Sun!

We had a very good walk today, mostly in sunshine, just the pleasant breath of fresh air we needed after indulgence. There were trees down in the forest and cascading torrents of water after the pre-Christmas storm, but we managed to negotiate any obstacles easily enough. L'Autre Rive was suffering a power-cut, which only encouraged most people to turn to alcohol. Dog of the day was Pasha the Dasher, who must have covered at least 100km.
Photo of Mare aux Sangliers taken by Charlie.

Happy Christmas and 2014

...... to all Brittany Walkers, with thanks for all your support during the year. Looking forward to our 10th anniversary in 2014.

See post below for details of our BOXING DAY WALK.

Boxing Day Walk - Huelgoat

As usual we have a walk in Huelgoat on Boxing Day, for those sick of being stuck in the house, tired of television and exhausted by eating.
We start at 2pm from the large forest parking area about 800m from the centre on the D769A (direction Poullaouen): it's on the left soon after a sharp right bend over a bridge.
This is a new route, relatively easy, and there'll be a stop for drinks at L'Autre Rive café/bookshop on the way - about 2 hours altogether.
NOTE: our January walk is on the 14th, probably at Plourin-les-Morlaix, but details of meeting point not yet available. Will post in plenty of time.

Rainy start, sunny finish

This turned out to be an excellent autumn walk, despite a wet start. The showers soon passed and we were treated to many beautiful views of wooded countryside in seasonal colours. There was even a little burst of sun to see us back to the cars at the end. A really special occasion as this walk united all but two of the original Brittany Walkers from 2004 as well as fab 'newer' regulars. Ally was dog of the day. Après-walk hot chocolate was at L'Autre Rive. Thanks to everyone.

Walk on Wednesday, Nov 20th

Our November walk is on Wednesday the 20th at 2pm from the old station between Berrien and Scrignac on the D42. The start point can be found in the bottom of the valley between these two bourgs and there is plenty of parking by the former station buildings. A Green Way or Voie verte runs along the Skirriou valley here.
The route for our walk is a new one (not the same as we usually do from this spot) and has some very attractive paths and views. It's the usual mixture of flat and gradual ups and downs, with a bit of road walking at the end. Some paths in the forest may be very muddy, so boots essential. Let's hope for decent weather!

Winter Walks

BWs offers one walk a month from November to February inclusive, plus an extra one on Boxing Day in Huelgoat. Our website www.brittanywalks.com (link opposite) has an article in the archive with suggestions for places to walk in wintry weather. There are many locations with well-surfaced paths, so don't be put off getting out and about!

Not a drop of rain!

Thanks to Steve bringing the magic talisman (his umbrella) we had a perfectly dry walk, mostly in warm sunshine. We came back by a new route to make the most of the river on such a surprisingly pleasant day and had a really good time! Thanks everyone.

Walk on Tuesday 22nd, Chateauneuf-du-Faou

We will repeat one of our most popular walks on Tuesday 22nd, starting from the bridge (D36) over the Aulne at Chateauneuf-du-Faou at 2pm prompt. This route includes a long section of canal-side walking and some great views.

Perfect walking weather

We had an excellent walk today, up hill, down dale and all along the river, circling the village of Locmaria-Berrien. Thanks to all and congratulations on her first grown-up walk to PEBBLE, who is our Dog of the Day. And House of the Day? Ken's.

Walk today at Locmaria-Berrien

Our walk today starts at 2pm prompt from the parking by the church in the centre of the village. It is a route with good views, rivers and rural paths.

Walking in eastern Brittany

BWs is back from a month of walking and researching in eastern Brittany. Particularly enjoyed many walks by the Rance often with Lesley (pictured), who sends regards to all Brittany Walkers. Also covered many miles of the polders between Dol-de-Bretagne and Mont St-Michel, flat but exhilarating terrain, and explored the forest of Fougères extensively.
Hope everyone well, and reminder that we have a walk next week at Locmaria-Berrien, Tuesday, 2pm prompt, meet in parking by church.

