December 4th 2011

New option for Walking on Dartmoor

Advance notice that we have just completed work on our Dartmoor Way Walking Holidays following demand from those of you who have completed The Two Moors Way and want more of this mighty moor !

The Dartmoor Way at around 90 miles is suitable for all walkers as it circles the Moor yet takes in a huge variety in scenery on the way,  staying overnight in small market towns, moorland B&B's and hidden village inns. On the way you will pass The Castle Drogo Gorge, climb to the remote Moorland Tor Church at Brent Tor, drop into Tavistock, Okehampton and the Abbey at Buckfastleigh. In between miles of superb and varied  walking including from The high Tors, to sparkling river valleys and for those that still like the challenge,  two days across the southern moors via imposing Princetown site of the infamous Victorian Prison and ancient clapper bridges.

As we are based only 20 or so miles away from the route its an area and walks all the staff know well, however Ann and Bernie have got lucky and have the job to a do a final check of the route information in a week of walking the Dartmoor Way (though its to be in January so we hope they take their snowshoes !).

The route detail and holiday information will be on the new website by mid January once they return but we are already taking advance bookings as we know this route will be as popular as The Two Moors Way.

If you would like us to contact you as soon as the full details are available just drop us a quick email by CLICKING HERE and we will advise as soon as The Dartmoor Way is on the website. Of if you can't wait contact us now for an advance walking holiday quote.

November 28th 2011

Walking Holidays on the Coleridge Way across North Somerset

Thirty Six stunning miles of varied and inspiring walking following in the footsteps of the Poet Samuel Coleridge (Kubla Khan and The Ancient Mariner) through The Quantocks, the little known Brendon Hills and finally out onto Exmoor National Park.

Damon from the office here,  has just returned from rewalking the Coleridge Way in Somerset and having enjoyed a dry and sunny November walk along the route we are now ready to release details of this superb walk and add The Coleridge Way to our portfolio for the 2012 season.

Whether you like wandering to quaint tea shops or recovering in timeless village inns, the Coleridge Way will provide for you. Fit, fast and experienced walkers can complete the route in a more challenging 2 or 3 days whilst those looking for a relaxed walking break can take a leisurely 4 day option. 

Staying in stunning moorland villages, think roaring log fires, cozy inns, local meat, fish, game and cider at night and by day a really varied trail that takes in everything from the higher moorland of Exmoor National Park to sunken droves and bridleways, lost tracts of ancient forest and superb rolling views out from the high ground over the Bristol Channel to Wales. This is a walking holiday with rewards on AND off the trail !

On the way Victorian Dog Pounds, Iron age burial sites, picture postcard thatched villages and the stags and deer filled moors accompany you. Starting from Coleridge's Cottage in Nether Stowey en route you pass the home of his friend Wordsworth at Alfoxton Park to finish in the pretty village of Porlock which links you into the South West Coast Path. For those wanting to build a truly varied week of walking in the South West,  The Coleridge Way can be combined with a couple of days on the South West Coast Path to give you a taste of everything North Somerset has to offer. 

Full details will be on the website by Christmas and we can drop you an email as soon as the information is live online  -  please just CLICK HERE to send an email requesting this.

November 23rd 2011

We are very excited to announce that our new Website will be unveiled towards the end of this year. As we have expanded and added more and more walks to our existing site we really have outgrown it. Expect new functions, a fresh new look, tools to help you find the best walk to suit you as well as hopefully much clearer and quicker ways of getting the information you need about our Walking Holidays.

Online Walking Map Shop

In addition to all this,  in partnership with Amazon we will also be opening our own online book and map store which will allow you to find the relevant guidebooks, maps and literature that we suggest for particular walks and visits to specific areas of the West Country.  You will be able to order these through your normal Amazon account (or set one up) giving you the added advantage of being able to order walking products at Amazon's prices - for your walking maps alone this is usually 35% cheaper than the recommended retail price. 

So check back with us towards the end of 2011 for not only a brand new look to our website but several new walking routes including Dartmoor and Exmoor and a host of news and ideas fresh for the 2012 season.

July 14th 2011

Autumn Walking Escapes in Cornwall Our Lowest Ever Priced Saints Way & Coast Path Short Breaks  Dear Walker - We feel that Autumn is the best time to fit in a short break walk in mid Cornwall. With the main holiday season over you can wander the footpaths free from the crowds by day and at night sample superb local food and drink in relaxed restaurants and accommodation. Enjoy the best of our Indian Summer - without the rush and bustle of the high season. And now Walk at our Lowest ever prices on two Classic Cornish Walking Routes -   The Classic Coast Path Break Mevagissey to Looe - 30 miles Moderate Grade   Link superb coastal walking with fine dining and stunning overnights in some of Cornwall's best loved harbour towns at Mevagissey, Charlestown, Fowey and Polperro/Looe.    In between, the best coast walking section in South Cornwall takes you from hidden coves to towering cliffs, golden sands to rolling green valleys. Options to visit The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan en route. 2 days and 3 nights £199.50 per person 3 days and 4 nights £249.50 per person Includes - Ensuite B&B accommodation, route maps and guidebooks, daily luggage transfers, detailed walking itinerary and our tailor made route planning and holiday service Upgrade options for luxury hotels available CLICK HERE to read more about the route Saints Way - Coast to Coast Padstow to Fowey 28 miles Easy/Moderate Grade   Walk this ancient Pilgrim Trail Coast to Coast across the heart of Cornwall. Holy Wells, Celtic Crosses, Standing Stones and Tors lead you through the unspoilt and remote paths of mid Cornwall.   Enjoy overnights in Padstow Harbour, (home to Rick Steins Restaurants), and at cosy inland inns ending in the stunning natural harbour of Fowey on Cornwalls dramatic South Coastline.   2 days & 3 nights £199 per person 3 days & 4 nights £262.50 per person Includes - Ensuite B&B accommodation, route maps and guidebooks, daily luggage transfers, detailed walking itinerary and our tailor made route planning and holiday service Upgrade options for luxury hotels available   CLICK HERE to read more about the route   For full details on these Short Breaks or to make a booking request please CLICK HERE to send us an email Enquiry Form with your details.   We will return a full quote for you to consider covering full day by day Walking Detail, links to view Accommodation options and their websites, information on how to get to and from the walk, options for visiting local points of interest en route and much more.   Or if you prefer please call during office hours to speak to one of our specialist walking advisors about either of these routes and offers.   Encounter Walking Holidays 01208 871066 Special Autumn Break Prices are based on 2 persons sharing a twin or double room. Further discounts available for larger groups.  Special offer prices are available from September 10th through to December 2011. To view a walking map of our full portfolio of West Country Walking holidays in Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall -  CLICK HERE

