The WW Network is becoming a lively online forum where you can connect with other walking women and arrange lift shares and also share photos after your hols, as well as keeping in touch with other members.

Help us to keep it growing and you could win a weekend break. Send us your photo-story of your WW break by creating a blog on the WW Network and if we publish it we’ll enter you into our prize draw to win a free WW weekend walking break.

Closing date for entries is 30th June 2012. We’ll publish more details on the WW Network in due course.

Call 01757 249481 to book or email queries@walkingwomen.com. You can also book online from the holiday page on our website or click on the title below for a quick link for more details and to book online.

26-30 May (Sat-Wed) Gentle & Intermediate Malham, Yorkshire Dales

Here’s a chance to get away from the crowds with Helen &  Sharron, staying at High Trenhouse near tranquil Malham Tarn in a beautifully converted farm on the edge of the moors above Malham Cove and Gordale in the Yorkshire Dales. Choice of Gentle or Intermediate walks.

Nearest train station: Settle and we’ll arrange a shared taxi to meet trains at 4pm.

26 – 30 May 2012 (Sat – Wed)           Intermediate & Slow High Snowdonia

On this is a two level holiday with Clara and Claudia, offering a choice of slow high and intermediate walks. You will discover some remote and rugged mountain routes on the west and best side of the Snowdonia National Park. Accommodated at the Trigonos Centre in the Nantlle valley (www.trigonos.org), you will be spoilt by beautiful gardens, an organic farm and the Nantlle lake.

For the intermediate walkers the highlights include Mynydd Mawr, a good vantage point in the middle of it all to check out your surroundings and a little trip on the West Highland steam train to complete the circuit. The Moel Eilio ridge is a great intermediate walk on an gentle undulating ridge with views of the Llanberis valley and the Snowdon Railway.

Slow-High level walkers take on the of the Nantlle Ridge. An elegant long and snaking ridge that invites you to explore what’s behind the next bump, but with a sting in the tail, there’s a small section of easy level rocky scramble that adds of the pinch of excitement to the adventure. Of course, on offer for the high level walkers is Snowdon it’s self, at 1085m and a cafe at the top this is a grand day out with views sometimes as far as Ireland and Mid Wales hills.

We will arrange a 4.30pm shared taxi from Bangor station on the day you arrive.

28 May – 01 Jun 2012 (Mon – Fri)       Intermediate Grasmere, Lake District

Grasmere is one of the most central yet easily reached of the Lake District valleys, with stunning scenery that has
inspired poets and artists alike. There are beautiful and varied paths at every level, and plenty to do after walking too – from exploring Grasmere village with its teashops and outdoor shops, to visiting Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or going rowing on the lake. Grasmere’s nearest train station is Windermere, and there is a regular and frequent bus service from the station to Grasmere village.

 06 – 11 Jun 2012 (Wed – Mon)          Gentle Pembrokeshire Natural History 2

Join Madeline and enjoy the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastline, which is blessed with a mild climate due to the proximity of the gulf stream. In spring and early summer its cliff-tops are ablaze with wild flowers, while colonies of sea birds nest along its cliffs, and seals, porpoises and dolphins can sometimes be spotted swimming off shore. The area is perfect for gentle natural history walks from the tiny cathedral city of St Davids – across the fields and down winding lanes towards the sea, or taking the coastal shuttle bus to reach other lovely walks a short distance away. From St Justinian’s we can reach the RSPB reserve on Ramsey Island by ferry, and on other days we may finish at a white sandy beach, or take our lunch enjoying a spectacular view from the cliffs.

15 – 17 Jun 2012 (Fri – Sun)             Gentle Peak District Foray, Forage & Feast

A totally new holiday with where feasting is as important as walking. Learn what edible plants lie at your feet. Jane, a Leith’s qualified chef, will lead you on 2 beginner-level forays near Castleton in the Derbyshire Peak District and help you forage for the many green edible plants surrounding you. In the evenings we will indulge in tailor-made meals, negotiated with local chefs, which emphasise locally produced and/or sourced ingredients. 2 nights full board, staying at the very comfortable Swiss House in Castleton.

21 – 25 Jun 2012 (Thu – Mon)                     Easy Access Gentle Peak District

This holiday is designed to be suitable for almost all women, particularly if you don’t like stiles, rough paths or gradients. It is also accessible for all-terrain wheelchair users. The walks will be shorter than normal WW gentle walks (3-4 miles rather than 5 miles). We’ll be staying at the comfortable 4* Alison House Hotel near Cromford.

21 – 26 Jun 2012 (Thu – Tue)           Intermediate Exmoor 1

This new holiday with Chrissie offers 5 days of Intermediate walks on the tranquil wilds of Exmoor – based in the seaside village of Porlock in Lorna Doone country. Exmoor offers a wonderful variety of Intermediate walks with its changing landscape of dramatic coastline, open moorland, wooded combes, and hidden valleys. In June the moors will be vibrant with flowers and the sound of birds and insects.

