Newsletter > Newsletter archive > March 2019
March 2019
An inspiring walk in an unlikely place
Birmingham is the epitome of a great city brought low by post-war planning that gave priority to the car and shopping centres, even in its very centre. The good news is that in the last decade it has managed to reverse many of the worst elements of those policies and a new, much more walkable city is emerging.
Our walk through Birmingham takes you along rejuvenated canals (the city famously has 'more canals than Venice') and through the central squares of the city, passing classic Victorian edifices and gleaming new bits of 'starchitecture'. We cross over to the Jewellery Quarter, full of character and attitude; and finally wander through Victorian graveyards in which many of the great and good of Birmingham's Victorian industrial might are buried with lavish memorials.
This is one of twenty walks in 'Urban Rambles', written by Walkingworld co-founder Nicholas Rudd-Jones, exploring the very different pleasures of walking in our cities, through the best green spaces and past the most notable buildings. The destinations include cathedral cities, seats of learning, trading ports, cities designed for pleasure and Victorian cities. The book is available to buy on Amazon or at your local bookshop.
Improve your outdoor photography with HF Holidays
Nearly all of us would love to improve the photographs we take in the outdoors. HF Holidays run a range of photography breaks that will help you to see the world through a lens and get the very best out of your camera.
Their photography breaks are led by a group of highly experienced and supportive photography tutors, who will help you learn new skills, advance your technique, and develop your eye.
These leisure activity holidays take place in eighteen picturesque locations in the UK, in award-winning 3 and 4-star country houses. Breaks are for 3, 4 & 7-nights' full board accommodation, with all meals from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure day.
On each break you are asked to bring your own camera, so you can learn how to get the best results from it – it doesn't need to be a posh or expensive one. On most holidays much of the day is spent outdoors, either exploring by mini-coach or on foot, walking up to three miles to the best spots. A daily image review session gives you the chance to gain constructive feedback throughout your holiday. On the seven night holidays there's one free day when you can explore or take photographs independently.
For information about other HF Holidays walking holidays visit www.hfholidays.co.uk or call 020 3974 8868.
Photography Breaks *
Discover Photography Weekend:
Northumberland. 3rd May, 3 nights from £405pp
North York Moors. 28th Sept, 3 nights from £395pp
Introduction to Digital Photography:
North York Moors. 23rd April, 3 nights from £395pp
Wildlife Photography:
Northumberland. 7th June, 7 nights from £934pp
'Through a lens':
Shropshire Hills 21st June, 7 nights from £934pp
Southern Lake District. 27th July, 3 nights from £405pp
South Downs. 12th July, 7 nights from £934pp
Northern Lake District. 11th Nov, 4 nights from £499pp
* T&Cs apply. Subject to availability, see website. Offers end 20.04.19
Summer walking in Slovenia
Walk Slovenia's award-winning hotel Pri Lenart is the ideal base for a summer of walking amongst the awe-inspiring foothills on the Julian Alps. The area offers exceptionally stable weather and clear views across some of the most beautiful panoramas in Europe. The owners have taken the classic chalet-style ski holiday and adapted it to offer an all-inclusive week-long walking experience like no other.
From the doorstep you can set out on guided walks through stunning upland pasture, secluded woodland or tackle the slopes of a steep alpine mountain ascent. Walk Slovenia pride themselves on exceptional hospitality and with a maximum of ten guests at any one time the routes are always be adapted to suit individual needs. For availability throughout June, July and August look at the website to find out more or email info@walkslovenia.com to get your walking adventure underway.
Reconnect with nature - 10% off Original Cottages
Our beautiful British Isles is home to beautiful wildlife, from soaring rare birds in Suffolk's RSPB Minsmere to gracious pods of dolphins in Wales' Cardigan Bay. Original Cottages has hundreds of beautiful cottages across the UK, where you can find the perfect base for your next adventure. With their local insights, they will help you discover some of the country's best nature-spotting destinations.
To get the discount use promo code WALKINGW10 in the 'promo code' box when making your booking online, or mention it when calling their team.
*The 10% off applies to any bookings taken between 26th March 2019 and 5th April 2019, on holidays starting on or before 31st December 2019. Discount not valid in conjunction with any other promotional code. Please note the holidays cannot be taken 25-31 May (May half-term school holiday) or 25 July-5 Sept. (Summer school holiday).
Ready for the Haute Route?
Arguably one of the top ten treks in the world, the Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, is not for the faint hearted. The daily height gain is substantial and the overall accumulation is in the region of 12,000m.
Truly a great challenge, the route takes you on a visually stunning journey between Europe's two most iconic mountains, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. The trail passes by 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, winding its way through glacial valleys, alpine meadows and enchanting villages.
Mont Blanc Treks are local guiding experts and run three guided treks along the Walkers Haute Route, allowing you to choose from 6, 8 or 11 days for the full route. The company is offering Walkingworld members £100 p/p off any of the 2019 guided treks of the Walkers Haute Route. Simply contact them and if you decide to book quote 'WHR: Walkingworld'.
Isle of Purbeck Walking Festival
The 2019 Isle of Purbeck Walking Festival is set for 12-15 September. As ever the festival has a whole range of walks on offer. Some include a pub lunch in a typical Dorset village and others a ride home on the steam train. This year there are two walks with a 'War' theme commemorating both World Wars, along with others exploring quarrying, shipwrecks, wildlife, ancient civilisation, fossils, literature, art, photography and local history.
All the Wainwrights in a year
Our friends Pete and Tony, who some will know from navigation courses we have run in the past, are half way into their attempt to walk all the Lake District 'Wainwrights' in one year. They have completed 108, with 106 still to go. You can keep up to date with progress on Pete's blog. Pete and Tony are raising money for the Skin Cancer Research Fund and are rapidly approaching their £2500 target.