The Greentraveller Newsletter July 2010</h1> <article> <h1>The Greentraveller Newsletter July 2010</h1> <p>Richard Hammond — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:51:05 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-blog-description"> <div class="field-label">Description: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Our July newsletter has details on special offers for holidays in Scotland, Wales and Slovenia (all reachable by train).</p> </div> </div> </div> <style> img, .view-blog-node .views-field-body img { border: none; margin: 0; } td {padding: 0; } </style> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="514"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="514" align="middle" valign="top" style="padding:0;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="502" style="padding:6px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td id="header1" colspan="3" width="502" align="middle" valign="top" style="padding:0 0 10px 0; font-size:11px;"> if you can't read this email, click <a class="adminText" href="#" style="color: #0d4d79;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal;">here</a> to read it online </td> </tr> <tr> <td id="header2" colspan="3" width="502" align="left" valign="top" style="padding:0 0 10px 0;"><a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/" target="_blank" style="color: #0d4d79;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal;"></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td id="divide" colspan="3" width="502" align="middle" valign="top" style="padding:0 0 10px 0;"></td> </tr> <tr> <td id="header3" colspan="3" width="502" align="left" valign="top" style="padding:0 0 10px 0;"><h1 style<div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-holiday-ref"> <div class="field-label">Holiday reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/greek-islands-athens-island-hopping-ferry">Greek Islands: Athens & island-hopping by ferry</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/holidays/lough-allen-adventure-centre-co-leitrim-ireland">Lough Allen Adventure Centre, Ireland</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/walking-majella-italy-no-frills-hosted">Walking in the Majella, Italy - No-Frills Hosted</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/atlas-desert-mountain-bike-holiday-morocco">Atlas to desert mountain bike holiday, Morocco </a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/wilderness-walk-wester-rosscairngorms-scotland">Wilderness walk, Wester Ross/Cairngorms, Scotland</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/walk-rugged-hills-and-coast-asturias-spain">Walk the rugged hills and coast of Asturias, Spain</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/kings-trail-trek-northern-sweden">The King's trail trek in Northern Sweden</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/jungfrau-express-2010">Travel on the Jungfrau Express train</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/turkish-delights-2-week-loop-istanbul">Turkish Delights: 2 week loop from Istanbul</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/family-activity-holiday-pembrokeshire">Family activity holiday in Pembrokeshire</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/wilderness-walking-glen-affricgreat-glen-scotland">Wilderness walking in Glen Affric/Great Glen, Scotland</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-accommodation-ref"> <div class="field-label">Accommodation reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/accommodation/haus-sterr-peter-martin-bavarian-forest-germany">Haus Sterr-Peter-Martin, Bavarian Forest, Germany</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/accommodation/agriturismo-la-cerra-sardinia-italy-0">Agriturismo La Cerra, Sardinia, Italy</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/places-to-stay/yurt-holiday-portugal-lugar-varzeas-arganil-portugal">Yurt Holiday Portugal, Lugar Varzeas, Arganil, Portugal</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/accommodation/antik-zeytin-bio-hotel-bodrum-turkey">Antik Zeytin Bio Hotel, Bodrum, Turkey</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/accommodation/trehilyn-isaf-pembrokeshire-wales">Trehilyn Isaf, Pembrokeshire, Wales</a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Sail Rail to Ireland</h1> <p>WillRoss — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:58:34 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-blog-description"> <div class="field-label">Description: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Will Ross introduces 'Sail Rail' - a unique initiative that offers all-inclusive tickets for combined ferry and train travel from UK mainline train stations to Ireland from just £24 one way.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">SailRail Blog</div><div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">SailRail - http://www.sailrail.co.uk - offer all-inclusive tickets for ferry and train travel between Wales, Scotland and Ireland. SailRail tickets can be used for journeys between train stations on either side of the Irish Sea using crossings from Belfast and Stranraer, Dublin to Holyhead, Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard. Tickets can be booked by calling 08450 755 755</div><div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">Stranraer to Belfast </div><div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">First ScotRail operates rail services between Glasgow Central Station and Stranraer. The train station at Stranraer is a two minute walk from the port. Stena Line service the crossing to Belfast Port which takes 1hr 45mins, operating 3 times a day. At Belfast Port there is a shuttle bus to the town centre but the 96 bus route also is on hand should the shuttle bus be full.