22 – 25 Jun 2012 (Fri – Mon)            Gentle Whitby Walking, Contemplation & Yoga

A chance to turn down the volume of your busy life and listen to your inner knowing self. 3 nights full board at Sneaton Castle Centre in Whitby with a walk and an optional yoga session each day.

12 of us met at 2pm at the Hotel for our afternoon walk. Having arrived in heavy rain we all set off in anoraks, fleeces, hats etc but within a few yards we had to strip off as the sun was shining!

We walked up out of the village onto the ridge and along the path to Winfrith Drove.

The bluebells were in full bloom reminding us that Spring is here.

We walked across the fields in glorious sunshine passing the sheep with their lambs and onto the ridge again.

We could see where we would be walking over the weekend East and West along the coast.

Heading back to the village we stopped in the church to view a small exhibition about the local area before returning to the Hotel for tea and baths.

Our other 2 guests joined us for drinks and dinner before some of us walked to the beach for a few minutes before heading for bed.

Saturday dawned damp and cloudy as we set off for our walk along the coastal path to the west.

It was wet but we were in good spirits.

Our path took us along the coastal route with good views over the water.

We stopped at the church at Holworth for a coffee break

before heading back up the path to White Nothe where we stopped for lunch.

It was dry but windy as we set off again.

6 of the group chose to walk on the lower, more testing path and we tracked them from the higher path before meeting up again at the top of Scratchy Bottom for our walk passed Durdle Door.

The path took us passed Man O’War Bay before our last climb over to Lulworth.

After tea and baths we met for drinks and dinner.

Sunday dawned with heavy rain and gales. Not to be deterred 8 of us set off for our walk.

We walked up over Bindon Hill and down to Mupes Bay in terrible conditions but still smiling!

We decided not to linger but headed back via the Fossil Forest to the Hotel where we got warm and dry. We ate our lunch in the Hotel before setting off for our journeys home.

A great weekend with a lovely group!

Please note – spaces are available on the Lulworth Cove weekend in November – Book soon!

17-20 Sep (Sat-Tue) A short break with Gentle walks in the Wye Valley on the borders of England and Wales, near Offa’s Dyke.

Fuller detail

Our Wye Valley holiday based at the Royal George Hotel near Tintern Abbey has proved a great success. Here there are plenty of quality ensuite double rooms available as singles. This lovely area is steeped in history and rich in wildlife, archaeology, and industrial remains. The River Wye forms the boundary between England and Wales, and King Offa built his famous dyke near the English bank. In places ancient woodland clings to the steep sides of a dramatic limestone gorge, while elsewhere the river is boarded by tranquil meadows. Our first walk will take us across the river, and up to Brockweir Bridge before returning along the opposite bank. There is a local vineyard to visit, and we can stop for tea and home-made cakes at the old station. On other days we’ll take the bus and walk to the spectacular Eagle’s Nest viewpoint or explore historic tracks towards Angidy. After walking we can explore Tintern village with its old pubs, tourist shops and craft galleries. Tintern is easy to reach by road or rail – close to the M4 & M5, or a 6-mile taxi or bus ride from Chepstow station. (Ensuite single supplement £15 a night).

Our walks will explore lesser known routes over moorland hilltops and through quiet wooded combes full of spring flowers where we might see ponies, badgers, buzzards, and red deer. We will be based at Halsway Manor, England’s National Centre for Traditional Music, Dance and Song. It is a Grade 2* listed building, near Taunton and is a wonderful example of a Somerset manor house. It boasts a history going back over six hundred years and has a warm, friendly atmosphere which allows guests to relax and feel at home. Facilities include a ballroom, library and lounge bar.

Guided by Chrissie.

GuidesAccommodationLow IntermediateTravel

Price £300, includes: 3 nights full board in ensuite twin rooms (Standard single room £5 per night; Ensuite singel room £10 per night)

31 Aug-3 Sep 2012 (Fri-Mon) A second opportunity to combine Intermediate Walking in the Borrowdale Fells with Wild Swimming!

Fuller detail

Being in the heart of Lakeland we’ll explore the paths, fells and pools for the very best of pleasures. This area offers iconic swimming ‘dubs’ for us to plunge, splash and swim in. The silky skin and exhilaration will linger with you for a very long time. We’ll be taking Intermediate walks finding suitable and safe spots for a swim. They abound in the area and it is likely that this trip will explore the Langstrath Valley, the pools around Sty Head and Sprinkling Tarn and bays in Derwent Water. It is a holiday of sensations and takes the Lakes at its best.

