Walkers and other animals

We had a lovely walk at Carhaix today, with dry weather, perfect temperature, great scenery and ancient buildings galore. There was also a large variety of two and four-footed animals waiting to enliven our route along the way, from geese to goats, and gorgeous horses to a glamorous kingfisher on the river Hy�res.

Thanks to all for a really enjoyable afternoon.

Douarnenez - Tuesday September 20th

On Tuesday, September 20th we have a stroll around Douarnenez and the quiet rural paths of the Plomarc'h. Spectacular sea views and easy walking on pavement/surfaced paths throughout. This is a town with a remarkable history and much of interest to see, including one of the most important Roman remains in Brittany.
We meet on the quay by the boat museum at Port Rhu (just down the hill behind the tourist office, via rue de Port Rhu, where there is a useful car-park) for a 2pm start. At last I am able to say it - Look forward to seeing you all there!

Wet ...

The location was fantastic, but heavy rain prevented the scenic picnic (thank you Denise for a nice dry house to eat in!) and in the afternoon we opted for a visit to Taden manoir and then the port at Dinan, where the weather improved. The energetic strode up the cobbled streets to the famous town, whilst others visited the Maison de la Rance to get a well-presented overview of what we'd missed. We all enjoyed the apr�s-non-walk overlooking the river. Thanks to Lesley for our revised programme, and definitely whetting our appetites for the Rance nature walk at another time.

Coastal Walk from Plouezoc'h

A group of us aged 8 to .....!, old and new members, left the bourg of Plouezoc'h for a walk along the beautiful Dourduff estuary. In spite of forecasts of showers, the sun shone throughout as we walked alongside the banks of the estuary. The walk was further enhanced by the lovely variety of spring flowers dotted in the woodland alongside the mud flats. We were well rewarded for our efforts in negotiating the undulating river bank when we arrived at Le Dourduff en Mer, where we stopped for juice and homemade cakes. We then continued to follow the estuary into the Rade de Morlaix spotting the Chateau du Taureau in the distance.

On leaving the coast, we began a gentle climb via pretty woodland paths taking us back to our starting point. A perfect walk for a spring day!

Walk on Tuesday at Plouezoc'h

We have a beautiful (whatever the weather) walk in countryside around the bourg of Plouezoc'h, just north of Morlaix, including the Dorduff estuary and the Bay of Morlaix with views out to the Chateau du Taureau. It's just over 8 kms, with a lot of up and down on narrow paths, so a Level 3 walk - some agility needed and faster paced than a stroll - but a very rewarding route. Everyone welcome - 2pm start by church.

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.

Today's event

We had a great walk today, despite the awful road conditions that discouraged many from joining us. The sun shone throughout on our merry small band of intrepid adventurers, on glistening snowy paths and splendid long views of the wild open hills of Finistere. We deserved our hot chocolate and muffins at the end. Getting up the hill in cars on departure was not such an easy matter, but a small price to pay for such an enjoyable afternoon (I hope).

Kay's account of our Squirriou Walk

(Photos by Dick Westcott)

We set off to discover the delights of the Squiriou valley and the Forest Domainale de St-Ambroise on the circuit de Trinivel joined by three new walkers and Merlin the Jack Russell. Leaving the disused railway station we crossed the bridge over the river Squiriou and headed uphill, which soon warmed us up as there was a distinct nip in the air. Plunging down into the mainly pine clad forest we snaked along the muddy track before the steady climb up past huge piles of timber awaiting collection. Tempting views of the countryside beyond were glimpsed through gaps in the trees, highlighted by the autumn sun. Whilst we settled into the rhythm of chatting and walking, the dogs enjoyed the puddle strewn path.At the forest cross roads we followed a path over a small stream swollen by the recent rain and on into a delightful deciduous woodland.Their leaves carpeted the pathway that led us up into the tiny hamlet of Trinivel. Here we had long views over the forest and beyond. By the peaceful chapel of St. Corentin we stopped for refreshment and enjoyed Liz's delicious cakes.Thus refreshed we rejoined the trail passing by Kervell� and Kermarzin. Here we turned onto 'l'ancienne voie ferr�e' , the old track was strewn with leaves and the Squiriou burbled alongside us. The group had spread out over fifty metres or so, and as they rustled through the leaves it reminded us of the trains that once use to puff their way along the same route.Back at the car park Dick entertained everyone by showing off his dog handling skills whilst attempting to take a group photo of all the dogs.
Kay & Steve Attwell

Howard's account of our Langonnet Abbey walk

(thanks to Dick for the excellent photos)

An impressive group of 32 members and guests, plus 4 dogs, assembled in the car park of Langonnet Abbey for our walk. The weather was overcast, but mild.
The Cistercian Abbey was founded in 1136 and continued as a functioning, flourishing institution until the French Revolution, after which it remained empty until 1806 when Napoleon, leaving the monks� vows of chastity far behind, made it the first National Stud Farm. Later in its history it became the base for the Freres de Saint Esprit Missionary Order and they are still there to this day.
Once away from the Abbey confines our walk took us through a wooded area flanked by a gurgling stream where the path was strewn with freshly shed chestnuts. Two fallen trees provided the group with Agility Tests number 1 and 2 -duck under the first and clamber over the second.
In true grand old Duke of York style Wendy marched us up to the top of Morvan�s hill and marched us down again. In between times she explained that Menez Morvan was the last fortified stronghold of the 9th century Breton chief, Morvan, but that he was captured and beheaded in 818 by the forces of Louis the, on this occasion, not so Pious.
The walk then proceeded through a marshy area alongside a cow pasture. The cows were held at bay by an electrified fence that in Agility Test No 3 required Steve and Roger to raise the fence with wooden sticks so that the group could limbo beneath it. All managed this successfully. The cows watched with interest, presumably seeing this as a possible escape route for themselves. The last I heard was that they were still looking for volunteers to hold the fence up. At this point I happened to notice that the marshy area had transformed our Golden Retrievers into a new breed of Black Muddy Retrievers.
We then had our cake stop. Karen gave us a choice of raspberry and coconut buns, pear and almond buns, or a French carresau citron. By clever planning on Karen�s part there were enough cakes and more to go round. I tried the pear and almond bun. It was excellent. I tried to lay my hands on a raspberry and coconut bun, but without success. All snapped up within seconds of being on offer. Note to cake monitor, Liz -ask Karen again, soon, please.
Continuing on our walk, duly refreshed, we passed a Bronze Age tumulus dating from 1500 B.C., long since robbed of its treasures and contents, and an early medieval motte. The wooden tower had gone but there were still remains of a dovecote. The motte had been built in fairly low lying country so its presence may have been more symbolic than practical.
At the end of the walk we had an opportunity to look around the Abbey. All in all an excellent walk in good company. Special thanks to Wendy and Karen.
Howard Lawson