
2010 sees another season of itineraries for you to join on your own or with friends. We offer a wide range of small group escorted tours that range from 4 – 9 nights. It is often difficult nowadays to find small group tours that will take you around the Yorkshire Dales, or the high reaches of Snowdonia, or the ‘West Country’ counties of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, but we offer these to you as a great way to enjoy the countryside and gardens in the company of like minded fellow travelers and at far less cost than a private escorted tour. There are trips to Ireland, the Scottish Highlands and other fascinating, yet less visited destinations such as the Isle of Man, Northumberland and the Border country between England & Scotland: all ripe for discovery.
Moorland Rover and Bywater Canal tours!
Explore Britain's countryside and waterways with Moorland Rover and Bywater Canal tours.
>> View tour information.
2010 Small escorted holidays in the UK and Ireland |
Holiday Title |
Departure / Return |
No. of Nights / Price |
More Information |
Wildlife Watch
4 nights centred on Lynmouth |
Monday, 7th - Friday, 11th June |
$750 per person |
View more information |
Homes and Gardens
4 nights centred in Barnstaple |
Monday, 14th – Friday, 18th June |
$750 per person |
View more information |
The Wonders of Wales - New for 2010
6 nights centred on Llangollen |
Tuesday, 22nd – Monday, 28th June |
$1,150 per person |
View more information |
Tarka Country
4 nights centred on Barnstaple |
Friday, 17th – Tuesday, 21st September |
$750 per person |
View more information |
The Ireland Explorer
7 nights centred on Killarney and Derrynane |
Friday, 24th September – Friday, 1st October |
$1,500 (single supplements may apply). Price includes ferry crossing from the UK and return. |
View more information |
Cornwall in Close Up
4 nights centred on Falmouth |
Monday, 4th – Friday, 8th October |
$750 per person |
View more information |
Two Moors Tour
3 nights centred on Tavistock |
Friday, 8th – Monday, 11th October |
$575 per person |
View more information |
Autumn Watch
4 nights centred on Lynmouth |
Monday, 11th – Friday, 15th October |
$750.00 per person |
View more information |
Canals and Countryside
4 nights centred on Llangollen |
Monday, 18th – Friday, 22nd October |
$750 per person |
View more information |
Forest and Fells
3 nights centred on Ingleton |
Friday 22nd – Monday, 25th October |
$675 per person |
View more information |
The Galloway Forest Park - New for 2010
4 nights centred on St John’s Town |
Monday, 25th - Friday, 29th October |
$750 per person |
View more information |
Dale and Rail
3 nights centred near Settle |
Friday, 29th October – Monday, 1st November |
$675 per person |
View more information |
National Memorial and Arboretum
3 nights centred on Lichfield |
Monday, 1st – Thursday, 4th November |
$495 per person |
View more information |
Cotswolds in Colour
4 nights centred near Cirencester |
Thursday, 4th – Monday, 8th November |
$675 per person |
View more information |
| Note: There may have to be adjustments to pricing depending on the current, very volatile currency exchange rates. |
Wildlife Watch
4 nights centred on Lynmouth Monday, 7th - Friday, 11th June $750 per person
Exmoor boasts the finest herd of wild Red Deer to be found in England. I have been bringing
visitors to the area in October to witness the rut for over 20 years so it is now time to witness the
results of the rut as the red deer hinds give birth to their spotted calves amongst the heather covered
slopes on the high moors. Not sure what we shall see but bring your binoculars to view this unique
event and witness the yearling calves as they are left by their mothers to make their own way in life.
I will also take the opportunity to introduce you to rare Exmoor ponies whose ancestors have been
scratching a living in the wooded combes and moorland uplands of Exmoor since the Ice Age.
We shall look for Peregrine falcons on the cliffs and buzzards and merlins on the heather covered
slopes. In the sparkling streams we shall look for dippers and kingfishers and who knows what
birds we shall find in deep wooded combes. Exmoor is one of my favourite places and I will take
every opportunity to introduce you to some of the best sights and sounds that Exmoor has to offer.
We shall no doubt touch on the legend of Lorna Doone and visit picturesque villages and historic
churches.
I shall plan your itinerary on a day to day basis to make the most of the weather. Come with an open
mind and you will not be disappointed.
Your Accommodation: The Bath Hotel, Lynmouth 01598 752238
How to Arrive:
If you arrive by train I will meet you at Taunton Station (upside) at 3.00 p.m. You will be returned to
Taunton Station at 11.30 a.m. at the end of your Wildlife Watch.

