Coastal Walking Holiday

This year we are walking on the north coast of Finistere, staying at the restored fishing village of Meneham, which is now a classified heritage site. The route is easy going - no cliffs, just endless bays, dunes and a few marshes. Great for bird-watching, and some interesting things to see - Men Marz, one of the largest menhirs in Brittany, and Iliz Koz, a church and cemetry with engraved medieval tombs, which were buried under the sand for centuries. We also get a glimpse of Ile Vierge, the tallest lighthouse in Europe. Rain or shine, it will be a great trip!

Pink Granite Coast

We had a great day on the Pink Granite coast aorund Perros-Guirec, although weatherwise it was a game of two halves. The pink granite shone in the sun during our morning stroll past the famous formations, but we had some light rain for the extended afternoon walk. Thanks to everyone, especially Karen and Dave for the photos.

Pink Granite Coast - Tues 25 May

We have a day out on the beautiful Pink Granite coast next Tuesday. Meet at 10.30 in Perros Guirec, by the Gare Maritime which is situated at the end of the Plage Trestraou to the west of the town. There is plenty of parking in that area which should be OK at that time of day. If you approach on the D788 from Lannion, stay on this road right through the port and on round the outskirts of the town (centre is up on hill to the left) near to the sea, and the Plage Trestraou is signed off to the right after you've rounded the head of the peninsula.

In the morning there will be a guided walk with commentary along the famous Sentier des Douaniers, past the fabulous pink granite rock formations. We will go on to the beach of Ploumanac'h and have a long stop there for lunch - bring a picnic or eat in one of the many restaurants and bars. The morning walk is easy and those who do not want to do the more strenuous part in the afternoon can retrace their steps at at leisure past those stunning views.

Otherwise we will continue with an inland circuit through an atmospheric wild valley (steep descent/ascent) and on quiet roads past the pink granite quarries to reach a viewpoint over the sea at La Clarté before rejoining the coastal path and returning to the Gare Maritime 4-4.30pm. Cost is 5€ for everyone.

NOTE: if you arrive late. Walk a little way up the road behind the Gare Maritime and the Sentier des Douaniers goes off to the right soon after. We'll be just ahead!

Favourite Forest Walk

Brittany has some fabulous forest walks. The beech forest just north of Fougères is a delight in autumn, and the magical atmosphere of the Foret de Paimpont (or Arthurian Brocéliande) includes many megaliths and lofty viewpoints. At Huelgoat, the memorable granite Chaos and old silver/lead mine fill the extensive woodlands with legend and history, like the forest of Carnoet, south of Quimperlé. But my favourite of all is the Forest of Cranou, with many miles of trails, where carpets of daffodils and bluebells greet the spring and the beautiful trees offer shade or shelter for walking at any time of year.

Spring along the Skirriou

We enjoyed beautiful weather and a full palette of spring colours on our walk yesterday. Thanks to Dave for his excellent photos, and to participants for good cheer and good company.

Walk on Tuesday 11th

We have a walk on Tuesday, leaving at 2.30 from the old railway station on the D42 about half-way between Berrien and Scrignac. The route explores the forest and valley of the Skirriou and is generally suitable for all, with the easiest part last, as the final stage is more than three kilometres along the former railway track and therefore level and and well-surfaced.

Look forward to seeing you all there!