Thursday, 29 October 2009
St Oswald’s Way Walking Holidays on Radio 4
Clare Balding is currently reporting on her walking holiday along St Oswald’s Way, on Radio 4’s Rambling programme. (The episodes are availble online). St Oswald’s Way stretches Holy Island on the Lindisfarne Coast, down the Northumberland Coast Path as far as Warkworth, before heading inland the Rothbury, before skirting Simonside and heading South to finish along the Hadrian’s Wall Path.
It’s an interesting route , combining the spectacular, castle strewn Northumberland coast with the remote moorlands of inland Northumberland. We are keen to add this to the walking holidays we offer at Mickledore Travel – watch this space!
It’s an interesting route , combining the spectacular, castle strewn Northumberland coast with the remote moorlands of inland Northumberland. We are keen to add this to the walking holidays we offer at Mickledore Travel – watch this space!
Labels: Northumberland Coast Path, Radio 4, St Oswalds Way, walking holidays
Friday, 16 October 2009
Haltwhistle Walking Festival Underway
Haltwhistle 14th Walking Festival is running from 9th – 14th October. There are still some places left some of the walks this weekend – including 2 sections of the Hadrian’s Wall Path – from Housesteads on Sunday, and from Birdoswald to Haltwhistle on Saturday. Have a look at the website http://www.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org/ .
It’s a great way to get a taste for Hadrian’s Wall for those not wanting to commit to a full walking holiday.
The Cumberland News website also has more details:
“The autumn festival runs from October 9 to 18, and begins with a three-day Reiver walk through the wild “Debatable Lands” around the current border between England and Scotland.
The biennial festival began when a group of local walkers decided they wanted to share their favourite walking routes with others.
The walks leaders know the area well and are able to pass on local knowledge during the hikes.
Those who take part also learn about the history of the area, the geology, the folklore, the flora and fauna.
This year, 24 events have been organised as well as a social evening.
Organisers say there are walks to suit all ages and fitness levels along with special interest walks including; a fungal foray, night navigation and a weaving workshop.
The festival will also host three walks for children and families including a family treasure hunt.
A spokeswoman for Haltwhistle Walking Festival said: “Not everyone can go on the long distance routes like Hadrian’s Wall Trail, or the Coast to Coast Walk.
“Haltwhistle Festival gives people the chance to walk with a leader, and to see spectacular scenery.””
It’s a great way to get a taste for Hadrian’s Wall for those not wanting to commit to a full walking holiday.
The Cumberland News website also has more details:
“The autumn festival runs from October 9 to 18, and begins with a three-day Reiver walk through the wild “Debatable Lands” around the current border between England and Scotland.
The biennial festival began when a group of local walkers decided they wanted to share their favourite walking routes with others.
The walks leaders know the area well and are able to pass on local knowledge during the hikes.
Those who take part also learn about the history of the area, the geology, the folklore, the flora and fauna.
This year, 24 events have been organised as well as a social evening.
Organisers say there are walks to suit all ages and fitness levels along with special interest walks including; a fungal foray, night navigation and a weaving workshop.
The festival will also host three walks for children and families including a family treasure hunt.
A spokeswoman for Haltwhistle Walking Festival said: “Not everyone can go on the long distance routes like Hadrian’s Wall Trail, or the Coast to Coast Walk.
“Haltwhistle Festival gives people the chance to walk with a leader, and to see spectacular scenery.””
Labels: Hadrian's Wall, Haltwhistle Walking Festival, walking holidays
Thursday, 1 October 2009
West Highland Way Luggage Service Extended
This year we are offering luggage transfers on our West Highland Way Walking Holidays right up to 24 October – a couple of weeks later than usual. We still have some availability, so if you are looking for a last minute walking holiday in
A word of warning thought – the nights are drawing in and the highlands had there first snow of the year last night – so make sure you set off in good time, are happy with your maps and compass, and carry sufficient warm clothing and a full set of waterproofs. But with sensible precautions, this can be a rewarding time to walk the
Labels: Luggage Transfers, walking holidays, west highland way
Monday, 28 September 2009
Hadrians Wall Walking Holidays - An American Perpective
For an entertaining and informative account of a walking holiday on Hadrian’s Wall, its worth looking at this account in the Smithsonian Magazine. It provides plenty of history and gives a good flavour of a walk along Hadrian’s Wall, without getting bogged down in too much detail.
