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Western Europe
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SportActive.
A Licensed Tour Operator business that specialises in Walking and
cycling holidays, their prices are already very competitive, but
small group discounts are possible for UFRC members.
Visit their website for details of their latest trips and prices.
www.sportsactive.net .You can view
promotional video on site.
 A number of our members and members clubs have been very complimentary
about trips in the past.
In 2008 this local
firm offer trips to Austria, France, Poland and Majorca. Each trip is a
full package and fully guided. Prices range
from £500-650,which are keen .
For an
independent view have a look at World Ireland Magazine which features
an article by Michael Fewer on walking in Majorca Majorca last
year with Sportsactive. They can be
contacted at
info@sportsactive.net .You
can download a pdf file giving full details of their walking holidays
by clicking picture opposite .
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Menorca
We found a very interesting company in Menorca that some members may be
interested in. We took a guided walk
It is now possible to walk
around the island on a historic bridle path called the “Cami de
Cavalls.” It takes approx. 8 days to complete and is quite a
challenge. You can complete parts of the walk yourself as it is now
way-marked.
The company Rutasmenorca,
is run by guide Ramon Fritz and he is very passionate about his country.
He explained the history and culture of Menorca in a very interesting
manner as we walked along. Ramon is also a very keen photographer and
interested in plant life and all forms of wild life. One of our
highlights on our walk was to see an Egyptian vulture circling slowly
overhead, hopefully not interested in us! Ramon also supplied a picnic
using produce from his own garden, a little different from the norm and
very enjoyable.
The ideal time to go walking
in Menorca is May and September/ October. Ramon is able to suggest good
value accommodation. and can make arrangements with a number of hotels.
Direct flights from N Ireland may be the only problem we can think of.
(On checking flights are available from Dublin and Belfast) but
probably stop end of September
Web-site for more information.
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Holidays in Spain.
10% discount for bookings 3+.
( based on advertised web price applying &
emailed copy of UFRC affiliation card.
Organiser of group 5+ goes at 50% discount.
Jeremy & Jeni Rabjohns
(0034)958858580
Contact:
info@walkalpujarra.com
Web-site
www.walkalpujarra.com
Based in the
Alpujarra,
in province of Granada. The area extends from the snowy ridge of the
Sierra Nevada, reaching to nearly 3500 metres, south to the
Mediterranean coast. A multitude of villages dot
The Alpujarra, separated
by deep gorges, broad valleys, mountains and rivers, they add a
great attraction to the landscape and provide excellent bases for
those with an interest in the great outdoors. Each
village has its own distinct charm and is set in its own fold of
landscape, often hidden from its neighbours making each walk one of
discovery.
You can take a guided
group holiday
http://www.walkalpujarra.com/clubhelp.html
by organising a group of friends
and negotiating a date with us or join in one of our prearranged dates.
Safe independent walking
http://www.walkalpujarra.com/gr7.html
Our meticulous walk notes and unique
1:25000 maps help self-led walkers enormously. We are on the spot to
advise you on arrival. Walks can be centre based or trekking along the
GR7 inn-to-inn.
Painting holidays
for everyone.
Capture the beautiful landscape of the Sierra Nevada and villages of the
Alpujarras in watercolor and pastel
Painting
Courses designed
and run by qualified and experienced resident
painter/printmaker.
http://www.walkalpujarra.com/pleinairpainting.html
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 Guided
or self-guided Walking holidays with Bed & Breakfast accommodation in
Southern Spain.
Mention
Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs when enquiring to
receive a discount from advertised price list.
A warm welcome awaits you from Brian & Carole
located in San Enrique De Guadiaro in Southern Spain, a
typically peaceful village within the golfing and polo playing region of
San Roque.
Click for website |
 Fancy
a long distance walk in
Spain
Walking the Saint James Trail for the Animals
I would like to invite your members to join in our spectacular walk across
Spain next year. On 15 March we will set out from Estepona on the
Costa del Sol in Spain and walk along the ancient pilgrim trail to
Santiago de Compostela, a distance of 800 miles. The journey goes through
some of the remotest and most beautiful parts of Spain as well as taking
in some of the great historic centres like Seville and Salamanca. We are
scheduled to arrive in Santiago on 2 May. The weather should be perfect
for walking and the countryside will be awash with the colours of spring
flowers.
