WalkingWomen |
Calendar for Walking Holidays & Breaks in Spring 2008All our Spring walking 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.Or connect to the main WalkingWomen site?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! |
The Suffolk Coast has been designated an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 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 with the power to
elect 2 members of Parliament. However, over the centuries the sea has made
serious incursions along this Suffolk coast, 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. Gentle paths fan out from the
village through Minsmere Nature Reserve, to the pretty estuary village of
Walberswick, or inland through fields and woodland. For this gentle holiday 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. Guided by Madeline - our natural history
guide. (Evening meals are not included - from £15). 
This break with Barbara offers 3 nights at Lulworth
Cove to give us more time for the striking coastal and heathland paths along
this beautiful section of the Dorset coast. For our first walk we can take the
path from the village heading to Durdle Door for a wonderful walk along the
cliffs, maybe descending to the beach if we feel energetic. Next day we might
head inland to the Purbeck ridge, a walk which will give us extensive views
across the coast and towards spectacular Corfe Castle ruins. Finally on the
last day we could walk in the other direction along another lovely stretch of
coast path. (These coastal walks are all well within the Low Intermediate
grade, but may involve more 'up' and 'down' than some other low intermediate
destinations!) There can be an extra walk on the Friday afternoon if you can
arrive by 1pm. Cromwell House Hotel where we'll be staying has comfortable
ensuite twin and single rooms 200m from the sea. Lulworth Cove is easy to reach
- a short taxi ride from Wool station on the Waterloo to Weymouth line.
Here's a w/e break with a
choice of Intermediate & Slow High walks each day so that you can stretch
or take it easy according to how you feel without worrying about the pace. For
Intermediate walks we have all the Grasmere fells to choose from - wild Blea
Rigg, the Helm Crag ridge, or Heron Pike with its fabulous views over Grasmere
and Rydal Water. For Slow High walks we'll surely reach the summit of
Fairfield, and if Helvellyn doesn't fit with homeward travel plans, we could
tackle the fabulous Langdale Pikes… The weekend is based at popular
Glenthorne Guest House in Grasmere in mostly single rooms. The food is
excellent here, and there's a large lounge, a conservatory, table tennis room,
and a lovely garden to enjoy. 
La Gomera is one of the
smallest of the inhabited Canary islands, 30 minutes south of Tenerife by
ferry. Few places in the world have the natural wealth of this circular
volcanic island: misty northern laurel forests, scorched canyons, grand rock
monoliths, palm groves, and sea cliffs plunging to crystal clear water below.
Ancient tracks and trails thread through this landscape, allowing us to make an
anti-clockwise circuit of the central volcanic massif, Alto de Garajonay. After
a first hotel night in San Sebastian, we'll walk from Agulo to Vallehermosa,
staying here in another comfortable small hotel for 2 nights to allow a
stunning sea cliff walk in this corner of the island. We then ascend to
characterful Pension Sonia in Chipude, high on the central massif and close to
the summit. The next day is long but breathtaking, descending to Playa Santiago
on the sunny south coast for 2 nights in apartments by the sea - a wonderful
place to take a rest day or catch a boat trip around the island. From here our
last day's walk back to San Sebastian is striking. We then have a last night in
San Sebastian to celebrate before catching the ferry back to Tenerife for our
flights home. Guided by Marian. (Day pack only throughout - luggage is
transported by taxi). 
Atol No. 6497
Grasmere's beautiful valleys,
lakes, woodlands, and ridges will be at their best for this weekend of Low
Intermediate rambles or rewarding explorations onto Grasmere's Intermediate
fells. The bluebells might just be emerging in the woods, there'll be new
leaves on the trees, and the views from higher up should be superb in the clear
April air. You can choose which level of walks you prefer each day - useful if
you're not sure which grade will suit you best. Lower rambles might include a
wonderful circuit of Loughrigg Fell, with stretches through the woods, lake
views, and a return past lovely Loughrigg Tarn. Intermediate walks have all of
Grasmere's fabulous ridges to choose from - wild Blea Rigg, popular Helm Crag,
or lesser known Grasmere Common overlooking Easedale Tarn. The weekend is based
at Glenthorne Guest House in Grasmere - always a favourite for its
friendliness, comfortable rooms, lovely garden, and excellent food!
