Malta & Gozo 4th -14th April

I recently returned from an enjoyable trip to Malta and Gozo. The trip is for eleven nights and the transfer is after five nights. On the day in question a gale force 8 wind was blowing. The ferry ride was only twenty minutes, so not long enough to cause seasickness.

The sea crashes over the promenade

On arrival at the Calypso hotel in Marsalforn Bay, Gozo, I decided to go for a walk along the seafront. The wind was causing high waves. I spotted a perfect place to photograph this – sun behind me, blue sky in front and good foreground symmetry. I waited for my moment and clicked away. Dramatic results with some really powerful photographs. Inevitably I was splashed but it was worth it!

Almeria Uncovered 20th March – 27th March
This holiday was superb for the countryside and views. We were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary at the end of February, and we went to Mojacar for our honeymoon. We couldn’t decide where to go for our 25th; then we saw that it was one of your new destinations. Perfect.

Of course, things had changed – they are bound to in 25 years. It is much more built up, but the pueblo is still just as charming and we had a wonderful return visit.

Playa Mojacar

This picture is of the coastline with Mojacar playa shown as the white buildings, top centre. This was a lovely walk along the coast with a bit of a scramble over rocks early on but we all made it safely.
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This is the tower from which the view along the coast was taken.

A good view of the tower

This is a view on a walk through old mine tunnels. Can you see Bob in the centre with the mustache?

View of Mojacar pueblo from the aerials above the village

Thank you Ramblers Worldwide Holidays for a great holiday, and many thanks again to Bob, our leader.

I have just returned from my 28th trip with Ramblers Worldwide, which as usual was well organised and well led.

The highlight was as expected, the city of Petra, which was wonderful and really does need the four nights spent at the very good Petra Palace Hotel, as this enabled the group to fully explore the vast site.

Whilst I enjoyed the whole holiday, I will just emphasise two other “wow” factors – one cultural and one scenic.

The cultural experience, which I did not expect to be as good as it was, was the visit to the old Roman city of Jerash, which quite rightly is compared to Pompeii. Although not perhaps quite as good as Pompeii, the site is very large and contains some magnificent ruins, some of which have been partly restored in a very sympathetic way.

The scenic experience was the fairly short walk into the Wadi (gorge) of Ibn Hammad. This was one of two walks where much of the walking was in the water running through the gorge. Surprise number one: the water was WARM.

Surprise number two: the rock colours, the constant change of scenery as the gorge twisted this way and that, and the vegetation, some of which hung down the sides of the gorge. The walk was a delightful experience and should hold no fears for anyone.

Hazel was our very good Ramblers Worldwide Holidays leader, and Mahdi was our very knowledgeable local guide, who oozed information about the country which he obviously loves. A great holiday.

Joint Managing Director Kathy Cook and Marketing Manager Tony Maniscalco attended the launch at Deeside, North Wales, where a tape-cutting ceremony was performed by the local Alyn & Deeside MP, Mark Tami.

The opening of the 870-mile trail commemorated the connection of the entire length of the Welsh coast. The path also links with Offa’s Dyke National Trail to create a 1,030 mile continuous walking route around the whole of Wales.

MP Mark Tami (back row, far left) stands next to Ceri Thomas from Ramblers Cymru. (Front row): Town Councillor Elwyn Jones stands between Janice Jones Deeside Ramblers secretary and David Jones, Chairman of Deeside Ramblers

Tony Maniscalco, Marketing Manager at Ramblers Worldwide Holidays said that the path will allow walkers to enjoy the beauty that Wales and its stunning coastline has to offer.

“The path will give thousands of ramblers the chance to experience the beautiful Welsh coast and hospitality. We are very happy to be part of the opening celebrations.”

Joint Managing Director, Kathy Cook, from Ramblers Worldwide Holidays offers advice on walking holidays at the launch of the Wales Coast Path at the Corus Sports & Social Club in Shotton, Deeside

The 870-mile track starts from outskirts of Chester and meanders to Chepstow, making it the world’s only complete coastal path to span the length of a country.

The celebrations, organised by Deeside Ramblers and backed with funding from Ramblers Cymru, arranged four varying walks for hikers to take part in starting from Shotton, where Ramblers Worldwide Holidays offered information about their new walking routes in Wales.

