High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2016 High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2017 | Page 20

Independent Walking HIGH BEAUJOLAIS HILLS T his independent walking holiday in the Beaujolais hills is a unique and inspiring circuit, ideal for those who are looking for a more challenging walk in the Beaujolais region. By day you’ll walk through a varied and beautiful upland landscape, whilst at night you’ll sample the best of the famous Beaujolais hospitality. Located to the north and east of Lyon, the Beaujolais forms a series of rolling hills summiting around 1000m above sea level. The high Beaujolais is little known, even in France, for its great walks, beautiful scenery and dense network of well kept trails. Except during the busiest holiday days you'll have these wonderful trails all to yourselves. Walks: day-by-day Day 1: Arrival: Welcome, transfer to Beaujolais Day 2: Ouroux - Propieres Climb steadily through the pretty Carelle valley with its lush pasture and chateau. After, climb to Mont St Rigaud, which at 1009m is the highest point of the Beaujolais. Descend the secluded Sornin Valley. 22km, +550m Day 3: Propieres - Poules les Echarmeaux Today there are a number of options including ascending the Roche d’Ajoux for great panoramic views. Undulating between small ridges and quiet valleys, the scene is one of remote farmland and old farmsteads little changed for centuries. 12 or 19km, +300 or 400m Day 4: Poules les Echarmeaux - Beaujeu Cross the Azergues Valley, before reaching Vernay, a tiny hamlet in a beautiful setting with its remarkable 12th century Romanesque church. Descend to Beaujeu, the former capital of the Beaujolais & visit it's 11th century church. Wine tasting at guest house. 19km, +440m ♦ Quiet and undiscovered trails in the Beaujolais hills which sit above the famous vineyards ♦ Secret valleys little changed for centuries harbouring pretty villages & historic chateaux, leading to sturdy summits and ridges with great views ♦ Great Beaujolais hospitality in guest houses full of charm and character Day 5: Beaujeu - Quincié After taking in views of intimate valleys, where vines and forests meet, follow a picturesque ridge offering breath-taking views across the Beaujolais and beyond. On a clear day, Mont Blanc stands out proud on the horizon. 22km, +770m, shorter options are available. Day 6: Quincié - Chiroubles Explore the vineyards that spread out in all directions across the lower slopes of the Beaujolais. On route admire a number of chateaux and villages, such as Regnie-Durette, with its impressive double spired church. Your walking trail gradually rises back towards the hills and your welcoming B&B with great views. 15km, +550m Day 7: Chiroubles - Ouroux A great day's walking. After a steep ascent away from the vines you'll visit the quaint village of Avenas with its lovely 12th century church and its ramshackle ston e properties. Follow a high level traverse taking in great views across the upland Beaujolais. From the summit at the Croix de Rochefort you literally look straight down upon Beaujeu. 15 - 19km, +540m Day 8: Departure Transfer to Lyon after breakfast Price p/p Walking Profile 20 GUIDED / INDEPENDENT Price: 6 walks moving between guest houses, averaging about 20km for the more challenging option and 17.5km for the moderate option. Some sizeable ascents and descents, although no more than 400m at a time. Average daily ascent is 550m. Paths are generally good and well way-marked, although some sections are stony and steep. Starts every day of week subject to availability. 7 nights: 6 days independent walking moving between guest houses. What’s included Airport and station transfers from Lyon, 7 nights' Full Board accommodation. All breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches and 7 evening meals. Full walking notes and maps, transport of luggage between guest houses. See Price List or Grade: Profile: Dates: April October Accommodation See Price List or Web Site for details Holiday Profile What’s not included At a Glance 6 charming B&B’s full of local character offering an authentic and comfortable stay. The welcome is warm and generous. Example: Ferme du Planet is a beautifully renovated working farm with charming rooms and a stunning rural setting. Travel to Lyon, France; lunches on the day of arrival and departure, any excursions or entrance fees, travel insurance Book now on +44 (0)7483 241 945 or visit www.highpointholidays.co.uk