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WalkingWomen Calendar for Walking Holidays & Breaks in Summer 2008All our Summer 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 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! |
This superb trek in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco
takes us to the summit of Jebel M'goun in the M'goun Massif. Fractionally lower
than better known Toubkal, it is the more scenic and less frequented of the
two, and promises a wilderness experience that is definitely high alpine in
grade (involving ascents of 1200 to 1500m on 3 days, and descents of 1200 to
1600m on 3 days). After a first night at Hotel Assia in Marrakech, we will
drive to the lovely valley of Ait Bouguemez, staying the night in an auberge at
Agouti (1760m) and taking our last shower for 4 nights! From here mules will
carry our tents and gear as we make a circuit into the Central High Atlas,
taking 3.5 days to get to the summit of Jebel M'goun, and 1.5 days to get back.
The scenery will be magnificent and hugely varied - terraced green valleys,
traditional Berber villages clinging to the hillsides, strange colours and rock
shapes in the Karstic landscape, and breathtaking panoramas from the high cols
- Col du Roughelt (2860m) and Col de Targdit (3200m) - as we make our way to
our last camp before the summit (2900m). The ascent is non-technical but will
involve an early start and 1200m of ascent in the thin air till finally we are
rewarded at the summit (4068m) with a literally breathtaking panorama over the
whole Central High Atlas. From here we return to our previous camp, then cross
the Oumskiyk Pass the next day to reach Ait Bouguemez, enjoying a well-deserved
hot shower at a lovely auberge in the valley before we return to Marrakech. We
now have 2 last nights at friendly Hotel Amani just outside the centre of
Marrakech, seeing the sights, visiting a few last souks, enjoying the small
hotel pool, or just relaxing and taking it all in before we travel home.
Patterdale village is well
placed for many easy-going walks in this lovely valley, including the path to
the hamlet of Hartsop, or to Dovedale beyond Brothers Water with its craggy
views and rushing beck. Another day we could head towards Lanty's Tarn for a
superb outlook over Ullswater and maybe detour into Glenridding for tea on the
way home. We can also take the ferry to Howtown and walk along a section of the
stunning Ullswater shore - the most beautiful of its kind in the Lakes…
The White Lion Inn is in the centre of Patterdale village - an old coaching inn
now popular with walkers. The bedrooms all have ensuite or private facilities,
each with TV and tea/coffee making facilities. This break is priced on a part
board basis with breakfast in the residents' part of the bar, packed lunches,
and in the evening we can choose from Rita Dawes' generous bar meals (evening
meals not included - from £12). At the White Lion, we socialise in the
bar as there is no separate residents' lounge. We will aim to order dinner at
around 6.30/7.00pm on the first night. Well-behaved dogs are allowed.
The Norfolk Coast Path wends its way under
huge skies along the Norfolk Coast - an area of outstanding natural beauty.
This gentle holiday with Madeline, our natural history guide, covers the 22
miles from Sherringham to Holkham Gap in easy 5-6 miles stages, using the
Coasthopper bus to get to our walks each day. We may see terns, oyster
catchers, avocets, marsh harriers, godwits, redshanks and even the rare bittern
on the tidal flats or from hides overlooking saltmarshes, lagoons, and
whispering reedbeds. On the last day we might also visit Holkham Hall or take a
trip by boat to see the Blakeney Point seal colony. The holiday is based at
Cookes-of-Cley G/H in Cley-next-the-Sea, 9 miles by bus from Sherringham
station. The G/H has attractive, mostly ensuite, twin and single rooms and a
tea garden for after walking. On 3 nights we will eat at the guest house, and
on 2 nights we'll go out to eat at a good village pub (not included - from
£15). 
The Horse & Groom is a
17th Century pub in the quiet rural setting of East Ashling on the edge of the
Downs, a short taxi ride from Chichester. From here we can walk through the
fantastic ancient yew trees of Kingley Vale and up onto the Downs for superb
views both inland and across Chichester harbour to the sea. On one day we will
also visit Bosham - a key port in Saxon and medieval times - walking around the
harbour and across farmland to the furthest inland reach of the sea at
Chichester where a reedy wilderness creates a sanctuary for waders and other
water birds. The Inn's 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. Evening
meals are not included - from £15. (The pub has no separate residents
lounge). 
This new venue in the
Newlands valley near Keswick gives exciting access to the Derwent and Grasmoor
fells of the northern Lakes. Our Slow High walks might start with the Robinson
ridge to Dale Head for its stunning Central Fells and Buttermere views. We can
descend over Hindscarth, or even along the High Spy ridge if we have the
energy. On the next day we'll venture into the Grasmoor fells, and maybe even
tackle the fabulous Grisedale Horseshoe from Bassenthwaite - a classic Lake
District circuit that is hard work but hugely rewarding. For our shorter last
walk we might be tempted by strikingly shaped Causey Pike just across the
valley... Lots to choose from, and even Skiddaw will be within our reach. For
this short break 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). 