“We have commemorated the opening of the Wales Coast Path with a new walking holiday along Offa’s Dyke – a 56-mile walk from Prestatyn to Chirk,” said Tony. “We also offer a wide range of walking holidays in Wales including its coastline.

The new walking holiday along Offa’s Dyke will start in September 2012.

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays gave away a three-night, four-day walking break for two people at Hassness Country House in the Lake District at the launch event of the Wales Coast Path.

Offa’s Dyke Hike from Prestatyn on the North Wales coast to Chepstow on the Severn Estuary, following in the footsteps of Offa, the King of Mercia. Highlights of this holiday include hilltop walks through the Clwydian Hills, the historic Pontcysyllte aqueduct near Llangollen and the Iron Age forts en route Starts September 2012



The Vale of Lune This seven-night walking holiday explores Lancashire’s limestone hills, moors and reaches the Lancashire coast. Highlights include the Lune Valley Ramble, leisurely walks at Morecambe Bay and follow the Limestone Link from Arnside to Kirby Lonsdale.Starts May 2013



The Sperrins and Mountains of Mourne This guided walking holiday offers two different destinations in Northen Ireland – County Tyrone and Sperrins. Highlights include the Mountains of Mourne, Brandy Pad (an old smugglers’ track), Slieve Donard (the highest peak) and the Mourne Way which takes in the best views over the mountains and Irish Sea. Starts May 2013

Continuing on her walking holidays in Italy, Amy samples some of the walks available from Francavilla: the charming town of Castiglione, rustic countryside, vibrant coastal areas and, best of all, the slopes of snow-capped Mount Etna itself! – Helen, community co-ordinator

None of us had never visited Sicily before, and were not too sure what to expect. The scenery is magnificent no matter where you are; within an hour’s drive you can take in a completely different view. The weather was excellent, especially for December/January, the grading of the holiday was D-D+ and there was a variety of walks that had completely different terrains, which made it more interesting and a challenge.

It was an adventure and a great break away, and a fantastic way to celebrate New Year.

The first morning we were all still full from the night before, and we all met for breakfast where Alun discussed the plans for that day. The weather was very good and we headed out to a local town called Castiglione.

The view of this town from Francavilla was breathtaking – Mount Etna was directly behind it and the sun shone all the way until we reached Castiglione, a very traditional Sicilian town, full of espresso bars, small cars, and locals gathered on the corner chatting away to each other.

Alun took us on a very organized route there and back. We made our way to the very top and had our lunch overlooking the town and Mount Etna. It was a tremendous view. All of the walks were designed so that you really got a taste of Sicily: from countryside to busy coastal areas and then to snow-capped volcanoes, you really do get to see a lot within seven days.

Not one day failed to delight, and if you want to avoid the busy coastal areas there are plenty more off-the-beaten-track walks to be had.

Looking out at the mountains

After a two-hour drive up to the still-active volcano, we started our 2000-metre walk. As the locals gathered with their sledges and snowboards, we made our way up to another spectacular view. We then walked down to a café where we had our lunch, and watched footage of previous eruptions that had happened at Mount Etna. Stocked up on caffeine and fantastic salami sandwiches we were definitely fueled for another walk.

Biblical Footsteps

Leaving Palestine, I returned to Israel and met my Israeli guide, and drove to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. There was an easy walk passing many waterfalls, much greener than the previous two days. It was a holiday, so there were a lot of people at the waterfalls. It was then a steepish ascent (optional for you, but not for me!) onto a rocky hillside to walk to the spring and historic remains.

Here I saw some Oryx (a type of antelope), although the only photographs that I managed to take were of their tails disappearing into undergrowth! Descending to the road on a good trail, we walked to the remains of an old synagogue to see a mosaic. This was another late lunch, as we are not allowed to eat in the reserve. There were also cold drinks and ice creams available.

From there I also visited Masada, but did not make the sunrise ascent that will be done on the tour. The following day we then drove on to Nazareth. After sightseeing, we did our first walk on the Jesus Trail.

We started our walk on the outskirts of Nazareth and walked through farmland until we reached the entrance to Zippori National Park for lunch. We then viewed the remains of the Roman Town; this was very interesting and there were some beautiful mosaics. From Zippori we walked through the forest and on to Cana (of water into wine fame), where we finished our walk at the church.