There is good section on Vindolanda – the Roman fort near Twice Brewed, just off Hadrian’s Wall itself. We were at Vindolanda a couple of weeks ago. Digging is still very much ongoing and we were able to watch as the archaeologists unearthed a wall and fragments of a roman bottle.
Vindolanda is the most extensive site along Hadrian’s Wall with its own museum and a recreated mile house and section of the wall. For clients on our Hadrian’s Wall Walking Holidays we recommend a rest day at Twice Brewed to give you time to explore properly.
There is good section on Vindolanda – the Roman fort near Twice Brewed, just off Hadrian’s Wall itself. We were at Vindolanda a couple of weeks ago. Digging is still very much ongoing and we were able to watch as the archaeologists unearthed a wall and fragments of a roman bottle.
Vindolanda is the most extensive site along Hadrian’s Wall with its own museum and a recreated mile house and section of the wall. For clients on our Hadrian’s Wall Walking Holidays we recommend a rest day at Twice Brewed to give you time to explore properly.
Labels: Hadrian's Wall, Smithsonian Magazine, Vindolanda, walking holidays
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Walking Holidays on Hadrian's Wall : COnservation Work Complete
Clients on our Hadrian's wall walking holidays have over the past months had a chance to view conservation in action, as a section of Hadrian’s Wall stretching for half a mile westwards from great Chesters Farm near Haltwhistle has been rebuilt. This work has recently been completed. The work improves access for walking holidays, as well as improving nature conservation by stopping sheep straying into important grasslands, and repairing the structure of the wall.
The project, which started in April 2008 has cost over £250,000 and included urgent restoration work to Hadrian’s Wall to protect the Roman remains from wandering farm animals and the harsh effects of the weather. Work involved rebuilding a dry stone wall that was built on top of and alongside parts of the ancient monument in the1890s to enclose animals in the adjacent fields. The collapse of this wall over the years had left the fragile core of the Roman remains unprotected.
Carol Pyrah, English Heritage Planning and Development Director for the North East added: "This section of Hadrian’s Wall is a fantastic survival from our Roman past, and one which allows us to see the detail of the original Roman construction work on the Wall, parts of which have often been lost during early consolidation work elsewhere. Its condition has long been of concern, leading to its inclusion on our Heritage at Risk Register. We are delighted to have worked with Natural England, the owner and their contractors to complete these repairs and remove the site from the Register."
More details here.
The project, which started in April 2008 has cost over £250,000 and included urgent restoration work to Hadrian’s Wall to protect the Roman remains from wandering farm animals and the harsh effects of the weather. Work involved rebuilding a dry stone wall that was built on top of and alongside parts of the ancient monument in the1890s to enclose animals in the adjacent fields. The collapse of this wall over the years had left the fragile core of the Roman remains unprotected.
Carol Pyrah, English Heritage Planning and Development Director for the North East added: "This section of Hadrian’s Wall is a fantastic survival from our Roman past, and one which allows us to see the detail of the original Roman construction work on the Wall, parts of which have often been lost during early consolidation work elsewhere. Its condition has long been of concern, leading to its inclusion on our Heritage at Risk Register. We are delighted to have worked with Natural England, the owner and their contractors to complete these repairs and remove the site from the Register."
More details here.
Labels: Conservation, Haltwhistle, HWalkiHadrian's Wall Walk, walking holidays
Friday, 19 June 2009
Coast to Coast Walking Holidays: 2010 bookings flowing in!