Early May is a beautiful time of year to enjoy the Lake
District. There'll be bluebells emerging in the woods, bright new leaves on the
trees, and lambs in the fields. We might start with the scenic lakeshore path
beside Grasmere and Rydal Water, stopping at Rydal Hall for tea, then returning
beneath the trees along the old Coffin Trail. Another lovely walk is the one
past Sour Milk Gill waterfall to Easedale Tarn, or there are woodland paths
where we might hear woodpeckers, pretty Loughrigg Tarn to visit, or the wild
valley of Far Easedale to explore. For these 3 nights we'll stay at comfortable
Glenthorne Guest House in Grasmere - offering very good food, ensuite twin
rooms and standard singles without a supplement (£10 suppl. a night for
ensuite singles). 
This exciting Intermediate
May Day trek in Snowdonia with Lorraine starts with a first night at the
Heights Hotel hostel in Llanberis - easy to reach by train then local bus from
Bangor. The next morning we'll set off for 2 nights at the Snowdon Ranger youth
hostel beside beautiful Llyn Cwellyn (Llyn means lake), walking there over the
saddle between Foel Goch and Moel Cynghorion, and maybe detouring over Moel
Cynghorion for great views of Snowdon. On our second full day we can do a
circular walk onto Mynydd Mawr which will tempt us from across the lake. From
here we will see Snowdon again, and the striking Nantlle ridge closer by. From
the top we'll take the path over Craig y Bera, so we can descend for
refreshment at the Cwellyn Arms before walking back to the hostel. On the last
day we'll return to Llanberis starting on the bridle path, and this time
heading east from the saddle to walk over Foel Goch and Gron onto Moel Eilio,
with wonderful views back to Llyn Cwellyn on one side, and forward to Llyn
Dwythwch and the Llanberis lakes on the other. It's all too good to miss, so
don't book your train home before 4pm! (Luggage is transported by taxi).
Mull is one of the largest of
the Hebridean islands off the west coast of Scotland. It has a long and
strikingly beautiful coastline of high cliffs and bays, with caves and rock
arches, and views out to the many smaller islands that surround it. Most
notable of these is the 'Holy Isle' of Iona where we will walk on one day…
Another rewarding visit might be to cathedral-like Fingle's Cave on the island
of Staffa, whose geometrical basalt pillars are linked to the Giant's Causeway
in Ireland and have even inspired a Mendelssohn overture! On other days we will
take beautiful walks along Mull's coastline, stopping at sandy bays, or walking
to other famous caves and rock features. Inland, our eyes will often be drawn
to the island's only munro, Ben Mor, and from a walk over its lower shoulder
there will be striking views back to the coast. We will be staying at women-run
Ardachy House Hotel on the south coast, overlooking the deserted sands of
Ardalanish Bay and the islands of Jura, Colonsay, and Islay. Iona is only 7
miles away; seals, otters and the elusive Corncrake are regular visitors to the
area, and there is a standing stone and Iron Age fort close by... The hotel
offers comfortable ensuite twin, double, and single bedrooms, and some of the
bedrooms and the residents' lounge have a lovely view towards the sea. Mull is
reached by a regular train from Glasgow, then a magical ferry journey from Oban
to Craignure. The bus to Iona passes near the Hotel and meets every ferry
(approx. £7). Maggie or Cathy from the hotel will then collect you from
Bunessan village. 
This is the first of two
opportunities this year to spend a relaxed week in Crete, exploring some of the
gorges and coast paths in the south and southwest of this magical island. May
is a lovely month to walk in Crete - when the sun is not too hot and the island
is still green with many wild flowers and aromatic herbs. We'll be staying in
lovely ensuite rooms at Polirizos beach near Rothakino on the south coast - a
tiny un-spoilt hamlet beside a cove with a few tavernas, a tiny hotel, and
Oasis Rooms run by Maria and Christina. From here we can visit the amazing
gorges of Imbros and famous Samaria, and walk beautiful coastal paths above the
emerald sea - stopping for a dip when we please! For the Samarian Gorge we'll
take a bus and taxis via Hania, starting our descent later than most, so that
we have its amazing scenery virtually to ourselves. We'll stop for the night at
the bottom of the gorge - at Agia Roumeli's Hotel Calypso, and walk back along
the coast via Loutro the next day. On other days we'll walk from our door, or
take a minibus to walks. There will also be one day off from walking to enjoy
the beautiful beach around the headland - where you can swim as topless or
bottomless as you wish!
