Check out our NEW "Heart of Coniston" trip. For those who enjoy some activity while on holiday, this combines walking and sailing with cultural visits.
You will stay in an atmospheric Bed & Breakfast establishment (maybe even the house that was the model for Arthur Ransome's "Holly Howe" in Swallows and Amazons) or a hotel if you prefer it.
Day 1: You will enjoy a guided visit to Brantwood and learn about John Ruskin and his time there.
You will walk up through Brantwood's gardens and along the line of hills above Coniston Water.
You will return to Brantwood on the Coniston Launch.
Day 2: You will have a guided visit of the Ruskin Museum, with its displays about Ruskin, Ransome, geology, slate mining and Donald Campbell's 'Bluebird'.
You will explore the Coppermines Valley and climb to the summit of Coniston Old Man (Kanchenjunga in the Ransome books).
Day 3: You will sail in a Wayfarer dinghy from Coniston to visit Piel Island (Wildcat Island in Ransome's books) and picnic like the Swallows and Amazons.
Cathar Castles Trail
This ran from 4th - 17th September this year with good weather (again!) and waterproofs needed only briefly on one morning. Improvements are being made each year to the route and the accommodation. Next year's dates are now on the website
The route starts at Tuchan by the castle of Aguilar and visits Queribus. Peyrepertuse, Puivert, Montsegur, Foix and of course, Carcassonne. We pass through vineyards, gorges, forests, ridges, small villages and market towns.
People have commented that it is as much a gastronomic experience as a walk!
It is a very pleasant and historic route, with accommodation in hotels and gite d'etapes.
Martin qualified in May as a Blue Badge Guide for Cumbria, adding a tour guiding qualification to his mountain guiding awards. The Blue Badge is the premier qualification for anyone who wishes to guide in the countryside, in towns and on coaches and to introduce people to the history and culture of the area. This includes abbeys, stately homes, famous local people, traditional industries, regional events and so on.
This is a demanding course, covering a wide span of knowledge and ran for two days a week from October to May, with written and practical examinations.
Martin is qualified to guide in French as well as English.