Following the success of Julia Bradbury's TV series on the Coast to Coast Walk, Mickledore Travel's Coast to Coast Walking Holidays are being booked not only for this year, but also for 2010. We have had a steady flow of 2010 bookings over the past couple of months, and the feedback we’re getting from the accommodation providers suggest the bookings are coming in from elsewhere, too. So if you’re thinking of walking the Coast to Coast next year, it might be worth booking sooner rather than later.
Whilst we’re on the subject of next year’s bookings, our West Highland Way Walking Holidays are also being booked for next year. The West Highland Way is always popular, especially in May and June, so it’ s good to see people thinking ahead.
Returning to 2009, we are still managing to book last minute walking holidays on most of our routes – so if you’ve been thinking about a holiday – gives us ring!
Whilst we’re on the subject of next year’s bookings, our West Highland Way Walking Holidays are also being booked for next year. The West Highland Way is always popular, especially in May and June, so it’ s good to see people thinking ahead.
Returning to 2009, we are still managing to book last minute walking holidays on most of our routes – so if you’ve been thinking about a holiday – gives us ring!
Labels: 2010, Coast to Coast Walk, Julia Bradbury, walking holidays, west highland way
Friday, 12 June 2009
Cleveland Way Walking Holidays: 40th Anniversary a Success
The Cleveland Way’s 40th Anniversary took place at the end of May, reported earlier in this blog. The idea was to get as many people as possible walking a section of the national trail on the 40th anniversary of its official opening.
The Whitby Gazette reported that more than 200 people walked part of the 110-mile route. There were several Mickledore clients on Cleveland Way walking holidays at the time, so we did our bit to contribute! We have heard for 3 parties of our clients, only one of which came across an “official” anniversary walk. A number of local rambling groups took part , as well as leaders from the North York Moors National Park Authority.
The Gazette again
“The route, which snakes around the North York Moors National Park and passes through Staithes, Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, was divided into 10 sections, with a different group walking each section.”
“David Rubenstein, a former chairman of the Ramblers’ Association who was at the inauguration of the Cleveland Way 40 years ago, came along to see the first group set off from Helmsley on their walk to Sutton Bank. Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails officer for the Cleveland Way, said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many people out walking the Cleveland Way – even the sun has put in a very welcome appearance.””
The Whitby Gazette reported that more than 200 people walked part of the 110-mile route. There were several Mickledore clients on Cleveland Way walking holidays at the time, so we did our bit to contribute! We have heard for 3 parties of our clients, only one of which came across an “official” anniversary walk. A number of local rambling groups took part , as well as leaders from the North York Moors National Park Authority.
The Gazette again
“The route, which snakes around the North York Moors National Park and passes through Staithes, Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, was divided into 10 sections, with a different group walking each section.”
“David Rubenstein, a former chairman of the Ramblers’ Association who was at the inauguration of the Cleveland Way 40 years ago, came along to see the first group set off from Helmsley on their walk to Sutton Bank. Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails officer for the Cleveland Way, said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many people out walking the Cleveland Way – even the sun has put in a very welcome appearance.””
Labels: 40th Anniversary, Cleveland Way, walking holidays
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Scottish Walking Holidays Update: West Highland Way Lambing Restirctions Lifted.
Lambing time is now over on Conic Hill, and the previous restrictions no longer apply. Basically, this means all walkers, including those with dogs, are free to use the route over Conic Hill. We have a fair number of walkers starting walking holidays on the West Highland Way in the next week or so - so the lifting of the lambing restriction is welcome. Unless the weather is dreadful, the ascent of Conic Hill is always worthwhile - giving great views across Loch Lomond.
Labels: Lambing, walking holidays, west highland way
Friday, 15 May 2009
Walking Holidays in Yorkshire: The Cleveland Way Celebrates it 40th Anniversary.
The Cleveland Way was opened in May 1969 and was, surprisingly, the second National Trail to be opened. It is a brilliant walk, combining desolate moorlands, dramatic views from the edge of the North York Moors plateau, and the cliffs and beaches of the North Yorks coastline. Despite all this, it has never enjoyed the popularity of other national Trails, such as the Pennine Way and Hadrian’s Wall. At Mickledore Travel we have been organising Cleveland Way Walking Holidays for a number of years, and numbers are steadily growing. It is however, less popular than some of our other walking holidays, such the Coast to Coast Walk.
