photo of mountain scenery

Site navigation

Recent National Events

Listed below are details of National events organised in the last 12 months.

CASTLE HEDINGHAM, ESSEX 20 - 22 July

Come and explore this quiet corner of Essex with its long history. It has green rolling hills and offers undemanding walking through pretty villages and unspoilt countryside.

The hostel is in a small village next to a large castle dating back from 1140 which is open to the public. The hostel is famed for its quality food but sadly is due to be sold in September

Our walks will also take in the historic Cressing Temple, and the Marks Hall Estate and Arboretum with teashop. There is also the NT Paycocke's House and the Great Bardfield Museum, the Colne Valley Steam Railway and East Anglian Railway Museum, which can be included if sufficient people are interested.

Organiser: Hilary

ARUNDEL, SOUTH DOWNS August Bank Holiday 24 - 27 August

Always popular on the Footprints programme, this year's August Bank Holiday Weekend will be held at Arundel in the South Downs.

The group has reserved spaces at Arundel Youth Hostel for this 3-day walking break. The weekend will start with dinner on Friday evening (access to the hostel is from 5pm), and there will be led walks offered on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with a choice of grades. All meals are included in the price which also covers the cost of arranging the break.

Situated at the end of a private road with a spacious front lawn, this handsome Georgian mansion is well away from the busy traffic of Arundel yet just over a mile from the town centre. In a picturesque setting on the South Downs, historic Arundel is famous for its imposing castle and Gothic-style cathedral, and its narrow streets full of intriguing antique shops and tearooms.

Railway Information: Arundel Railway Station - 1 mile.

Walks:
All walks will require a packed lunch.

Saturday 25th ~ Perry Hill / Chantry Post
Meet 09.15 at the Youth Hostel. A choice of 13 and 9 mile walks via Wepham and Perry Hill. The longer walk continues to the South Downs Way and the Chantry Post before returning via Blackpatch Hill. Both walks then return on the Monarch's Way through Michelgrove Park.

Sunday 26th ~ Devil's Dyke / Clayton Windmills
Meet 10.15 at the Devil's Dyke pub (GR TQ258110). A choice of 13 and 9 mile walks via Devil's Dyke, Wolstonbury Hill and Clayton Windmills. The longer walk continues along the South Downs Way to Ditchling Beacon, returning via Lower Standean. Both walks then return to Devil's Dyke via the South Downs Way.

Monday 27th ~ Arundel Park / River Arun
Meet 09.45 at the Youth Hostel. A 9 mile walk via Arundel Park and the River Arun to Amberley. Return via Burpham.

Organiser: Greg Wilson

LATE SUMMER WEEK IN CORNWALL - SORRY FULLY BOOKED 1 - 8 September

Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Mullion Cove is on the Lizard Peninsula and the Peninsula has many sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and little harbours full of fishing boats. The Gulf Stream keeps the area warmer than average and our walks along the coastal footpath will reveal views to rival any in Britain and a myriad of flowers, some so rare that they are native only to this special peninsula.

Beaches nearby are Mullion Cove itself, Poldhu Cove - 2 1/2Km, Polurrian Cove - 3 Km and Kynance Cove - 7Km. The most southerly point of Britain is the tip of the Lizard Peninsula. Also Church cove at Gunwalloe, with the church right on the beach is only 3 miles, Helston, famous for its Furry Dance held each year in May is 9 miles away, the same distance as the pleasant and tranquil Helford River.

We are staying on a site of 3 - 5 bed holiday chalets at Criqqan Mill, close to the coast and to the village of Mullion Cove. They are self-catering chalets with all the necessary facilities and this formula worked so well in north Devon last summer that we are trying the same again - we simply, communally per chalet, provide our own breakfasts and sandwiches and eat out in the evening. To see the facilities go to www.criggan-mill.demon.co.uk. Note that the £120 cost is for the accommodation only and does not cover food.

Organiser: Ian Reese

GLARAMARA, BORROWDALE 14 - 16 September

Fifth successive year at this venue in the Borrowdale Valley of the Lake District with high mountains in all directions. Staying at a purpose built walking centre – now an outdoor activity centre – in standard (i.e. not en-suite) rooms – singles, twins. All meals provided. The centre is set in its own extensive grounds.