Homes and Gardens
4 nights centred in Barnstaple Monday, 14th – Friday, 18th June $750 per person
North Devon is home not only to the well known RHS Garden of Rosemoor near Torrington but no
less than ten other outstanding gardens. So come with me and explore some of the best gardens and
one or two stately homes. To add interest to the tour I shall introduce you to some outstanding
coastal and country scenery and make the most of our ability to get “closer to the countryside”.
Day 1
Drive to our hotel or meet at Exeter St Davids Station at 3.00 p.m. for onward journey to
Barnstaple. Meet in the hotel lounge at 7.00 p.m. for a complimentary glass of wine before dinner.
Day 2
A short journey this morning takes us to the secluded Marwood Hill Gardens near Barnstaple. We
drive on to Arlington Court (National Trust) for a lunchtime visit. In the afternoon we shall tour
parts of the Exmoor National Park around Trentishoe, Martinhoe, Lynmouth and Watersmeet
House. We return to Barnstaple via Simonsbath and Span Head.
Day 3
A visit to the Garden House near Tavistock is our excuse to travel further afield this morning. Time
permitting I hope to call in at Winsford Walled Garden en route. I call my tours Moorland Rover
with good reason so we shall return home over Dartmoor.
Day 4
Rosemoor Gardens are not to be missed and I plan to allow you plenty of time to discover this
magnificent 65 acre garden overlooking the river Torridge. In the afternoon we shall drive onto
Hartland Point to visit the award winning gardens of Docton Mill situated not far from the famous
cliffs of Hartland Quay and the waterfall at Spekes Mill Mouth.
Day 5
Your holiday comes to end after breakfast. If you arrive by train I will return you to Exeter St Davids
Station for 11.30 a.m.
Your Accommodation: The Park Hotel, Barnstaple

The Wonders of Wales - New for 2010
6 nights centred on Llangollen Tuesday, 22nd – Monday, 28th June $1,150 per person
Day 1
Drive to our hotel or meet at Gobowen Station (on main Chester to Shrewsbury line) at 4.30 p.m.
for onward journey to Llangollen. Meet in the hotel lounge at 7.00 p.m. for a complimentary predinner
drink and introduction to your fellow guests.
Day 2
Driving the length of the beautiful Ceiriog Valley, we journey to Llanarman D.C. to visit the
Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall where the clear waters of the river Tanent fall over 120 feet from the
Berwyn Mountains. Hidden deep in a secluded Welsh valley we visit a remote hermit chapel that is
truly a magical place. Heading even deeper into the mountains we drive along the shores of Lake
Vyrnwy and then drive well off the beaten track on quiet moorland roads that cross the Berwyn
Mountains. There are some stunning views of the Snowdonia National Park.
Day 3
Driving the Vale of Llangollen we first stop to visit the remains of Vale Crucis Abbey and
Elisegs Pillar. Our journey continues over the Horseshoe Pass where we trace the route of Offers
Dyke. This 160 miles fortification was constructed in the 9th century by the King of Mercia to
protect his kingdom from the marauding Celts. After calling at Ruthin and Denbigh complete with
friary and castle we explore the remote roads around Lynn Brenig and eventually return to our hotel
after calling at the Rug Chapel near Corwen.
Day 4
We spend today cruising the Llangollen Canal. The Pontcysyllte Aquaduct is one of the wonders
of Wales and has recently been awarded World Heritage status. The Llangollen Canal is without
doubt one of the most dramatic and scenic canals to be found anywhere as it threads its way through
the stunning surroundings of the Dee Valley. We board our boat to cross the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct
and spend the whole day cruising to Llangollen and back. We enjoy lunch overlooking the river Dee
in Llangollen before cruising back to Trevor where we take the opportunity to admire Thomas
Telford’s masterpiece from every angle.
Day 5
We spend the morning at leisure in Llangollen. Stroll around this historic Welsh town, walk to the
top of Dinas Bran Castle, take a horse drawn trip to the Horseshoe Falls, enjoy a journey on the
Llangollen steam railway or pay a visit to the home of the ladies of Llangollen at Plas Newydd
(National Trust). We spend the afternoon at Chirk Castle (National Trust).
Day 6
Driving Telford’s historic highway we journey westward into the Snowdonia National Park. We
spend the whole day exploring the outstanding scenery to be found within this most magnificent of
national parks.
Day 7
Drive home after breakfast (unless you decide to stay a little longer in this lovely part of Wales). If
you arrive by train I will return you Gobown Station for 11.30 a.m.
Your Accommodation: To be advised