To celebrate the anniversary people are being encourage to walk their favourite section on 24 May. Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails Officer for the Cleveland Way, said:
“Whether you’re looking to complete the whole 110 miles or just fancy a short afternoon stroll, the Cleveland Way will take you through the very best the North York Moors has to offer. It has changed considerably from the first few years when waymarker signs were few and far between and long distance routes were very much for hardy hikers. Today the trail is managed for everyone to enjoy with a clear path and lots of great places to rest your legs along the way. We’ve also improved accessibility considerably and there is now just one stile on the inland section.”
My favourite section? Possibly the Wainstones, a jumble of Gritstone boulders perched on the very edge of the North York Moors, - great boulders, with great views over the flatter grounds to the North towards Middlesbrough and the North Sea.
To celebrate the anniversary people are being encourage to walk their favourite section on 24 May. Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails Officer for the Cleveland Way, said:
“Whether you’re looking to complete the whole 110 miles or just fancy a short afternoon stroll, the Cleveland Way will take you through the very best the North York Moors has to offer. It has changed considerably from the first few years when waymarker signs were few and far between and long distance routes were very much for hardy hikers. Today the trail is managed for everyone to enjoy with a clear path and lots of great places to rest your legs along the way. We’ve also improved accessibility considerably and there is now just one stile on the inland section.”
My favourite section? Possibly the Wainstones, a jumble of Gritstone boulders perched on the very edge of the North York Moors, - great boulders, with great views over the flatter grounds to the North towards Middlesbrough and the North Sea.
Labels: Cleveland Way, National Trail, walking holidays
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Dales Way Walking Holidays Getting more Popular
We've recently had an email from the excellent West Winds teahouse and B&B in Buckden. As part of the Dales Way 40th anniversary celebrations, Look North featured the B&B on 20 April.
To quote West Winds: "Earlier this month, Harry Gration, long-serving presenter of Look North, came to West Winds Yorkshire Tearooms to try our curd tart. The feature, which was broadcast on Monday 20 April, marked the 40th anniversary of the Dales Way long distance path and showed Harry tucking into a loaded cake stand with obvious enthusiasm. He said on the programme: “If you want a lovely overnight and a bit of a feast as well, this is the place for you.” "
There's also a U tube clip at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr3Uf2t-dPQ which is worth a look. During the interview they talk about the popularity of the Walking Holidays on the Dales Way, and the fact that companies such as Mickledore , who arrange baggage transport, have open the route up to many more hikers. I would add that friendly, cosy B&Bs such as West Winds have also played there part!
To quote West Winds: "Earlier this month, Harry Gration, long-serving presenter of Look North, came to West Winds Yorkshire Tearooms to try our curd tart. The feature, which was broadcast on Monday 20 April, marked the 40th anniversary of the Dales Way long distance path and showed Harry tucking into a loaded cake stand with obvious enthusiasm. He said on the programme: “If you want a lovely overnight and a bit of a feast as well, this is the place for you.” "
There's also a U tube clip at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr3Uf2t-dPQ which is worth a look. During the interview they talk about the popularity of the Walking Holidays on the Dales Way, and the fact that companies such as Mickledore , who arrange baggage transport, have open the route up to many more hikers. I would add that friendly, cosy B&Bs such as West Winds have also played there part!
Labels: Buckden, Dales Way, walking holidays, West Winds
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Lambing Restrictions on West Highland Way
Somewhat belatedly, I'm passing on some access restriction for people on West Highland Way Walking Holidays. The restriction apply to Conic Hill, the first real hill on the West Highland Way on the way from Dryman to Balmaha. It gives great views over Loch Lomond and its islands. Well worth the climb!