The route into weekly segments and walkers can join on any Saturday for
as many weeks as they like. Accommodation, breakfast and a packed lunch
are provided as is a back up vehicle which will take luggage in advance to
each daily destination. Full details of the route are available on our
web site
www.adana.es/elcamino.
The unique thing about this walk is that we are taking 15 of the abandoned
dogs from our kennels with us. We hope to raise money for our new
sanctuary and to publicize the increasing problem of animal mistreatment
while enjoying one of the most unusual walks on offer at the moment.
Please bring El Camino to the attentions of your members.
Johanna
Mayrhofer
Directora del Proyecto |
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Andalusia
Spain. "The Queen of the Mountain" Axarquia,
Anthony & Andrea Neal, Dama De La Sierra, El Fogarate, Canillas De
Albaida
1 weeks walking holiday in Spain during November (including
flights and transfers) - costs from £57* Per Person Per Day + 3 days
guided walking at any level (1 easy to 5 extreme) included.
See web site for more details:
http://www.villadama.com/index.php?article=walking
Flights from
Belfast Int. to Malaga
Example:Outbound Monday 8th Sept @ 08:35; Return Saturday 22:55 (Land back
Sunday AM) = £124 PP 20 kilo luggage, no insurance (flights booked by
group members as passport details are required by the carrier).
Including
flights in September or October costings follow:-
Self Catering:08 Sept (7 nights) 5 persons £480PP; 6 Persons £421PP; 7 Persons
£379PP 8 Persons £347PP
October (7 nights) 5 persons £415PP; 6 Persons £367PP; 7 Persons
£332PP 8 Persons £306PP
Full
Board:October (7 nights) 5 persons £590PP; 6 Persons £542PP; 7 Persons
£507PP 8 Persons £481PP
Quotations subject to change without notice due to air fare and
currency fluctuations, correct at 10:12AM ECT on 23rd July, 2008
7 Nights self catering accommodation (full board option is available),
Transportation to and from Malaga Airport
Transportation to and from walking or alternative itinerary
as required (limited to 100km total each day)
3 Full days walking with English speaking guide, at any level
selected.
Your party of 5 or more, will be our only guests for duration of
your walking break
Use of Internet, information packs, guide books, GPS devices
and local maps within Villa
All the information needed is on web site
http://www.villadama.com/index.php?article=home
e-mail or call on 07809899679. All walking packages created to get the most from this beautiful area and to
provide a hassle free walking holiday. Over 70 itineraries to
choose from. |
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Sheila Gard has recently started organising
walking holidays in
Southern Spain.
Small group guided walking holidays are based in
the
Mountains of Axarquia, Southern Spain.
http://www.sheilaspanishwalk.com
This looks interesting and seems reasonably priced .The
website is certainly worth visiting and gives an excellent impression of
the area
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Topwalks - Mountain routes in Spain.
Well worth a visit
Anyone thinking of a walking holiday in Spain should visit this excellent
site . It includes 150 routes in Aragon, Andalucia and Valencia with driving
instructions, a full account of the route, a slide show, photos, GPS
waypoints, a map of the route and a roadmap. You can also find photo sets on
more than 1,200 plants by colour
Top
walks -Mountain Routes in Spain
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Dan
& Amy Shaffrey own a small walking company called
Ibex Trex in the
Sierra Nevada Mountains ,Southern Spain specialising in small
groups. They provide a personal holiday experience with a real taste of
Spain.
Superb
traditional-style accommodation in village of Narila ,catering for 6 people.
Groups of 6 + use excellent local hotel .
Breakfasts, guided trekking with lunches + all
transport (including to and from Granada or Almeria airport) .
Weeks throughout the year
for individuals and groups wishing to make own itinerary.
Stay in the heart of Las Alpujarras,
taste local tapas
and wines, shop in local markets.
Now
taking bookings for 2012 great walking holidays available. See new
brochure .
Ibex Trex Walking Holidays has several great itineraries to suit all levels
of walking. Special
Group Rates
available and offering a
5%
discount for all bookings taken before 31/12/2011.
