Shropshire Hiker Girls

Mon, Feb 23 · 8:00 AM GMT

Madeira Winter Sun Walking Adventure

Dom Pedro Hotel, Machicho, Machico, PT

Ready to swap gloomy winter days for glorious sunshine, lush green landscapes, and the occasional waterfall drenching? Then come join us in Madeira for a walking holiday like no other! Here’s the lowdown on this sunny Portuguese island adventure:

## The Itinerary

We’ve got five days of spectacular walking, plus a free day in the middle to do your own thing (or absolutely nothing but lounge by the pool). Our walking days usually run from about 9:15am to 5:00pm. The Mondays at the start and end of the holiday are travel days.

### Terrain & Walk Grades

• Moderate Walks (~8–9 miles): Expect some ascents/descents, around 300m or so. We don’t rush (there are plenty of flowers and waterfalls to ogle), but we move along steadily where the terrain is kind.
• Easy Walks (~5–6 miles): Slower pace, more frequent stops, and a bit of sightseeing thrown in. You’ll still encounter hills, but we’ll tackle them gently, with minimal panting (from us or from you).

Each day, you choose which walk suits your vibe. Feeling energetic? Go for the moderate. Fancy a more laid-back stroll? We’ve got you covered.

## Some Sample Walks:

• Levada Highlights: Gentle, scenic watercourses with panoramic valley and coastal views.
• Mountain Routes: High peaks around Nuns Valley and the stunning ridges between Pico Arreirro and Pico Ruivo. Good paths, steady inclines, and plenty of photo ops.
• Coastal Gems: Boca do Risco, Porto da Cruz, Machico to Caniçal, and the jaw-dropping Point of St. Lourenço – a geologist’s dream.
• Waterfall Wonderland: Explore hidden cascades and fairytale forest paths. If you’re really nice, we might let you stand under one (highly refreshing!).

We choose the walks based on the group’s ability, the best weather, and—let’s be honest—where we can get the tastiest post-walk coffee.

## The Weather

Madeira’s climate is famously mild (around 15°C to 28°C). Perfect for walking, but do expect the occasional cloud or sprinkling of rain—this island is so green for a reason. Pack a light waterproof. Or a stylish poncho if that’s your thing.

## Your Walk Leaders

• Local Madeiran Guides: Their knowledge of plants, geology, and which café sells the best custard tarts is second to none.
• Alan Garner and Janire Denny-Arzalluz (Secret Hills Guides): Your UK-based guiding duo for all things logistic and entertaining. We coordinate everything from arrival to departure, including restaurant suggestions and the best place to buy those fabulous embroidered linens (souvenir game strong).

We pride ourselves on looking after each guest, but if our guides suspect a particular walk might be too challenging for you, or that joining might compromise the group’s safety, they reserve the right to suggest an alternative. This seldom happens, but your wellbeing is our top priority.

## What’s Included:

• Airport Transfers: You arrange your own flights, but we’ll whisk you from Madeira Airport straight to the lovely Hotel Dom Pedro in Machico (and back, of course).
• Accommodation (Bed & Breakfast): 7 days accommodation provided. No single supplement (hallelujah!). The price you see is the price you pay, even if you fancy a room to yourself.
• Guided Walks: 5 days walking with 1 rest day in the middle. The daily walking excursions will be led by a local Madeiran guide, plus the ever-charming support of our Secret Hills tour leaders, Alan Garner and Janire Denny-Arzalluz.
• All Transport for Walks: Minibuses will ferry you to and from those magical trails.
• Our Admin & Management Service: We’ll handle all that pesky logistics, so you can just focus on packing the right socks!

## What’s Not Included:

• Flights: You sort your journey to FNC (Madeira Airport).
• Entry Fees: Museums, gardens, or other local attractions along the way.
• Evening Meals & Drinks: We’ll eat together at local restaurants (so many goodies to try), but the cost is yours to manage. (We can point you to the best garlic bread ever, just saying.)
• Snacks & Treats: We do give you a simple packed lunch (a fresh bakery roll and fruit), but if you need extra chocolate or secret energy bars, bring those along.