Anyway the restriction apply from 17th April - 15th May and,according to the official site, are as follows: "• DOG WALKERS - there is no through access on the West Highland Way from Garadbhan Wood end onto Conic Hill - a well marked alternative low level route is available, bypassing the restricted area, to Balmaha. Access to the top of Conic Hill can is available from the Balmaha side.
• WALKERS WITHOUT DOGS - the West Highland Way southern approach to Conic Hill is open but users are requested to keep to the path."
So basically - if you haven't got a dog,keep to the path, if you have - go round the bottom. The lower alternative is fine - you just miss the views and have a couple of miles along the side of the road. It's a small section of the route as whole and shouldn't effect your walking holiday too much.
Anyway the restriction apply from 17th April - 15th May and,according to the official site, are as follows: "• DOG WALKERS - there is no through access on the West Highland Way from Garadbhan Wood end onto Conic Hill - a well marked alternative low level route is available, bypassing the restricted area, to Balmaha. Access to the top of Conic Hill can is available from the Balmaha side.
• WALKERS WITHOUT DOGS - the West Highland Way southern approach to Conic Hill is open but users are requested to keep to the path."
So basically - if you haven't got a dog,keep to the path, if you have - go round the bottom. The lower alternative is fine - you just miss the views and have a couple of miles along the side of the road. It's a small section of the route as whole and shouldn't effect your walking holiday too much.
Labels: Lambing, walking holidays, west highland way
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Great Glen Way Closure - Update
I noted in January that a section of the Great Glen Way on the north side of Loch Ness between Fort Augustus and Invermoriston has been closed for tree felling. The latest news is that the felling has been completed ahead of schedule, and the timber is now being extracted. Re-opening is expected on 31 March as planned. The first mickledore clients on one of our walking holidays along the route start later in April. It will be interesting to see how the veiws have been opened up by the felling.
Labels: Great Glen Way, walking holidays
Friday, 16 January 2009
Great Glen Way Closed Over the Winter
Part of the Great Glen Way route has been closed since the beginning of November to allow for tree felling, but will be open again from 31 March in time for the walking holiday season.
The section of the route affected is on the north side of Loch Ness between Fort Augustus and Invermoriston. This is the first phase of the felling, which will take place over the next 3 winters.
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “The larger trees weigh in at around eight tonnes and, on the steep and difficult terrain, will pose some challenges in ensuring safe felling and removal. As public safety is paramount for walkers and other route users, the Great Glen Way will be closed from Allt na Criche to Rubha Ban while the felling operations are being undertaken.” Unfortunately there is no alternative route available, so this section of the long distance path has been temporarily closed. The Forestry Commission has also begun building on alternative route so further closures will not be necessary in future years.
The route, a popular walking holiday destination, will reopen at the end of March, in time for the eater and the start of the walking holiday season.
Links: Press and Journal article,
Highland Council information
Part of the Great Glen Way route has been closed since the beginning of November to allow for tree felling, but will be open again from 31 March in time for the walking holiday season.
The section of the route affected is on the north side of Loch Ness between Fort Augustus and Invermoriston. This is the first phase of the felling, which will take place over the next 3 winters.
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “The larger trees weigh in at around eight tonnes and, on the steep and difficult terrain, will pose some challenges in ensuring safe felling and removal. As public safety is paramount for walkers and other route users, the Great Glen Way will be closed from Allt na Criche to Rubha Ban while the felling operations are being undertaken.” Unfortunately there is no alternative route available, so this section of the long distance path has been temporarily closed. The Forestry Commission has also begun building on alternative route so further closures will not be necessary in future years.
The route, a popular walking holiday destination, will reopen at the end of March, in time for the eater and the start of the walking holiday season.
Links: Press and Journal article,
Highland Council information
Labels: Forestry, Great Glen Way, walking holidays
Friday, 9 January 2009
Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk as Popular as Ever
2008 was a busy year on the Coast to Coast walk, meaning booking your walking holiday early is a must if you want to secure the best accommodation. Interest in Wainwright’s walks, both in the Lake District and father afield, has been fueled by a recent TV series, Wainwright’s Walks, presented by Julia Bradbury, many episodes of which have attracted over 1 million viewers. The show has also proved popular in Australia.