Walking in Huelgoat

This new guide to Huelgoat, available in English or French (5 euros) includes detailed walking maps, covering town, forest and surrounding countryside. Main routes and small paths are all shown so you can create your own circuits and easily see how to match up the different sites.
The book also includes information on the Chaos, the mines, legends and the town's history, as well as a town centre map with all facilities marked.
Available in many outlets in Huelgoat, or from Red Dog Books (www.reddogbooks.com).

Brilliant walk!

We had a really lovely walk on a beautiful day in Huelgoat along one of the best routes around. Great to welcome four new friends along with irregular regulars and 'old-timers' - we enjoyed a well-earned drink (and cake in some cases...) afterwards at L'Autre Rive. Thanks to all, and Tex, who was the one and only Dog of the Day.
Now a break until October 8, when we will walk at Locmaria Berrien.

Huelgoat walk - Tuesday 20th

Our walk starts at 2pm prompt from the forest parking on the left 1km from Huelgoat centre, direction Poullaouen. This is a beautiful route through the forest almost entirely on little used paths. Some steep steps at the beginning, but mostly straightforward and with interesting sights along the way.

On top of the world ...

Decided to go for total exposure (?) as it was warm but not too hot, so we had a long open moorland trek up to Tuchen Gador to have a look at the ferry in port at Roscoff and then back by via Mont-St-Michel-de-Brasparts with its iconic chapel on the summit. Great to have a very old friend of Brittany Walks (but by far the youngest among us in years) along, and thanks to everyone else for coming and Steve for photos. Embarrassed to say that Mike again had to carry Tex. Dog of the Day was definitely a pretty little daschund that passed us on the route.

Monts d'Arrée walk - Tuesday, 6 August

Each August we have a walk in the Monts d'Arrée, highest hills in Brittany, with moorland terrain and long views. This year's route will depend on the weather, with a new spectacular vantage point if it's not too hot. We will start at 2pm from the walkers' car-park at the Ferme des Artisans (clearly signed) on the D785, 7.5kms north of Brasparts, near Mont St-Michel de Brasparts, the hill with a chapel on top shown in photo above. The Ferme des Artisans is a large centre of regional products on sale in an old farmhouse - good for gifts, Breton food and beer, art and pottery.

Steve's photos from our walk

Hot walk

Beautiful day for walking in the shade, which we managed a good part of the way, but it was hot, hot, hot in direct sunshine. Thanks to all, especially Mike who nobly carried Tex when it all got too much .... Megan on the other hand behaved impeccably and was definitely Dog of the Day. We enjoyed the magnificent stained glass windows in the chapel afterwards.

Spezet walk, Tuesday 23rd July

Our walk starts at 2pm from the parking by Chapelle Notre-Dame du Crann. The chapel is signed off the D117 main road through Spezet at the western end of the village. It contains some of the finest stained-glass windows (16th century) in Brittany and is open from 2-5.30 every afternoon. There are toilets and a picnic area just past the chapel.
We'll follow an easy route mostly on country tracks and quiet footpaths, with a section along the Nantes-Brest canal. There are plenty of shady bits, but don't forget sun-hats and lots of water if the hot weather persists.

Dry walk in July - an achievement!

We had a long, very green and peaceful walk yesterday in the surprisingly pretty countryside around Pleyber-Christ. And not a drop of rain! Thanks to all for coming along - it was good to see the first ever Brittany Walkers returning to the fold, together with a bunch of regulars and another new face. That's what makes it all worthwhile - and we have our tenth anniversary next year....

Walk on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2pm

Our next walk is in Pleyber-Christ on Wednesday, 3rd July, starting from the new Super-U car-park (on the main road, D785). This is a very pretty walk through woods and river valleys. We shall begin promptly at 2pm!

Brilliant picnic on the beach!