<div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-holiday-ref"> <div class="field-label">Holiday reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/horse-riding-holidays-west-ireland">Horse Riding Holidays in the West of Ireland</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/holidays/lough-allen-adventure-centre-co-leitrim-ireland">Lough Allen Adventure Centre, Ireland</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/mayos-atlantic-story-walking-foraging-around-clew-bay">Walking & Adventure in Mayo, West Coast Ireland</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-accommodation-ref"> <div class="field-label">Accommodation reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/ballynahinch-castle-hotel-connemara-ireland">Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Connemara, Ireland</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/belle-isle-estate-co-fermanagh-northern-ireland">Belle Isle Estate, Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/accommodation/coopershill">Coopershill, Co. Sligo, Ireland</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/accommodation/delphi-mountain-resort">Delphi Mountain Resort, Connemara, Galway, Ireland</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/gregans-castle-hotel-burren-ireland">Gregans Castle Hotel, The Burren, Ireland</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/accommodation/tawnylust-lodge">Tawnylust Lodge, County Leitrim, Ireland</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the left hand column: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/irish-ferries">Irish ferries</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref-2"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the footer: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/stena-line-ireland-footer">Stena line to Ireland footer</a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Eurostar adds additional services for August</h1> <p>Richard Hammond — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:19:57 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-blog-description"> <div class="field-label">Description: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Eurostar has announced that during August it is to put on additional trains to meet an increase in demand for its services over the summer.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><span class="inline inline-right"><span class="caption" style="width: 280px;"><strong>Eurostar is providing 20 extra trains to and from Paris in August</strong></span></span>Eurostar has announced that it is to put on extra trains to meet an increase in demand for its services over the summer.</p><p>The Cross Channel rail operator says that during August it will put on 20 extra trains - four each weekend - to and from Paris with every seat available from £69 return.</p><div class="image-clear"></div><div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-holiday-ref"> <div class="field-label">Holiday reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/chateaux-loire-walk-france">Chateaux of the Loire Walk, France</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/south-tyrolean-wine-route">Walking in the South Tyrolean wine route, Italy</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/mountain-biking-around-lake-garda-italy">Mountain biking around Lake Garda, Italy</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/walking-holiday-tuscany-and-siena-italy">Walking holiday in Tuscany and Siena, Italy</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/single-travellers-lake-garda-and-venice-2010">Single Travellers' Train Holiday to Lake Garda & Venice</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/rome-alps">Rome via the Alps by Train</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the left hand column: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/eurostar-ad">Eurostar ad</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref-2"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the footer: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/eurostar-footer">Eurostar footer</a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Introducing: Avenue Verte - the new cycle route from London to Paris</h1> <p>Holly Gee — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 07:39:17 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-blog-description"> <div class="field-label">Description: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Thanks to the new 'across-channel' Green Way (Avenue Verte), we can all enjoy traffic free cycling trips through the best of South England and North France.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><span class="inline inline-center"><span class="caption"><strong>Picnics on village greens in the Downs. Photo: Holly Gee</strong></span></span></p><p>There is nothing more immediately stress busting than jumping on your bike the moment you leave the workplace for a holiday. And now, thanks to the new 'Avenue Verte' cycle way from London to Paris, everyone's got a great reason to do so.</p><p><span class="inline inline-left"><span class="caption" style="width: 198px;"><strong>The current and proposed London to Paris cycle paths. Map: British Franco Cycle Plan</strong></span></span>Avenue Verte is a traffic free cycling initiative orchestrated by the <a href="http://www.francobritishcycleplan.org/intro_en.html">British Franco Cycle Plan</a>. The scheme aims to link London to Paris by a traffic free cycle route by 2012. Although not yet complete, the route is substantial enough to offer a fantastic means to get to some quaint holidaying spots in Northern France.</p><p>From London the cycle way follows <a href="http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/countryside/cycling/guidesandmaps/ncn/ncr21.htm">National Cycle Network route 21</a> from St Paul's cathedral to Surrey, over the North and South Downs to Newhaven. The path is littered with village pubs, windmills, rolling green hills and woodland – England at its finest. Once into the South Downs and nearing the coast there are plenty of campsites to stop for the night or you can book into the Telscombe Youth Hostel, a converted alms house overlooking the sea just above Newhaven.