Best walking wishes for 2012

Happy New Year, Brittany Walkers!
2012 programme is now on our website - www.brittanywalks.com
Looking forward to seeing you all again soon.

Walk today

We had a good walk in the forest at Huelgoat today, in perfect weather conditions. Afterwards we enjoyed Phil and Rosie's kind hospitality, with mulled wine, mince pies and cake. Many thanks to them and everyone who turned out for a bit of fresh air after all the festivities.

Happy Christmas and 2012

Merry Christmas to all Brittany Walkers, with thanks for your support in the last year, and best wishes for lots more happy walking in 2012. Have a great weekend, and join us for a walk on Boxing Day in Huelgoat. Details below.

Join us for a Boxing Day stroll

We have a walk on Boxing Day this year, that is Monday 26th December, to work off some of that indulgent eating and sitting about doing nothing! The venue is Huelgoat, meeting for a 2pm start in the large forest parking area just outside the town (direction Poullaouen)on the D769. (From the town, it is on the left shortly after a bridge with a sharp right bend. From the other direction it is just after signs and parking for the Goufre, on the right.)
The route is not too demanding, and there will be an option to return to the car-park on a single easy path if you want to cut the walk short. Optional apres-walk - after the walk we are all kindly invited to the House of the Menhir just outside Huelgoat for refreshments.

Xmas Day walking

For those who are alone at Xmas and would maybe like to combine a walk with being 'around' other people if not actually with them, BWs has thse suggestions. The Chateau of Trévarez (near Chateauneuf-du-Faou) with its magnificent gardens is open on Christmas Day. You pay an entrance fee but then have acres of varied grounds (pictured above) to explore (the wilder bit is off to the left on approach to the chateau) and also a café and shop for a bit of social contact.
The forest of Huelgoat has numerous options for walking. For a change from the famous Chaos area, follow the canal out to the old mine, or stroll down the Argent river from the Gouffre. The café/bookshop L'Autre Rive (signed off the D769 on the left when leaving the town) with its warm ambience (and great hot chocolate) is open on the 25th, hot food and drinks available all day.
Finally Quimper is always a good place to be alone among people, and you'll be able to find a friendly bar open - try the Café des Arts on the quay by the Prefecture. It's the kind of place you can sit for hours, after enjoying a climb up Mont Frugy behind the tourist office or a gentle stroll along the Odet to picturesque Locmaria.
If none of those ideas appeal, join BWs on Boxing Day for a short or medium length walk at Huelgoat (2pm). Details here next week.

Walking in the sun, just walking in the sun ...

Amazingly we enjoyed a fine, dry walk today at Locmaria-Berrien, despite sitting in cars at 1.50 watching the rain. By 2pm the sun was out and not another drop fell until soon after our return. By that time we were ensconced in the café L'Autre Rive drinking coffee and hot chocolate (with cognac in some cases...). Congratulations to our well-behaved dog companions, including newcome Bentley and his equally well-behaved owner Chris.
Thanks to all, it was a great afternoon.
Next walk - Boxing Day, 2pm at Huelgoat.

Walk on Tuesday, 6 December

We have a walk on Tuesday afternoon, starting from the car-park by the church in Locmaria-Berrien at 2pm. This is an attractive route of medium length, covering a Green Way, rural tracks and quiet hamlets. In the event of the weather being awful, we'll go to the forest café at Huelgoat for hot chocolate and maybe a short walk in the wood after. All welcome.

Eat Brittany

Our sister site Eat Brittany has some Christmas gift ideas. Contributions on restaurants and Breton food welcome for this blog. www.eat-brittany.blogspot.com or click on link opposite.

An all-weather walk/day out suggestion

For an autumn or winter day out, BWs recommends a visit to the town of Guingamp. Not only is it a particularly attractive little place with good shops, many medieval buildings and an interesting church (famous 'Black Madonna'), but there is also a 7.5km circuit for a walk including the town centre, a pretty riverside path, and a lofty chapel with good views. There should be no problems with the paths at less salubrious times of year.
And if you want to combine walking, shopping and admiring gorgeous architecture with a good meal, book ahead for a real fine dining treat at La Boissière (www.restaurant-la-boissière.com) or enjoy a quality crepe or two at Creperie St-Yves in rue St-Yves or Creperie du Roy near the tourist office. (The TO is closed on Mon, Wed, Sun.)
Make a day of it where the weather is unlikely to spoil things. Sports' fans could maybe plan a visit to watch the giant-killing Guingamp football team!

