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2010 Holidays
In the autumn we visit the New Forest, Andorra and Cape Verde. At this time of year, the New Forest looks fabulous with the beginning of the autumn colours, lots of fungi and plenty of flowers and fruits. The Ordino valley in Andorra is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt mountain areas we know and autumn flowers such as gentians, colchicum and crocus are very special. We still have a few places left on most of these trips.
Reunion 2010 – October 23/24 - This year our reunion will be based in the Norfolk Broads at the pretty village of Horning. After coffee in the village hall we will walk to the Staithe and embark on a short cruise towards Ranworth and Malthouse Broads and St Benet’s Abbey. This is the best way to the see the Broads. We will then have a delicious buffet lunch followed by a presentation of holidays taken this year and those planned for 2011.
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The New Forest
History and Walking in an ancient landscape
With Richard Hobbs & Sally Ward |
4th - 10th October |
| This is a chance to learn about the verderers and commoners as we explore the woods, pastures and heaths of the old landscape. The forest became the royal hunting ground of William Conqueror and many parts of the forest have not changed since then and wild ponies are easily spotted. We will learn about the management of the trees as well as the identification and look for the fruits of autumn. We will go on a fungus foray and we will also spend a day at beautiful Bucklers Hard by the coast. |
£780 Full Board, Single supplement £130 |
Cape Verde Islands - Sorry Fully Booked
With Richard Hobbs & Sally Ward
From Heathrow |
15th - 26th November |
 The ten islands that are part of Macronesia (along with the Azores and the Canary Islands) are remarkably varied. We stay on 3 of the islands which are all very different to each other - Santiago which is green and lush and decidedly African in feel, Sao Vincent with its huge sandy beach and more European atmosphere and then, travelling by ferry, we stay on Sao Antao which is remote and exotic. This is a very exciting and little known destination. |
£2,300 Half Board, Single supplement £190 |
2011 Holidays
‘The Fortunate Isles’
Wildlife & Walking in Rural Tenerife & La Gomera
With Richard Hobbs & Sally Ward
From Norwich |
22nd February - 1st March |
  Tenerife is an amazing green, lush and rather exotic island. We shall be staying in the traditional village of Vilaflor, which is on the southern slopes of fabulous snow-covered Mt. Teide. We explore the peaceful inland areas of the island as well as visiting Mt. Teide and we include a boat trip to La Gomera, a small island of contrasts. Both islands are of volcanic origin with deep green valleys, which provide an ideal habitat for lots of succulents, ferns and laurel forest. The plants and animals on the islands are a mix of African and European species. The ‘Fortunate Isles’, as they are also known, are similar to the Galapagos in that each island has some of its own plant and animal species - such as the blue chaffinch on Tenerife. |
£1,259 B&B, Single supplement £150 |
Wildflowers & Walking on the Island of Hydra
With Richard Hobbs & Sally Ward
From Heathrow |
7th - 14th April |
| The enchanting Greek Island of Hydra off the eastern Peloponnesian coast is a new destination for us. We catch the ferry from Piraeus and our first view of the island is the harbour, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Greece. As only donkeys and carts are allowed on the roads the island has long been eco-friendly. There are many way-marked walks covering the island and lots of wildflowers everywhere including orchids, turban buttercups and asphodels. We stay in a delightful little hotel in a rural position that we should have all to ourselves. On our walks we come across tiny chapels and monasteries and we include a boat trip. A real escape. |
£1,199 B&B, Single supplement £160 |
Almuna - Flowers and Gardens of Spain
With Richard Hobbs & Hugh and Jane Arbuthnott
Flight from UK not included |
26th April - 3rd May |
| Richard will be visiting this beautiful part of Andalucia in the spring. We are running this trip jointly with Hugh and Jane Arbuthnott who offer top quality accommodation and delicious home-cooked food. Richard will be joining them looking at gardens and spring wild flowers in the area of Almuna as well as visiting Gibraltar. This price does not include the flight. Please contact us about which airport you would prefer. |
£1,365 Full Board and Wine, Single supplement £200 - Flight from UK not included |
Wildlife & Walking on the Island of Jersey