Further information-contact Dan & Amy via website
http://www.ibextrex.com/
or email at
info@ibextrex.com
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Casa
La Morera
Further info:
http://www.poppiesandbutterflies.co.uk
A cottage in Spain in the
Seguara Mountains,
in a village called Fuente Higuera which is just 20km from Elche De La
Sierra on the CM-412 road.
This is a national park with some of the most spectacular scenery in the
region. View the lakes, reservoirs and waterfalls where the River
Mundo originates and see the abundant wildlife around every corner,
including colourful butterflies and birds such as golden eagle and green
woodpecker. Wild animals include boar, deer, grey foxes, and various fish in
the rivers. See rural Spain at best in the springtime with the wild flowers
that grace this area. Herbs grow wild in the hedgerows giving off a
wonderful fragrance .
.Eating out boasts a variety of restaurants suitably priced for all
occasions. The cottage includes TV/DVD, Radio/CD, Washing machine,
Dishwasher, Micro-wave, Fridge-Freezer, cooker, radiators for winter use and
gas fire. Log fire available if needed. It can sleep up to six people
comfortably.
People in this region are exceptionally friendly and welcome you openly.
Visit the small markets in the local villages and see donkeys carrying
produce, firewood for the fire or dried grasses for weaving baskets.
Activities include walking the mountains using the guided maps
available. Try horse riding from several riding stables nearby, rock
climbing and visit local villages and enjoy the
regions rich culture including Bull Running and the Saw-dust
Fiesta. |
Villa in Sardinia
(Freda
Ross)
A British couple have completed construction of a large,
brand new villa in the North West of Sardinia. They wish to let out a
totally self-contained half of this but only want to groups such as
walkers, cyclists, divers etc., who would treat the property with care.
The villa is situated close to Lago Baratz, a ten minute
drive from Alghero airport. The coast in that area is known as the Coral
Riviera. The villa is in a tranquil, rural setting with eleven acres of
farmland and panoramic views and only a ten minute drive from a large,
sandy beach. It is fully furnished and equipped, providing all linens,
towels etc.
ryanair fly to Alghero from East
Midlands & Liverpool (Spring/Summer only for now) and Stansted & Dublin
(all year).
Olbia Airport
is another
possibility, giving about a 2 hour drive to savour the scenery across
the North of Sardinia.
Ryanair fly to Olbia from
Birmingham (Summer) and
EasyJet fly
to Olbia from
Bristol & Gatwick (Spring/Summer).
Members considering holidaying in Sardinia and looking
for high quality accommodation can view the website giving full contact
details.
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Martin Riley
(International Mountain Leader and member of the Spanish Mountain Guided
Association) runs
an independent walking company in Andalucia covering the
Sierra Nevada,
Sierra Almijarra, Sierra de Huetor and Alpujarra regions of Southern
Spain . The area has a range of walking, trekking
and
scrambling possibilities from low level to peaks over 3,000m.
In 2009 he offers walking and mountaineering organisations a 10%
discount on normal activity prices and offers a weeks
walking from 650€. This includes :-
Five days guided walking.
Six nights bed and breakfast accomodation (based on two sharing).
Free airport transfers to and from Granada airport. (other airports by
arrangement).
If you would like information about the potential for walking or
mountaineering holidays for your club contact Martin or look at
website
www.thelifeofriley.eu.com.
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Walking
holidays in Brittany
10% discount for UFRC
members on mid or low season bookings
 in 2,4,8 person gites.
Please request discount when booking.
Southern Brittany is a fantastic walking area with literally hundreds of
paths to explore varying from specially laid out and signposted tracks
to "go it alone" options .
www.frenchgites.fr
is
their website , have a look .
If interested contact Nicola Harrington
nicola@frenchgites.fr
Tel. 00 33 297 93 26 49 |
The Roussillon
An area in the South of France offering excellent walking opportunities,
breathtaking scenery , great wine , dry sunny weather and the intriguing
history of the Cathars. Richard Whibley has lived in the Agly valley
since 1994 and has created Agly walking Tours to share the region with other
walkers . He leads the walks and explains details of the area, once
you arrive everything is organized for you .
To book a holiday or for further information contact :
Agly Walking Tours, Association Agly Rando,8bis, rue Gabriel
PERI,66720,Latour de France, France
Tel:0033 468 294 157
e-mail alglyrando@gmail.com
or look at web site :
www.aglyrando.com |
Thinking of walking in Austria?