## Fancy Extra Days?

Think you might love Madeira so much you’d never want to leave? We can arrange extra nights before or after the main event. Just let us know if you want more time to top up the sunshine and explore all those hidden nooks (or indulge in more pastries).

## Your Base: Hotel Dom Pedro, Machico

Website: Hotel Dom Pedro Madeira

• Machico is Madeira’s historic former capital, set by the sea and drenched in scenic charm.
• Rooms are bright, airy, and come with free Wi-Fi plus flat-screen TVs.
• Rooftop terrace? Check. Seafront views? Double-check. Subtropical gardens? Triple-check.
• It’s all just a five-minute drive from the airport, so you’ll be sipping a welcome drink before you can say “levada.”

Breakfast: It’s a smorgasbord of fruit, cereals, yogurts, breads, and hot dishes. Basically, your daily excuse to sample everything at once.
Dinner: We dine as a group in local restaurants or at the hotel if you prefer. Because we like to keep it flexible (and let’s be honest, the local restaurants are delicious), you’ll pay separately for your evening meal.
Packed Lunch: A bakery-fresh roll and piece of fruit, courtesy of the friendly bakery opposite the hotel. You might want to sneak in a chocolate bar or two, especially if you’re like us and believe in second breakfasts.

## Why Madeira?

• Winter sunshine, baby!
• Dramatic mountain peaks, lush levada trails, and wild coastal paths.
• Exotic flora everywhere—hydrangeas, lilies, agapanthus… your Instagram feed will be chef’s kiss.
• Warm evenings, fresh seafood, and sweet Madeiran wine (if that’s your tipple).
• A welcoming vibe and that famous Portuguese hospitality.

## Ready to Sign Up?

If this is making you yearn for sunshine, spectacular views, and the promise of way too many scenic photos, then you’ve found your perfect February escape. Simply drop us your details to register your interest—we’ll send you more info, and you can start planning your epic getaway.

From just £1,450 (no single supplement!), you’ll enjoy:

• Wonderful walks
• Cozy hotel accommodations
• Breakfasts and daily adventures
• Group camaraderie and a whole lot of laughter

What are you waiting for?
Don’t let winter blues linger—**register your interest via this LINK **for our Madeira Walking Adventure on 23rd February 2026, and we’ll keep you posted every step of the way.

We can’t wait to welcome you (and your best walking socks) to this island paradise!

Fri, May 1 · 2:00 PM BST

Shropshire Hills Women's Walking Weekender

The Bridges Youth Hostel, Ratlinghope, Shrewsbury, SY5 0SP, GB

# Shropshire Hills Women’s Walking Weekender

01–04 May 2026 | £390 per person
BOOK VIA THE ROSA WEBSITE: https://www.rayofsunadventures.com/event-details-registration/shropshire-hills-walking-holiday

Imagine…
Waking up to birdsong in a tucked-away corner of the Shropshire Hills. Stepping out into crisp morning air, lacing up your boots, and setting off with a group of women who are just as excited as you are to explore, laugh, and share the joy of being outdoors.

This isn’t just a walking holiday — it’s three days of switching off from the chaos, filling your lungs with fresh hilltop air, and letting your mind wander as your boots carry you over ridges, valleys, and ancient trails. It’s shared stories over mugs of tea, the sound of laughter in the pub after a day’s hike, and that warm, delicious tiredness you only get from a day in the hills.

Led by Janire from Ray of Sun Adventures and run in partnership with my lovely friend Anna from Wellness and Walking Holidays, this women-only adventure is about more than the miles — it’s about connection, confidence, and carving out time just for you.

