Fab walk

We had a lovely walk yesterday at St Thois in good weather and fine autumnal countryside. Thanks to everyone who came and made it such a nice occasion.

Don't forget - Quimper trip (17 December) booking essential, limited places.

November Walk

We have a walk at St-Thois on Tuesday 17th, starting at 2pm. This is a rural walk (about 5.5kms) including a fine stretch of the Nantes-Brest Canal and some attractive countryside with good views. Meet in the canal-side car-park, about 5kms west of Chateauneuf-du-Faou on the D72. Turn right immediately after the bridge over the canal and the car-park is just ahead on the right. 2€50.

In December we'll be having a visit to Quimper - mainly to visit the excellent art gallery, but Xmas shopping optional instead! This will be a small group, booking essential event, sharing cars from the expressway parking between Pleyben and Chateaulin.

Autumn Aboretum

It was really great to see 'old' friends and meet new ones at Huelgoat Arboretum today. The sun shone for us and we enjoyed a good display of colour throughout the world geography of the Arboretum (which has developed enormously since I was last there six years ago). Not only lots of trees and shrubs to admire, but also fine views across an autumnal landscape. Special thanks to Karen for leading the way.

Huelgoat Arboretum Walk

We have a stroll around the arboretum at Huelgoat on Tuesday October 27, meeting there at 2pm. Cost of 5€ includes entrance fee. Hoping for some autumnal colour :-)

Brittany Walks

Brittany Walks is no longer an association, and now reverts to its former incarnation as a private enterprise. There will be walks in October, November and December - watch this space, or see our website http://www.brittanywalks.com/ The website is going to have a major overhaul this winter, ready for great things in 2010. We hope to have a Walking for Health event in the spring, to encourage absolute non-walkers to have a 15 minute stroll to promote general fitness. There are also a range of study days programmed for early next year - Breton legends, religion and megaliths are on the agenda. As usual something for everyone is the intention, so I look forward to seeing old friends and new very soon.
I would like to add very heartfelt thanks for all the messages of support received this week. My main feeling is one of sadness because I believe strongly in the vie associative that is such a force for good in French society, and all that is achieved by the passionate commitment of enthusiastic individuals to a cause, a conviction or a project. But the sharing of positive aims with like-minded individuals in a happy group is something worth striving for in any form in my opinion.

Beautiful Bon Repos

On a warm and sunny afternoon (one of the few this summer!), 20 of us met beside the banks of the Nantes Brest Canal to visit the historic Abbaye de Bon Repos (Good Rest). The Abbaye dates back to 1184, when it was founded by Alain lll De Rohan. It has had many periods of crisis over the centuries but since the 1960's has been partially restored. Marilyn, President of the Association des Compagnons of the Abbaye, gave us detailed insight into the history of the building and the area, and also guided us around, explaining how the building has been restored.
The cloisters were beautiful, but the whole building is well worth a return visit. After a browse at the wide selection of books in the Abbaye gift shop, we went back to the canal to relax with juice and cakes and make the most of the afternoon sunshine.

Bon Repos visit

We have a guided visit to Bon Repos abbey (near Gouarec) on Tuesday 22nd at 2.30, meeting by the entrance to the avenue leading to the abbey. A stroll or drink or ice-cream by the canal will follow, depending on the weather! All are welcome.