Another opportunity to take part in a programme of walks and meditation in the South Downs. I will be leading this break with Gillian Lenane, an experienced meditation and alternative therapy practitioner. Together we have successfully led several previous walking and meditation breaks, both in a different part of the South Downs and in Cornwall. Here are some photos from a past retreat at a different venue in the South Downs.

Accommodation: We will have exclusive use of Florence House in East Sussex, close to the sea and standing in its own extensive grounds. There are plenty of shared and some single rooms, and plenty of (shared) bathrooms.

Walks: The area has abundant coastal and downland walks, long and short. The grounds of the accommodation can be used for walking meditation

Grade: Leisurely and Moderate

Getting there: nearest station is Seaford, from where taxis are available

Price:TBC. Reserve a place without obligation by completing and sending the online reservation form. Once the price is decided you can choose to confirm your place by paying a deposit.

We return to Cleeve Hill in the gently rolling Cotswold hills for an early autumn walking weekend. We have been here many times before, so we know that the accommodation will be first rate, with our hospitable and helpful hosts, Manfred and Jacqueline at the Cleeve Hill House Hotel. Bedrooms are twin ensuite, or double ensuites which we can take as singles. The walks are sublime and not too strenuous, with fine views and interesting sites to visit, not to mention the tea shops in Winchcombe!

This weekend will be led by Barbara who has led several walks for WOW over the year

Grade:   Leisurely

Getting there: nearest station is Cheltenham a 20 minute taxi ride from the hotel

Price: TBC. Price will include 2 nights bed and breakfast, 2 packed lunches and 1 evening meal, and 3 guided walks. You will need to pay for Saturday's meal at the nearby pub from its varied and reasonably priced menu.

You can reserve a place without obligation before the price is decided by filling in and sending the online reservation form. Once the weekend is priced youcan decide whether to go ahead with the booking.

You can see photos from a previous walking weekend in the Cotswolds (in March) here

Saturday dawned bright and clear and stayed sunny and warm throughout the day. We walked to Freshwater Bay and then east along the coast path, with a pause for coffee at The Sun Inn. This refreshed us for the pull uphill through woods to see the Long stone, an ancient stone marking either a burial place or a meeting place dating from the Iron Age. Our return path was along the Tennyson Trail with fine views across to the mainland at Lymington, and a sunny spot for a picnic lunch and a snooze. It was hard to believe we were half way through October and enjoying a real Indian summer. Whenwe finished the walk it was time for more tea and cake at Dimbola Lodge, and then showers all round at Seahorses before going to a different pub for another delicious dinner.

Early Sunday morning was obscured by mist, but by the time we were booted and ready to leave after breakfast this had burned off with the prospect of another fine day, if anything even hotter than Saturday. This time we walked west to the Tennyson Memorial high on the cliffs, and then to see the Needles at the far west of the island. A quick coffee stop overlooking the coloured sands of Alum Bay, and then back through wooded paths hung with Old Man's Beard, to the B&B. Here we had our picnic in the garden, before saying our farewells and catching the ferry back to Lymington, and onward. The group had gelled so well, and had lots of laughs together and, save for a few sore feet, everyone had enjoyed a weekend of glorious walks on the island.

"A very welcome walk on the first day to warm us up and give us a chance to get to know people. Gradient and length of walks seemed to work well particularly with stops for coffee, cake etc. Accommodation was fine, spacious, welcoming. Great having the house to ourselves, good location. Slightly dated but that didn't matter. The two pub meals were brilliant, particularly when we had our own private menu! Good choice of breakfast and packed lunch. A great group of people, very welcoming. Thanks again for a brilliant weekend, amazingly well organised, with absolutely nothing to do other than enjoy ourselves." Linda

more on Testimonials page……..

Another new holiday for WOW, based in the pretty town of Church Stretton in the Shropshire hills, with its attractive shops and tea rooms, surrounded by A E Housman's "blue remembered hills".