ACCOMMODATION Glaramara Outdoor Centre, Seatoller, Borrowdale. Glaramara was purpose-built in the 1920’s as a walking centre and was used for this purpose by Countrywide Holidays Association (CHA) until 1999. It’s current owners have made tasteful improvements to the property without losing it’s feel as an outdoor centre.There are no en-suite rooms but there are quite a lot of single-bedded rooms (these will be allocated on a first-come first served basis) and twin-bedded rooms. The club has booked a full board package which includes 2 evening meals, breakfasts and packed lunches. The centre has two lounges, a TV room and a drying/boot room.

THE WALKING From the centre you can easily climb mountains such as Dale Head, Robinson, Great Gable, High Raise, Ullscarf and Glaramara itself – and that’s just in the morning! With such fantastic mountains on our doorstep you should expect the walks to include some climbing! This will not be a flat walking weekend! It is planned to offer 2 walks each day – of “moderate” and “strenuous” grades. The moderate walks will involve approx 10 miles and up to 2000’ ascent and will be easily achievable to anyone who walks on a regular basis. The “strenuous” walks may be of similar length but are likely to involve more ascent, and possibly some scrambling. Details of the walks will be given on Friday evening – please note the leaders will reserve the right to change / downgrade the walk in the event of poor weather conditions.

THE WEEKEND Arrivals from mid-afternoon on the Friday. Evening meal on Friday will be served at 7 or 7.30pm.

EVENING ENTERTAINMENTS The choice is yours. You can *relax in the lounge; watch Manchester City winning on “Match of the Day”; request to listen to a selection of the **7000 songs on my I.Pod (**at the latest count) (*could affect relaxation for others!) or take a short walk to the local pub / café / shopping emporium – The Yew Tree.

FURTHER INFORMATION In August 1987, some guests staying at Glaramara on a CHA Under-35’s week decided to arrange a “reunion” weekend and some day walks - the leader / organizer was Dave Goodacre and the resulting Club is still in existence 20 years later and is known as… FOOTPRINTS!!! An anniversary fast approac

DURHAM 26 - 28 October

I have booked half-board accommodation at the Fearnley Tower Hotel in two or three bedded rooms. The hotel is situated close to both the railway station and city centre. With stunning views over Durham Cathedral and Castle as well as the surrounding Durham countryside the hotel combines Victorian era detail with modern facilities.

The Norman cathedral and the castle are the focus of Durham and dominate the skyline. The two, built within twenty or so years of each other in the 11th century, sit at either end of a rocky, steep-sided peninsula squeezed by a loop of the River Wear. The beauty of this chummy arrangement is that nothing in Durham is very far from anything else. The city clusters around their skirts, spreading barely a mile in any direction. And, as Britain's third oldest university town, a lively youthful spirit mixes with the sense of history. Georgian houses and bohemian shops, traditional tea-rooms and funky cafe-bars, classical concerts and comedy nights all happily mingle.

Organiser 'Socks' Dave Kinsley

GLOUCESTER AND THE COTSWOLDS 23 - 25 November

This event is now fully booked.

For a 2 day walking break in the long haul through to Christmas, join your Footprints friends at Slimbridge Youth Hostel. The Cotswolds are just 3 miles away and the Severn Way footpath runs past the Hostel. The WWT Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre is situated next door - the Hostel even has an observation lounge so you can keep an eye on feathered visitors to the duck pond. Local points of interest are Berkeley Castle, one of the best preserved family seats in the country, the award winning National Waterways Museum at Gloucester docks, the Tyndale monument (to one of the earlier translators of the Bible) and the nearby village of Frampton-on-Severn, notable for the largest village green in England. Don't forget your wetsuit, since, if the tides allow, we can surf the Severn Bore - a notable wave which comes up the river Severn at certain states of the tide!

This weekend will be on a bed and breakfast basis which is included in the £35 cost. A hot buffet type Friday evening meal will be provided together with a 2 or 3 course, limited choice, evening meal in the Hostel on Saturday evening by a few group members. A small amount of help from members, e.g. chopping vegetables and washing up would be appreciated. We will prepare our packed lunches ourselves from supplied ingredients. Estimated cost in addition to the bed and breakfast is £20. Heather will be providing the local expert eye, together with leading walks, of which there will be both A and B length walks provided.

Organiser: Ian Reese

LLWYN-Y-CELYN (BRECON BEACONS) 28th December 2007-1st January 2008 (4 Nights)

Bookings Closed

Celebrate New Year in style with this 4-night break in Mid Wales with a superb programme of walking and entertainment in the Brecon Beacons. After an absence from last year’s programme we are pleased to offer a residential Footprints New Year Break.

