"A Wonderful Prize" (Treasure Hunt)

We are delighted that BWs members Nicky and John enjoyed their Treasure Hunt prize.

"First a huge thank you for two perfect days at Hotel de la Baie des Trepasses. When we won the first prize, we were so amazed that it took a few days to sink in! So.......the highlights ....obviously the hotel itself, in its glorious setting, with its helpful, smiling staff. The views from the bedroom window. The superb food - where I thought I had died and gone to 'fish heaven'. I am not a great 'sea' person like John (too many rough channel crossings!) but that was changed here. We spent hours just watching the differences in colour, speed and mood of the sea. The first evening the waves were eau de nil, later larger, and more intense, becoming a creme de menthe frappe ( not that I've had one, just seen it served!) The next day the horizon was slate grey, but, nearer the sea line, a paintbrush of blue had been dipped into it, creating a warmer colour, which ended in green and white crested waves edging the shore....beautiful. The Pointe du Raz, Pointe du Van, Cap de la Chevre, Pointe du Millier, Pointe de Dinan and Pointe d'Espagnol....who could not fail to be stirred by their magnificence. The Ile de Seine like a little flat crepe, but so full of history, and you would have to be brave just to live there! The hamlet of Rostudel, charming and straight out of a history book. The Peninsula de Labyrinthe for its entertainment value, (and our determination to beat the usual one hour to finish!) So, as you can see we had a wonderful time, and some very happy memories!"

Nicky and John Bolton

Our walk at Le Cloitre Pleyben

Thanks to Karen and Graham for a delightful walk around the countryside of Le Cloitre Pleyben: lovely weather, good company, flowery lanes and superb views. And on top of all that, great cakes by Jean!

Walk at Le Cloitre Pleyben - Tues 26 May

We have a countryside walk (8kms) around the bourg of Le Cloitre-Pleyben next Tuesday. The meeting place is a large car-park opposite the mairie and by the shop in the village (D48, west of Plonévez-du-Faou). The route is generally suitable for all, but if there is rain just beforehand be prepared for the odd muddy patch. We are hoping for the current bright May weather to continue! Everyone welcome. 2.30pm start.

Bright light in Kerjean

No electricity, but a bright sunny sky despite the strong wind, so we (19 of us) had an enlightened visit to the chateau after all, with excellent presentation from the guide Delphine. After her tour, which ended in the chapel with its amazing boat-shaped wooden ceiling, we were free to wander around the building at will. Then a stroll in the grounds, particularly lovely in their natural state at this time of year, to see the dovecote, pillars of justice and lake with Renaissance-style fountain. Delicious cakes made by Karen and Graham were much appreciated by all and rounded off a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on the plain of Léon.

Visit to the Chateau de Kerjean - 19th May

We have a visit (guided in English by Delphine - see photo above) to this superb late 16th century chateau next Tuesday afternoon. Afterwards we'll go for a short stroll in the grounds to see features of interest. (Please note that the chateau will be without electricity on that day.)

Meet at the entrance to the chateau, near village of St Vougay, north of Landivisiau, at 2.30. All welcome.

Gorges de Toul Goulic

A large group enjoyed sunny weather for a walk in the Gorges de Toul Goulic, through woods teeming with wild flowers and bird song. Afterwards we went up to the barrage and then to St- Antoine where we had a very warm welcome from the owners of the chanvrière, refreshments and the chance to buy products made from hemp in the shop - some beautiful clothes, oils, chocolate, soaps and fabric. They also opened the chapel for viewing and gave us a demonstration of how the fibres of hemp are obtained. Highly recommended visit as part of a day out, maybe combined with a picnic at the near-by reservoir and a visit to the church at Lanrivain.

Walk next week - Tuesday 5 May 2.30pm

We have a 6km walk at the Gorges du Toul Goulic next Tuesday (Please note the seasonal change of start time to 2.30pm.) This is a very beautiful, tranquil route through woodland and alongside the granite chaos of the upper Blavet river and feeder streams. No difficulties except mud in places - short stretches of the paths were very muddy when checked last week, so appropriate footwear is needed.

We meet in a parking area opposite the water-treatment works on the D87 just west of the hamlet of St-Antoine, which in turn is 3kms west of the village of Lanrivain. St-Antoine is currently being renovated to function as a chanvrière, devoted to products made from hemp - from clothes to building insulation! In addition to some fine old houses, there is a chapel and a bar/shop. It is possible to continue from the parking up to the barrage (see above) and through the woods to this hamlet to extend the main walk.