We are staying in a large well furnished house just behind the beach and pier in this lovely old fashioned seaside town. There is a large garden where we can have a BBQ,s. A gentle stroll will take you into the centre of town with its many shops, café’s and Olde World charm or onto the pier with its amusements. The working harbour is nearby with freshly caught fish or if you prefer, fish and chips! Crossing the harbour river by ferry we can visit the pretty village of Walberswick, explore more beaches and call in at an excellent pub! There are many places to visit in this area of Suffolk. When not on the beach we intend to visit some of the following. The Tide and Time Museum, Somerleyton Hall, Kessingland Wildlife Park and Minsmere Bird Reserve. Group discussion will decide on other options.

After our very successful holiday last year we have decided to return to Scotland. We shall travel from Suffolk by train to Fort William, a town at the foot of Ben Nevis. We shall then take the train from Fort William to Mallaig on the West Highland Way. This famously scenic ride is one of the BBC’s 10 Great Railway Journeys of the World. There will be the opportunity to explore Mallaig before catching the boat to Inverie on the Knoydart Peninsular. Known as the ‘Last Wilderness of Europe’ it is accessible only by boat as there are no roads and is a haven for wildlife and walkers. We shall be staying in very comfortable accommodation for a week surrounded by a fantastic landscape of mountains, valleys, lochs and beaches. Whilst on Knoydart we will have the opportunity to go on walks of various lengths and abilities. There is an abundance of wildlife amongst which Golden Eagles, Fish Eagles, Porpoises, Otters have all been seen. We shall spend time with a Ranger photo-stalking Stags and also have the chance to go whale watching from a boat. Another day we shall take a boat to the Island of Rum and visit a Castle. For any one who is interested, there will be the opportunity to do some voluntary conservation work, tree planting, dry stone walling or beach cleaning. We will be able to have BBQ’s and there is even a pub! After a week we shall return to Fort William where we will stay for three days in a lovely house on the edge of Loch Linnhe. We shall visit various attractions in and near the town, do a bit of walking on the lower reaches of Ben Nevis, go shopping and take a boat trip on the Loch, before returning to Suffolk.

Travelling to London by train we shall be staying at the Thamesside YHA, a modern, purpose-built base ideal for exploring the Capital. Situated on the edge of the Docklands area not far from the city centre and attractions such as the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. This will be a very busy week and we intend to some or all of the following. Attend the two day River Thames Festival with music, boats, food stalls, processions, fireworks etc. Ride on the London Eye, take a boat down the river to Greenwich where we shall visit the market and Greenwich Park and Maritime Museum. Visit St Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace. Walk over the Millennium footbridge to the Tate Modern Grand Hall and visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. We will go to a West End show and visit Convent Garden. The itinery is flexible leaving room for people to make suggestions.