ACCOMMODATION Youth hostel-based. We have booked places at Llwyn-Y-Celyn Youth Hostel, an 18th century Welsh farmhouse set in 15 acres of ancient woodland. The hostel is situated approx 9 miles to the south of Brecon town surrounded by high mountains such as Fan Frynych, Craig Cerrig-gleisiad, Y Gyrn, Cribyn, Corn Du and Pen-y-Fan – the latter is the highest point in the Beacons National Park at 2907’ – all are walkable from the youth hostel. The Brecon Beacons National Park centre is located a short distance from the hostel. 4 nights’ full board accommodation – includes all evening meals, breakfasts and lunch packs. Bunk-bed accommodation in rooms ranging in size from 2-8 beds. Hostel facilities include full meals service, beer & wine sold by the hostel, lounge with open fire, showers, drying room, grounds with nature trail. All bedding is provided but remember to bring a towel! YHA membership is NOT required as the Club has YHA Group Membership.

THE WALKING This hostel offers access to some of the best walking in Wales. Choose gentle strolls alongside the Brecon and Monmouth Canal or ascend across the spectacular ridges and peaks of Pen-Y-Fan and Corn Du. It is planned to offer led walks on Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th, Monday 31st – 2 walks on each of these days – and Tuesday 1st – when we will probably walk as one party. Walks / grades will be weather dependant at this time of year but anticipate walking graded between moderate (up to 10 miles with some climbing) to more strenuous.

THE WEEKEND Hostel reception opens at 5pm on Friday 28th will be from 5pm, and the break will commence with dinner at approx 7pm. The hostel is open all day.

EVENING ENTERTAINMENTS As with previous Footprints New Year Breaks we hope to create a unique “Footprints” house party atmosphere – with a mixture of games and dancing on offer. This year we would like help with this – we would like EVERYONE to bring along 1 item to add to evening entertainments – perhaps a quiz, or a game, or maybe something musical – to fill approx 15 (or more!) minutes on one of the evenings. Now that’s got you thinking!

CORWEN (NORTH WALES) WEEKEND 25 - 27 January 2008

Throw away those January “blues” and book for this “post-Xmas” weekend in North Wales staying in a superb guest house in this delightful small town.

The Location Corwen is a pleasant market town situated between the Berwyn Mountains and the River Dee and has been known for many years as the “Crossroads of North Wales”. The town’s origins can be traced back to the 6th century when the Breton-Welsh saints, Mael and Sulien, founded a religious community here – Corwen’s 13th century church still bears their dedication. Corwen’s location in the Upper Dee Valley between Llangollen and Bala on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park make it an ideal base for a weekend of walking with possibilities including Offa’s Dyke, Clwydian Way, the Berwyns and the Dee Valley. Corwen is one of the 4 main towns in the Upper Dee Valley (the others being Llangollen, Bala and Chirk).

Accommodation The Club has booked all of the rooms at Bron-y-Graig, a superbly located AA 5-Diamond guest house. The guest house is a Victorian house situated on the wooded slopes of the Berwyn Mountains. All rooms are en-suite.

The Walking Corwen’s location in the Upper Dee Valley offer a range of walking possibilities. The most northerly of the Berwyn Hills, Moel Fferna (630m) lies 5 km south-east of Corwen. Regular bus services to Llangollen where there are excellent walks available as well.

The Weekend The weekend will start with dinner at 7-7.30pm on Friday evening. It is planned to offer led walks on Saturday and Sunday.

LAKES WINTER WALKING 25 - 28 February 2008

It is planned to offer a Lake District "Winter Walking" week in February. This can be booked in conjunction with or separately from the Club Weekend being held at Forest Side, Grasmere (29 February ~ 2 March) see details below. This event will be similar in style to 2007's event when we stayed at Ambleside YH in advance of the Keswick weekend.

Unfortunately at the time of writing the precise venue is still to be confirmed however th the plan is to arrive on Monday 25 and stay for 4 nights at one of the Lakeland youth hostels on a full board basis. We will walk on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and Friday­ the latter day's walk may be slightly shorter to assist with the transfer over to Forest Side for those going onto the Grasmere weekend. Ideal for those of you wanting to get away from it all for a week and for those with slightly further to travel to make the trip up for the Grasmere weekend worthwhile.

