Newsletter > Newsletter archive > May 2019
May 2019
Help keep the walks up to date
With over 7500 walks in the library, Walkingworld has always relied heavily on its members to report the never-ending changes to paths, gates and wayside features. The website and app comment system is used regularly to provide updates and we are extremely grateful to those who take the time to submit a report.
The latest version of the app will make some aspects of reporting easier, especially if you want to send a new waymark picture. On every waymark you will see a discreet link to 'Report changes'. Select this and you'll go to a page allowing you to take or insert a photograph and add notes to the waymark instructions. If you are 'on site' and have a good mobile signal you'll be able to upload your report straightaway, complete with your location coordinates. If there's no signal you can simply do it later with a stored photograph.
We hope you'll submit a report if you find something along the way that's changed significantly, or indeed if you come to a waymark that hasn't got a picture at all. With your continuing help we'll be able to keep routes right up to date and as easy as possible for your fellow members to follow. Please make sure you have the latest update of the app so you can use this facility.
A stroll around Exeter
Three things immediately strike us about Exeter, our featured city this month: its elevated position, on a steep ridge above the River Exe, making it a natural defensive site; its proximity to nature, with hills on the horizon in every direction and the sea close by; and its students who, during term time, account for a quarter of the population.
Exeter is one of those rare cities where you are always aware of the countryside encircling it. From any good vantage point, you can see hills in every direction; and the city doesn't seem to have sprawled in the way that many have, giving it more the character of a large market town. In the city itself there are lots of green spaces too, with the university proudly boasting that it has the highest tree per student ratio of any university in the country.
The walk in the Urban Rambles book takes us past Exeter Quay which has been in regular use since Roman times, along parts of the town walls, 70% of which are still surviving, through the Cathedral Square, into the castle gardens and then north to the university campus.
Urban Rambles, written by Walkingworld co-founder Nicholas Rudd-Jones, features twenty great urban walks and is available to buy on Amazon or at your local bookshop.
Huge variety of summer walking holidays
HF Holidays' 3 and 4-star country houses provide excellent venues for your independent walking adventures. Breaks are for 3, 4 or 7 nights' full board accommodation, with all meals from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure day. Each venue has a well-stocked 'Discovery Point' with maps, guidebooks and local walks leaflets to help you tailor your stay.
In Malhamdale the easier routes to Malham Cove, Bolton Abbey and Gordale Scar give time to savour the Yorkshire Dales landscape. Longer walks include stretches along the Pennine Way and, for those who enjoy reaching the heights, the classic peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Great Whernside.
The Peveril of the Peak occupies a wonderful position in the village of Thorpe, less than a mile from the famous stepping stones at the entrance to the Dove Dale gorge. During your stay in Dovedale in the Peak District you can also stroll in Chatsworth Park or scale the mini-peak of Mam Tor.
Longmynd House, in the Shropshire Hills, is a great base for routes such as the Stiperstones circuit, Caer Caradoc and Pole Bank. You can also visit the excellent UNESCO World Heritage museums at Ironbridge Gorge, take the train to historic Ludlow, or visit a nearby National Trust property.
Historic Abingworth Hall is peacefully located in the Sussex countryside. Shorter routes take in Thakeham and Warminghurst. Longer walks include East Dean and the Seven Sisters, Pulborough Brooks, Beachy Head and sections of the South Down's Way.
In the Western Yorkshire Dales, based in Sedbergh, expect some rougher paths as you head to famous summits including The Calf and Ingleborough, but there are plenty of rewards when you reach the top. Other scenic routes include Smardale Viaduct and Aysgarth Falls.
Larpool Hall, with its extensive views over the Esk Valley, opens up walking on and near the North York Moors. You can enjoy walks to Whitby and the Abbey, Goathland to Grosmont and Robin Hood's Bay. Longer walks include stretches along the Cleveland Way, on the coastal path or over the moors.
Find out more about the choice of walks, dates and locations at www.hfholidays.co.uk or call 020 3974 8868.
Self-Guided Walking Offers
Malhamdale, 21st June, 3 nights from £219pp*
Dovedale, 24th June, 4 nights from £409pp*
Shropshire Hills, 28th June, 7 nights from £689pp*
Dovedale, 15th July, 4 nights from £409pp*
Whitby, 27th July, 3 nights from £304pp*
Abingworth, 9th Aug, 3 nights from £304pp*
Malhamdale, 9th Aug, 7 nights from £684pp*
Sedbergh, 27th Aug, 4 nights from £409pp*
*Terms & conditions apply. Subject to availability, see website. Offers end 31.05.19
Walk Slovenia - last chance to book for 2019
With only a few rooms left in the 2019 season, now is your chance to book a walking holiday of a lifetime in Slovenia. Enjoy peace, tranquillity, good company and plenty of hiking opportunities, with an all-inclusive guided walking holiday at Pri Lenart Hotel - an historic building, with plenty of modern luxuries.
Home to some of the most beautiful walking routes in Europe, Slovenia covers a variety of terrains, including woodland, high hills, meadows and mountain ascents, offering incredible scenery along the way.
The 2019 season runs until 12th October, with some fantastic low prices available for breaks in July and August. Prices start from £895 and cover everything from accommodation and guided walks, to food and drink.
The Pri Lenart Hotel has everything for a luxury walking holiday. To find out more visit the Walk Slovenia website or call +386 41 650 321.
Win a walking holiday worth £2,645!
Trekking operator Mont Blanc Treks is once again offering a chance to win a challenging hike through the Swiss and French Alps. Last year’s winner was a Walkingworld member so it’s well worth a go.
The Walkers Haute Route takes you on a stunning journey between Europe’s two most iconic mountains, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. The trail winds through glacial valleys, lush alpine meadows and picture-book villages. You walk through both the French and Swiss Alps, two distinct cultural regions with different languages, customs, food and architecture.
The holiday starts on 6th August 2019 in Chamonix, France, and finishes 11 days later in Zermatt in Switzerland. Guiding and all food, accommodation and baggage transfers are included (but please note, flights are not included and the holiday is not transferable).
The folks from Mont Blanc Treks are keen to understand things from your point of view. Why would you do the trek? What are your fears, goals, aspirations? How would you prepare? To enter go to the Mont Blanc Treks website and fill in the form. The winner will be chosen on 25th June.