BWs Top Ten Walks in Brittany

There's a new article on the Brittany Walks website front page (link opposite) listing BWs' ten favourite walks in the region, covering country, coast and town and four departments.

Walking in a worthy cause

Many events are taking place this weekend for the huge annual Telethon charity fund raising extravaganza. Why not walk in a good cause? At Poullaouen on Sunday (20th) you can choose circuits of varying distances between 6 and 12kms. Register at the salle polyvalante any time after 8.30am.
For other walks and events, buy the Telegramme on Saturday and check out what's on all over the place.
(Photo shows a BWs walk around Poullaouen from 2009.)

Great day!

Really enjoyed yesterday's Legends course, it was great fun. Many thanks to all who participated and created such a good atmosphere. Also thanks to L'Autre Rive for the perfect venue. Next course is in February.

Legends one day course

The Brittany Legends one day course is tomorrow (Wed 16th) at L'Autre Rive café in the forest at Huelgoat. Here I am, looking forward to it!

Coming soon ....

Coming soon on the Brittany Walks website : individual walks and days out which you can buy cheaply online. These will include maps, full route details, background information, items of interest, quizzes, challenges and kids' stuff as appropriate. There will be a variety of locations and themes to choose from.
This is something many people have asked about over the years, and any comments about what you'd like to see in such a product will be gratefully received and considered. Please email brittanywalks@orange.fr

Legends Course bargain ...

Only two more days to get a reduced rate (18€ instead of 20€) for the Legends of Brittany one day course on November 16th. It will be held at L'Autre Rive café/bookshop (pictured) on the edge of the forest at Huelgoat. There'll be a short optional walk at lunch time, weather permitting, but the bar is open all day for the less energetic! General information about the course is on www.brittanywalks.com or www.brittanyheritageservices.com (both links opposite).
Full details of the day (11am- 4.15ish) will be sent to registered participants next week. It's going to be fun ...

Next walk

We do not have a walk in November this year, only a Day Course on Breton Legends on Nov 16, which will include an optional short walk in the forest at Huelgoat, where the event is held.
So the next walk is in December, on the 6th, at Locmaria-Berrien (a different walk from last year's one located there). More details nearer the time. There will also be a walk on Boxing Day.
Bookings for the Legends Course paid for before Nov 2nd will be at 18€, but 20€ after that date. Details are on www.brittanywalks.com or www.brittanyheritageservices.com

Walkers and other animals

We had a lovely walk at Carhaix today, with dry weather, perfect temperature, great scenery and ancient buildings galore. There was also a large variety of two and four-footed animals waiting to enliven our route along the way, from geese to goats, and gorgeous horses to a glamorous kingfisher on the river Hyères.

Thanks to all for a really enjoyable afternoon.

Carhaix Walk - Tuesday October 18th

We have a short, easy and rural walk around the edge of Carhaix next Tuesday, with quiet water meadows, riverside paths and a beautiful old bridge among the attractions. Meet in car-park by the church of St-Trémeur (near the tourist office) for a 2pm departure. All welcome.

Day Course - November 16 - Legends of Brittany

Find out all about the atmospheric and often surprising legends of Brittany. Where do they come from? What do they tell us about the origins of Brittany? And how come they are still so popular today - tales spun to entertain tourists or a real insight into local culture?
We'll share some stories, look at what it all means and doubtless find a lot to amuse ourselves if previous study days are anything to go by. Learn something and have fun at the same time!
The venue will be the café/bookshop L'Autre Rive on the edge of the forest at Huelgoat and details are on the Brittany Walks website (www.brittanywalks.com).

Extremely nice day!

The weather was very kind to us for yesterday's outing, with only a few spots of rain whilst we were travelling from one 'extreme' to another, and even a little sunshine. We sampled local delicacy the Molène sausage in a wonderful restaurant in St-Renan (La Maison d'Autrefois) before visiting the tallest menhir in France and then the very edge of France at the Pointe de Corsen. After a drive through the beautiful old fishing port of Le Conquet, we ended up at the Pointe St-Mathieu to see the ruined abbey on the cliffs, including an ancient fire-tower from pre-lighthouse days. It was a great trip and many thanks to all who participated.

