Huelgoat Arboretum Walk

We have a stroll around the arboretum at Huelgoat on Tuesday October 27, meeting there at 2pm. Cost of 5€ includes entrance fee. Hoping for some autumnal colour :-)

Brittany Walks

Brittany Walks is no longer an association, and now reverts to its former incarnation as a private enterprise. There will be walks in October, November and December - watch this space, or see our website http://www.brittanywalks.com/ The website is going to have a major overhaul this winter, ready for great things in 2010. We hope to have a Walking for Health event in the spring, to encourage absolute non-walkers to have a 15 minute stroll to promote general fitness. There are also a range of study days programmed for early next year - Breton legends, religion and megaliths are on the agenda. As usual something for everyone is the intention, so I look forward to seeing old friends and new very soon.
I would like to add very heartfelt thanks for all the messages of support received this week. My main feeling is one of sadness because I believe strongly in the vie associative that is such a force for good in French society, and all that is achieved by the passionate commitment of enthusiastic individuals to a cause, a conviction or a project. But the sharing of positive aims with like-minded individuals in a happy group is something worth striving for in any form in my opinion.

Beautiful Bon Repos

On a warm and sunny afternoon (one of the few this summer!), 20 of us met beside the banks of the Nantes Brest Canal to visit the historic Abbaye de Bon Repos (Good Rest). The Abbaye dates back to 1184, when it was founded by Alain lll De Rohan. It has had many periods of crisis over the centuries but since the 1960's has been partially restored. Marilyn, President of the Association des Compagnons of the Abbaye, gave us detailed insight into the history of the building and the area, and also guided us around, explaining how the building has been restored.
The cloisters were beautiful, but the whole building is well worth a return visit. After a browse at the wide selection of books in the Abbaye gift shop, we went back to the canal to relax with juice and cakes and make the most of the afternoon sunshine.

Bon Repos visit

We have a guided visit to Bon Repos abbey (near Gouarec) on Tuesday 22nd at 2.30, meeting by the entrance to the avenue leading to the abbey. A stroll or drink or ice-cream by the canal will follow, depending on the weather! All are welcome.

Morlaix at Twilight

Inspite of some heavy showers, 11 of us met at Morlaix for a twilight walk around the town centre. We were led by Sylvie - a fountain of information - who began by taking us up on to the 'first floor' of the viaduct. Once we had resumed normal breathing again ( there were loads of steps!!) she told us about the history of the town and we looked out over the spectacular views. The viaduct itself, built in granite, was started in 1861 . The foundations alone are 5 metres deep and it is 58 metres high. It has 9 arches and a length of 292 metres. After leaving the viaduct, we then walked downhill ( much to our relief! ) and Sylvie then took us around the town centre, pointing out buildings of interest. As we descended, we saw the lights of the train cross the top of the viaduct in the darkness. Inspite of the rain, a good time was had by all, and we finished a lovely evening with a coffee in a nearby cafe.

Morlaix walk this evening!

We have a walk at 8pm in Morlaix this evening, meeting by the tourist office between the bandstand and the viaduct. Some of us will be eating beforehand at a creperie nearby - meet at 6.15 by bandstand for that.

More than twenty of us ( but no four legged friends today!) met on the banks of the river 'Le Leguer', just below the remains of the Chateau Tonquedec for a nature walk led by Kristian. It was a very hot day, so the trees that shaded the path as it wound alongside the river, provided some welcome relief from the blazing sunshine. Kristian is very knoweldgeable about the area, and told us about the course of the river, the fish that can be found swimming in it and the history of the trees and mills that line the banks. He also told us about how the river is monitored to assess purity of the water. We stopped briefly for drinks and delicious cakes made by Gloria and Howard before an uphill climb, then much to everyone's relief, it was back downhill and a gentle ramble back along the river bank to the cars.

Karen