Tarka Country
4 nights centred on Barnstaple Friday, 17th – Tuesday, 21st September $750 per person
I was educated in Bideford and have lived in North Devon for over 20 years so can claim to know
this lovely part of the world like the back of my hand. On this holiday the wanderings of Tarka the
otter in Henry Williamson’s novel provide us with the ideal excuse to get far from the madding
crowds.
Day 1
Drive to our hotel in Barnstaple or meet me at Exeter St Davids Station at 3.00 p.m. for onward
journey to Barnstaple. Meet in the hotel lounge at 7.00 p.m. for a complimentary glass of wine
before dinner.
Day 2
Tarka wandered onto Exmoor by following the course of ever diminishing rivers and streams but
we make our way onto the high moors through Gunn and Brayford to Span Head where we meet
the Tarka Trail. Crossing the high moors we journey to Lynton and Lynmouth where Tarka swam
out to sea and along the coast. Keeping the sea on our right hand side we drive westward through the
Valley of the Rocks to Headdons Mouth, Combe Martin and the bustling seaside town of
Ilfracombe. We continue to follow the north Devon heritage coastline through Morthoe and
Woolacombe before visiting Henry Williamson’s writing hut in Georgeham. On our way back to
Barnstaple we stop at Saunton Sands to admire the outstanding seascapes of Braunton Burrows.
Day 3
Time this morning to visit the historic port of Barnstaple with its bustling panier market and
Butchers Row. The little white town of Bideford is a timely stop for lunch before we follow Tarka’s
journey along the river Torridge. We view his birthplace from an ancient adqeduct and see where
he was hunted near Torrington. We spend the remainder of the day visiting the lovely RHS gardens
at Rosemoor.
Day 4
Today our course lies to the south where we make our way through such lovely Devon villages as
Dolton, Dowland and Iddisleigh. We take time in Okehampton to visit its imposing Norman castle
and Moorland museum. From here we drive onto the high moors along a remote military track past
High Willhays, the highest point on Dartmoor. This is as remote an area as can be found anywhere
in the West Country. At Sticklepath we visit the Museum of Water Power. Once a busy foundry
with three water wheels making all manner of hand tools the museum is now a time warp in the
hands of the National Trust.
Day 5
Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast. If you arrive by train I will return you to Exeter St
Davids Station for 11.30 a.m.
Your Accommodation: The Park Hotel, Barnstaple.