This lovely holiday is based
near Lake Bohinj in the Julian Alps and offers a rich choice of Low
Intermediate and Intermediate walks from our base at friendly Penzion Bohinj.
There are wonderful low walks beside the lake and through the Bohinj valley
with its low hills and hay meadows full of flowers. Here the Bohinj River flows
emerald with snowmelt, while one of its tributaries has carved a dramatic
limestone gorge that we can walk through. Higher up, there are beautiful
hillside pastures and more waterfalls, refuges, and views of the Julian Alps to
tempt us beyond the Vogel cable car. On one day we will visit Bled for a choice
of two more gorge walks, and a chance to sit in cafes by this other jewel of a
lake. Penzion Bohinj is situated beside the Mostnica River in Stara Fuzina - a
quiet traditional village near the foot of the lake, and we have reserved all
the rooms so that everyone can have a single! The rooms are
not large and are simply furnished in a
clean modern style, each with a small shower room. Downstairs is the large
dining room that opens onto the garden, and we'll eat here on 4 nights - simple
but tasty home-cooked meals, going out to eat on the remaining 3 nights
(restaurant meals not included - from £10). 
This holiday based
conveniently at Glenthorne Guest House in Grasmere will have so many wonderful
intermediate walks to choose from! Wild Blea Rigg is always wonderfully
deserted despite its stunning views of Easedale Tarn on the way up, and the
Langdale Pikes from the top. The path up Helm Crag also offers its own rewards
with great views over Grasmere and a lovely long ridge walk to follow. Over
these 3 days we might find ourselves climbing the hillside to Alcock Tarn and
Heron Pike, stopping for a swim in deserted Codale, or stretching ourselves as
far as High Raise for its fabulous views. If we don't mind driving around to
Great Langdale, there can even be an exciting foray onto the Langdale Pikes!
Glenthorne Guest House in Grasmere offers comfortable rooms and plenty of
singles, a lovely garden to sit out in after walking, and excellent food
including free tea and cakes...! 
Coquetdale lies between the
Cheviot and Simonside Hills on the edge of the Northumberland National Park.
This Cheviot dale offers delightful low intermediate walking with many
beautiful paths through the valley as well as easy walks up onto wonderful
heather-covered moorland. From Garleigh Moor and Simonside in particular we'd
hope to have spectacular views to the sea at Druridge Bay and north to the
purple Cheviot Hills. The valley scenery is special in a different way: rolling
green fields dotted with sheep as we walk to the pretty hamlets of Holystone
and Sharpeton; views over the meandering River Coquet as we look back down the
valley; or the extensive woods and grounds of Cragside full of exotic trees
which are also a last stronghold for the red squirrel. Cragside is a striking
NT property just across the river from Rothbury where we will be staying, and
it was the first house in England to have electricity. In fact the whole of
Coquetdale is steeped in history - from ancient settlements and Stone Age rock
art on Garleigh Moor, to tranquil Lady's Well pool at Holystone. In Rothbury we
will stay at the Queens Head - a traditional inn with simple ensuite twin and
single rooms, a public bar and restaurant, and a separate breakfast room and
residents' lounge. Rothbury is a picturesque small town with a lovely setting
beside the River Coquet and plenty of small shops and tea shops we can
investigate after walking. This holiday is priced on a part board basis,
including breakfast & packed lunches. In the evening we can eat at the inn
or sample other good eating places nearby (Evening meals not included - from
£12). Frequent buses from Morpeth bus station stop outside the Queens
Head. You can arrive from 2pm. We will aim to order dinner at 6.30pm.
Bohemia makes up two thirds
of the modern Czech Republic and was once a kingdom in its own right centred on
the medieval city of Prague. The Bohemian Paradise region 100k to the northeast
of Prague is Bohemia's most picturesque corner - an area of gentle river
valleys, meadows, and woodland, with fascinating rock formations, superb
viewpoints, and tiny traditional villages. We will be based for the first 4
nights of this holiday at the friendly Pod Sikmou vezi Hotel to allow us to
walk through the famous Prachov Rocks nearby, and visit the scenic ruins of
Trosky Castle with its twin towers named the Maiden and the Crone. We will also
walk beside a lovely lake to the rock town of Hruba Skala perched above a
veritable forest of rock pillars, and on one day we will include the old town
of Jicin - the 'gateway to Bohemia'. For our last 2 nights we transfer to
Prague to stay in Hotel Atos in the centre of this extraordinary city. Prague
remains one of the most architecturally beautiful cities in the world - the
'city of 100 spires' on the River Vrata, with a surviving medieval centre of
cobbled lanes and ancient courtyards overlooked by Europe's oldest castle. In
Prague there will be time to wander, take a walking tour around the most
important sites, see the castle, the old town,
the amazing astronomical clock, the statues on Charles Bridge - or
just to sit in cafes and watch the world go by! If you wish to book extra
nights in Prague to prolong your stay, please just let us know. Guided by
Marcelle & local guide, Eva. This holiday is priced on a full board basis
in Bohemia, and B&B in Prague. Plenty of ensuite single rooms available
(Ensuite single suppl. £10 a night).