## Your Base

We’ll be staying at YHA The Bridges, a cosy converted village school set in one of the last untouched rural paradises of Shropshire. Think roaring log fires, comfy bunks, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The hostel sits right on the Shropshire Way, so our walks start the second we step outside.

You’ll be sharing this peaceful hideaway with like-minded women who are here for the same reason you are: to escape, explore, and feel alive again.

## What’s Included

• 3 nights’ accommodation at YHA The Bridges
• Breakfast & packed lunch each day
• 3 guided walks with qualified Mountain Leaders
• Navigation of routes, safety support, and plenty of encouragement along the way
• A community of adventurous, supportive women with whom you can connect from the get-go via WhatsApp
• Goodie bags!!

## The Experience

Over the long bank holiday weekend, you’ll hike three incredible routes that showcase the very best of the Shropshire Hills:

• Adstone Hill – Your warm-up walk with sweeping views of Long Mynd, Stiperstones, and Corndon Hill. Big skies, rolling ridges, and maybe a few curious ravens.
• The Long Mynd – A full day’s ridge adventure, wild ponies, and lunch in the charming market town of Church Stretton.
• Stiperstones – A rugged, atmospheric ridge walk where legends meet jaw-dropping views.

When we’re not out exploring, you’ll have time to unwind — curl up with a book, nap, or share stories in the lounge. Evenings are spent at the friendly pub next door (dinners not included), the perfect place for good food and even better company.

## Who This Trip is For

This trip is for women who love the idea of an adventurous weekend but also value community, support, and laughter along the way. You don’t need to be the fastest hiker, but you should be comfortable with full-day walks on hilly terrain. Whether you’re coming solo or with a friend, you’ll be welcomed into the group from the moment you arrive.

## Key Details

Dates: 01–04 May 2026
Price: £390 per person
Location: YHA The Bridges, Ratlinghope, Shropshire
Board: Breakfast & packed lunch included
Difficulty: Intermediate–Advanced (daily distances 8.5–18km with up to 540m ascent)

## Full Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Adstone Hill Warm-Up Walk

• 2pm – 2.30pm: Arrive and settle in
• 2.30pm – 5.30pm: 8.5km intermediate circular walk with 170m ascent via the old Coach Road and Adstone Hill
• 6.30pm – 7.30pm: Optional group dinner at The Bridges pub (not included)

Day 2 – The Long Mynd

• 8am – 9am: Breakfast
• 9.30am – 3.30pm: 18km advanced circular walk with 540m ascent, including Pole Bank summit, wild ponies, and lunch in Church Stretton
• Evening: Relax at the hostel or join group dinner at The Bridges pub (not included)

Day 3 – Stiperstones

• 8.30am – 9.30am: Breakfast
• 10.30am – 2.30pm: 12km intermediate circular walk with 380m ascent, rugged ridge terrain, the legendary Devil’s Chair, and incredible views
• Evening: Final group dinner at The Bridges pub (not included)

Day 4 – Farewell & Optional Group Activity

• 9am – 10am: Breakfast
• No guided walk today — optional group visit to a local point of interest before heading home

## Booking Your Place

Spaces are limited and this popular women’s weekender usually sells out. Secure your place via the Wellness and Walking Holidays booking page with a £100 deposit (full balance due 6 weeks before the trip).

Sun, May 10 · 9:00 AM BST

Hike, E-Bike and Wine Tour in Tuscany

Tuscany, Val d’Orcia, Italy, IT

Hike, E-Bike and Wine your way through Tuscany’s iconic Val d’Orcia with Much Better Adventures x Ray of Sun Adventures. Over 5 nights you’ll wander medieval hill towns, cycle cypress-lined roads, hike the ancient Via Francigena and soak in natural hot springs. Along the way, tuck into long Italian lunches, sip Brunello in family-run vineyards and unwind at a countryside retreat with its own Etruscan cave spa. This is Tuscany at its most adventurous – with a little indulgence thrown in.

