Harrow and Wembley Outdoor Group - Sommer in Winterberg

Cost: Accomodation costs 155 euros per person for the week. Price includes breakfast buffet, lunch (packed an option) and dinner. A deposit of £75 is required to secure a place, balance to be paid by 7 June (£10 event surcharge payable by casuals).

Activities: Our base will be the Winterberg Youth Hostel in the lovely Sauerland area in the west of Germany near Cologne. The Sauerland is home of the Rothaarsteig, a national path on a hilly expanse of mainly pine forests with beautiful views. Mainly known for winter sports, the area is also popular in summer. Hiking, mountain biking (with a bike arena across from the hostel), water sports and other activities such as adventure courses, indoor climbing, crazy golf, horse riding, go carting as well as day trips to Cologne and the surrounding area.

We will be leading at least 3 walks (14-20 miles approx) along the 125km long distance path - the Rothaarsteig. The terrain is hilly rather than mountainous and paths are well signposted. A day trip to Cologne (Erika's home city) is planned.

Refreshments: All main meals included in the price unless we decide to go out to a local restaurant/pub etc.

Travel: By car: travel time approximately 9 hours from London area including crossing via the Eurotunnel (ferry takes slightly longer). Car sharing an option.

By plane: budget flights are available from Stansted to Cologne via Germanwings. Then by car 2 hours to Winterberg. Or Easyjet flight to Dortmund from Luton. From there the Dortmund-Sauerland express train goes to Winterberg.

Getting around: a Sauerland Card is available from the hostel which entitles us to free travel on all trains and buses in the region (apart from night buses). NB: German buses run on time!

Accommodation: Jugendherberge Winterberg, Astenberg 1, 59955 Winterberg, Germany. We have booked 6 twin rooms with ensuite bathroom facilities. The hostel has a disco room, DVD cinema room and table tennis, grilling and mountain bike hire is possible.

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