is the unframed version of the WalkingWomen site only for browsers that do not support frames. Connect to the WalkingWomen Home Page? The main WalkingWomen site is constantly updated to show which walking holidays still have space! |
An autumn w/e for some great high walks
from Grasmere - choosing between the Fairfield Horseshoe with its striking
views towards Striding Edge, or Helvellyn via Grisedale Tarn with all of
Thirlmere before us as we descend. Then on the Sunday there will hopefully be
time for the Langdale Pikes from Great Langdale or the wonderful Helm Crag
ridge before travelling home - so don't book your train home too early! The
weekend is based at Glenthorne Guest House in Grasmere which has lovely rooms
and plenty of singles, excellent food, and a large garden with views in 3
directions. 
The Suffolk Coast is another
area of outstanding natural beauty. Centred along this coastal stretch is the
ancient settlement of Dunwich - once the seat of kings facing the North Sea.
Later it became a thriving port and ship building harbour important enough to
elect 2 members of Parliament. However, over the centuries the sea made serious
incursions along this coastline, and in the 14th century alone 400 houses, 2
churches, and several windmills 'succumbed to tempests'. Today Dunwich is
reduced to a quiet village on the edge of the sea with a fascinating history, a
small museum, and a ruined priory. Paths fan out from the village through
Minsmere Nature Reserve, to the pretty estuary village of Walberswick, or
inland through fields and woodland - giving us several of 7-8 miles circuits to
explore. In Dunwich we will be staying at The Ship Inn - a former coaching inn
which offers simple ensuite twin and single rooms, and excellent pub fare in
the evenings. Darsham station is 5 miles away by taxi. (Evening meals are not
included - from £15). 
The West Highland Way is one of the most breathtaking
long distance paths, following ancient trails steeped in history through some
of the most spectacular scenery in Britain, from the Scottish lowlands near
Glasgow to Fort William near the foot of Ben Nevis in the Highlands. There'll
be the wonderful colours of autumn along the shores of Loch Lomond, dramatic
waterfalls in Glen Falloch, the bleak expanses of Rannoch Moor, and the
dramatic Highland scenery of Glencoe and Lairigmor. We start from Drymen,
missing out the first road walking section from Glasgow. From Drymen it is 83
glorious miles to Fort William, averaging 12 miles and 340m of ascent a day
over 7 walking days. On the way we stay in B&Bs, old coaching inns, and
small hotels. Guided by Marcelle. (Evening meals are not included - from
£15). 
Over this new Turkish holiday we will
journey from Marmaris to Fethiye, sometimes sailing, but usually walking to the
next rendezvous point along forested tracks and quiet lanes with views to the
mountains, the woods, or out over the islands along this lovely coast. The
walks vary to suit the terrain, averaging low intermediate in grade with one
steeper ascent. Walking to Dalyan village we will catch a river boat to the mud
baths and ruins at Caunos, while on other days there may be 2-3 shorter walks
with sailing in between - to take in Cleopatra's Bath, other Roman ruins and
tombs, or the sunset from Yassica Island. On the last day there will be an
optional excursion to view the amazing Saklikent Gorge and the ruins of Tlos -
or you might prefer a relaxing day on the boat, swimming from a nearby beach.
The holiday is priced on a full board basis with delicious meals served on deck
in the evening. (This October holiday counts as high season, but the flights
should cost less than at Easter). 
Travel -
flight to Dalaman is not included: There are evening flights from
Gatwick to Dalaman with Easyjet (available soon) or with Tompsonfly from
Manchester (available now). (From other airports the flights usually arriving
in the middle of the night). Evening transfer to the boat is included. Please
talk to us before you book your flight - or we can happily book it for you.
The long Northumberland Coast
has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - mile upon mile of
almost deserted sands, traditional seaside towns, historic castles, and rolling
surf… This new WW holiday is based at Bamburgh, once home to heroine Grace
Darling, and overlooked by magnificent 11th century Bamburgh Castle. Our walks
will take us along the coast in each direction - to Seahouses with its harbour,
lifeboat station, and many small cafes; and to Budle Bay returning over the
dunes behind Budle Point. On one day we'll take the bus to Embleton and head
for Craster, famous for its kippers, and walk back past the ruins of
Dunstanburgh Castle. We will also walk on Holy Island, otherwise known as
Lindisfarne, crossing the causeway at low tide and being sure to return before
the tide rises! This holiday with Pam is based at Sunningdale Hotel in Bamburgh
- a friendly, family-owned hotel with a good number of ensuite single rooms
available. Berwick-upon-Tweed is the nearest train station, then bus from the
station to Bamburgh. 