The Kerry and Dingle Ways
offer spectacular and varied intermediate walking in the beautiful south west
corner of Ireland - the lakes of Killarney, the Gap of Dunloe, Black Valley and
the spectacular scenery of MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the wild and remote coastline
of the Dingle Penninsula, crashing Atlantic waves and views of the lonely
Blasket Islands… In addition, we can include intermediate tops near
Killarney like Torc Mountain with spellbinding views over the Killarney Lakes,
and maybe Mangerton or Purple Mountain. On the Dingle Penninsula during the
second half of the week we will climb over the shoulder of Mount Brandon (at
650m) - a stunning walk that finishes with fabulous views as we descend beyond
the col to the sea again. This holiday is priced on a part board basis with 4
nights at Kingdom View B&B near Killarney, and 3 nights at Mount Brandon
hostel - a delightful independent hostel with small bunk rooms - many of them
ensuite - located on the shore of Brandon Bay. In the evening we'll go out to
eat in local pubs and restaurants (Evening meals not included - from
£12). On the last morning before returning to the airport, we could take
a boat trip to watch Fungi the dolphin - a famous, long term resident of Dingle
Bay - or even don wetsuits to swim with him! (Not included: £30 including
wet suit hire). Guided by Gillian & Polly.
For this lovely May weekend we'll be staying we'll be
staying at the friendly Howe Keld Hotel in Keswick near the lake and the
landing stage for the Keswick Launch - which we can use to reach walks around
the lake. There are many lovely gentle walks in this area, perhaps starting
with the path along the far lakeshore for its excellent views down the lake and
across to the craggy wooded promontories of Borrowdale. From the end of the
lake we can walk into Borrowdale for tea beside the river at Grange. On Sunday
there could be a rewarding walk to Watendlath past pretty Ashness bridge and
'Surprise View', or we might walk to Castlerigg Stone Circle which has a superb
setting surrounded by fells. This weekend is priced on a full board basis, and
in the evenings we'll enjoy David and Valerie's excellent cooking - so do
arrive by 6.30pm on the first night! 
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!) 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. 
The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
was originally a farm, then a coaching inn, and has long been popular with
walkers and climbers - especially for a drink at its Hikers Bar after walking.
It is a lovely old building with charm and character located beneath the
Langdale Pikes with Lingmoor Fell, Pike O'Blisco, Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell
right on the doorstep. This makes the hotel perfect for a holiday offering both
Intermediate and Slow High walks. Like on other double grade holidays, you can
choose the grade you prefer, or swap the next day if needed. 'Slow High' walks
are high level walks taken at a slower pace. The dramatic Langdale Pikes will
be a 'must' for both groups, and give superb views in all directions from their
rocky tops. For other Intermediate walks there is wild Blea Rigg beyond Stickle
Tarn with a walk back through Great Langdale; the lovely heather-covered slopes
of Lingmoor Fell; and rockier Pike O'Blisco. For Slow High walks, after a 'warm
up' walk on the Langdale Pikes, we might tackle the nearby Coniston fells. The
Crinkle Crags ridge and Bow Fell could give us stunning views of Scafell Pike
and as far as the Isle of Man, leaving Lingmoor Fell or Pike O'Blisco for the
last day. The ODG offers a good mix of shared and single rooms, some of which
are ensuite while others are standard with a washbasin and a bathroom nearby.
Well-behaved dogs are allowed. 
Normandy's pastoral landscape is perfect
for gentle walks. Horses and cows graze on rolling low hills or the flatter
wetlands of the Marais, and the landscape is dotted with lovely manor farms,
half-timbered barns, and even the occasional chateau. The medieval city of
Bayeux is here with its famous tapestry, while on the coast there are small
seaside resorts or the historic stretches of D-Day landing beaches. Behind the
coast lies the Marais - a protected landscape scattered with small lakes,
valuable to farmers, and forming an important habitat for migrating birds. Here
we will be based 30 minutes from Cherbourg at Chateau Bellenau which has a
wealth of history, character and charm. The Chateau offers ensuite twins, many
ensuite singles, and excellent home-cooked meals. In addition, its superb
gardens are a wonder with waterways and lake, caves and majestic rare trees.
The ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg is included in the price. Portsmouth
& Southsea station is easy to reach by train, or there is parking at the
ferry. The holiday is priced on a full board basis except for one night eating
out in Bayeux - from £12.