Organiser: Martin

GRASMERS, LAKE DISTRICT 29 February - 2 March 2008

A full board weekend break has been booked at Forest Side, Grasmere. This is a long overdue return visit for Footprints to the former CHA centre. Just a short stroll from the village and set in 42 acres of landscape and wooded gardens, which are home to deer, Herdwick sheep and lambs, red squirrels, badgers and rabbits, Forest Side has the choice of three large lounges to relax, unwind and enjoy a drink and offers a selection of home cooked foods.

Location Located in one of the most popular areas of the Lake District access is easily available to numerous walks along the shores of Grasmere and Rydal Water and the surrounding fells including Rydal, Heron Pike, Helm Crag, Loughrigg and Wandsfell with spectacular descents into the valleys of Easdale and Great Langdale. Footprints have enjoyed many enjoyable breaks at Forest Side and would recommend this as one not to miss!! To be sure of securing a place on what promises to be a very popular event send off your booking form and deposit as soon as you can.

Accommodation Located on the outskirts of Grasmere village, Forest Side is a traditional stately home built by the Earl of Lonsdale in 1853 and reflects the style and seclusion of the era, with unique elegant interior and magnificent views over some of the Lake District's most popular hills. Rooms available include doubles, twins and family rooms; a limited number of single rooms are available which will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Subject to numbers booking we are looking to reduce the price for those guests staying in two bedded rooms (twin or double and not singles), details to be finalised once all the bookings have been received.

The Walking Packed lunches will be provided. If you have any special dietary requirements please advise on your booking form.

It is planned to offer two walks each day: a strenuous walk at high level and a moderate walk at mid to low level. Please remember we will be walking in mountainous areas in the winter so come prepared, whichever of the walks you are planning to do. Obviously weather conditions at the time will affect the walks offered and so they may vary from those listed below. We also have a choice of two low level options up our sleeves in case the weather is really bad.

Saturday 1 March There are two options for the high level, strenuous walks:

The plan for the mid/low level walk is to take cars to Elterwater for a circuit of Elterwater, Colwith and Little Langdale. Distance: 9.2km (6miles), ascent: 290m (950ft). Pub stop in Elterwater or tea shop stop in Skelwith Bridge at the end of the walk.

Sunday 2 March

There are two options for the high level, strenuous walks:

Either taking cars to park in Grasmere or walking from the house the plan for the low to mid level walk is a circuit of Grasmere, Rydal and Loughrigg Fell. Distance: 12.8km (8miles), ascent: 761m (2500ft). Tea-shop stop in Grasmere at the end of the walk.

Getting There: By car. For Sat Nav users the postcode is LA22 9RN - Take the M6 to junction 36. Follow the A591/A65 in the direction of Kendal. Bypass Kendal by staying on the A591. Drive through Windermere, Ambleside and Rydal. As you approach Grasmere go straight across the roundabout (do not turn left into Grasmere Village). The hotel is ¾ mile along the A591 on the right. By train / bus - The nearest railway station is at Windermere (8 miles from the hotel) ­ from which there is a regular bus service to Grasmere (alight at the Swan Hotel). Full directions including a map will be sent to all bookers in advance.

The Cost The cost of the weekend includes 2 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation; 2 days packed lunches; plus evening meals for Friday and Saturday ­ all meals to be taken at the hotel; the cost of arranging the weekend.

The Weekend The break will commence with dinner at 7pm on Friday evening.

Organisers: Barbara and Louise

WHITBY, NORTH YORKSHIRE - EASTER WEEKEND 20 - 24 March 2008

Location Always popular on the Footprints programme, the 2008 Easter Weekend will be held at the lovely coastal town of Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Accommodation The group has reserved spaces at the newly beautifully refurbished Whitby Youth Hostel for this 4-day walking break. The weekend will start with dinner on Thursday evening (the hostel has all day access and a tea-shop but sadly no licence!), and there will be led walks offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. with a choice of grades each day. Monday will be a free day with time to explore Whitby itself or have a look around the Abbey (free for those staying at the hostel). All meals are included in the price which also covers the cost of arranging the break. Individual YHA membership is not required because the Club has Group Membership.

Right on the headland, 199 steps up from the cobbled quayside and smack next door to the famous ruined Abbey sits Abbey House. YHA's new home in Whitby. The views of the Esk Valley and surrounding coastline are fantastic as is the brand new, fully-refurbished accommodation.

The Hostel is situated next to the Abbey and the famous St Mary's church & graveyard - famous for Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'. There are museums dedicated to Captain Cook, Whitby history & fossils and Whitby 'Jet'. The town offers various festivals throughout the year, remaining a lively resort even in winter. Situated on the Cleveland way, there are excellent cliff-top walks locally.