</p><p><span class="inline inline-right"><span class="caption" style="width: 265px;"><strong>Beachy Head from the Newhaven ferry. Photo: Holly Gee</strong></span></span></p><div class="image-clear"></div><div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-holiday-ref"> <div class="field-label">Holiday reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/mountain-bike-weekend-south-downs-way-england">Mountain bike weekend on the South Downs Way, England</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/introductory-road-cycling-weekend-cotswolds">Introductory road cycling weekend in the Cotswolds</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/cycling-villages-vineyards-alsace-france">Cycling in the villages & vineyards of Alsace, France</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/cycling-holiday-brittany-france">Cycling holiday in Brittany, France</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/emerald-coast-cycling-holiday">Emerald Coast Cycling, France</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/dordogne-cycling-holiday-france">Dordogne cycling holiday, France</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-accommodation-ref"> <div class="field-label">Accommodation reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/accommodation/gorgeous-double-room-londonuk">Homestay in South London, UK </a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/accommodation/brighton-house-east-sussex-uk">Brighton House, East Sussex, UK</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/accommodation/double-room-modern-homestay-brighton-uk">Modern homestay in Brighton, UK</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/perch%C3%A9-dans-le-perche-normandy-france">Perché dans le Perche, Normandy, France</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the left hand column: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/brittany-ferries-france">Brittany ferries to France</a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Rail Europe offers 80% discount on First Class Rail in France</h1> <p>Richard Hammond — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:51:25 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-blog-description"> <div class="field-label">Description: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>International Rail Travel Agency Rail Europe is offering savings of up to 80% on first class rail travel to destinations throughout France.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><span class="inline inline-center"><span class="caption"><strong>First class passengers can enjoy Christain Lacrioix designed seats in trains to the East of France</strong></span></span></p><p>International Rail Travel Agency, Rail Europe, is offering savings of up to 80% on first class rail travel to destinations throughout France. </p><p>Fares from Paris to a range of popular French destinations now start at just £18 for a one way journey, such as between Paris and <a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/train-london-reims">Reims</a>. </p><p>The Mediterranean ports of <a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/train-london-nice">Nice</a> and <a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/train-london-marseille">Marseille</a> (for access to <a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/train-and-ferry-london-corsica">Corsica</a> and <a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/train-and-ferry-london-sardinia">Sardinia</a>) can be reached for only £28.50 one way on high speed TGV services from Paris.</p><p>Alternatively, for longer journeys, overnight trains are also included in the offer, with fares starting at £49 one way per person to destinations including <a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/train-london-nice">Nice</a>, <a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/train-london-biarritz">Biarritz </a>and <a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/train-london-perpignan">Perpignan </a>for travel in a 4-berth couchette. </p><p>Special offer fares are available to book <em>until 27 August 2010</em> for travel between <strong>13 July and 31 August 2010</strong>.</p><p>For information on routes throughout France and to book tickets, see our Rail Journey Planner: </p><p><a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/routes/France">Travel by Train From London to France</a></p><p><span class="inline inline-center"></span></p><div class="image-clear"></div><div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-holiday-ref"> <div class="field-label">Holiday reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/walking-auvergne-mountains-france">Walking in the Auvergne Mountains, France</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/vineyards-vezelay-walk-france">Vineyards of Vezelay Walk, France</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/walk-amongst-sunflowers-and-abbeys-gascony">Walk amongst sunflowers and abbeys in Gascony</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/walk-pont-du-gard-provence-france">Walk to the Pont du Gard in Provence, France</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/walking-past-ch%C3%A2teaux-vineyards-france">Walking past châteaux & vineyards, France</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref-2"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the footer: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/raileurope-train-lille">RailEurope train to France</a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Guide to taking bikes on trains</h1> <p>Philippa Jacks — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 10:08:15 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-blog-description"> <div class="field-label">Description: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Here's our guide to taking bikes on a train in the UK and Ireland, and details of the bike policies of the main railway companies.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><br><span class="inline inline-center"><span class="caption"><strong>Bikes lined up by a London train. Photo: iStockphoto</strong></span></span></p><p>Here's a summary of the bicycle policies of the main railway lines of the UK and Ireland, along with any other initiatives designed to help or encourage cycling passengers.</p><p>In general, most rail companies will let you take your bike onboard for free, although Eurostar charges £20 per bike for a one-way journey. The majority of trains have just two reservable spaces or racks for bicycles, with any additional bikes being carried only at the conductor's discretion. For a family or group of friends, then, travelling with bikes may prove a headache. Notable exceptions include the <a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/blog/travelling-shropshire-train-londons-marylebone-station">Wrexham & Shropshire</a> line which can take an impressive 10 cycles in the trailer it pulls behind. Certain ScotRail services have six or eight spaces.