The Ireland Explorer
7 nights centred on Killarney and Derrynane Friday, 24th September – Friday, 1st October
$1,500 (single supplements may apply). Price includes ferry crossing from the UK and return.
Day 1 – September 24th
Join me at Bristol Parkway Station at 4.00 p.m. for onward journey to Swansea to board the ferry for
an overnight crossing to Cork. Arrangements can be made for you to fly direct to Cork if you prefer.
Day 2
Arriving at Cork at 7.00 a.m. we drive on to Kinsale in time for breakfast. Plenty of time to explore
this colourful riverside town before we leave. Scenic coastal roads take us westward to Dunmanway
and Bantry where we hope to visit Bantry House. Skirting Bantry bay we drive to Kenmare at the
head of the Kenmare River. From Molls Gap we drive onto the Iveragh Peninsula with stunning
mountain scenery all around us. From Sneem it is a short journey to our hotel overlooking the sea in
Derrynane.
Day 3
A leisurely day to explore the remote coast and quiet sandy beaches in this lovely part of the world.
Daniel O’Connor lived here and we visit his stately home in the afternoon having enjoyed lunch in a
traditional Irish pub.
Day 4
We spend the whole day touring Valencia Island and the narrow roads and mountain passes of the
Iveragh Peninsula. I will make the most of our ability to get well off the beaten track to view
Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohill, which rise to over 1,000 metres.
Day 5
Another full day today as we drive round the Dingle Peninsula. We cross the hills to Camp, stretch
our legs on Brandon Beach and visit the Gallurus, an ancient stone built chapel. We dawdle round
the streets of Dingle harbour and then drive round Slea Head with sheer drops to the sea on one side.
We visit locations of the film ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ and cross the Connor mountain pass which is
definitely out of bounds to larger vehicles.
Day 6
A day to do as you will in the Kilarney National Park. Visit Roscastle, take a boat trip on Loch
Leane, cycle through the National Park, visit Muckross House and the working farm museum or let
me arrange a jaunting cart ride through the gap of Dunloe. Something not to be missed.
Day 7
Time to begin our journey back to Cork but not before we have journeyed across the Knockboy
Mountains and visited the little hermit’s chapel beside the lake at Gougane Bara. I plan to spend a
little time in Cork city before we board the ferry at about 7.00 p.m. for our overnight crossing back
to Swansea.
Day 8 – October 1st
We arrive in Swansea at about 8.00 a.m. Given a clear run we should arrive back at Bristol Parkway
Station before 1.00 p.m. having stopped for breakfast en route.
Your Accommodation: The Derrynane Hotel, Caherdaniel, County Kerry;
The Friar’s Glen, Muckross, Kilarney, County

Cornwall in Close Up
4 nights centred on Falmouth Monday, 4th – Friday, 8th October $750 per person
Day 1
Drive to Falmouth or meet me at Exeter St Davids Station at 2.30 p.m. for onward journey to
Falmouth. Meet in the hotel lounge at 7.00 p.m. for a complimentary pre-dinner drink and
introduction to your fellow guests.
Day 2
A full and interesting day today as we set our course westward to tour the Land’s End Peninsula.
Driving via Helston we call in at Porthleven before driving on to visit St Michael’s Mount. The
quaint fishing harbour at Mousehole is not to be missed as is a visit to the Pipers and Merry
Maidens Standing Stones. Did they really dance on a Sunday? At the Levant mine we are
reminded of the hardships endured by the Cornish tin miners as they laboured deep underground.
Zennor Church is home to the little mermaid whose singing lured young men into the sea and the
small courtyard huts at Chysauster were once home to iron age man.
Day 3
Plenty of time today to explore several quintessential Cornish coves and varied countryside of the
Lizard Peninsula. From the little riverside village of Helford we continue on to St Antony and St
Kevern. En route to Lizard Point we call in at Coverack and Cadgwith. We visit Mullion Cove
and detour to the little church on the beach at Gunwalloe before returning home via Helston.
Day 4
Before taking the King Harry ferry to spend the day on the Roseland Peninsula we visit the little
thatched 17th Century Quaker Meeting house at Come To Good. The little church of St Just in
Roseland standing on the banks of the Fal Estuary must command one of the best positions of any
church I can think of. We stretch our legs at St Mawes and view Henry VIII imposing castle overlooking
Carrick Roads. The circular cottages at Veryan gave nowhere for the devil to hide and the
little fishing harbour at Portloe ranks among one of my favourites. Time permitting we visit the
Lost Gardens of Heligan before journeying home.
Day 5
Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast. If you arrive by train I will return you to Exeter St
Davids Station for 12.30 p.m.
Your Accommodation: To be advised