We could not have had a better location, better weather or better food! The culinary skills of Brittany Walkers seem to rise higher and higher each year - I regret not taking photos of the incredible savoury and sweet spreads. There was certainly not much of anything left over. We then had a quiet walk through the woods to the beach of St-Michel-en-Grève. Pity the bar was closed, but nothing could spoil such a good afternoon. Many thanks to everyone for food and equally fine company. A choice of seven for Dog of the Day - a narrow victory for Fiona's puppy Pasha (a lot more lively than the picture suggests).

Next walk - Wednesday, July 3rd, Pleyber-Christ.

PICNIC - directions

Our annual picnic is on Tuesday 18th June (12.30) at Beg Douar. This little headland/port is the easternmost point of the Pointe d'Armorique. Access is off the D786 Morlaix to Lannion road.
From the Morlaix direction, go straight ahead at traffic lights in Plestin and continue ahead, past Lidyl, then turn left (D42, signed Locquirec) just before the road drops to the beach at St Efflam. After just over 1km Beg Douar is signed off to the right - road leads directly to parking at the point.

Please remember to let me know that you are coming and what food you are bringing.
PLEASE BRING OUTDOOR CHAIRS IF POSSIBLE

PICNIC - June 18th, 12.30

The Brittany Walks picnic will be at Beg Douar (resting place on our last walk, near St Efflam) on Tuesday 18th June at 12.30. Here there are two picnic tables, a small beach, public toilets at the port and plenty of parking. More details to follow. A cover charge of 2 euros per person will include picnic utensils, serviettes, water, bread, etc.
NOTE: booking is essential for this event. Please let me know if you are coming (how many people) and what food you will bring to share, by sending an email to brittanywalks@orange.fr     
There will an optional easy walk in the afternoon.

Advertising walkers accommodation

To advertise walker-friendly accommodation on the Brittany Walks website costs only 10 euros a year. For this you get text, two photos, a location map and a link to your site. Brittany Walks has many enquiries about walking holidays in Brittany and about suitable places to stay. All our advertisers know about walkers' requirements and can offer help and advice about walking to their guests. For current advertisers, see www.brittanywalks.com

Beautiful walk

We had a beautiful walk by the sea on the Saints' Shore Way today, in glorious weather. Thanks to all who participated, and especially to several new French friends who joined us on our tour of the Pointe de l'Armorique. Here we (and our knees/hips) are having a well-earned rest at Beg Douar.
Despite the very welcome return of Jessie and Poppy (and their owners), a gorgeous newcomer wins  Dog of the Day.

NB: BWs annual picnic is on June 18th - watch this space...

Saints' Shore Way walk - Wednesday 15th May

We have a walk on Wednesday 15th May, starting at 2pm from the Chapelle St Barbe, between Locquirec and St Efflam on the north Breton coast. This is a coastal and countryside route of about 8kms, with no particular difficulty, many spectacular views and even some Roman baths.

Locquirec is a very attractive little port and a good place for lunch beforehand, only a few minutes from the departure point. From there take the Plestin road, cross the bridge at Toul an Hery and continue straight ahead (do not turn right toward Plestin) for 400m to a little square on the right where the chapel stands in the far corner.

Tro Menez Are

The annual Monts d'Arrée walking festival takes places on May 9 (Ascension Day) in Commana this year. Turn up any time of day from early morning and choose one of the well-marked circuits - anything from an easy 6km to over 30km, so something for everyone. You'll be in good company: the event usually attracts about 7000 walkers. It's a very friendly, sociable occasion, and there's a Fest Noz in the evening.

Wet, wet, wet

A very wet day in Huelgoat, but heroic Brittany walkers still had a beautiful walk on lonely paths through the forest before returning beside the lively river Argent. Everyone stopping here in the photo at the Mare aux Fées to admire singing mermaids (just off camera).

New walk on April 16th

We will have a Huelgoat walk on Tuesday 16th April at 2pm, departing from the forest parking on the left of the D769A (direction Poullaouen from town centre) after sharp right-hand bend over bridge. This is a new route, with some steps at the start but mostly easy walking on lesser known paths.
The new Red Dog guide to Huelgoat with walking maps will be out later in the month.