</p><p>Most train lines require you to call and book in advance - which can be tricky if you're not keeping to a fixed itinerary - though folding bikes are almost always accepted as hand luggage, even at peak times. For standard non-folding bikes there are often restrictions over peak travel times.</p><div class="image-clear"></div><div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-holiday-ref"> <div class="field-label">Holiday reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/mountain-bike-weekend-west-country-way-england">Mountain bike weekend on the West Country Way, England </a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/wye-valley-cycling-tour">Wye Valley Cycling Tour</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/classic-road-cycling-weekend-northumberland">Classic road cycling weekend in Northumberland</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/classic-cotswold-walking-tour">Classic Cotswold Walking Tour</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/beginners-cycling-weekend-shropshire">Beginner's cycling weekend in Shropshire</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/classic-road-cycling-weekend-shropshire">Classic road cycling weekend in Shropshire</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/shropshire-castles-cycling-tour">Shropshire Castles Cycling Tour</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/mountain-bike-weekend-south-downs-way-england">Mountain bike weekend on the South Downs Way, England</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/beginners-mountain-bike-weekend-derbyshire">Beginner's mountain bike weekend in Derbyshire</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/beginners-mountain-bike-weekend-lake-district">Beginner's mountain bike weekend in the Lake District</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/classic-road-cycling-weekend-cotswolds">Classic road cycling weekend in Cotswolds</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/coast-coast-cycling-northern-england">Coast to coast cycling in northern England</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/cycling-holiday-lands-end-john-ogroats">Cycling Holiday from Land's End to John O'Groats </a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/hadrians-cycleway-northumberland">Hadrian's Cycleway in Northumberland</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/introductory-road-cycling-weekend-cotswolds">Introductory road cycling weekend in the Cotswolds</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/uk-lands-end-john-ogroats-cycling-holiday-0">Land's End to John O'Groats cycling holiday</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/mountain-bike-weekend-derbyshire-dark-peak">Mountain bike weekend in Derbyshire Dark Peak </a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/road-cycling-weekend-lake-district">Road cycling weekend in the Lake District</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/skiddaw-mountain-bike-weekend-lake-district">Skiddaw mountain bike weekend in the Lake District</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/ullswater-mountain-bike-weekend-lake-district">Ullswater mountain bike weekend, Lake District</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/white-peak-mountain-bike-weekend-derbyshire">White peak mountain bike weekend in Derbyshire</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the left hand column: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/trainline">Trainline</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref-2"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the footer: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/trainline-footer">Trainline footer</a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Introducing: The Mountain Bothies Association</h1> <p>WillRoss — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:08:15 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-blog-description"> <div class="field-label">Description: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Will Ross finds a cheap alternative to campsites in the wilds of northern England and Scotland.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><span class="inline inline-center"><span class="caption"><strong>Kearvaig Bothy © John Mithchell, MBA</strong></span></span></p><p>For the avid walker or part time enthusiast, it's not easy to find decent accommodation in many of the UK's wilder places. For those that don't mind sacrificing creature comforts, thankfully there is a well developed network of cabins that offer the vital requirements – a roof, four walls and a dry floor - courtesy of the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA).</p> <p>Since 1965, the MBA has been maintaining remote buildings that are in important positions along longer walking trails in Wales, Northern England and Scotland.</p><p>The bothies are without running water or electricity, though many are equipped with fireplaces (although fuel is not always provided). The shelters are unlocked and anyone can use them so long as they respect the Bothy Code. The Association asks that they leave the buildings as they would hope to find them, perhaps with additional preserves and maybe some fuel to welcome future guests. The MBA encourages people to respect the surroundings, making sure that watercourses are not polluted and that firewood is never cut from living trees.</p><p>No prior booking is needed to use the bothies. To ensure that there is room at the inn for any walker relying on the shelter of one of the bothies, groups of six or more are asked to look elsewhere. </p> <p>The bothies are not owned by the MBA but fostered by the association through the encouragement of their owners. Any work on the bothies is financed through membership subscriptions or generous donations and is carried out by volunteers.