Newsletter > Newsletter archive > August 2019
August 2019
Walkers are Welcome
If you're looking for a destination for a late season break you could do a lot worse than browse through the dozens of 'Walkers are Welcome' towns and communities. This grassroots network has been steadily expanding for many years now, providing a valuable showcase for places that perhaps don't have the profile of the better known walking areas.
We have been involved with the Walkers are Welcome group in our own little Cumbrian town, Kirkby Stephen, since it first joined the network. Being a 'Walkers are Welcome' community involves some fairly stringent criteria, including the monitoring of local paths, promoting public transport options, providing information for walkers and encouraging feedback. If you go to a Walkers are Welcome town or village you know there'll be a local group with your interests at heart.
This October Kirkby Stephen is hosting the annual Walkers are Welcome get-together. Amongst other sessions we'll be explaining how destinations can use Walkingworld to publish their own walks. So we're hoping there'll be a few extra walks soon in some of these delightful places.
Holidays on a high
What could be better than a week spent exploring the glittering lakes and awe-inspiring peaks of the Italian Dolomites on foot, while staying in a series of historic hotels and enjoying superb local fare?
Perhaps the chance to explore at your own pace, unencumbered by heavy luggage yet aided by carefully researched route notes? On Inntravel's Three Peaks walk, a self-guided, seven-night holiday in the easternmost corner of South Tyrol, detailed directions and included luggage transfers come as standard, as do hand-picked hotels chosen for their character, setting and warm South Tyrolean welcome.
As you might expect for an area famed for its jagged, mountainous beauty, the walking is challenging in places but oh-so-worthwhile: Inntravel's routes reveal expansive pastures and tranquil, forested ridges, as well as delightful villages and enticing emerald-green lakes. Cable cars whisk you up high for the best views, while handily placed mountain huts provide tasty and surprisingly varied sustenance - like much else in the Dolomites, the cuisine plays host to an intriguing fusion of Italian and Alpine cultures.
This year the region celebrates its 10th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one that is understandably popular with holidaymakers - especially during the summer months. To escape the crowds, Inntravel recommend visiting in early autumn, when the days are generally warm, the nights cool and the views at their most breathtaking.
For more details on this or any of Inntravel's other self-guided walking holidays in the Dolomites, visit inntravel.co.uk or speak to their expert team on 01653 617034.
The Dolomites' Three Peaks * Self-guided hotel-to-hotel walking holiday * Prices from £1095pp, inc 7 nights' half-board accommodation, 3 picnics, luggage transfers & detailed route notes * Flights extra (direct from several UK regional airports) * Available 12 June-1 October 2019
Luxury walking holidays in Slovenia
Looking for a truly unique walking experience? With Walk Slovenia you can spend your week hiking in the foothills of the stunning Julian Alps. After your walk you return to the award-winning Pri Lenart hotel, to relax and unwind in a luxurious setting. Walk Slovenia offer week-long all-inclusive guided walking trips amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe paired with top-notch hospitality, including locally-sourced and lovingly prepared food and drink.
The summer season runs from May through to early October. There is also a winter walking experience over New Year including wine-tasting, a visit to Slovenia’s picturesque capital Ljubljana and, of course, guided walks through some easy going terrain with incredible alpine views.
Prices start at just 995 euros. Get in touch and start planning your adventure at the Walk Slovenia website or call +386 41 650 321 to book today.
South Downs charity trek
Trekstock is a registered charity that supports young adults with cancer. Their upcoming Trek is on the 4th-5th October along the South Downs, starting just outside Brighton and covering 30km of testing, undulating terrain - crossing Firle Beacon before heading down to the Seven Sisters and finishing along the incredible stretch of cliff tops at Beachy Head. Trekstock delivers practical and social support programmes, to give young adults a better chance of living well through and beyond cancer. www.trekstock.com
Member news
Emma and David at Casa Las Chimeneas in the heart of the Alpujarra mountains are hoping to reach out to the leaders/coordinators of walking clubs who might be contemplating an organised trip to Southern Spain. It’s a fantastic destination for walkers of all abilities, and the owners have enormous experience in organising week-long, tailor-made trips for groups of up to 20 people. There are birds, flowers, great views, great hikes…and often no-one else around! In addition, the restaurant has a growing reputation for its local cuisine, so it’s a genuine foodie destination to boot. www.laschimeneas.com
Embark2 is an online support group for widows/ers offering not-for-profit walking holidays at home and abroad. The group is free to join. For the past few years John Webb has organised regular holidays, the most popular being in Keswick. Last May a group climbed Helvellyn and the year before Blencathra. Other walking holidays have taken place in Cyprus, Barcelona, North Yorkshire, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland. www.embark2.co.uk