The Walking Planned walks will include two grades each day: a moderate/easy walk plus a more strenuous walk. The aim will be to use public transport, where possible, to get to the start of the walks. Some walk ideas for the weekend are below:

Friday 21 March Steam train from Whitby to Goathland. (Return train fare will be in the region of £12).

Saturday 22 March Bus to Staithes.

Sunday 23 March Bus to Saltergate on the Pickering to Whitby Road, timetable permitting.

Getting There By car - For Sat Nav users the postcode is YO22 4JT On foot - follow signs towards the Abbey, go up the 199 steps, continue across the turning area, going right under the archway by the Lodge House. Follow the driveway and under a second archway to find the hostel. By road, follow signs to the Abbey, up Green Lane, turn left and continue beyond the Abbey car park. As you approach the turning area, keep left under the archway and follow the driveway alongside the Abbey wall, go under a second archway and park in the courtyard. By Train / Bus - Whitby Railway station is half a mile away with 4 trains daily from Middlesborough. There are frequent buses from surrounding areas. Mybus 97 runs hourly near to the hostel from Whitby bus station.

The Cost The cost of the weekend includes 2 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation; 2 days packed lunches; plus evening meals for Friday and Saturday ­ all meals to be taken at the hotel; the cost of arranging the weekend.

Organiser: Barbara

MOORSIDE FARM (STAFFORDSHIRE) WEEKEND 11 - 13 April 2008

And now for something completely different! Escape from the pressures of work for the weekend by booking for this weekend “away from it all” staying in this farmhouse high up in the Peak District National Park.

THE LOCATION Our base is in Staffordshire but close to the border with Derbyshire and approximately halfway between the villages of Flash (which claims to be the “highest village in England”) and picturesque Longnor. Superb walking is on our door step with high moorland walking combined with lower level farmland and interesting villages.

ACCOMMODATION The Club has booked “sole occupancy” of Moorside Farm, a 300-year old farmhouse set 1200 feet up in the beautiful Peak District National Park on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border and approximately 5 miles from the historic town of Buxton. All meals are provided – a three course breakfast, packed lunch and a substantial dinner in the evenings, vegetarians are catered for.
Accommodation is provided in two areas. The larger room is “alpine style” with pine clad ceiling and a pine floor with bunk beds. The smaller room has bunk beds. Downstairs there are showers, toilets and a large dining/general room. The farmhouse has full central heating and drying facilities are available. There is a small kitchen available for making tea and coffee. Parking spaces.

THE WALKING Wonderful walking is on our doorstep. Flash – Three Shire Heads – Lud’s Church – Longnor – Hartington – The Roaches. Leave your car parked for the weekend and enjoy 2 days classic walking – with possible refreshment stops along the way of course!

GETTING THERE By train/bus - Getting there by public transport is not impossible but will be a challenge. The nearest railway station is at Buxton 5 miles away. From here catch the Bowers Bus 442 Buxton – Ashbourne, alighting at Longnor – then approx 2.5 miles walk to Hollinsclough.
By road – Moorside Farm is located in the small hamlet of Hollinsclough. Access is EITHER from the A53 Buxton-Leek road leave at the Travellers Rest approx 2 miles; OR from Longnor on the B5053 (off the A515 Buxton-Ashbourne road). Directions / map will be sent!

THE COST The cost of the weekend includes 2 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation; 2 days packed lunches; plus evening meals for Friday and Saturday – all meals to be taken at the hotel; the cost of arranging the weekend.

OTHER INFORMATION BRING A SLEEPING BAG WITH YOU!!! There is NO PUB within walking distance! The nearest pubs are at Flash or Longnor. So bring your own supplies with you!

THE WEEKEND The weekend will start with dinner at 7-7.30pm on Friday evening. It is planned to offer led walks on Saturday and Sunday.

RHUM / JURA / LOCH OSSIAN April 2008

Sorry, fully booked

ONICH (SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS) WEEK 3 - 10 May 2008 (7 nights)

THE LOCATION The village and community of Onich stretches along a short length of the A82 Glasgow – Inverness road, on the north side of the Ballachulish Bridge. There are hotels and a few retail outlets and stunning views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding mountains. Onich is approx 20 minutes from Fort William and approx 15 miles from Glencoe (where there was once a rather nasty battle) and the range of walking within reach includes Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Britain.
There are a number of suitable eating places within a short walk of our base, with further eating places within 15-20 minutes drive / bus ride.

