On our first afternoon we stretched our legs around Oxwich Point, through woods filled with wild garlic, and fields of bluebells and pink campion. Next morning dawned bright and sunny for a walk across fields and through woods, passing an ancient ruined mill and curious quartered fish pond, and then up onto the ridge of Cefn Bryn from which there were good views of the coast. Next morning we travelled to Worms Head in the far west of the peninsula to walk back along the coast path, with a stop for a well earned icecream at Port Eynon! We spotted wild orchids beside the path up on the cliffs. Each afternoon we sat outside with a cup of tea and a slice of home made cake, and in the evenings enjoyed a glass of something chilled before delicious three course meals. Some hilarious games were played on two evenings after supper, and then we were lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves on the beach outside our windows. The final morning we drove to Penmaen and walked through a forest filled with bird song, past a neolithic tomb and an old lime kiln, and then walked down to Three Cliffs Bay, crossing the stepping stones onto the beach. But the cliffs had disappeared into a sea mist! The ruins of Pennard Castle high above the river looked very atmospheric in the cloud, as we strolled back along the river before saying our goodbyes over a picnic lunch.

Thanks again for a great holiday. Everything was excellent, hotel, walks, weather and company.  The best break so far. CW.

I just can't believe how well everything worked for us. I loved the walks with you giving background details, even though it was sometimes hard going in the heat, it made for beautiful views.  The hotel too did all we could ask.  So, with good company, I thoroughly enjoyed my few days in the Gower.PG.

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Our first walk next morning was along the coast path to Tintagel Castle (sadly still shut for the winter, despite the wonderful weather), where we had coffee, and then continued towards Boscastle. Lunch and a sunbathe on the cliff before walking up Rocky Valley, with a quick stop to see the ruined mill, and then across field paths into Tintagel for a tea break and a look around. We retraced our steps along the coast path, with great views of the old slate workings, in time for tea and Marianne's delicious home made biscuits. That evening we marvelled at the first of several sunsets behind Gull Rock.

Day two saw us in taxis to Bodmin Moor, with very different scenery. We climbed Showery Tor and then Roughtor, where we stopped for a drink and explored the strange rock formations. Then down the other side, and a climb up to the top of Brown Willy, at 420 metres, the highest tor on Bodmin Moor. Here we had our packed lunch and then descended to see the oldest stone circle in the country, probably erected by Neolithic farmers who inhabited the moor thousands of years ago. On Louden Hill some of the women managed to rock the Logan stone, seemingly impossible given the size of it, but easy once it got going! We ate at the pub by the beach that evening, and some of us climbed back up the path in the darkness, wondering at the clarity of the stars and planets in the night sky.

Day three was another coastal walk, this time from Port Isaac where we looked for Doc Martin's house, and round the headland through fields of primroses and hedgerows full of snowy blackthorn flowers.We had lunch on the Rumps,with its Iron Age fortifications, finishing the walk in Polzeath. The tide was out on the magnificent surfing beach, so some women paddled in the icy cold sea, before rewarding themselves with ice creams and drinks. Taxis took us back to The Bluff for our final supper. After supper we played a few daft games, with much laughter before an early night.

After another hearty and delicious breakfast (how does Marianne make her delicious muesli?) we checked out and drove to Boscastle for a short walk along the Valency River, pausing to look around the Minster church which was surrounded by daffodils, then round the headland, passing the Stitches, ancient Celtic field systems, finishing the walk at Boscastle harbour. Some of us had a quick lunch before departing homeward. Our weather was wall to wall sunshine and record temperatures for the whole time. We couldn't have been luckier!

An absolutely lovely weekend with stunning walks, fresh air, lovely food and great company. A real tonic. I will be back for more as soon as I can! Andrea.

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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 the Downs, and standing in its own extensive grounds. There are plenty of shared and some single rooms, and plenty of (shared) bathrooms. All meals are vegetarian, prepared by the award winning chef, using organic produce, and produce from their own kitchen gardens where possible.

Walks: The area has abundant coastal and downland walks, long and short. The grounds of the accommodation can be used for walking meditation. The price includes a full programme of guided mediation, and a choice of guided walks.

Grade: Leisurely and Moderate

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

Price: £355 for shared accommodation. Some rooms available for sole occupancy at a supplement of £20 per night. All meals included from Monday dinner to Thursday lunch.

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 years.

Grade:   Leisurely

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

Price: £230 in a shared twin room. Double rooms as singles: £15/night supplement. Includes 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 see photos from a previous walking weekend in the Cotswolds (in October)  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

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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.

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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.

Our first walking weekend of the year,in North Cornwall, went well, and I can't believe how lucky we were with wall to wall sunshine for the whole four days we were there! You can read all about it in Previous Walks.

I am often asked for the recipes for my cakes, so I'm working on a page of these. You can see the first of them here, and do please email me if you've tried others on my walking breaks for which you'd like recipes!

In September, by popular request, we're returning to the picturesque rolling countryside of the  Cotswolds, for a weekend of leisurely walks with Barbara.

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. 

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? It's filling fast, but there are still some shared and single places available if you'd like to join us.

Here's the programme of walks for next year, so far, together with their grades. Make sure you choose the right grade of walk for you, one that you'll feel comfortable with:

August 20th-23rd: Moderate3 nights in the Shropshire Hills

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

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

You can either complete the online reservation form, or send me an email or give me a call to discuss anything about the holidays. All holidays for 2012 are now priced.

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

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, so why not take advantage of this?

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 hear about regular holiday updates as they are added, why not "like" our Facebook page?

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.