Accommodation is at the spacious Longmynd Hotel situated above the town with far reaching views to the surrounding hills, including the Long Mynd and Caer Caradoc. All the twin or single rooms have ensuite bathrooms. We'll have breakfasts and dinners in the hotel, and there is the added attraction of a heated outdoor swimming pool in which to cool off after the walks. It's a 5 minute walk down through fields from the hotel into town. Just remember it's uphill going back, though…!

Walks: This is beautiful walking country! We'll have a short walk on the afternoon of arrival, and two full day walks on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a short walk on Thursday morning before we depart homeward. The hills are steep but the views from the top are breathtaking. Packed lunches will be provided for the full day walks.

Grade:Moderate

Getting there: By rail, Church Stretton station is on the Newport to Shrewsbury line, and the hotel is half a mile from there. Taxis from the station can be booked in advance. By road, Church Stretton is just off the A49 Hereford to Shrewsbury road. Plenty of parking space at the hotel.

Price £295 in a shared twin room Single supplement £10/night. Price includes 3 nights dinner bed and breakfast, 4 guided walks, 2 packed lunches.

A new walking holiday staying in a family run hotel right on the seafront in Oxwich Bay, a lovely part of the Gower peninsula in South Wales.

Accommodation: in standard or luxury twin rooms, or doubles which we can use as singles. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, and those in the luxury rooms have been recently refurbished. We'll be served  a three course dinner each evening in the hotel. Packed lunches will be provided for all-day walks.

Walks: There will be a short walk on the afternoon of arrival, two longer all day walks on Tuesday and Wednesday, and a morning walk on the day of departure. The walks will be mainly along  the beautiful Gower coastline, and up onto the ridge of Cefn Bryn with spectacular views. The bay where we'll stay is regularly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales, and it should be quieter while we are there mid-week.

Grade: Moderate

Getting there: Train to Swansea, then taxi or bus onward to the hotel. By car the Gower peninsular is just off the M4 beyond Swansea.
 

Price £265, based on a shared standard room, or £295 for a shared luxury room.Single supplement £10/night for luxury or standard doubles as singles. Price includes 3 nights bed, breakfast and dinner, 2 packed lunches, 4 guided walks, and any transport to the walk start points.

Ten of us met in the Youth Hostel at Hartington for our Friday afternoon walk from the village. The weather was a little damp and misty but the countryside looked lovely as we passed the village pond and some lovely country gardens on our way along the valley towards Pilsbury.  We crossed the ford at Pilsbury and walked up through farmland towards the ridge passing through the gardens of a private smallholding where we encountered some rather lively donkeys who kept us entertained while they charged through the orchard causing havoc.   Our path then took us through woodland and back down across the fields to Hartington where we gathered in the coach house kitchen for tea and cakes.   We had drinks and supper at the Youth Hostel before a reasonably early night and our books!

On Saturday,after a good breakfast we began our walk from the village across the fields towards the River Dove.   The morning was slightly damp but cleared by the time we reached the river,and we followed the path through Beresford Dale.   We then turned up through the fields towards Narrowdale Hill and the village of Alstonefield.    We were delighted on arriving at the pub for coffee and drinks to find ten carriages and horses gathered on the green.  They were part of the Manifold Country Fair and were being judged at the pub – a marvellous sight – especially when they all trotted off through the village.   Our route took us out of the village and along paths fringed with wild flowers to Gipsy Bank high above the River Dove where we stopped for lunch.    A steep walk down the Bank took us to the river again and our path back towards Hartington through Wolfscote Dale with its steep limestone sides.   Lanes and  field paths took us back to the Youth Hostel where we made cups of tea and enjoyed slices of cake.     We enjoyed watching a wedding taking place at the Youth Hostel before six of us decided to do an extra walk as the afternoon was still light and dry.   We walked out of the village through Hand Dale and Madge Dale on a lovely evening with the sun shining over the fields and valleys.     We had another excellent and happy dinner ending a good day.

We enjoyed the best weather on Sunday as we set off from the hostel across the fields and along the paths to the Tissington Trail and Ruby Wood.   The Tissington Trail  along a former railway line offers good, flat walking with fine views across the countryside.   We cut down from the trail into the village of Biggin and across to the top of Biggin Dale.    The path took us part way down the Dale and then up through the fields back to the hostel where some of us ate our picnics, while others made an early start for home, after we'd all said our farewells.