</p><p>To find out more about the Mountain Bothy Association and the locations of their shelters, see the website of the <a href="http://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/locationmap.asp">Mountain Bothies Association</a>. </p><div class="image-clear"></div><div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-holiday-ref"> <div class="field-label">Holiday reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/highland-explorer-skye-far-north-5-day-tour">Highland Explorer - 5 Day Tour of Skye & The Far North</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/wilderness-walk-wester-rosscairngorms-scotland">Wilderness walk, Wester Ross/Cairngorms, Scotland</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/ben-nevis-trek">Ben Nevis Trek, Scotland</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the left hand column: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/trainline">Trainline</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref-2"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the footer: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/default">DEFAULT AD</a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>A tour of the highlights of Turkey</h1> <p>John Sannaee — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:53:27 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-blog-description"> <div class="field-label">Description: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>John Sannaee reports on a whirlwind exploration of a country that straddles two continents but is an utterly unique and enchanting entity in its own right.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><span class="inline inline-right"><span class="caption" style="width: 265px;"><strong>Fresh from the Bosphorous to your mouth. Photo © John Sannaee</strong></span></span><em>John Sannaee reports on a whirlwind exploration of a country that straddles two continents but is an utterly unique and enchanting entity in its own right.</em></p><p>Even under an ominously low ceiling of grey cotton-candy clouds, Istanbul’s setting is spectacular.</p><p>This ancient metropolis spreads its sprawling, multicoloured tentacles ever further over a landscape of rolling hills and along the shores of bodies of water whose names evoke a thousand ideas and images – the Bosphorous, the Sea of Marmara, the Golden Horn.</p><p>After travelling past fish markets where 6-foot shark hang from hooks opposite the gleaming terraces of waterfront bars and clubs, the unforgettable skyline of Sultanahmet comes into view: the low, ash blue domes and needle-sharp marble minarets of the city’s great mosques towering over a sea of tiled rooves.</p><p>This is a place like no other, with a history like no other: one of the world’s great cities since Roman times, it was Byzantium and Constantinople before its current incarnation, and still bears the traces of its long, rich past as the crossroads between Europe and Asia. The steep, narrow streets of Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s historic heart, are crammed to bursting point with a myriad different shops selling everything from coffee to electronic goods, traditional clothing to semi-automatic weapons. The peculiarly fresh aroma of Turkish coffee mingles with the salt air of the sea, and the traffic fumes that you would expect from a city of seventeen million are surprisingly absent.</p><div class="image-clear"></div><div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-holiday-ref"> <div class="field-label">Holiday reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/slice-turkey-1-week-loop-istanbul">A slice of Turkey: 1 week loop from Istanbul</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/byron-swim-festival-turkey">Byron Swim Festival, Turkey</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/istanbul-cairo">Istanbul to Cairo</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/turkey-active-hiking-kayaking-and-cycling">Turkey Active: hiking, kayaking and cycling</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/turkish-delights-2-week-loop-istanbul">Turkish Delights: 2 week loop from Istanbul</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-accommodation-ref"> <div class="field-label">Accommodation reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/accommodation/antik-zeytin-bio-hotel-bodrum-turkey">Antik Zeytin Bio Hotel, Bodrum, Turkey</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the left hand column: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/eurostar-ad">Eurostar ad</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref-2"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the footer: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/eurostar-footer">Eurostar footer</a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Park, walk and ride in the Shropshire Hills</h1> <p>Catherine Mack — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:33:23 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-blog-description"> <div class="field-label">Description: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Visitors to The Shropshire Hiills are being encouraged to venture a little further afield, thanks to two new walking trails linked to their summer shuttle bus service</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><span class="inline inline-left"><span class="caption" style="width: 260px;"><strong>Shropshire Hills Summer Shuttle Bus</strong></span></span>Visitors to The Shropshire Hills Visitor Centre in Craven Arms, near Ludlow, are being encouraged to venture a little further afield, thanks to the creation of two easy-to-follow walks which are timed to tie-in with the Shropshire Hills summer Shuttle Bus service. </p><p>Scheduled to run at weekends until 26 September 2010, the new “Secret Hills Shuttle Route” service from the Centre takes a scenic circular route along the Clun Valley, and on to Bishop’s Castle – home of one of the biggest annual walking festivals in Shropshire. </p><p>In another step towards further reducing the carbon footprint over this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Centre has commissioned <a href="http://www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk/activities.html#walking">two separate walks in the Shropshire hills</a>– designed to join up the Shuttle Bus service. Both are very clearly marked, are easy enough for families to enjoy and link intelligently to the Shuttle Bus timetable.