With Richard Hobbs & Sally Ward
From Norwich Airport or other regional airport
e.g. Birmingham, E. Midlands |
7th - 14th May |
| A short flight takes us to this beautiful small island, which has an interesting and varied coastline as well as many green lanes, which are perfect for our walks. Jersey is well known for its sunny, frost-free climate and plants will be slightly further on than on the mainland. There will be many wild flowers in bloom including orchids, bluebells and campions and sea birds to be seen such as fulmar together with peregrine falcon and Dartford warbler. The island is also very interesting from an historical and archaeological point of view and we come across ancient hut circles and burial tombs (dolmen) on our walks. Our hotel is in a quiet position out of St. Heliers with lovely views of St. Aubin’s Bay. |
£990 Half Board, Single supplement £150 |
Wildflowers & Walking in The Burren, Ireland
With Richard Hobbs & Sally Ward
Flight/ferry to Ireland not included |
27th May - 2nd June |
| This is a famous and beautiful landscape with limestone pavement sweeping down from the hills right to the sea edge. Some of the most exciting plants of the British Isles are found here. We also visit the wild (and windy!) Cliffs of Moher with fabulous views across to the Arran Isles. The cliffs have some spectacular colonies of sea birds. During our walks we come across prehistoric monuments, ruined castles and Celtic crosses. Plants to be seen include o’ Kelly’s marsh orchid, mountain avens, spring gentian and some fascinating ferns. Our hotel is in the colourful village of Ballyvaughan. |
£770 Half Board, Single supplement £100 - Flight/ferry to Ireland not included |
The Rila and Pirin Mountains
Wildlife & Walking (especially butterflies) in Southern Bulgaria
With Richard Hobbs & Sally Ward
From Heathrow |
18th - 24th June |
| This is a country is still rich in wildlife. We travel to a little village 150km from the Aegean Sea called Dobursko which is well known not only for its crystal-clear air and dazzling views but also for its fabulous butterflies including Cynthia’s fritillary, mountain Alcon blue, large blue and cardinal. In the nearby National Parks we come across unique plants including pretty wild dianthus, a local gentian and the lovely violet helleborine and may be lucky enough to see the elusive Balkan goat, the least weasel and pine marten. Birds to be seen include the Levant sparrowhawk, lesser spotted eagle, ring ouzel and nutcracker. We visit Melnik, the birthplace of Spartacus, and admire the amazing sand pyramids. We immerse ourselves in the local way of life and have the chance to watch some folk-dancing. |
£1,099 Half Board, Single supplement £65 |
The Elifiti Islands
Wildflowers & Walking in Croatia
With Richard Hobbs & Sally Ward
From Stanstead |
12th - 19th September |
  Often described as ‘how the Mediterranean used to be’ this is the perfect holiday for those who love the sea. We are based on an island just 30 minutes off the coast of Dubrovnik where our hotel is surrounded by pine trees and olive groves. The warm crystal-clear sea is perfect for swimming at this time of year. We take easy walks to small fishing villages, ancient churches and monasteries and visit the walled city of Dubrovnik. We are surrounded by luscious Mediterranean vegetation and the aromatic scents of rosemary, myrtle and lavender. We find the colourful fruits of autumn as well as wildflowers such as tiny wild Scillas, Cyclamen and autumn crocus as we explore three different islands using the local ferry. |
£950 Half Board, Single supplement £99 |
Albania and the Island of Corfu
With Richard Hobbs & Sally Ward
From Norwich |
7th - 14th October |
| This beautiful and rather mysterious country is only just emerging into the present day world. It is full of unexplored archaeological sites, wonderful unspoilt scenery and historical villages such as Delvina with its medieval castle that was owned by Ali Pasha. We explore the countryside around Gjirokastra that was once visited by Edward Lear and Butrint with its impressive classical ruins. We spend a day walking near a magnificent lagoon, which is ideal for watching migratory and resident wading birds including little bittern and the great reed warbler. Plants include cyclamen, mandrakes and sea daffodils. We fly to Corfu and then take the ferry across the narrow stretch of water. Our 4* hotel is modern and well appointed and is situated close to the beach and harbour and with stunning views across the Ionian Sea. A unique opportunity. |
£1,249 B&B, Single supplement £100 |
Richard and Sally
Our new email address is: Sally.Ward246@btinternet.com |
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