In February 1987 book “Coast to Coast with Wainwright” will be reiussed, with a new set of photographs to bring it up to date. This will be followed by the screening of a new TV series, following the famous route across England. The BBC approached Mickledore Travel looking for potential interviewees, and you may see one or tow of our clients in the show.
In February 1987 book “Coast to Coast with Wainwright” will be reiussed, with a new set of photographs to bring it up to date. This will be followed by the screening of a new TV series, following the famous route across England. The BBC approached Mickledore Travel looking for potential interviewees, and you may see one or tow of our clients in the show.
Labels: coast to coast, Wainwright, walking holidays
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Walking in the Lake District - with knitting needles!
Our clients’ accounts of their walking holidays are always interesting reading. Stephanie did the North Lakes Traverse , one of our Lake District Walking Holidays during the summer and you can read her impressions of the walk here:
http://sometimessheknits.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html
You will also find many pictures of half knitted socks and all sorts of wool and knitting related posts – including a picture of 2 Lake District sheep – I had no ides knitting was so complicated!
The North Lakes Traverse is one of Mickledore’s own routes, taking in the Lakes of Ullswater, Thirlmere, and Derwentwater before returning to Keswick. This walking holiday normally takes 5 days.
Labels: knitting, lake disctrict, walking holidays
Friday, 21 November 2008
More Accommodation on the West Highland Way
The Crianlarich Hotel, at the centre of the village, at the mid point of the West Highland Way ,has changed hands this week. The previous owners, Highland Heritage, used the hotel exclusively for its own coach parties. The new owners intend to widen its appeal to independent travellers, including those taking walking holidays along the West Highland Way. It has several bars and a restaurant as well as 32 rooms. Given the popularity of the route, new accommodation is always welcome. Once it has reopened in March, we will pay a visit.
Labels: accommodation, crianlarich, walking holidays, west highland way
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
We have been working hard through the autumn preparing for (hopefully) another busy season in 2009. We are already taking a steady stream of bookings for 2009 walking holidays, and have also been checking up on accommodation and recent changes to routes on our established walking holidays, such as Hadrian's Wall Walk and the Coast to Coast path.On top of this we well as researching two new routes to add to our walking holidays in 2009. Both of these routes are in Scotland, and follow on from the success of the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way walking holidays in 2008.
The Rob Roy Way starts in Drymen, one day in on the West Highland Way, and meanders through forests and loch sides, and glens through the heart of the Trossachs. It is a reasonably straightforward walk on the whole, passing through wonderful scenery on generally well made paths. Watch our website for further details soon.
Our second new walking holiday for 2009 is the Speyside Way. From Buckie on the Moray Firth the walk follows the River Spey upstream past many of Scotland’s most famous distilleries, through the historic towns of Dufftown and Grantown on Spey, to finish in the highland resort of Aviemore, at the foot of the Cairngorms. Another fairly gentle walk, the Speyside Way passes through rolling countryside and foothills as it heads inland. Again, more details on the website soon.
The Rob Roy Way starts in Drymen, one day in on the West Highland Way, and meanders through forests and loch sides, and glens through the heart of the Trossachs. It is a reasonably straightforward walk on the whole, passing through wonderful scenery on generally well made paths. Watch our website for further details soon.
Our second new walking holiday for 2009 is the Speyside Way. From Buckie on the Moray Firth the walk follows the River Spey upstream past many of Scotland’s most famous distilleries, through the historic towns of Dufftown and Grantown on Spey, to finish in the highland resort of Aviemore, at the foot of the Cairngorms. Another fairly gentle walk, the Speyside Way passes through rolling countryside and foothills as it heads inland. Again, more details on the website soon.
Labels: hadrians wall, rob roy way, speyside way, uk, walking holidays
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