Thursday, 8 October 2009
2010 Walking Holidays: Book Early for Coast to Coast, West Highland Way, and Hadrian's Wall.
We normally have a few well organised groups booking next year’s walking holidays at this time of year, but this year the trickle has turned into a stream. Coast to Coast Walking Holidays, Hadrian’s Wall Walks, and West Highland Way Walking Holidays , in particular are proving popular.
I think the strength of the Euro (and Australian Dollar!) are playing a part, but all the publicity the routes have received this year, like Julia Bradbury’s Coast to Coast series, and Radio 2 DJs Marc Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie Walking Hadrian's Wall, have also increased interest.
If you are considering doing any of the above, especially during the early part of the season up to the end of May, or if you are a large group, it’s worth starting your planning early. If you know your dates – it’s worth considering booking now. If you need an additional incentive, bookings made with Mickledore Travel before December can be made at 2009 prices.
I think the strength of the Euro (and Australian Dollar!) are playing a part, but all the publicity the routes have received this year, like Julia Bradbury’s Coast to Coast series, and Radio 2 DJs Marc Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie Walking Hadrian's Wall, have also increased interest.
If you are considering doing any of the above, especially during the early part of the season up to the end of May, or if you are a large group, it’s worth starting your planning early. If you know your dates – it’s worth considering booking now. If you need an additional incentive, bookings made with Mickledore Travel before December can be made at 2009 prices.
Labels: Caost to Coast Walk, early bookings, Hadrian's Wall, walking holidays 2010, west highland way
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
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
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
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
More Tree Felling Closures - On the West Highland Way
Tree felling has recently taken place in near Craigallian, just after the start of the West Highland Way. The West Highland Way was breifly diverted through Mugdock County Park for a short section. Harvesting is now complete and the Way is reopend. However there are still stacks of timber along in the forest which are presently being extracted. Walkers are reminded to keep off these - they can be unstable and start rolling. You may also encounter lorries and other vehicles removing the timber. So be careful! The work should be complete shortly before the start of the main walking holiday season.
Labels: tree felling, Walking Holiday, west highland way
Friday, 30 January 2009
Improvements afoot for the end of the West Highland Way?
The Nevis Bank Hotel is situated right at he end of the West Highland Way, next to the official marker, and of course right next to he start of the Great Glen Way. Unfortunately in recent years the hotel has fallen on hard times and was closed on November, looking decidedly worse for wear.
The hotel is now back on the market, and I hope a buyer capable of making the necessary investment comes forward. It has always struck me that the marker at the end of the walk is stuck in a bit of a corner, and not relay a fitting end to a memorable walking holiday This feeling is only made worse when the backdrop is a decaying hotel.
The hotel is now back on the market, and I hope a buyer capable of making the necessary investment comes forward. It has always struck me that the marker at the end of the walk is stuck in a bit of a corner, and not relay a fitting end to a memorable walking holiday This feeling is only made worse when the backdrop is a decaying hotel.
Labels: Fort William, Great Glen Way, hotels, west highland way
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
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