5%
discount on summer activities holidays for UFRC members.
Haus Luxus is an English run chalet, situated in Mayrhofen, in the heart of
the Austrian Alpsand and holds a maximum of 10 guests, . Rob Blackwell &
Mandii Weaver run the chalet on Bed & Breakfast or Half Board basis. The
Ziller Valley has much to offer the rambler, hiker and walker.
See website for full details at:
www.mayrhofen-experience.com
Mayrhofen Experience
Haus Luxus
822 Stillupklamm
MayrhofenA-6290
Austria
Telephone : 0043 (0) 5285 78465
Mobile Rob: 0043 (0) 664 2162732
Mobile Mandii: 0043 (0) 664 2162733
Fax : 0043 (0) 5285 78465 |
Haute Languedoc
 Ros
French offers Farmhouse accommodation with an organic vegetable garden in
stunning countryside in the National Park of the
Haute Languedoc just 48
kms from Carcassonne Airport which
is served by regular Ryan Air flights. The tracks that wind through
the hills, forests and pasturelands are very well marked . The
astonishing variety of countryside has to be walked to be appreciated.
There is forest, garrigue, mountains ( altitude 420 metres,but walks rise to
around 650), pastureland, babbling brooks. .. Wild life in abundance.
Self catering accomodation by the week but
available for 3 or 4 days stay -B&B or full meals
Collection from Carcassonne airport ,assistance with itineries and
collection at the end of a hike.
Although the web site quotes weekly prices ,shorter periods are possible at
£65 per night with breakfast. UFRC members reduction possible
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Austria
John Gowers and his family have taken over
a small hotel
in the village
of Malta,
southern Austria. There is
walking for all levels of experience
(gentle
strolls to 11,000ft. peaks).
They offer
special
autumn
rates for walking groups.
September and
October are the best times for walking in Austria.
They also
serve Guinness!
www.hochalmspitze.com |
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Le Galelle
Phone: +39 0858509121
Simon & Monica
Cunningham live at
Le Galelle
,a charming B&B and self catering accommodation in the Abruzzo countryside
with wonderful views of Gran Sasso and Maiella National parks.
The house is suitable
for families and large groups.
Abruzzo is the best environmentally protected region in Europe .
The area is excellent for
walking,cycling and mountaineering.
Le Galelle is easily reached by Air; Pescara Airport is just 20 minutes
away with Ryanair flights from Stansted.
Also only 2 hours from the Rome airports( plenty of cheap flights) ,
guests may combine their stay with a Rome visit to visit the Vatican
etc.
Train,Bus; Pescara station is 25 minutes.
Find out more on our
website:
http://abruzzoholidayrentals.com/
Email:
enquiries@abruzzoholidayrentals.com |
Walking in Tuscany
Ken Dodds and his wife
own a stone house-Fontana Vecchia- in a small village in beautiful
northern Tuscany between the Mediterranean coast and the mountains As keen
walkers they have selected a region which offered stunning walks and trails
for all standards. They are keen to offer their accommodation to like
minded people and share this unique area which is situated beside two
National Parks and two neighbouring districts of Lunigiana and the
Garfagnana. They are offering group members a 5%
discount on 2009 bookings and can supply additional information
needed. Most however can be found on their website
www.underthetuscansun.co.uk |
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A new venue for walking
holidays in the
French Alps. Andy Turner
has a ski chalet opening this summer as a dedicated walkers chalet,
offering flexible board basis (catered, self-catered or B&B) . A fully
catered holiday costs from just £250 including airport transfers from
Geneva and unlimited wine with dinner.
Morzine is a beautiful old market town at the heart of the Portes du
Soleil region that spans the Franco-Swiss border, and the walking is
endless with breathtaking views everywhere you look. Chalet L'Etoile des
Vents sleeps 11 in 4 bedrooms and is in an elevated position above the
town with stunning views from its balconies. The interior is perfectly
decorated to combine tradition with creature comforts...
an ideal alpine home from home!
