Dear walkers,

Dorset LDWA Residential Trip to Shropshire 2023

Dorset LDWA is organising a residential trip to Shropshire this autumn, there is group accommodation which can now be booked, or people can make their own arrangements. There will be at least one walk led each day of ~16 – 18 miles based on highlights of the Shropshire Way https://shropshireway.org.uk/south-route and the Stretton Skyline Walk https://hiiker.app/trails/england/shropshire/stretton-skyline-walk/map Shorter or longer walks can be organised if people are interested and leaders volunteer. Shorter walks will be offered on the Mon and Fri of travel. There is also lots to see and do in the area if people don’t want to walk each day.

If you would like to reserve a place please read the information, copy and reply to the questions at the bottom of the email and send the appropriate deposit to Anne. Places will be allocated in order of receipt and there are a maximum of 28 places in the shared accommodation but early booking is essential to make sure the appropriate size of accommodation is reserved.

If you would like to come on the trip and make your own arrangements for accommodation please send an email to: brownbootswalking@btconnect.com This will enable you to receive updates on the trip. It would be helpful to know if you are booking separate accommodation at Eaton Manor, or off site.

When:

The trip will run from Monday 9^th Oct – Fri 13^th Oct (4 nights).

Where:

We will be staying at Eaton Manor about 4 miles SE of Church Stretton. https://www.eatonmanor.co.uk/ The site has several delightful self-catering properties which are all well-presented and share the use of a covered heated pool, a games barn with snooker, pool, air hockey table tennis etc. There are walks on the estate and other activities can be booked at extra cost.

Accommodation:

Toad Hall (sleeps 14) has been reserved. All rooms are en-suite and sleep 2 or 3. Couples will be allocated doubles / twins, single people will share a twin or triple room with people of same sex. There is a large dining room which can be set up to accommodate all of our party that stay in the shared accommodation.

If numbers are sufficient we have the option of additionally booking the Manor House (sleeps 14), or Pendennis (sleeps 10) or Curlew Cottage (sleeps 8). These are of similar standard and have en-suite or dedicated bathrooms for each bedroom, Pendennis has some single rooms.

Cost:

Toad Hall (14) costs £2171 for 4 nights (including extra seating for group meals)

The final cost will be based on the number of people staying in each property so with full occupancy of Toad Hall the price would be £155 per person but with under-occupancy the price could be a maximum of £197 per person. The other properties would be within the same range.

Catering:

All properties are fully equipped for self-catering but there is also an option to pre-order evening meals for delivery to the property. These are approximately £8.50 for one course and £10.50 for two courses. We can make a decision on this nearer the time.

Transport:

We have been given a subsidy towards transport cost by Dorset LDWA. This will be divided by the number of primary members and paid to car drivers who offer lifts to others.

Dogs:

Up to 2 well behaved dogs are permitted (for an additional £35) but only if everyone in the shared accommodation agrees.

To reserve a place in shared accommodation please copy and complete these  questions and send to: brownbootswalking@btconnect.com

In addition you will need transfer £100 per person deposit, bank account details will be sent by Anne on receiving your form (please note that by reserving a place you are committing to the full cost of the accommodation unless your place can be filled by someone else).

Please copy, complete and return the following to Anne at  brownbootswalking@btconnect.com by Sun 5^th Feb.

I would like to book a place in the shared accommodation at Eaton Manor from 9 – 13^th Oct 2023

Name(s): ___________________________________________

I will send a non-returnable deposit of £100 per person and understand that I am committed to paying the balance unless my place is filled by someone else: Yes

I would be happy to drive and offer a lift to others: Yes / No

I would like to receive a lift from someone else: Yes / No

I want to stay in dog-free accommodation: Yes / Don’t mind

I would like to bring a dog if possible: Yes / No

I am happy to share my email with others who are going on the trip: Yes / No

Any other questions: ____________________________________________

 Please do not reply directly to this email as it is from an unmonitored email account used for outgoing messages only.

Tracey

Dorset Walks Secretary

Email:dorset.ldwa.walks@gmail.com