Going to extremes - Tues, 4 October

We have an excursion (in cars) on Tuesday, 4th October, to see some fabulous and extreme sights: the tallest menhir in France, the westernmost point of France, etc. Meet in the centre of St-Renan (NW of Brest), Place du Vieux Marché 11.45-12 noon for a quick lunch (probably creperie).
If this weather holds, it'll be perfect for a trip to one of the best coastlines in Brittany.

Looking ahead - spring break

Brittany Walks hopes to organise a spring break (1/2 nights) in the magical Foret de Paimpont (claimed by some to be the Brocéliande of Arthurian legend). Apart from Merlin's tomb, the lake under which Lancelot grew up and the Valley of No Return, there is much stunning walking in the forest, numerous megaliths and many other interesting things to see. The area is situated in Ille-et-Vilaine, NW of Rennes. The programme will depend on numbers, and may combine group walks with time for individual exploration. April is the probable month.
Anyone potentially interested should please let BWs know by email (brittanywalks@orange.fr).

(Red stream in the Val sans Retour, where the fairy Morgane trapped faithless lovers.)

Perfect walking weather!

First most of us ate fresh fish in the harbour area, then some of us visited the sardine shop, then we all walked through the beautiful Plomarc'h area with its rare breeds farm, old cottages and huge Roman factory remains, then we were all glad to sit down for a drink and most of us had coffee, but ...

Thanks everyone!

Douarnenez - Tuesday September 20th

On Tuesday, September 20th we have a stroll around Douarnenez and the quiet rural paths of the Plomarc'h. Spectacular sea views and easy walking on pavement/surfaced paths throughout. This is a town with a remarkable history and much of interest to see, including one of the most important Roman remains in Brittany.
We meet on the quay by the boat museum at Port Rhu (just down the hill behind the tourist office, via rue de Port Rhu, where there is a useful car-park) for a 2pm start. At last I am able to say it - Look forward to seeing you all there!

Erdeven walk

The rain held off until the journey back for the lucky participants on this megalithic walk! Thanks to all for making it a good afternoon. I'm sorry I was still not well enough to attend, but hope to see you all at Douarnenez on September 20th.

Marvellous Megaliths Walk

Our walk on Tuesday 6th September starts at 2pm from the parking for the megalithic alignments on the D781 just outside the village of Erdeven (east of Lorient). This is a very attractive and easy-going walk, taking in many exceptional neolithic remains on various sites. Suitable for everyone, without any particular diffculties. Hope we can enjoy some September sunshine along the way!

Ebooks

A new Ebook on the Monts d'Arrée is now available from www.brittanyexpert.com (link opposite). The list now includes town guides, the Nantes-Brest Canal, Food and Drink, History Essentials and more. All proceeds help to support the Brittany Walks website. There is also a FREE well-illustrated Ebook called Brittany Basics, with a one click download.

Dry walk!

The weather was kind for an enjoyable walk around Chateaulin and the Aulne river yesterday afternoon. Thanks to Harold for taking the group in my continued absence, and to everyone who came along. Thanks to Chris and Barry for the photo.

Our next walk on September 6th is a fabulous megaliths trail from Erdeven in Morbihan: easy route and a stunning variety of neolithic monuments all along the way.

Chateaulin walk

We have a walk next Tuesday (23rd) in Chateaulin, starting from the Tourist Office (on the quay across the river if approaching from the east) at 2pm. This is an easy walk of 5-6kms, covering some interesting aspects and views of the town as well as a stretch of very pretty riverside walking along the Aulne, and a lock with underground viewing chamber. Bring your visitors along!

Nice day for a walk ....

The weather was kind for a fine walk along the heights of the Monts d'Arrée to the remote village of Tredudon-le-Moine, an important resistance centre in WWII. Many thanks to Harold for leading the walk in my enforced absence, and to all who participated. Also thank you to all who have sent good wishes for me and Tex.

