We Do Outdoors

JUST ONE FEMALE PLACE REMAINING!

We managed to book this amazing venue for the first time ever in 2025 and it is well AMAZING!! A real castle steeped in history with fantastic walks in every direction. We had an absolutely wonderful time, possibly our best ever weekend so we've just had to book it again for 2026.

The location near to the ancient Forest of Dean established as a Royal forest before the Norman Conquest, close to the Offa's Dyke path and between the Rivers Wye and Severn has to an extent been bypassed by time and remains much as it always has.

The Castle itself has over 800 years of history locked into its fabric and retains many original features and we can stay in its splendour and feast in its banqueting hall. Amazing.

There are loads of walks to choose from with of course a 30k challenge walk for those who must, but plenty of easier options as well for those who just want to chill and absorb the fantastic scenery and historic connections.

The Forest of Dean boasts some of the best cycling and mountain biking in the country from easy circular rides to serious mountain bike challenge routes so no problem organising that as well if some require it.

There may also an option to do a brilliant half day open canoe trip on the Wye which again is accessible for all, depending on water levels.

Friday arrival at our accommodation is from anytime after 5pm but we will lay on a bonus walk for those who can arrive in the area for likely 10:30am to ensure we make the best of the day.

We shall be rustling up a delicious hot meal for Friday night with vegetarian option so no need to eat on the way and although we'll serve up about 8pm, there'll be plenty kept for those arriving a little later. If you require a bevy or three don't forget to bring this with you as it may be a long way to the offy!

Help yourself breakfasts and lunch packups are provided as is hot food Friday and Saturdays night but feel free to bring desserts, cakes and other goodies to share as well as your own drinks. Tea and coffee will be provided.

Saturday and Sunday routes and options will be discussed with everyone on arrival to ensure we are meeting overall expectations but there is loads to choose from.

Accommodation is single sex bunk rooms of a variety of sizes with full bedding provided but not towels.

Those booking from this point onwards should pay the full amount of £144 (£45 non-refundable) when you book to which Meetup booking fees will be added if you book via the Meetup app. You can also pay the full amount via BACS without additional fees but please wait for us to confirm a place is a available before doing this.

For those who previously a deposit, a balance of £99 per person is now payable via BACS (as below) no later than 12 weeks before the event start date being 17th July 2026.

Account Code: 40848442 (balances or total payment only)
Sort Code: 56-00-61
Account Name: We Do Outdoors Limited

If you have to cancel with more than 28 clear days notice the full value of the balance payment will be refunded. The deposit value or its equivalent will always be non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or postponed. No refunds will be provided to those cancelling with less than 28 clear days notice. ("clear" means does not include event start date or cancellation date!

It would not be possible to provide the range of events we do or to cover the cost of insurance and now increasing Meetup fees if we were not a subscription based group which means paying an annual subscription of £10pa or a Life Membership subscription in which case further payments are not necessary.

If attending our weekends away as an unpaid or lapsed subscriber or as a non member guest you are required to pay an additional £10 when balances become due. No exceptions!

This walk starts in the ancient Ambergate woodlands and takes us up towards Shining Cliff before heading over to beautiful Alderwasley. We will then cross the river to proceed to Upper Holloway before returning to the car park via Crich.

All welcome, including dogs on leads.

Although this walk will be taken at a comfortable pace for all, it is approximately 10 miles in distance with regular ups and down so please make sure that your health/fitness levels can manage this. As already stated, we aim to go at a steady pace to suit all needs. Please PM me if in doubt.

Bring plenty of food and fluids and dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day - walking footwear, windproof and/or rainproof outerwear.

Everyone is responsible for their own safety and welfare on these walks as we are not trained guides.

The Hurt Arms is the nearest public house to
the walk and after suffering several floods and subsequent closures, it seems the most obvious place to visit. Otherwise we can discuss an alternative on the day for those interested in refreshments after the walk.
Additionally, there is an Indian restaurant (no alcohol is served) opposite the Hurt Arms for those of you who might fancy extending the evening with a curry! 🥰

LAST FEW PLACES

Always one of our most popular weekends of the year our 2026 Seasonal Celebration Break in the Lake District can't fail to be a great success.

This unbelievably lovely Grade II listed former mansion gets rave reviews from everyone who stays there. Close to Coniston and Esthwaite and in the heart of Beatrix Potter country there are loads of walks available and for cyclists the delights of Grizedale Forest as well.

Friday arrival at our accommodation is from anytime after 5pm but we will lay on a bonus walk for those who can arrive in the area for likely 10:30am to ensure we make the best of the day.

We shall be rustling up a delicious hot meal for Friday night with vegetarian option so no need to eat on the way and although we'll serve up about 8pm, there'll be plenty kept for those arriving a little later. If you require a bevy or three don't forget to bring this with you as it may be a long way to the shops.

Help yourself breakfasts and lunch packups are provided as is hot food Friday and Saturdays night but feel free to bring desserts, cakes and other goodies to share as well as your own drinks. Tea and coffee will be provided.

Saturday and Sunday routes and options will be discussed with everyone on arrival to ensure we are meeting overall expectations but there is loads to choose from.

This is intended to be a sociable event all weekend so expect a bit of party music both nights and if you play a musical instrument or can provide some other entertainment for us feel free.

Accommodation is single sex bunk rooms of a variety of sizes with full bedding provided but not towels.

Those booking now need to pay in full being £144 per person to which must be added Meetup booking fees. You can also book directly without booking fees using BACS but you must let us know so that we can add you to the event manually.

Those who previously paid a deposit should now pay the balance of £99 per person via BACS which was due on the 18th September 2026 and is now therefore overdue

Account Code: 40848442
Sort Code: 56-00-61
Account Name: We Do Outdoors Limited

If you have to cancel with more than 28 clear days notice the full value of payments will be refunded less an amount of £45 equivalent to the value of the previous non-refundable deposit. If you paid a lower deposit initially as an early booker then this will be the amount non-refundable. This deposit value will always be non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or postponed. No refunds will be provided to those cancelling with less than 28 clear days notice. ("clear" means does not include event start date or cancellation date!

It would not be possible to provide the range of events we do or to cover the cost of insurance and now increasing Meetup fees if we were not a subscription based group which means paying an annual subscription of £10pa or a Life Membership subscription in which case further payments are not necessary.

If attending our weekends away as an unpaid or lapsed subscriber or as a non member guest you are required to pay an additional £10 when balances become due. No exceptions!