This holiday is based just
outside Sandwich in the village of Worth, 5 minutes taxi ride from Sandwich
station. Sandwich is one of the medieval Cinque Ports like Hastings or Rye, and
although it no longer lies next to the sea, the surrounding Kent countryside is
rich in historical interest while its coastal mudflats and salt marshes are a
Special Area of Conservation. From Worth village we can walk through the older
part of Sandwich and out into the countryside to see Richborough fort and
amphitheatre - possibly the most symbolically important Roman site in Britain.
On another day we can walk to the sea and along the coast to Deal, stopping at
Sandwich Bird Observatory on the way to see what we can see. There can also be
a shorter walk to Pegwell Bay where the Saxons and St Augustine landed in the
5th century AD. You see, it was all happening here! In Worth you have a choice
of accommodation between Solley Farm House - a superb 5 star B&B
(£255) and St Crispins Inn across the road (£225) - a traditional
15th century pub where we will no doubt all eat in the evening (evening meals
not included - from £15). 
This weekend break is
based on the beautiful Dorset coast, staying at the very comfortable 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 from the sea
front with ensuite twin and single rooms (Ensuite single supplement £10 a
night). 
The West Highland Way follows
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 bluebells on 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 to gain an
extra day for the Highlands at the end of the trip. 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 mostly in B&Bs, old coaching inns,
and small hotels, with one night exclusive use of a beautifully converted and
catered railway station bunkhouse at Bridge of Orchy. To celebrate the finish
(and also avoid a Sunday return journey) there is an extra night at Fort
William and a final walk together in the Highlands. This could be on Ben Nevis
if the weather is favourable - a fabulous way to end one of the most
breathtaking long distance paths in Britain. Guided by Pammy. (Luggage is
transported by taxi). 
This new venue in the
Newlands valley near Keswick gives exciting weekend access to the Derwent and
Grasmoor fells of the northern Lakes. We could tackle the superb Grisedale
Horseshoe from Bassenthwaite - a strenuous but hugely rewarding Lake District
circuit. On Sunday, we might head up from Little Town onto the Robinson/Dale
Head ridge for its stunning views over Buttermere and the Central Fells. We
could then descend over Hindscarth or even along the High Spy if there is time.
For this weekend we will be staying at 17th century Swinside Inn and Swinside
Farmhouse immediately across the road - all eating together at the inn in the
evening for its friendly atmosphere, lovely old bar, and good pub food.
(Evening meals not included - from £12). 
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 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 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).
The Abbey Hotel overlooks Tintern Abbey in the Wye
Valley - an area steeped in history, and rich in wildlife, archaeology, and
industrial remains. Here the River Wye forms the boundary between England and
Wales, and King Offa built his famous dyke near the English bank. In places
ancient woodland clings to the steep sides of dramatic limestone gorge, while
elsewhere the river is boarded by tranquil meadows. Our first walk will take us
from Wales into England across the river, and up to Brockweir Bridge before
returning along the opposite bank. There is a local vineyard we could visit,
and we can stop at the old railway station for tea and home-made cakes. The
next day we might catch the local bus to Chepstow and follow the Wye Valley
Walk through the woods to the spectacular viewpoint at Eagle's Nest. Finally we
could explore the historic tracks and ancient ironworks towards Angidy. The
Abbey Hotel has comfortable ensuite twin and ensuite single rooms (no single
supplement) in Tintern village with its old pubs, tourist shops and craft
galleries. Tintern is easy to reach by road or rail - close to the M4 & M5,
or a 6-mile taxi or bus ride from Chepstow station.
Rum is a diamond shaped jewel
of a place - an island of the Inner Hebrides of spectacular wildness and
beauty. Its glaciated 'cullins' (high rocks), Askival, Hellival, Trollaval, and
Orval, started life near the equator, and are the shattered remnants of a once
huge volcano. Apart from its incredible scenery, the other attraction of Rum is
that it has been a nature reserve for over 40 years. We may be lucky enough to
see otters fishing along the shores of Loch Scresort, or red deer and wild
goats in the heather as we walk. Golden eagles often soar above the Cullins,
while Shearwaters nest on their slopes and skim the sea in significant numbers.
Guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and other species of sea birds breed on
Rum's sea cliffs. And we may even spy the white-tailed sea eagle - Britain's
largest bird of prey - which was once hunted almost to extinction. There are
many fabulous walks to choose from here, often off-path through the heather -
along high cliffs overlooking the sea, onto peaks with stunning views to the
glens below, or looking north to the Skye Cullin ridge from beautiful Kilmory
Sands. To access the best parts of this island, we will stay for 2 nights in a
bothy, walking there low level with 3 days' food and gear,
living in very simple bothy conditions with water from
a nearby stream and sleeping mats on the floor - a real Scottish walking
experience! For the rest of the time our base will be the hostel in
extraordinary Kinloch Castle near Loch Scresort. Trains run to Malaig on the
mainland from Glasgow, and from Malaig you catch the regular Rum ferry which
runs twice a day and is a magical journey in itself. 
Away from the crowds, this Spring B/H break
with Diana & Sue B has exclusive use of High Trenhouse near tranquil Malham
Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales - a beautifully converted farm and outbuildings on
the edge of the moors above Malham Cove and Gordale. The Pennine Way 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 lively town of
Settle with its tearooms and small shops. High Trenhouse offers a large number
of single rooms - a boon for WW groups - and most have ensuite facilities.
There are comfortable spaces for relaxing or making our own fun including a
small honesty bar, the food is delicious, and there's even a sauna and Jacuzzi
- so bring your swimsuit! A choice of Gentle and Intermediate walks each day
will allow you to move between the grades to take it easy or stretch according
to mood. We will also arrange an inexpensive shared lift from nearby Settle
station at approx 4pm.
This Intermediate holiday with Heidi is
based at comfortable Losehill Hall near Castleton, allowing us to get onto the
moors and ridges with great views to the hills, forests, reservoirs and valleys
of both the White (limestone) and Dark (gritstone) Peak. The Great Ridge of
Rushup Edge, Mam Tor and Losehill is a 'must', and a short bus ride to Edale
will access the Kinder Edges, perhaps via Jacobs Ladder or Ringing Roger (great
names round here!) Other wonderful walks include the Roman Road up onto Win
Hill for a long ridge walk (perhaps returning via the teashop in Hope); or the
Abney Moor circuit taking in Bradwell which is famous for its ice cream. All in
all, we'll be spoilt for choice. Losehill Hall is a lovely old Victorian
mansion set in its own extensive grounds 10 mins walk from Castleton. It is the
National Park Study Centre, run on eco-centre lines (everything is recycled,
ensuite showers instead of baths, communal tea/coffee facilities, and there's
even a courtesy taxi from Hope station to encourage rail travel). The Hall has
a bar, a comfortable lounge and dining room where excellent meals are served.
All the rooms we have reserved are ensuite singles. Luxury indeed!
Pembrokeshire is blessed with
some of the finest coastal scenery in the country - possessing a highly
indented coastline where wild sea cliffs form a sanctuary for birds, and little
coves enclose quaint harbours or stretches of sandy beach. Missing out the
section past Milford Haven refinery, this second Pembrokeshire holiday covers
the section of coast path from Dale Point to Whitesands Bay near St Davids. It
is probably also the most spectacular and at the same time the most demanding
section of the Path - with days of 8-13 miles in length, and plenty of descents
and ascents as you dip down to the sea at each cove, then ascend to the next
cliffs again. The holiday starts at Dale Fort Field Centre which has a superb
position on Dale Point overlooking the sea. Women loved it in 2007! Here we
stay for 2 nights as we cover the first two days from Dale to Marloes Sands,
and from Marloes Sands to Broad Haven. At Broad Haven we stay at the youth
hostel for 2 nights while we walk the next two legs of the Path - from Broad
Haven to Solva, and from Solva to Whitesands. Our last night is spent in the
tiny city of St Davids at the relaxed Twr y felin Hotel close to the centre,
allowing us a last meal out on the town to celebrate (last evening meal not
included - from £12). On the final morning, if your travel plans allow,
there will be time to visit St Davids Cathedral, walk on St Davids Head, or
maybe even visit Ramsay Island - an RSPB nature reserve accessible by ferry.
Your luggage is transported for you between accommodations, and transport is
included to/from the walks where needed. You can reach Dale by coastal Puffin
Bus from either Haverfordwest or Milford Haven stations, and from St Davids
there is a direct bus service back to Haverfordwest. (Part 1 of the
Pembrokeshire Coast