Cold wind, fast walk

We had a nice brisk walk up hill and down dale before a final stretch back to Ty Men along the canal. Mostly dry, just the odd flurry of snow on the way but nothing settling and roads absolutely clear for the journey home. Thanks to all who came, sorry I forgot my camera :-(

Walk on Tuesday 12th March

WALK IS ON!
Our walk starts at 2pm next Tuesday from Ty Men, on the Nantes-Brest canal near Lennon.
Approaching Lennon from the north (N164), enter the village and turn right in the centre (just past church) in the direction of Pleyben. After 2.3kms pass the chapel of St Nicolas on the right and continue ahead for 600m to Ty Men. Park by canal.

This is an undemanding walk on quiet roads and then along a beautiful stretch of the Nantes-Brest canal.

Great day!

Thanks to everyone who came on the Parish Close course on Monday and again today when we enjoyed  fantastic weather for our 'out and about' day. The warm sun was a good foil for long periods spent in cold churches! We saw some exceptional art and architecture as well as discovering a lot about religious and social history in western Brittany. Great day, everyone's support and enthusiasm much appreciated.

Parish Close course - March 4 & 6

The Parish Close course next week has two sessions:
2-4.30pm Monday March 4 at L'Autre Rive café/bookshop in the forest at Huelgoat
10.30-4.30 Wednesday March 6 Out and about looking at Parish Closes
Details on www.brittanywalks.com     For booking brittanywalks@orange.fr

Dodgy start, turned out well...

We managed to have a lovely walk around the lake this afternoon. The weather was kind to us after a drizzly start and it was great to be out and about in such beautiful scenery. Thanks to all for a very enjoyable time, to Paul for the photo and to three very well-behaved dogs. Allie's turn for Dog of the Day.

Walk on Wednesday 13th February

We have an easy walk with beautiful views around Lac Drennec (near Commana) on WEDNESDAY afternoon, starting from the Centre Nautique parking at 2pm. From the communications mast on top of the Mont d'Arrée take the D764 past Commana - the lake is then signed off to the left after about 1.5kms. The Centre nautique is eventually signed to the right at a grassy triangle.

Parish Close course, March 4 & 6

We have a course on the Parish Closes, the jewel in the crown of Brittany's religious heritage, on Monday March 4 (indoors, 2-4.30pm) and Wednesday March 6 (out and about visiting closes, 10.30am-4.30pm). The first session will cover the background, essential elements and what to look for, then the second session will be practical visits to sites with a chance to put your knowledge to use. By the end you will be able to amaze your visitors by explaining these remarkable architectural ensembles!
Course materials will be provided. Booking in advance, please.

The Saints' Shore Way blog

Please have a look at the new blog, even though it is only a baby blog as yet. Now that the text of the guidebook is almost finished, it will be updated much more regularly with articles, photos, etc. Once the Saints Shore Way book is out in April, we hope to add personal experiences of walkers on the route during the rest of the year, so contributions will be welcome. The SSW runs from Roscoff to Lannion, via Morlaix, along the fabulous coast path.  
www.thesaintsshoreway.blogspot.fr or use link opposite.

In Morlaix

We had a very nice walk in Morlaix yesterday, mainly around the stepped passageways (venelles) of Le Creou, where there was a rash of religious foundations in the early 17th century. The Carmelite fontaine - remnants of an older chapel on the spot - is pictured here. Not a drop of rain and we even sat outside for coffee and hot chocolate ... 

Morlaix Walk, Tues 15th, 2pm

We have a town walk in Morlaix on Tuesday afternoon. Meet under the viaduct at 2pm.
We'll be looking at the best of the town's heritage and its links with Britain (for good and ill). This is not exactly the same as other walks we've had here before, but there will be a few steps up and down along the way. On the other hand, there'll also be plenty of refreshment options...

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy new year to all Brittany walkers. We have a town walk in Morlaix (pictured) on Tuesday January 15th at 2pm and a beautiful, easy lakeside route at Lac Drennec on Wednesday February 13th, also at 2pm. Some early chances to practise those 'more exercise' resolutions in good company.