The incredible
experience of trekking in Nepal need not be purely for high level walkers. The
Hindu and Buddhist temples of Kathmandu, the amazing medieval city of Baktapur,
the serenity of Phewa Tal ('Fish Tail Lake') in Pokhara, and the breath taking
views of the Himalaya are all features of this intermediate holiday to Nepal
with Linda - including a 6-day circular trek to Gorapani in the Annapurna
region. At Gorapani, weather permitting, we'll climb Poon Hill and watch the
sun rise over the magnificent Annapurna range. There'll be bamboo forests and
huge rhododendron trees in flower, monkeys in the trees, steep stone steps that
we'll take as slowly as we need, and little villages dotting the terraced
hillsides where we'll stop for tea. While staying at Pokhara before the trek,
we will have a warm-up walk to Sunrise View at Sarankot, and maybe cross the
lake by boat to climb to the Peace Temple for another special view of the
mountains. The walks on this holiday are to the full limit of Intermediate, and
on one trekking day we will be walking uphill for 6 hours. Our accommodation
over this holiday will vary from 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara to
simple tea houses on the trek (basic accommodation with clean rooms and
filtered water. Some have squat toilets). Luggage is transported for you - you
carry a day pack only.
Atol No. 6497
The peaceful Quantock Hills in Somerset were the first area in
England to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Standing above
the Vale of Taunton, they afford far-reaching views across nine counties and
over the Bristol Channel to the Welsh hills. Our walks will explore lesser
known routes over moorland hilltops and through quiet wooded combes full of
autumn colour where we might see ponies, badgers, buzzards, and red deer. We
will be based at Huntstile Organic Farm on the outskirts of Goathurst village -
a 14th century farmhouse that has its own stone circle, a spring-fed lake, and
woods to explore. In addition to the farmhouse we will have the use of the
Apple Loft, the Cider House, the Studio, the Summerhouse - delightfully
converted outbuildings offering a range of ensuite twins, ensuite and standard
singles. In the evening Lizzie will cook us delicious dinners. Lizzie and John
grow many of their own vegetables. They have a small herd of cattle, and "a
flock of organic chickens that lay the most delicious free-range eggs in the
world (probably)!" Goatshurst village is easy to reach from the M5 or by taxi
from either Bridgwater Station (5 miles) or Taunton station (9 miles).
The fantastic ancient yews of Kingley Vale,
superb views from the Downs across Chichester harbour to the sea, Bosham
harbour which dates back to Saxon and medieval times, waders and waterbirds
… plenty to explore and enjoy on this South Downs weekend based in the
quiet rural setting of East Ashling, a short taxi ride from Chichester. Here
we'll be staying for 2 nights at the Horse & Groom, a 17th Century pub
whose bedrooms are all located away from bar noise in two beautifully converted
adjacent barns. Furthermore, these ensuite twin and double bedrooms can all be
taken as singles with no extra supplement! (The pub has no separate residents
lounge, so we will eat in the bar. Evening meals are not included - from
£15). There will be an extra Friday afternoon walk if you can arrive by
1pm.
Right on Dublin's doorstep
lie the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, one of the most popular walking areas in
Ireland. Wicklow, with its rolling hills of grass and peat is a great high
level walking area, especially around Glendalough where we will stay in ensuite
single rooms at modern Glendalough Hostel (no supplement). From here we'll be
able to walk up Scarr Mountain, continuing on to spectacular whale-backed
Tonlagee with its lovely heart-shaped corrie lake. Also from the hostel we can
walk the wonderful circuit of Glendalough via the Spink with its dramatic
cliffs, past tiny isolated Lough Firrib, returning over Camaderry - giving us
fabulous views of Glendalough's two lakes and a great introduction to the peat
hags of Wicklow! On one day we will drive to Glenmalure valley for the
highlight of the holiday - an ascent of Wicklow's only 3,000ft mountain,
Lugnaqueeille, with its beautiful grassy plateau summit and its views back to
Glendalough and on towards South Wicklow and beyond. On the last day we can
include a shorter walk on Bray Head overlooking the sea before driving back
to
the airport. Breakfasts and packed lunches will be
supplied by the hostel. For evening meals we'll have 2 local hotels and a
popular restaurant to choose from, plus a good pub where we may even hear some
Irish music! (Evening meals not included - from £15.00). (Initial pick up
from Dublin Aiport at 3pm; drop off at 3pm in time for flights from 5pm. Let us
know if you are coming from Ireland, N. Ireland, or by ferry).