A very happy weekend with lots of laughs, good chats and lovely walks.

We had a lovely weekend. Barbara was attentive and a delight as a leader and the group itself gelled together very well. The accommodation was clean and up to a good standard, it was lovely staying in the coach house and having my own shower. Meals were all of a high standard, and Hartington Hall is an impressive character building. Surrounding countryside was quiet and expansive. The walks were a mix of flat and gentle hills and the pace was suitable for all. I had a thoroughly lovely break and would go back that way again. Anne.

More on Testimonials page……..

We stayed at Bluff Centre last September, for a walking break. This small guesthouse, near Tintagel on the North Cornish coast, is in such a stunning location, and the walks so breathtakingly beautiful, that I've reserved all the rooms again next spring.

Accommodation is in twin rooms, with plenty of bathrooms (not ensuite). A very few single rooms available at a supplement.

Walks:  With three full days, and four nights, we'll have plenty of time for walks along the coast path in each direction, and perhaps to visit the mysterious Bodmin Moor, with its fascinating history. We might even have time for a river valley walk from Boscastle. Tintagel with its connections to King Arthur is very close by. Bluff Centre is small (we'll have the place to ourselves), beautifully decorated and maintained by its owners Charlie and Marianne, and overlooks Trebarwith Strand and Gull Rock, with lovely views and sunsets to watch from its picture windows. We can quickly walk down to the beach after our walks, then back to enjoy delicious meals prepared for us by Marianne. You can see photos from our last walking break here.

Grade: Moderate+

Getting there: The nearest station is Bodmin Parkway, from where we can arrange a shared lift to Bluff Centre.

Price: £295 for a shared large twin room. Single supplement £20/night. To include 4 nights bed, breakfast and evening meals, 3 packed lunches, all guided walks, and transport to and from the walks where necessary.

Two new dates for next autumn have been added. In September, by popular request, we're returning to the picturesque rolling countryside of the  Cotswolds, for a weekend of leisurely walks. Then in October we're delighted to announce a new venue for a walking and meditation retreat in the South Downs, which Anne will be co-leading with Gillian Lenane. If you've attended one of these retreats in the past you will know how therapeutic this combination of activities can be. Places on both of these breaks can be reserved without obligation until the price is decided.

Our holiday in Cornwall at the end of March is  FULLY BOOKED and our NEW walking break in the  Gower Peninsula, South Wales, is almost full too! Don't wait too long to book a place if you'd like to come along too. See below for details, or look at Forthcoming Walks.

If you'd like to get away after the Olympic Games have finished how about a three night mid-week holiday in the Shropshire Hills next August? There are still plenty of places if you'd like to join us.

Want to be one of the first to hear when new holidays are added to the site? Then why not sign up for our regular email newsletter?

Here's the programme of walks for next year, so far:

March 23rd-27th: 4 night break in Cornwall

May 21st-24th: 3 night break in the Gower Peninsula

August 20th-23rd: 3 nights in Shropshire Hills

September 14th-16th: 2 nights in the Cotswolds

October 8th-11th: 3 night walking and meditation retreat in the South Downs

You can reserve a place without obligation until the holiday price is decided. Just complete the online reservation form, or send an email.

Have a look at the Testimonials from women who have enjoyed our walking breaks, many of them returning time after time.

Just a reminder to make sure you choose the grade of walk which will be comfortable for you. Check how we grade the walks here.

Lots of you book on more than one WOW holiday each year, so as a Loyalty reward  we're again offering £25 off your second walking holiday in 2011. Why not take advantage of this next year?

We only take small groups, so don't miss out this year- reserve your place on your preferred holiday, and you'll only need to pay your deposit when the price is decided.You can complete the online reservation form, or call me if you'd like to discuss anything about these walking breaks.

If you would like to get regular holiday updates as they are added, you can subscribe to my email newsletter, at the bottom right of the page, then you'll be one of the first to hear about anything new! Or join our Facebook page to get regular updates to your Facebook newsfeed.