Two Moors Tour
3 nights centred on Tavistock Friday, 8th – Monday, 11th October $575 per person
Day 1
Drive to Tavistock or meet me at Exeter St Davids Station at 3.30 p.m. for onward journey to our
hotel. Meet in the hotel lounge at 7.00 p.m. for a complimentary glass of wine before dinner.
Day 2
Look out for the beast of Bodmin as we make our way over Kit Hill and onto the rugged uplands of
Browngelly Down. We follow the infant river Fowey to Belventor and then skirt Colliford Lake
before stopping to admire the interior of Blisland Church. From Camelford we make a short
detour to Boscastle before returning to the moors to view John Wesley’s Chapel and the impressive
church at Altarnun. We return home via Lauceston with its imposing Norman castle.
Day 3
Today we head east onto Dartmoor, an area I have known for over 50 years. I never tire of viewing
its remote upland scenery. We journey through Princetown before heading for Dartmeet and
Widecombe in the Moor where I know of a lovely traditional country inn. Grimspound was once a
prosperous Stone Age village and well worth a visit if you have enough “puff”. The ancient stannury
town of Chagford is on the itinerary as is Throwleigh Church and the Museum of Water Power
at Sticklepath. We return to base via Okehampton and the Saxon village of Lydford. Time
permitting we shall visit the watch makers tomb and the little church on the top of Brent Tor.
Day 4
Your weekend break comes to an end after breakfast. If you travel by train I will return you to
Exeter St Davids Station for 11.30 a.m.
Your Accommodation: To be advised

Autumn Watch
4 nights centred on Lynmouth Monday, 11th – Friday, 15th October
$750.00 per person
It is no secret to my regular guests that Exmoor is one of my favourite places. To my mind it is the
jewel in the crown of the West Country. The National Park has much to commend it at any time of
year, but in October it really comes into its own as the deep wooded combes and high moorland hills
take on the colours of autumn.
It is also home to the finest herd of Red Deer to be found in England and by mid-October the annual
rut is well under way. Imperious stags with magnificent antlers can be seen as they compete for the
attention of the hinds and guard them from the amorous advances of other stags. Their roars of
defiance echo from the valley sides and alert other stags to their presence. Such is the fever of
activity for the brief few weeks of the rut that some stags lose up to 25% of their body weight.
Join me to journey along quiet moorland lanes and to see and hear these magnificent animals.
Come with me also to seek out herds of rare Exmoor ponies whose ancestors have scratched a living on Exmoor since the Ice Age. I will also show you many of Exmoor’s other features. The ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps spanning the river Barl, Oare Church where Lorna Doone was shot on her wedding day and Robbers Bridge where John Ridd’s father was murdered by the infamous Doones. The Valley of Rocks, a unique geological feature.
Selworthy, one of the prettiest villages in the west. The Acland Estate one of the biggest in
National Trust ownership. Stoke Pero church one of the smallest and most remote on Exmoor and Molland Church one of the least altered since the 17th Century.
It goes without saying that this tour has proved popular for many years so please book as early as possible.

Canals and Countryside
4 nights centred on Llangollen Monday, 18th – Friday, 22nd October $750 per person
Day 1
Drive directly to our hotel or meet me at Gobowen Station (on the main Chester to Shrewsbury line)
at 4.00 p.m. for onward journey to Llangollen. Meet in the hotel lounge at 7.00 p.m. for a complimentary
glass of wine and introduction to your fellow guests.
Day 2
The scenery through the Ceiriog Valley is outstanding and today we drive its length to the village of
Llanarmon hidden deep in the foothills on the Berwyn Mountains. Our next stop is the impressive
waterfall at Pistyll Rhaeadr one of the seven wonders of Wales. We enjoy lunch overlooking Lake
Vyrnwy before driving along its shores as far as we are able. Narrow moorland roads now take us
well off the beaten track across the Berwyn Mountains to view Lake Bala. We enjoy afternoon tea
by the lake and then follow the River Dee back to Llangollen calling in at the Rug Chapel en route.
Day 3
This morning we drive to the enchanting Georgian town of Ellesmere, near Oswestry where we
spend time exploring the Llangollen canal as it flows through an area known as the Shropshire
Lake District. This is without doubt one of the most attractive lengths of canal I can think of. We
return to our hotel via Chirk Castle, National Trust.
Please note: Today’s tour includes some optional easy walking.
Day 4
The highlight of this holiday will be today’s cruise on the Llangollen Canal. Boarding our boat at
Trevor we cross the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on our way to Llangollen. We lunch in Llangollen
before retracing our steps to Trevor. The Llangollen Canal and Telford’s famous aqueduct have
recently been granted World Heritage Status.
Day 5
Your Canal and Countryside break comes to an end after breakfast. If you journeyed by train I will
return you to Gobowen Station by 11.30 a.m.
You might like to consider extending your holiday and join me for the Forest and Fells break.
Your Accommodation: To be advised

