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Cotswold, Cheddar Gorge, Bristol Balloon fiesta & Brean Down August 2023

Cotswold + Cheddar Gorge + Bristol Balloon fiesta - next event August 2023 

We will explore the infamous Cheddar Gorge and the Cotswolds at its finest.  In the Cotswolds we will start from the idyllic Bourton-on-the-Water and walk through pleasant woodlands and impressive expansive views across rolling countryside. I have planned this event to start on Thursday to Friday as we will visit a hot air Balloon Fiesta on Thursday evening.  We will leave early on Thursday morning for our 10 miles Cotswold classic walk. We really have 3 opportunities to view the Balloon fiesta (Thurs evening, Friday morning or Friday evening).  After watching the hot air balloons we will head towards the Cheddar Gorge for our walk and visit the ancient town Cheddar.  As this Balloon fiesta only occur once a year I will co-ordinate the Cotswold & Cheddar gorge around this fiesta.  

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Transportation: The cars/minibus transportation is provided if departing from London on Thursday morning for members that require it.  I will sort out all of the transportation logistics for the whole group.  Organise the departure point, exchange drivers and members contact details in advance and ensure the drivers get to every location during the event on time.  All my volunteer drivers are experienced, regular and confident drivers.  

 

Accommodation:  We will be staying at a Premium Inn hotel for the Thursday night with 2 sharing with en-suite bathrooms. Room allocation will be based on gender.  Many other groups would book a youth hostel with 6-10 sharing a dormitory with bunk beds which can be noisy and over crowded.  

 

Meals:  I will reserve good restaurants local to our accommodation and give members a choice.  Most other groups that stay at hostels will be catering at the hostel.  Hostel food is ok but there are many good restaurants in the area of Bristol, it would be a shame not to experience.  I will send members details of the restaurants selected and ask members to choose.  Meals are not included in the cost as we are not staying at a hostel and I want the group to experience regional food.  

 

Propose Schedule

Thursday 12th August

08:00-11:00        Leave Hatton Cross and drive to the Cotswolds (120 miles from London)

11:00-16:00        Walk in the Cotswold

16:00-17:15        Drive to Bristol for the Balloon Fiesta

18:00-21:00        Watch the Balloon show (food stalls at show)

21:00-22:00        Drive to the Travelodge hotel

Friday 13th August

06:00                  Set off from Premium Inn hotel for Bristol Fiesta dawn launch -

                           If Thursday show was not possible 

06:30-08:30        Bristol Balloon Fiesta dawn ascent

08:30-09:30        Drive Cheddar for Breakfast

09:30-10:30        Breakfast in Cheddar

10:30-14:00        Cheddar gorge circular walk    

14:00-14:45        Snacks and visit cheese shops in Cheddar 

15:00-16:00        drive to Brean (along the Bristol channel)

16:15-18:30        Walk the Brean Bristol Channel circular walk

18:30-20:30        Drive back to Hatton Cross tube station

 

Fitness:  This event is suitable for members of an average fitness level. For example, you are able to a walk minimum 2 miles per hour on a varied terrain for 10-12 miles within 6 hours.  There will be many breaks to enjoy the scenery, take photos and to rest.  

 

Flexibility: My approach and itinerary is flexible.  If bad weather is forecasted, I am happy to change the itinerary.  Visit a National Trust building or another indoor venues.  Weather can we localised in the Bristol so willing to drive even into the Forest of Dean or Brecon Beacon (South Wales, 40 miles away from Bristol) for a dry walk.  I know South Wales very well.   

 

Securing a place:  My events are normally over subscribed.  You can reserve your place on any event, months in advance with a £50 deposit.  I understand that member’s work, family & personal situation can change, so this deposit is 100% refundable 7 days prior to the start of this event, no quibble.   All I need is 7 days notice and I refund you fully within 24 hours.  If you withdraw, within the 7 days period, and if I am able to find a replacement to fill your space I am more than happy to give you a 100% refund.  I only require the final balance 7 days before the start of the event, again being flexible to members needs.  

KIT LIST

Essentials: 

Good waterproof jacket.  Even with no rain forecasted a waterproof jacket can be used to keep your warm during our early morning starts.

Hiking boots (with good grip and ankle support) - don’t forget to bring good quality hiking socks 

1 change of clothing. A few warm items for our early morning starts: base layer, warm fleece, gloves, beanie

Items for hot conditions: broad beam hat, a cap, sun block, sun glasses

 

Other items: 

Wash kit. towels will be provided at the hotel.  A daypack to hold your day kit (water, snacks, jacket)

Trainers to wear in the cars/minibus 

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