The Shropshire hills invite exploration:
the Long Mynd, Ragleth, Caer Caradoc, the Stiperstones - wonderful names
steeped in history, all with far-reaching views towards the Brewyn Hills or the
Welsh Mountains. This short Shropshire break with Jo J is based in Little
Stretton, staying at Mynd House with its beautifully decorated twin rooms or
double rooms taken as singles (mostly ensuite. Single suppl. £10 a
night). From here we'll have easy access to the Long Mynd or over Ragleth to
Caer Caradoc where Caradoc is reputed to have made his last stand against the
Romans. Mynd House has a cosy lounge with a small bar and dining room where we
will eat in the evening. Little Stretton is easy to reach by car or public
transport (Church Stretton station is 1 mile away by taxi). 
The last opportunity of the year
to stay at High Trenhouse near Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales. High
Trenhouse is a beautifully converted farm and barn on the edge of the moors
above Malham Cove and Gordale. The Pennine Way from Malham Cove passes close by
on its way over Fountains Fell to Pen-y-ghent, and across the moors are
interesting paths to the pretty village of Arncliffe and the li
vely 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.
This autumn Gentle Derbyshire break with
Heidi is based at comfortable Losehill Hall near Castleton where the landscapes
of the White and the Dark Peak meet. Losehill Hall is a lovely old Victorian
mansion set in its own extensive grounds 10 mins walk from Castleton village,
and all the rooms we've reserved here are small 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. From here there
are lovely gentle walks to explore - beside the river to Hope with views across
Hope Valley, or into fascinating Cavedale, maybe including a visit to the
unique Blue John cavern. On one day we can take the bus to walk in Edale, or we
might want to stretch ourselves for the fabulous views from Mam Tor by taking a
gently ascending route onto this stunning broad ridge. 
This holiday with Diana and Anne offers a
fab choice of Low Intermediate and High Intermediate walks on the Grasmere
fells - you choose which grade you prefer. For Low Intermediate walks, we might
start with the wonderful circuit of Loughrigg Fell, returning past pretty
Loughrigg Tarn; or else extend a walk to Easedale Tarn to include the wild
valley of Far Easedale valley. Another possible walk is the lovely circuit from
Elterwater via Little Langdale which includes a superb stretch of the Cumbria
Way; and we could finish on the last day with a wonderful 5-lakes view from
Silver How... For High Intermediate walks we could start with the Helm Crag
ridge with superb views back over Grasmere; or maybe walk up past Easedale Tarn
to Sargeant Man, returning along the Blea Rigg ridge. On other days we could
take the direct route from Grasmere up Fairfield for views of Striding Edge and
St Sunday Crag, or drive around to Great Langdale for a fabulous day on the
Langdale Pikes. As usual on Grasmere holidays we'll be based at Glenthorne
Guest House with its comfortable rooms and very good food - always a
favourite! 
The Alpujarras stretch from the Sierra
Nevada watershed in the north to the Mediterranean in the south and create a
paradise for walkers. Moorish influences can still be seen in the little
villages with narrow streets and white-washed houses that seem to hang on the
hillsides. Forest tracks and intermediate mountain paths wind through a
landscape rich in wildlife - boar, ibex, foxes, wild cats, and many birds,
while in the valleys vines, almonds and olives are grown and mules still toil
in the fields. This holiday is based on the edge of Los Berchules village with
a backdrop of the snow-capped Cerro Gordo. Hotel Los Berchules offers good
ensuite twin rooms and plenty of singles, a comfortable bar and lounge with an
open fire for cooler evenings, a wide outside terrace with
lovely views, and tasty
evening meals of tapas and other regional dishes. The holiday finishes with a
last night in Granada so that we can visit the Alhambra before we fly (Alhambra
entrance is not included - costs 12 Euros), or we can explore the rest of this
fascinating city. The meals in Granada and 2 evening meals at Los Berchules are
not included (on these 2 evenings we will eat out in mountain restaurants -
from £10). 