July 5th 2011

We have been asked if we can put this info up in support of a no doubt very fit young man who is attempted to break the record for completing the full South West Coast Path later this month. 

We wish him the best of luck !  Anyone who has walked bits of the route will be astounded to note he is looking at walking around 43 miles a day !

You can follow his progress on the links below or make a donation for Help for Heroes to spur him on.

Coast Path Record Challenge - 630 Miles in 14 days on foot 10th July...

36 year old Terry Davis intends to complete the entire South West Coast Path (630 miles) on foot, unsupported and in 14 days or less.  In order to complete such a grueling challenge he will have to cover a staggering 45 miles per day and if successful he will be the first to achieve this.  The South West Coast path is the longest national trail in the United Kingdom.

Why do it?

Firstly, he loves a challenge and defying the odds.  Secondly nobody has successfully completed a solo attempt of the South West Coast Path (630 miles) on foot and in 14 days or less, though others have tried and failed.  Thirdly and more importantly Terry is doing the challenge to raise money for two extremely worthwhile charities, Help for Heroes and Cancer Research (UK).

Terry’s Experience:

He has previously completed the entire Pennine Way (275 miles), solo, on foot and on more than one occasion.  The last time he attempted this he managed the entire distance in under 10 Days, though he did not really push the boundaries.  His previous experience will be highly relevant in terms of planning, preparation and actually attempting this new challenge.  Besides long distance backpacking Terry is also a keen long distance runner and this complementary set of interests should put him in good stead to complete this challenge, especially when combined with his other character traits.

“I am under no illusion as to how physically and mentally demanding this challenge will be, and that it will probably be one of the hardest challenges that I have ever attempted in my life.  However, nobody said it was going to be easy and that is part of the fun!!!”

“The pain and discomfort that I endure whilst completing this challenge will be nothing compared to that suffered on a daily basis by the amazing individuals that are supported by Help for Heroes and Cancer Research (UK).” 

Donate

Its easy to make a donation to support this effort on the events website at  www.Ltwellness.com/

Follow:

It will be possible to follow the challenge via the challenge website and Terry will also be blogging live during the challenge via Twitter and Facebook.

Website:         www.ltwellness.com  (central challenge web resource).

Twitter:           www.twitter.com/#!/ltwellness

Facebook:     www.facebook.com/pages/Ltwellness/113655895386127

December 23rd 2010

The commitment from the Government for a National Coast Path giving access to the entire coastline for walkers has been hit by the latest funding cuts - however whilst much of the planning is currently on hold one section has got the go ahead on the Jurassic Coast.

Improvements to the path and the walking experience on the superb bit of trail between Portland and the stunning horseshoe cove at Lulworth are underway and expected to be in place in time for the Olympics where Portland Harbour will be the main centre for sea going watersports.

A full consultation document with mapping covering the proposed improvements is now available to see by clicking here - comments welcome.

For walking information on this section of coastline which is one of the highlights of the South West Coast Path and includes Durdle Dor, Lulworth Cove, the unique Isle of Portland and much more click on the link below

South West Coast Path Jurassic Coast - Lyme Regis to Poole

December 22nd 2010

Congratulations to the National Trust and in particular the staff at Castle Drogo just off the Two Moors Way long distance path.  They have just received the silver award for Large Attraction of the Year 2010 in a competition that covers all of the many visitor attractions in the West Country. 

The last castle to be built in England from a walkers perspective Castle Drogo occupies a superb position above the Teign Gorge Hunters Path which is part of the Coast to Coast Two Moors Way walk. Those walking the sections between Chagford and Drewsteignton at the end of the Dartmoor section of walking visit Castle Drogo on route towards the second moor at Exmoor.

Two Moors Way Walking Information

Castle Drogo Visiting Information

December 22nd 2010

For years coast path walkers in Cornwall near Lands End have passed the stunning Cape Cornwall peninsular admiring it from the path in the St Just area. The mounded Cape with its tiny ruined chapel and huge chimney has long been a well know spot for spotting dolphins, seals and the distant Scilly Isles but has required a detour off the path.

Thanks to work from the South West Coast Path Association with the National Trust the Cape has now been included on the official route of the trail and from now on all those walking the Lands End Way between St Ives and Penzance will be taken round the only Cape (meeting of two seas) in England.

South West Coast Path walking holidays including Cape Cornwall

Cape Cornwall Short circular Walk