Thursday 11 April 2013

Fab News - We have been nominated as a finalist in the Buckinghamshire Ambassadors Enterprise Award 2013

Really exciting news as Walkfree Breakfree has been nominated as a finalist in the Buckinghamshire Ambassadors Enterprise Awards 2013 business competition. As a local business now focusing hard on bring walkers into our lovely Chiltern Hills the home base of Walkfree Breakfree it great to be recognised in this way. 

Brecon Walks in the sunshine - Easter Snow In the Lake District


WOW what a month or two we have had here at Walkfree Breakfree. During February we had quite an amazing walking weekend in the Brecon Beacons with clear blue skies as we enjoyed a stunning route along the ridges of the central Brecon Mountains in south Wales. We stayed in a hostel but in the evening normal hostel fare it was not as EIGHT was the menu.
Our group in Brecon
EIGHT MENU
Little Devils on Horseback & Nibbles* * *A Glass of Kir or Fruit Cocktail* * *Gravalax of Scottish Salmon with pickled Cucumber Spaghetti drizzled with Vodka Lime Dressing* * *Roast Tomato Soup with Goats Curd* * *Sorbet* * *Beef Fillet cooked in Soy & Sake with Parsnip & Wild Mushroom Pave & Ponzu SauceORTomato, Feta, Almond & Date Baklava served with salad & Tzatziki& seasonal vegetables* * *Lemon & Pine Nut Kernel Iced Mouse with Fromage Blanc & Black Pepper Sorbet* * *A Fine Welsh Cheese with oatcakes* * *Coffee or Tea

We might not have had Michelin stars nor posh premises but it turned to be one unforgettable weekend for walking foodies and a huge thank you to everyone who helped make this a fabulous gastronomic delight.


Yes eight courses - but then again we did have the exercise didn’t we? A really terrific excuse always on Walkfree Breakfree weekends to enjoy some great food. We don’t skimp on the food budget that is for sure!
On Sunday we had a “Last of the Mohicans” experience as our walk took us behind a waterfall – fun and we did not get wet. Mind you on the route we spotted some wet suit clad Gorge Walkers jumping into pools as we walked along the river banks. Reminded me of some of our Gorge walks on university trips of old and I still remember the routes so more news on that front in the summer – it will be summer who needs wet suits.


Our Easter Weekend – The Lake District -The Darkside took us to one of the remotest valleys in England where we stayed in Low Gillerthwaite with immediate access to the high and low level walks surrounding us. Mountains, Lakes, dark skies and remoteness a truly magical combination that made for an ideal escape once of course you accepted the fact no mobile or face book all weekend. 


Bliss in my book.


Our group Alpine Style walking in the Lakes
Of course the weekend before we had those huge snow dumps and dire weather forecasts all week but during our Easter weekend thank you kindly we had perfect weather for walking. It was dry, the sun shone, no wind but of course always a little cold.


A fantastic group who enjoyed walks which took us around Ennerdale & Buttermere Lakes, down to the coast at Ravenglass an old Roman Port, walking past Muncaster Castle and steam trains. Our high level walks took us above the snowline and I had the privilege of leading a really fantastic group to summit Steeple. For many this was a first experience of walking on mountains in the snow and they were absolutely brilliant – many were out of their usual comfort zones but with effort and sense of humour they made it and they enjoyed that buzz from a sense of achievement. Fantastic and well done to you all!

What achievement -what views
The views across to the Isle of Man and the mighty mountains of Scotland were excellent.  And photos of the weekend are available here and believe me they are well worth viewing – do enjoy.  


Ennerdale - Totally blissful - Unforgettable
For me a walk leader of many years you cannot beat the feeling of helping a group and it was a lovely experience encouraging others to move on and enjoy the great world outdoors and achieve what some would never have imagined possible. Do join us on one of our walking holidays soon.


Iain