Here is a quote from one of the participants on this holiday in 2011 – ‘It was exactly as I hoped it would be, we walked and found excellent swimming places……’ Glaramara May 2011

Kit – lightweight towels and swimming ‘pumps/sandals’ are recommended in addition to all the usual outdoor walking Kit.

GuidesAccommodationIntermediateTravel

Price includes: 3 nights at Glaramara Centre

3 nights full board in standard single rooms (No single supplement);

28 May-1 June 2012 (Mon-Fri) A 4 night break in Grasmere, enjoying the best Intermediate walks of the area.

Fuller detail

Grasmere is one of the most central yet easily reached of the Lake District valleys, with stunning scenery that has
inspired poets and artists alike. There are beautiful and varied paths at every level, and plenty to do after walking too – from exploring Grasmere village with its teashops and outdoor shops, to visiting Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or going rowing on the lake. Grasmere’s nearest train station is Windermere, and there is a regular and frequent bus service from the station to Grasmere village.

For Intermediate walks, wild Blea Rigg is always wonderfully deserted despite its stunning views of Easedale Tarn on the way up,
and of the Langdale Pikes from the top. The path up Helm Crag also offers its own rewards with great views over Grasmere and a lovely
long ridge walk to follow. On other days, we might find ourselves climbing the hillside to Alcock Tarn and Heron Pike, stopping for a swim in deserted Codale Tarn, or stretching ourselves as far as High Raise for its fabulous views. If we don’t mind driving around to Great Langdale, there can even be an exciting foray onto the Langdale Pikes!

This holiday is based at Glenthorne, always a favourite for its fantastic location and food!

Windermere is the nearest train station, then bus from the station to Grasmere, followed by a 4 minute walk up Easedale Road.

Price includes:4 nights full board at Glenthorne.

Staying in ensuite twin rooms. Ensuite singles are also available. (Ensuite single supplement from £10.00 a night, Standard single £5.00 per night).

Walking Women, an activity holiday company which has been established for 12 years, has in that time very successfully identified a niche market amongst women of all ages who find it more inclusive and companionable to be with other female singles, divorcees and golf widows. This year Walking Women are running two easy-paced guided cycling breaks alongside their regular walking holiday programme.

For regular or leisure cyclists there is a delightful four-night break in Suffolk from 30 June to 4 July. The holiday will take in the prettiest coast and countryside of this beautiful county on quiet roads and byways – including towns such as Southwold, Aldburgh, Framlingham and Woodbridge. Riding at a comfortable pace for three or four hours a day, there will be plenty of time for sightseeing, sunbathing or swimming. The group will be based at the three-star Bell Hotel in Saxmundham on a part board basis. £460 in shared en-suite rooms (single supplement £15 per night). Bring your own cycle or hire available.

For the occasional cyclist or those who want to enjoy time for sightseeing, there is also a Thames Valley break over the early May bank holiday from 5 to 8 May. Based in Maidenhead, known as the Jewel of the Thames, the group will be visiting lovely riverside towns like Windsor and Cookham and there will be plenty of time to stop at pubs, tea-shops and places of interest such as Windsor Castle, Cliveden, Dorney Court and Brunel’s magnificent railway bridge, the subject of Turner’s painting ‘Rail, Steam and Speed’. The rides will be shortish and easy-paced on quiet roads and firm cycle ways and will even include the path alongside Olympic Rowing Lake. The group will be staying at the three-star Thames Riviera Hotel on Maidenhead Bridge with full board apart from one evening meal out. £310 in shared en-suite rooms or (£12.50 single supplement per night.). Again bring your own cycle or hire available.

Click the link below to see more details of our cycling holidays this year

WalkingWomen’s Cycling holidays for 2012

5-8 May 2012 (Sat-Tue) This lovely long weekend with Caroline includes rides along the Thames and visits to riverside towns and villages. Based in Maidenhead, known as ‘The Jewel of the Thames’, this long weekend is ideal for those who are occasional cyclists or fairly new to cycling, since it is mostly flat with just a few short and easy hills.

Fuller detail

Our rides will take us along the Thames, through shady beech woods and pretty countryside. We’ll visit quaint riverside villages and historic towns like Windsor, Marlow, Hurley and Cookham. There will be plenty of time to stop at pubs, tea-shops and places of interest. The routes will mostly be on quiet tarmac roads and cycle paths although there may be some short stretches cycling along firm bridleways, so bring a helmet! (or hire one – see below). We won’t be mountain-biking on rough paths and the pace will be very leisurely.

GuidesAccommodationTravel

Price includes: 3 nights at Thames Riviera Hotel.

Staying in twin en suite rooms at the Thames Riviera Hotel, full board (* except for one restaurant evening meal out), single supplement £15 pn. Bring your own bike and helmet!; or cycle hire is available at £16 a day, helmet hire £3 a day, gel comfort saddle cover £2 a day.