We spent the night at a hotel in Tiberius, and the following day we headed North to the Golan Heights. The walk started at Nimrod’s Castle, perched on the top of the hill with fantastic views. We did a short tour, and then descended down the hillside to the main entrance of Banias National Park. Here we had lunch and saw Pan’s Cave and the remains of Agrippa’s Villa. There are also cafes and toilets.

The afternoon walk was very pleasant, basically following the route of the Banias River. We stopped at a Druze café for refreshments and then continued until we reached a waterfall. There was the option of an extension but time was against us so we returned to Tiberius for the night.

I have just returned from the North Wiltshire Cotswolds four-day break led by Elizabeth Savage. I just wanted to say what a brilliant time I had, and can recommend this one to everyone. We had varied walks, which were expertly led, and I learned a lot and stretched my legs. It’s particularly good for anyone who prefers to walk through gentle rolling countryside with not too many hills!

We managed to dodge the weather and even got quite hot at times. Wonderful. The hotel at Calne was excellent – lots of hot water, big radiators pumping out lots of heat, and plentiful tasty food.

I will definitely book more holidays as soon as I can save up. Thank you to everyone, especially Elizabeth.

A Cultural Week in Istanbul 7th – 14th April 2012.

This must be the most effective way of seeing Istanbul in a week. A dream for history buffs, the programme facilitated appreciation of many mosques with their historical tiles and mosaics, amazing palaces and harems, a basilica and a fairly recently abandoned aqueduct that had been in operation from the 5th Century (the design may be useful in south east England right now!). We also opted to visit a cultural centre to wonder at the dervishes in their solemn, stately, spiritual whirling.

The hotel was excellent, providing good service and food, and situated conveniently near local trams, the ferry harbour and several gardens and historical sites. Perhaps the most memorable was the spice market, 10 minutes away, prompting delicious purchases of nuts, coffee, olives and apple tea. The local people all across the city were friendly and relaxed and the traders invited us to participate in a humorous but never oppressive way.

We had several ferry trips along the Bosphorus, providing unique views of minarets and domes. There was a memorable visit to Bayuk Ada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, where we walked around the perimeter, fascinated by the beautiful holiday homes and – in the more remote areas – abundant wildflowers. Another memorable ferry trip took us to the Asian shore, with views of the Black Sea.

The city was in the midst of a flower festival so that borders, even in urban areas, were a blaze of flowers. For the gardeners amongst us, walking in Gulhane Park revitalised and delighted us: storks nesting in acres of plane trees, and banks of tulips and pansies of every possible colour.

Everest tea House Trek 4th – 19th March

Lemon Teeee
Lemon Teeee
Lemon Teeee
Lemon Teeee ……………

That was the regular call of our sirdar.

The Everest Tea House Trek was an adventure beyond comparison. The group of 10 was led by Al Sergeant in his inimitable optimistic and caring style. Whilst on the trek, Al was ably supported by the local guide, Embee (our sirdar).

Lunch at a tea house

From landing in Kathmandu on the 5th of March to leaving on the 18th of March, we were blessed with glorious weather, with only a couple of days being affected by mist or snow.

First view of Everest

A couple of days at the magnificent Shangri-La hotel were followed by a domestic flight to Lukla, the airport being known for its short, sloping runway. Then we were off on our nine-day trek along the Everest Base Camp Route, including a detour to Thame.

Balcony path

Little did we know the ‘delights’ the tea houses had to offer:

- No running water as we left Namche Bazaar (or for the next few days) as the pipes had frozen.
- The ‘ice box’ rooms with plywood walls where the water in our bottles had frozen overnight.

But all the hardships were totally outclassed by the highlights of the trek:

- Our first view of Everest at the view point we named ‘Everest oranges stop’.
- The towering mountains with snow-capped summits.
- The magnificent sky, littered with thousands of stars, when we ventured out into the cold after dinner (no light pollution here).
- The friendly people, including the children who delighted in practising their English.
- The colour of the glacial meltwater rushing over the rocks as we crossed the numerous swing bridges.

Everest and Lhotse with snow plume from Tengboche

What a delight when the day of our return to Kathmandu dawned bright and clear and we were confident that our flight would take off. Then, to top it all, we returned to the luxury of the Shangri-La where hot baths and showers awaited – nine days of dust could finally be washed away!

With so many different experiences to explore – and I haven’t even mentioned the sightseeing – the only way you can possibly take it all in is to travel there yourself.