ACCOMMODATION The Club has booked Ardrhu House and 1 cottage within the Ardrhu Holiday Cottages complex – this is situated approx 0.25 miles off the main A82 road with stunning views of the Loch. There are more cottages within the complex for the Club to book subject to the level of demand for this trip.
Ardrhu House is a fully equipped property which can accommodate up to 14 guests in a mixture of twin / double / single rooms. The cottage can accommodate up to 6 guests. Both properties have full kitchen facilities and the cost includes all bed linen, towels and heating.
Accommodation is booked on a self-catering basis and we will need to make arrangements for eating out – which is likely to be on a mixture of eating in and out in a similar style to the recent trips to Mullion Cove and Ilfracombe.

THE WALKING Onich is in a prime walking area with possibilities including Ben Nevis; the heights of Kinlochleven; Pap of Glencoe; The Three Sisters; Stob Ghabhar; Ben Starav. It is also possible to offer 2 sections of the West Highland Way. A possibility for a non-walking day is to take the West Highland Railway from Fort William to Mallaig and catch the ferry over to Skye.

GETTING THERE By train/bus - The nearest railway station is at Fort William. From Fort William catch Highland Bus 44 to Onich approx 20 minutes. THE COST The cost of accommodation (7 nights) will be approx £140 depending on the numbers booking. This is on a self catering basis only. Please see below re. possible additions / extras to this cost.

EXCLUDED FROM THE COST We will need to make arrangements for travel to and from the walks. There is a local bus service Fort William – Onich – Glencoe but this alone is likely to restrict the choice of walks. If sufficient members of the party take their cars to Onich and are prepared to use their cars for walks this would be a solution. Alternatively the Club may explore hiring vehicles – mini bus etc. – in which case the cost of this would need to be split between the members of the party. Your views on these preferences would be welcomed!
Excluded from the cost are also: Food – eating in/out; getting to and from Onich; travel to walks; Travel Insurance (if required).

THE WEEK The week will start with dinner on Saturday at a pre-booked location to be advised. It is planned to offer 5 led walks with a choice of grades, with 1 non-walking day, provisionally Wednesday. Eating will be in and out to suit everyone’s preferences (and budgets!).

EXMOOR / SOMERSET 23 - 26 May

The club trip for the 2nd May Bank Holiday will enable us to explore Exmoor National Park and the north Somerset coast. We will be staying in Exford Youth Hostel, a Victorian house standing in its own grounds on the bank of the River Exe in Exford village. It's the ideal base to explore the open hills and wooded valleys all around and the Somerset coastis a short car drive away. You may even be lucky enough to spot a red deer. Other likely attractions are Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, Porlock Weir and Dunster Castle.

Accommodation: Three nights accommodation has been booked on a full board basis, starting with the evening meal on Friday 23rd. The only refreshments not provided will be of the brown liquid variety - and this will be available in the village inn, 100 yards across the river bridge and local beers and wines will be available in the Hostel. It has a library, lounge, garden, cycle store, small shop, camping facilities, wheelchair facilities, parking, barbecue area, drying room, laundry and showers. Maximum room size is a 6 bedded room.

Walking: Three days of club-led walks will give us a full opportunity to explore the area and perhaps sample a cream tea or two.

TraveI Information: 2 daily buses from Minehead, Dunster, Taunton and Tiverton. Railway information : Nearest main line station at Taunton and Tiverton Parkway. West Somerset steam trains from Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) to Minehead. National Express : Taunton, occasionally to Minehead.

Organiser: Ian Reese

SAFFRON WALDEN (ESSEX) 20 - 22 June

We will be walking in Hertfordshire and North Essex. The walking is not demanding and is gentle rolling countryside punctuated with pretty villages and plenty of thatch. There will be walks of 6-8 and 10-12 miles available on Saturday and Sunday. Offers to assist with leading would be appreciated. There are plenty of places to visit locally for those who prefer not to walk.

The hostel is easily accessed by the M11 motorway and there is free parking nearby. There is a 2 hourly train service between London, Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport. The hostel is 2.5 miles away from Audley End Station with a local bus link to the hostel.

Colin has agreed to bring his Scalextric!

There will be an evening meal at 7.00pm on Friday evening, buffet breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal on Saturday, buffet breakfast and a packed lunch on Sunday.

Organiser Hilary