</p><p>The Secret Hills Shuttle, which runs every Saturday, and Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays, is one of two Shuttle Bus services. The other links Church Stretton with the Long Mynd & Stiperstones - covering another dramatic stretch of the Shropshire countryside.</p><p>For further information about the Shuttles visit the <a href="http://www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk/">Shropshire HIlls Shuttles website</a> or telephone 00 44 (0) 1588 676.</p><p>Read Catherine Mack's review of <a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/blog/travelling-shropshire-train-londons-marylebone-station">taking the train from London to Shropshire with the Wrexham and Shropshire Line</a>.<br>See all of <a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/browse/England/Shropshire/all/all/all/all">greentraveller's holidays and places to stay in Shropshire</a></p><div class="image-clear"></div><div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-holiday-ref"> <div class="field-label">Holiday reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/beginners-cycling-weekend-shropshire">Beginner's cycling weekend in Shropshire</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/classic-road-cycling-weekend-shropshire">Classic road cycling weekend in Shropshire</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/shropshire-castles-cycling-tour">Shropshire Castles Cycling Tour</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-accommodation-ref"> <div class="field-label">Accommodation reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/places-to-stay/annies-cabin-shropshire-uk">Annie's Cabin, Shropshire, England</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/accommodation/buckshead-eco-cottage-shropshire-england">Buckshead Eco Cottage, Shropshire, England</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/ecocabin-shropshire-england">Ecocabin, Shropshire, England</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/accommodation/lower-buckton-country-house-north-herefordshire-england">Lower Buckton Country House, Shropshire, UK</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the left hand column: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/trainline">Trainline</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref-2"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the footer: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/default">DEFAULT AD</a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Tickets selling fast for Ski Train to Alps</h1> <p>Richard Hammond — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:07:40 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-blog-description"> <div class="field-label">Description: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Eurostar reports that tickets for its direct ski train service to the Alps are selling fast. Tickets went on sale at 9am this morning with fares starting from £149 return.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>Eurostar reports that tickets for its direct ski train service to the Alps are selling fast.</p><p>Tickets went on sale at 9am this morning with <a href="http://track.omguk.com/?AID=84914&MID=4883&PID=5223&CID=2989202&WID=23913" style="color: #0d4d79; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">fares starting from £149 return</a> for the direct day service to the Alps, which launches on 19 December 2010.</p><p>Eurostar provides weekly direct services calling at Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne and Bourg St Maurice and offer easy access to a variety of top ski destinations in the French Alps such as Courchevel, La Plagne, Tignes, Meribel, Les Arcs. </p><p>The train stations are located a short bus ride from the resorts avoiding lengthy transfers to and from the airport. For added convenience, an extra item of luggage on top of the normal luggage allowance - such as a pair of skis or a snowboard - can be taken onboard at no extra cost and without the need to wait at airport baggage reclaim. </p><p>Mary Walsh, Eurostar’s Director of Communications, commented: “Eurostar offers the perfect solution for winter sports enthusiasts looking to avoid the stress of travelling by air whilst minimising their environmental impact. On average, a Eurostar journey accounts for just one tenth of the carbon emissions of an equivalent flight and allows travellers to arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready to hit the slopes.</p><p>She added: As well as our popular French ski destinations, tickets for resorts in Switzerland will be available later in the year thanks to onward connections in Paris. More and more of our passengers are discovering the ease and convenience of onward travel thanks to Europe’s high speed rail network.”</p><p>The day ski timetables for the 2009-2010 ski season will be as follows: </p><div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-holiday-ref"> <div class="field-label">Holiday reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/content/switzerland-skiing-hotel-edelweiss-engelberg">Switzerland; Skiing, Hotel Edelweiss, Engelberg</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/switzerland-snowshoeing-winter-walking-guarda">Switzerland; Snowshoeing & winter walking, Guarda</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-accommodation-ref"> <div class="field-label">Accommodation reference: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/accommodation/la-source-eco-chalet-samoens-french-alps">La Source Eco Chalet, Samoens, French Alps</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/content/whitepod-swiss-alps">Whitepod, Swiss Alps</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the left hand column: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/eurostar-ad">Eurostar ad</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-advert-ref-2"> <div class="field-label">Select Ad to appear in the footer: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/eurostar-footer">Eurostar footer</a> </div> </div> </div> </article> </main></body></html>