26 u3a members (and one dog!) went on the annual walking holiday, this year to the New Forest. We stayed at the South Lawn Hotel in Milford on Sea, near Lymington. The hotel was wonderful – excellent value for money, spacious well-equipped rooms and friendly helpful staff. The weather the whole time we were there was sunny - without a hint of rain - and Monday to Wednesday it was really hot, though it cooled a lot on Thursday.

On the Monday we had a 4.5 mile walk at Burley before checking in to the hotel. On Tuesday and Thursday there were a choice of 2 walks, a ‘short’ one of approx. 5 miles and a longer one of about 8 miles: the Tuesday walks were on the coast at Keyhaven, and from Lymington along the coast back to Milford on Sea; the Thursday walks from Minstead. On the Wednesday we had a free day to indulge in activities of our own choosing – these included visiting the spectacular Exbury Gardens, Beaulieu, Buckler’s Hard, Hurst Castle, boat trips etc. On Friday we checked out of the hotel and the majority of us had another gorgeous walk around Brockenhurst before heading home.

Our evening meal in the hotel was a 3 course meal plus coffee and mints at 6.30 pm, after which we played various board games, on Wednesday night we had a quiz evening, and on Thursday night a beetle drive!

This holiday was an unqualified success and greatly enjoyed by all! It was made possible mostly by Isobel and Martin Humphreys - who did all the organisation and lead walks – and other u3a walking group members who also reccied and lead walks.