Monts d'Arrée walk - Tuesday 9th August

We have a new and very interesting walk in the Monts d'Arrée on Tuesday, August 9th. This involves a little used track along the heights with fabulous views to the peaks above Le Relec, and then a site of WWII significance.
Meet at the Col de Tredudon on the D36 short-cut over the shoulder of the hills before the TV mast off the main Carhaix/Morlaix route D764 (do not go as far as the roundabout). On the top of the rise there is parking on either side of the road.
Let's hope for a sunny day! The walk starts at 2pm.

Date for the Diary

Advance warning of Brittany Extremes - a day out and about visiting some 'extreme' places like the westernmost point of France, the tallest menhir in France, the earliest marine warning structure in Brittany, etc.
Tuesday October 4th is the date for this adventure, which will involve having lunch out and car-sharing where possible.

CHATEAULIN WALK POSTPONED

Sorry folks - owing to illness, the Chateaulin walk scheduled for Tuesday 26th July will now be held on Tuesday, 23rd August.

The next walk is in the Monts d'Arrée on Tuesday 9th August, meeting at the Col de Tredudon (on the D36 sliproad before the TV mast).

Apologies, but unavoidable.

New Ebook site

The Brittany Expert site with great value Ebooks on Breton topics has now been completely revamped. Secure payment is made via Paypal (no account necessary)in £ (2.50) or € (3). The latest addition on the Monts d'Arrée area will be available shortly, and Brittany: Nature & Environment is in preparation. Have a look at what's on offer now! www.brittanyexpert.com

Wet ...

The location was fantastic, but heavy rain prevented the scenic picnic (thank you Denise for a nice dry house to eat in!) and in the afternoon we opted for a visit to Taden manoir and then the port at Dinan, where the weather improved. The energetic strode up the cobbled streets to the famous town, whilst others visited the Maison de la Rance to get a well-presented overview of what we'd missed. We all enjoyed the après-non-walk overlooking the river. Thanks to Lesley for our revised programme, and definitely whetting our appetites for the Rance nature walk at another time.

Walk on Tuesday 12th July, near Dinan

We have a walk on Tuesday at Taden (near Dinan), which is Lesley's home territory, and she will take us on a stroll along the Rance river. There are lots of lovely things to see in that part of the world, so it's well worth a day out. Meet for a picnic (bring your own) first at 12.30. Email brittanywalks@orange.fr with any questions. (Photo by our nature expert Lesley.)

Hot dogs and great cake!

We had a lovely walk from Parcou today, led by Alice and Eric Murphy who have a B&B/gite in the hamlet (www.parcou.fr)and know all about the needs of walkers, having done the Compostella Trail themselves. We kept the route a bit shorter than that on a very warm afternoon, enjoying sun and shade along the old railway tracks that offer many options in this area. Afterwards refreshments in the pretty garden were most welcome, with Alice's delicious cake making a very brief appearance.
Many thanks to Alice and Eric, and to Dave, back on form with his camera. Tex was easily the hottest dog on the block.

SUNDAY WALK, July 3rd - 2pm

We have a walk this SUNDAY (just for a change) at 2pm, starting from the hamlet of Parcou near Plonevez-du-Faou. Alice Murphy will show us the beautiful countryside around about and then there'll be a chance for refreshments at her lovely house, which has been adapted to provide accommodation for walkers (and others), an enterprise she runs together with husband Eric. The walk is short (6kms) and easy-going on country tracks through very attractive scenery.
DIRECTIONS: from the mini-roundabout at the north end of Plonovez main street take the Lannedern road but then turn left very soon after (Parcou signed amongst other hamlets). Continue ahead for just over a kilometre and then Parcou is signed to the left.

MORE holiday pics

Thanks to Chris for these fine images.

Good walk today and our holiday photos!

We had a really good walk today at Chateauneuf-du-Faou, with esteemed regulars, lovely newcomers (Kathy) and a returning BWalker (Steve) from our earliest days all those years ago. The weather was dry, even if the sun didn't exactly smile on us. Thanks to everyone - great afternoon.
For those who'd like to see our holiday photos from the Gulf of Morbihan, please cut and paste this weblink below to see Monique's album (then click 'diaporama' for the automatic slideshow to begin) - there are some fabulous pictures there and we thank her very much for recording our exploits so well once again.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=menezdu&target=ALBUM&id=5620050867937963473&authkey=Gv1sRgCN--_ZmLy52PLQ&feat=email