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Jack & Jill Holidays
The stunning alpine scenery makes the
French Alps
the perfect summer destination for walkers and ramblers. At Jack & Jill we
offer flexible breaks tailored to your needs, so you can enjoy the
magnificent surroundings and return back to your own alpine chalet with
lush valley views. Our chalet is in the charming town of Morzine
which is surrounded by hundreds of marked and graded trails, making it
easy to choose the best route for your ability.
If you would like to hear more about Jack & Jill and
walking in the French Alps then we’d love to hear from you. As keen
walkers, we have been lucky enough to do a lot of the great walks and
hikes in the area, and we love nothing more than to share our passion for
mountains. Click for web-site
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Michelle & Adrian Barry, a young Irish couple have recently purchased a
guesthouse with self-catering apartments in
Filzmoos, Austria.
Haus Obermoos offer a 5% discount on summer activities holidays to all
UFRC members.
.jpg) Their
guesthouse is located in the picturesque mountain village of Filzmoos at
an altitude of 3461 ft and set within the
Bischofsmütze mountain
and the Dachstein Glacier.
allowing a wide variety of
activities to be undertaken by outdoor enthusiasts both in winter and
summer.There are many beautiful biking & hiking trails - the 200km of
footpaths have been classified, guests can choose walks according to their
physical condition & requirements.
Filzmoos is a beautiful village in Austria only 45 minutes from
Salzburg airport ,a short transfer in comparision to some of the other
resorts. Accommodation consists of 5 large double rooms with ensuite
facilities, 3 large apartments (2 apartments sleep 2-4 persons, 1
apartment sleeps 4-6 persons), a large breakfast room, a haus bar where
guests can relax and enjoy the magnificent surroundings.The house is newly
renovated and rooms have been decorated to the highest standard
Website is
www.hausobermoos.com . Opening this winter for business and taking
bookings now for the winter 2007/8 season.
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Walking in France-The Auvergne.
An ideal venue for a walking club trip . Beautiful
unspoiled countryside in an interesting volcanic area -semi alpine meadows
clothed with fabulous wildflowers, many of them rare. a range of beautiful
butterflies and unusual birds . The weather is usually excellent with
temperatures just right for walking . You can choose a range of walks
both vigorous and easy within your group. The walks are led by two
very knowledgeable guides. Flights to Lyon available from Dublin. A
family run hotel at
Les Estables cannot be
recommended highly enough . Excellent food and fair prices.
Run by Bernard Aubry and his family.
Have a look at some photographs.(click for
larger view)
Visit their website designed by his son
Alexandre, a keen photographer ,knowledgeable about the geology and natural
history of the area and one of the walk guides.
http://www.decouverte-estables.com/
If you need ideas on organising, contact our
Secretary,
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Wilderness Journeys - Inspiring adventure holidays in the world’s wild
places.
www.wildernessjourneys.com
If you want something really different have a look at this
website.
Wilderness Journeys is a
specialist travel company offering a range of inspirational holidays and
wilderness experiences in the World’s remote and beautiful places.
They recently won the Highly Commended award in the Best Tour Operator
category of the global Responsible Tourism Awards. |
Walking Holidays South West France
Come and discover the
beautiful quiet and tranquillity of, 'LA FRANCE PROFONDE', superb rural
France with its ever changing colours and spectacular views.Guided
walks meander through farms, woods, rolling hillsides, pretty villages,
and gently flowing rivers in this beautiful and largely undiscovered
region of France. With scenery that changes with the seasons and an
abundance of nature and plant life, as well as buildings, farms and
churches, some dating back 300 years or
more.
You might
see a family of
wild boar,
the
blue headed lizard,
the
giant moth
and of course the plentiful bird life that surrounds this beautiful area.
The owners have lived and
walked in this area of France for many years we are able to offer a
service of guided walks, to proudly reveal destinations that are off the
beaten track.
Guided walks can be
tailored to suit all levels of fitness.
The holiday includes all meals
and beverages,
transfers to and
from the airports (Rodez, Toulouse)
PRICE £350 pp pw Sat-Sat
For more information -visit website
http://www.adventurefrance.co.uk/ |
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Catering Chalets in French Alps
Apartment Sabu
in the heart of the French Alps;
nestled in the beautiful valley of Vallouise, with its alpine meadows and
medieval villages,overlooking tranquil orchards and breathtaking
mountains.