Forest and Fells
3 nights centred on Ingleton Friday 22nd – Monday, 25th October $675 per person
Day 1
Drive directly to our hotel at Ingleton or meet me at Lancaster railway station at 4.00 p.m. for
onward journey to Ingleton. Meet in the hotel lounge to be introduced to your fellow guests over a
complimentary glass of wine.
Day 2
Our journey today takes us deep into the wild heather covered uplands of the Forest of Bowland via
Bentham, and over Great Harlow (488 metres) to Slaidburn and Dunsop Bridge. We drive
through the Trough of Bowland to Abbeystead with distant view of Morecombe Bay and the
Lake District. In the afternoon we retrace our steps through the Trough of Bowland and make our
way via Whitewell into the lovely little market town of Clithero which has one of the best
afternoon tea rooms I can think of. We return to Ingleton over the moors via Bolton By Bowland
and Stocks Reservoir.
Day 3
We spend today in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Driving via Chapel-le-dale, we pass the
impressive Ribblehead viaduct on the Settle Carlisle railway line and head over the uninhabited
uplands of Whernside and Blea Moor (more sheep than people here) to Dent and Garsdale Head.
At Hawes we sample Wensleydale cheese before heading past Lovely Seat (675 metres) over the
dramatic Butter Tub Pass to Keld. Remote moorland roads through heather covered moorland take
us into grouse country and down into Arkengarth Dale to Reeth to arrive in time for tea. We make
our way home across Whitaside Moor and through Askrigg.
Day 4
Unless you decide to join me in Galloway your holiday comes to an end after breakfast. If you
arrived by train I will return you to Lancaster Station for 11.00 a.m.
Your Accommodation: The Pines Guest House, New Road, Ingleton. Tel. 01524 241252

The Galloway Forest Park - New for 2010
4 nights centred on St John’s Town Monday, 25th - Friday, 29th October $750 per person
I read or heard somewhere that the Galloway Forest Park has one of the lowest levels of light
pollution to be found anywhere in the British Isles. Not having been there before this sounds a good
reason to go and explore the area in more detail. Our centre will be at St. John’s Town but in best
Moorland Rove tradition we shall tour with an open itinerary and see what turns up.
Day 1
Your holiday begins the moment I meet you at Carlisle Station at 1.00 p.m. for the leisurely journey
through Dumfries passing Bogrie Hill (431 mtrs) and the Twelve Apostles on the way. We shall
arrive at our hotel in plenty of time to relax before a delicious evening dinner.
Day 2
Leaving our hotel we drive northward toward Knowehead and the Water of Deugh. From Mossdale we detour along the shores of Loch Doon to view Loch Doon Castle. Following the
Waters of Girven we enter the Galloway Forest Park to drive over the Shallochon Minnoch to
Glentrool and the Bruce Memorial. Following the River Cree we pass an RSPB reserve on the
way to Newton Stewart. Time permitting we stretch our legs at the Galloway Deer Range on our
way home past Round Fell (402 metres).
Day 3
Retracing our steps through the Galloway Forest we drive to Newton Stewart before heading northward
past Loch Dornal to Barrhill. Turning south along remote and narrow moorland roads we
make our way to New Luce and the ferry port of Stranraer. Time permitting we shall visit Castle
Kennedy Gardens and Glenluce Abbey before turning for home along the shores of Mochrum
Loch.
Day 4
Driving south along the shores of Loch Ken we arrive in Castle Douglas in plenty of time to visit
Threave Castle and Gardens. From here we drive to the coast at Kirkudbrigh stopping at the
Hydros Visitor Centre en route. We spend most of the afternoon exploring the coastline around
Wigtown Bay and the southern part of the Galloway Forest Park.
Day 5
Let me drive you to Carlisle railway station for 12.00 noon or join me for the weekend on my Dale
and Rail tour.
Your Accommodation: To be advised