When you book your place on a Women Out Walking holiday, you can claim a 10% discount off purchases from WALKABOUT, outdoor gear specialist in Epsom. Contact us for more details.

Tuesday's walk was across the fields to Winchelsea, another Cinque Port. In fact, it's really New Winchelsea, built to replace the old town which is now somewhere under the sea. King Edward I had the streets of the then important port built in a wide grid plan, as he'd seen in France, so it is spacious and airy, unlike an English Medieval town. We walked alongside the Military canal, built to supply weapons for the Napoleonic wars, and now providing an attractive habitat for swans and geese, who were busy bringing up their young when we passed by. In Winchelsea there was time for coffee and cake, and a look around the town, and particularly the magnificent church, with its fine carved tombs. Good views were again to be had from the Lookout at the edge of town. Then we walked back to Rye along the 1066 Country Trail which follows the line of the former sea cliffs, now a couple of miles inland. This was our longest walk, so in the evening we dined well in the hotel restaurant, played Who's in the Bag, and then staggered off to bed.

On Wednesday we headed for Rye Harbour, for a walk around the nature reserve, with lots of sea plants and sea birds to see. We visited a bird hide to watch the birds nesting and also saw the Lifeboat House, from which the fated Mary Stanford lifeboat was launched in a storm in 1928, and capsized with all lives lost, a sad and terrible tale, as the crew did not see the recall flares after they had set off in the stormy night, to tell them that the crew of the boat they went to help had all been saved by another passing ship. We then headed for Camber Castle, built by Henry VIII, which was then on the sea shore, but is now about a mile inland, approached over shingle ridges, which were as dry as a bone. There we met our guide Barry, who allowed us inside the castle, and told us something of its history. After a picnic lunch we headed back via the church yard to see the Art Deco style memorial to the lost lifeboat crew. That evening we ate at the Standard Inn, in a private room where we discovered a pianola, so one of our group entertained us with a rousing performance of Putting on the Ritz, just by pedaling hard!

Thursday was departure day, and some women left after breakfast, while a couple of others decided to go for a trip on the Romney and Hythe steam railway. The rest of us had a short walk in wind and showers, to Playden, to the north of Rye, and then back along the River Rother, which was quite challenging in the strong wind. Some of us bought fresh fish to take home, and the remaining five of us had coffee and a sandwich in Hayden's cafe before leaving for our homeward journeys.

"Great few days. Good venue-pleasant, light and airy and so close to town. Thank you again for the lovely home made cake and your organisation-always makes for a very homely and distinctive walking holiday." Jean.

more on Testimonials page…….
 

Saturday was forecast to be showery in the morning, but it seemed to miss us, so our 10 mile walk along the coastal path was dry and fine, with good views eastwards along the coast. After a stop for coffee at the welcoming Sun Inn at Hulverstone, who opened early for us, we headed up through woods to the Longstone, part of a Neolithic burial chamber, and then up onto the ridge of Compton Down to return on the Tennyson Trail, managing to dodge the golf balls as we crossed the Links coming into Freshwater. We all visited Dimbola Lodge for tea and cake, and some of us went in to see the display of photos by Julia Margaret Cameron, a pioneering Victorian photographer, before heading back to Seahorses for a welcome shower. The Highdown Inn did us another excellent meal, and we returned replete and tired to turn in for an early night.

Sunday's walk over Tennyson Down towards the monument promised to give good sea views until the sea mist rolled in,making it seem very spooky, and we had to walk the last part of the ridge on a compass bearing, the visibility was so poor. Miraculously, the mist cleared when we reached the western end of the Downs, and there were the Needles, clearly visible….and then they were gone again. Happy to have seen them, we took the lower path back to the B&B, just in time to change, say our goodbyes and catch our ferries back to the mainland. Well walked, fed and having laughed a good deal, it felt like a mini holiday, and a great way to start the spring! 

"Really good sized room, good shower, comfortable bed. Very good breakfasts in the B&B, amazing evening meals in the pubs. Great group-no grumbles, just people enjoying themselves and relaxing. It was only 2 nights but felt very refreshed as if I'd been away for a week. Fell in love with the Isle of Wight all over again." Denise

more on Testimonials page….