Huelgoat walk

This week, there was a choice of two walks, one for those who preferred a shorter, slower ramble, and a longer walk at a faster pace for those who wanted to stretch themselves! Seventeen people set off briskly to begin their challenge and then fourteen of us left the meeting point for the leisurely stroll through the 'Chaos' and the Forest at Huelgoat. We passed over the bridge at the scenic wild boars drinking pool and crept by King Arthur, sleeping in his Grotto. We then began the climb up to Le Camp d'Artus, the site said to be from the first and most ancient town in Finistere. At that point, we paused in the sunshine for a much needed rest, drinks and cakes (described as 'orgasmic' by one contented walker!). We then continued mainly downhill (though some would dispute this!!) to meet up with the other group who had just completed their longer 'fast and furious' march. We finished at La Roche Tremblante, though despite many valiant attempts, it refused to tremble on this occasion, maybe next time.......?

Huelgoat walk - Tues 24th March

We have a choice of walks at Huelgoat next Tuesday (meet 2pm by mairie). Either a fairly short leisurely paced stroll on easy paths in the forest, or a longer, faster and more challenging route. Both groups will take in Arthur's Camp and the Mare aux Sangliers (pictured above). Everyone is welcome: we hope to provide an enjoyable afternoon for walkers of all abilities here.

After the walks there will be a short get together for those interested in participating in our Tro Breiz project, which involves individuals or small groups choosing a short section to cover of this 600 km walk between the cathedral towns of Brittany's Seven Founding Saints.

Coastal Walking Holiday

Our annual coast walking holiday is fixed for June 2-5. We will be based on the Atlantic coast west of Brest, with two and a half days of following the coastal path, and a morning of visits to places of interest along the Rade de Brest, including a Vauban fort with WWII additions. There is a great variety of scenery to be enjoyed, from wild cliffs (see above) and sandy beaches to the ruined abbey of St Mathieu and the atmospheric little port of Le Conquet.

History Course

Hard day's work at the Breton history course today, with students in good form and fortified by Liz's excellent lunch. We covered the period 1532 to 1789, from the union of Brittany and France to the French revolution, with special subjects of trade and industry, society and religion. (Photo - Parliament building in Rennes).

Nice lake, nicer cake

A large group enjoyed this rural peramble around the heights of Bulat Pestivien. A few courageous souls even went up the church tower, which has the tallest spire in Cotes d'Armor at 66m. Despite the temporary loss of Merlin the dog, the excitement of a roe deer bounding across our path and the odd burst of uphill speed by a breakaway group, it was essentially a calm and relaxing afternoon. The bit by the lake with the cake (thank you, Gloria) was generally voted highlight of the day.

Walk at Bulat-Pestivien

We have a walk next Tuesday at Bulat-Pestivien, meeting at 2pm by the very fine church, which is usually open for visits. The route is mainly on quiet roads through very hilly countryside with good views on a clear day. Short steep sections in places. All welcome.

DAYS OF DISCOVERY

Brittany Walks is organising a walking festival throughout Brittany in September 2009. This will take place on the 17, 18 and 19th, in the week leading up to the Journées du Patrimoine. Walks will include the Forest of Paimpont, the city of Quimper, the Abbey of Bon Repos, the historic town of Ploermel, the Monts d'Arrée and many others. Walks will be guided in English, easy or moderate in terrain and not longer than 8kms. Towns, coast, country and canals will all be included. In line with the association's aims, the walks will introduce places of historic interest or exceptional landscape, but they will also be pleasant social occasions for an afternoon in the open air. Further details will be on our website as available.