This weekend break is based on the
beautiful Dorset coast, staying at the Cromwell House Hotel in Lulworth Cove to
walk the striking coastal paths nearby. On the Saturday we can take the path
from the village heading to Durdle Door for a wonderful walk along the cliffs,
maybe descending to the beach at Durdle Door if we feel energetic. On Sunday we
could either walk in the other direction from the Cove along another lovely
stretch of coast path, or do a walk along Purbeck ridge which would give us
extensive views across both the coast and the Dorset heathlands, finishing with
a spectacular view of the Corfe Castle ruins. (These coastal walks are all well
within the Low Intermediate grade, but may involve more 'up' and 'down' than
some other low intermediate destinations!) If you can arrive by 1pm on Friday,
there can be another shorter walk inland from Lulworth Cove in the afternoon.
Lulworth Cove lies between Swanage and Weymouth, and is a short taxi ride from
Wool station on the Waterloo to Weymouth line. Cromwell House is a comfortable
2 star hotel 200m and on this November weekend everyone can have an ensuite
single room (Single supplement £10 a night). 
Does the idea of Christmas with
other women appeal? Walking, getting to know each other, eating well, playing
games, hoping for snow....!? Well, now's your chance! This year we will be
taking Glenthorne Guest House for ourselves again, sharing the cooking or
washing up and generally making merry. We'll be around 35 women with 4 guides,
and since the guest house sleeps more than this normally, there'll be a
relatively high number of single rooms available, as well as ensuite twins and
doubles. Glenthorne has a good sized lounge with an adjoining conservatory
which we could turn into a dancing space on some evenings! There's also a large
dining room and a table tennis/TV room.
The first date given for a holiday is the day you
arrive. We don't walk on that day, except perhaps for an evening stroll to get
to know each other. You can usually get into your room from 2pm. Your guide
will arrive by 5pm and will leave a message at reception to say where she'll be
at that time. Dinner is generally at 7pm - so do tell us if you think you will
be late in case we can hold your meal. The walks start at a convenient time
after breakfast each day. Their length depends on the grade and sometimes we
might change a walk because of the weather. The walk on the last day is
shorter, and we are generally back by 2pm for trains from 3pm. However, on
weekend breaks and treks - especially if intermediate and high level - we are
generally not back till 3pm for trains from 4pm. When booking a weekend or a
trek, please tell us if you will need to leave earlier than this. 
The accommodation we book for the holidays varies hugely - from
charming small hotels and inns, to moderately priced guesthouses, and
ideally-located hostels and mountain refuges. The prices are based on you
sharing a room with another member of the group unless it says otherwise.
Singles with or without a supplement are often available if you book early. All
supplements are given as a figure per night. In hostels and refuges you mostly
sleep in bunk beds sharing a dormitory with other members of the group. Help
yourself to a free welcome cuppa from the Member's Kitchen when you arrive! For
much more accommodation information see our
If 'trekking' to you means days of slogging with the kitchen sink on
your back - forget it! We use 'Trekking' or 'Trek' to refer to holidays that
involve walking to a new place most days, allowing us to get off the beaten
track and reach more remote places like the stunning Western Lakes or a high
Alpine valley. We transport the luggage by taxi or porters wherever possible,
and on trips where this is not possible we clarify in the holiday description
the number of days you will carry extra gear. A trekking day can sometimes be a
little longer than a day walk of the same grade and there isn't the same
flexibility to take a day off as with other holidays, so please choose the
grade with special care. The reward is the satisfaction of having walked there
and seeing a new valley come into view. If a UK trek is not circular we arrange
transport back to the starting point or nearest station for free or for a
small, shared charge (see the holiday description). 
We include the cost of the flight and transfer in as many holidays
as possible - usually from Gatwick, Manchester, or Heathrow. The holidays in
this brochure with flights included are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation
Authority. Our ATOL number is 6497. Usually one of the guides for the holiday
is on your flight and will be at the airport to meet you. We send you all the
particulars when you book. 
Rosie Jeffries or Sarah Burt. The Lake District Map is