Dale and Rail
3 nights centred near Settle Friday, 29th October – Monday, 1st November $675 per person
This short weekend break is the ideal opportunity to experience a ride on one of the most scenic
railway journeys in the world according to a recent poll. In addition you will be shown some of the
finest scenery that the Yorkshire Dales has to offer.
On the Saturday we board the train at Settle for a memorable journey to Carlisle on the famous
Settle to Carlisle Railway. Constructed towards the end of the 19th century the railway crosses some
of the finest upland scenery to be found on any railway journey. Long tunnels burrow deep under
mountains and vast viaducts span deep valleys on a journey that is awe inspiring. There will be time
to explore Carlisle before returning home for dinner.
On Sunday we drive deep into the Dales. Leaving Settle behind we make our way toward the
imposing landmark of Pen-y-ghent (693m) before descending via a steep and narrow moorland lane
into Halton Gill. Following the river Skirfare into Wharfdale we stop for coffee in Kettlewell.
Back roads through Wharfdale take us through Grassington and Burnsall to arrive at Bolton
Abbey in time for lunch beside the river. A visit to Bolton Abbey is followed by a stop in the
attractive market town of Skipton complete with castle and canal. We drive home via Malham
Tarn.
How to Join: Drive to our hotel or meet me at Lancaster Station at 4.00 p.m. for onward journey to
our hotel. Meet in the hotel lounge at 7.00 p.m. for a complimentary pre-dinner drink
Your Accommodation: To be advised

National Memorial and Arboretum
3 nights centred on Lichfield Monday, 1st – Thursday, 4th November $495 per person
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the sun strikes through a small gap
and illuminates the names of those who have given their lives for us in the two World Wars.
What an inspired idea to use the sun as our ancestors did those many centuries ago. Something I am very
much looking forward to seeing. The National Arboretum is being established around the impressive
memorial and I plan to spend most the day in that most wonderful of places.
On Sunday we shall visit Lichfield’s famous Cathedral where Samuel Johnson is buried before
spending the rest of the day exploring the Trent Valley, Trent & Mersey Canal, Cannock Chase
and Shugborough Hall.
Your Accommodation: To be advised
How to Join
Meet me at Lichfield Station at 3.30 p.m. for onward journey to our hotel. I will return you to the
station for 10.30 a.m. at the end of your weekend break or you may consider staying with me to
view the Cotswolds in Colour.

Cotswolds in Colour
4 nights centred near Cirencester Thursday, 4th – Monday, 8th November $675 per person
A visit to the Cotswolds in the Autumn has been included in my itinerary for a number of years and
proves popular year on year as an ideal way to rest and relax before the onset of winter and shorter
days.
As in previous years I will plan our itinerary from day to day to take full advantage of the weather.
The highlight of this holiday will no doubt be our visit to the world famous arboretum of
Westonbirt. Once a private garden, this magnificent 600 acre forest is now in the hands of the
Forestry Commission. In both the new and old woodland maple and acer trees have been planted in
groups to provide a riot of colour and display that rivals anything to be found anywhere in the world.
The colours of the trees in Waterley Bottom and Ozelworth Bottom are on the agenda as is an “off
road drive” through the sylvan acres of Guiting Forest. Social and natural history abound as we
journey along ancient Roman roads and country tracks linking picturesque honey colour Cotswold
villages.
The 14th century Fairford Church contains some of the finest examples of medieval glass – 28
windows in all – to be found in the country not to mention the individually carved misericords each
of which tells a story. As well as enjoying quiet country lanes and visiting picturesque villages we
will also enjoy the hospitality of cosy country inns and traditional tea rooms. One morning will be
spent in Cirencester, famous for its Roman History Museum and imposing wool church.
Please book early to avoid disappointment as this tour has proved popular year on year.
Your Accommodation: The Mayfield House Hotel, Crudwell, Malmesbury. Tel. 01666 577409
How to Join
Drive directly to our hotel or meet me at Bristol Parkway Station at 3.30 p.m. At the end of your
holiday I will return you to the station for 11.00 a.m.