Location: Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy
Duration: 5 nights
Difficulty: Easy
Group Size: Up to 14
From: £1,971 (excluding flights)

# 👉 Book your spot via Much Better Adventures

## Why you’ll love it

• Pedal through iconic rolling hills, vineyards and cypress-lined roads on an e‑bike; wander Renaissance hill towns like Pienza and Montepulciano.
• Hike a stretch of the ancient Via Francigena, passing olive groves en route to the natural hot springs of Bagno Vignoni.
• Feast on local specialities and savour world‑class wines at hand‑picked family‑run estates and trattorias across the Val d’Orcia.
• Unwind at a countryside retreat with a unique Etruscan cave spa – perfect for post‑adventure relaxation.
• For the full trip details, inclusions, and availability, click through to the Much Better Adventures page here.

## What’s included

Activities & Certified Guides

• All itinerary activities with local, expert, English‑speaking guides

Accommodation

• 5 nights in a locally‑run Tuscan spa hotel (pool & wellness centre)

Meals

• All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners and 3 wine tastings

Transfers

• Group transfer to/from Pisa Airport and everything in between

Equipment

• E‑bikes with helmets provided

Small like‑minded groups

• Solo‑friendly by design; join up to 14 active, outdoorsy people
• ROSA host
• ROSA goodie bag
• WhatsApp group to connect prior to take off.

## The plan (Itinerary)

> Note: routes and timings may vary due to weather and conditions. Distances/ascent are approximate.

### Day 1 – Into the heart of Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia (Travel Day)

Drive: ~2.5 hrs
Touch down at Pisa Airport and meet your driver around midday for the transfer to the UNESCO‑listed Val d’Orcia. Check into Hotel Residence Casanova in San Quirico d’Orcia – your spa‑equipped base for five nights. Stroll the medieval streets (spot the Gladiator filming backdrops) and tuck into a welcome Tuscan dinner.

### Day 2 – From vineyards to hot springs along the Via Francigena

Hike: ~4 hrs · 13 km · +250 m / −350 m
Set off from San Quirico d’Orcia through vineyards and olive groves along the Via Francigena. Visit a family farm for a light lunch with wine & olive oil tasting. Continue via Vignoni Alto to the thermal village of Bagno Vignoni – relax by the Parco dei Mulini hot springs. Optional spa back at the hotel; free evening in town.

### Day 3 – E‑bike between rolling hills and Renaissance towns

Ride: ~4 hrs · 36 km · +700 m / −650 m
Swap boots for e‑bikes: call by the famous Gladiator viewpoint and the Chapel of Vitaleta. Stop in Pienza, then on to Monticchiello for a picnic lunch. Roll to San Biagio and into Montepulciano for a well‑earned wine tasting, before returning to San Quirico for a chilled evening.

### Day 4 – Hike from Montalcino to Sant’Antimo

Hike: ~3 hrs · 10 km · +170 m / −390 m
Transfer to Montalcino (home of Brunello). Follow ancient woodland trails past vineyards and an Etruscan site to Villa a Tolli for an organic farm lunch (plus a glass of Brunello). Continue downhill to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo to explore its beautiful interior. Afternoon at leisure back at the hotel/spa.

### Day 5 – Cycle to San Casciano thermal springs

Ride: ~4 hrs · 32 km · +800 m / −800 m
Short transfer to Radicofani; pedal scenic lanes via Celle sul Rigo to San Casciano dei Bagni, famed for its natural hot springs. Time to soak before riding back to Radicofani and returning to San Quirico. Final celebratory dinner in town – buon appetito!

### Day 6 – Return to Pisa, via stunning Siena

Drive: ~2.5 hrs (with Siena stop)
After breakfast, transfer to Siena for a stroll around Piazza del Campo and lunch (not included). Continue to Pisa Airport for evening flights or extend your stay.

👉 Book your spot via Much Better Adventure