Apartment Sabu offers spacious accommodation for up to 6 people and is
fully equipped to luxurious standards with large south-facing balconies.
An abundance of activities available all year round. Walk through flower
filled meadows to mountain restaurants. Go trekking, skiing, paragliding,
biking, rock and ice climbing. |
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David and Siân Thomas
run walking holidays in
South West France
from their farmhouse
in the Tarn region of France.
Jet2 will be flying directly from Belfast to Toulouse during this Summer and
if you opt for the full catered package they will collect you at the airport
For more information contact by email at
david.thomas2@tiscali.fr
or: call them on 0033 563
36 54 68 for a general chat about their holidays and how they might
suit you.
For
general information about the gîte and accommodation visit their web site at
www.gitegetaways.com |
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South of the Ardèche, France. Charlotte and
Xavier run a small family hotel in an ideal location for ramblers and
hikers. From the doorstep of the hotel is a variety of different walks
ranging from 30 minutes to 8 hours in length; all of them over different
terrain – hills and valleys, rivers and forests.
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Walking In Portugal
New lower prices and offers for 2009-see web-site below
Catherine Hogan and Chris Jones moved from Ireland just over 18 months ago
and have opened a self catering property in the
Sao Mamede region of Portugal
near the Spanish border . They offer self guided /guided walking or simple
relaxation. The house is located in a beautiful valley within the
Parque Natural da Serra de Sao Mamede ,
protected for its valuable flora and
fauna. The house and two
acres of grounds are peaceful and private and ideal for anyone wishing to
de-stress and get away from it all.
The
walking in the area is easy to moderate, ideal for people who walk but
are not into ‘heavy duty’ hill walking or for people wanting a holiday which
combines walking, seeing unspoilt countryside, and some days visiting
medieval towns and hill top villages.
The
area is unspoilt and relatively undiscovered . The countryside is a mixture
of wooded hills, medieval laneways, rocky ridges and fertile valleys.
If you wish
you can go off track
and
walk along some of the bigger hills and ridges. There are many good
restaurants in the area
, and
Lisbon airport is a
two and one half hour drive away on good quiet
roads.
Visit web-site
Walking in Portugal A straightforward and interesting site
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An English couple run
Pension Williams Hotel in Seebach
,
in the
Black Forest, Germany,
an
excellent
destination for walkers of all abilities.
The beautiful village of Seebach, nestling in the Acher Valley
is
ideal for exploring the Black
Forest. Single, twin, double and family rooms, all with en-suite, TV and
most with south facing balconies are available.
Prices start at €22 euro p.p.n.
for B&B in a single room and €25
p.p.n. for a double room.
A ‘Walking Package’ of 7 Nights B&B for 2 people sharing a double room
with en-suite and south facing balcony, 5 packed lunches, a walking map
and welcome drink is offered all for €375,00
– that’s just €187,50 each.
Group reductions
available, contact for details.
Snacks,locally
produced wine, beer and schnapps are available.
Excursions
include the
Schwarzwaldhochstraße (a beautiful route through the northern Black
Forest), Strasbourg (France), Baden-Baden, Triberg
with
the largest cuckoo clock
in the world and Germany’s highest waterfall, Basle (Switzerland), Europa
Theme park and Karlsruhe Zoo .
Guests
have
free bus and train travel throughout the
Black Forest so if
walking to neighbouring villages,
you can catch a bus or train back.
For sightseeing,
travel is
also
free of charge.
The hotel offers
a daily drop off and collection service
to the
local train station.
Ryanair
has
cheap flights from Stansted and Dublin
to
Karlsruhe-Baden airport,
just 35
minutes away.
Airport transfers from and to Karlsruhe-Baden
can be
arranged at very reasonable cost.
Also,
British Airways fly into
Stuttgart, about 90 minutes away.
For
information:
Website address is
www.pension-williams.com
Telephone:
0049 7842 2853. |
Walking in Switzerland
Chalet Eira (Morzine), 1 hour transfer
from Geneva . Perfect area for hikes and rambles along mountain
paths . Bed & breakfast from €30 per night, excellent restaurant
.
Have a look at their website :
www.chaleteira.com
or e-mail for information:
info@chaleteira.com
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