THE RAMBLERS - SANDWELL GROUP

NOTICE BOARD:

Sandwell Ramblers Transylvanian Trip - June 2009

Peter Figg, Sandwell Ramblers Walks Coordinator organised the trip following contact with Jez and Diana, a British couple now living in Transylvania. They run a holiday company for walkers called Secret Transylvania.

Cisnadiora is situated in the Carpathian mountains and provides the opportunity for superb walks in the mountains. A large bear had been spotted in the area a few days earlier and everyone was keen to catch a glimpse of it. Four large dogs accompanied the walkers into the hills and acted as lookouts, keen to protect everyone. The bear was never found but its large paw prints were clearly seen at the edge of the woods.

Jez took the group to see ancient fortified churches, some dating back over 600 years. Built on hills they provided a medieval look to Transylvania that many imagine from stories such as Dracula.

A visit to the town of Sighisoara allowed the ramblers to explore hidden away courtyards --and alley ways containing-preserved buildings and churches from days long past. No wonder Sighisoara is now a World Heritage site. It is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler!

The Group were able to walk up in the mountains, visiting a ski resort at Paltinis. Several days later a climb into the Fagaras Mountain range which is in places over 2,500 metres high opened up into large frozen lakes. A ride in a cable car up into snow covered peaks were truly awe inspiring.

There was a trip to nearby Sibiu for everyone to buy souvenirs and to visit several museums and art galleries. We could see why Sibiu was granted the honour of European City of Culture 2007.

Jez and Di were wonderful hosts and looked after us extremely well. On our last day they organised a pig roast in their garden with plenty of local beer and wine to accompany the meal. It was a chance to celebrate and talk about our adventures over the week.

Many thanks to Peter for organising the trip and having the inspiration to travel somewhere so different. Our thanks also go to Jez and Di for making us feel so welcome and taking us out and about to see the wonderful country of Transylvania.

John Talbot

Contact details

distockham@hotmail.com

Telephone Number: 0040 (0) 742 247 664
E-mail: admin@secrettransylvania.co.uk
Web page http://www.secrettransylvania.co.uk/gettinghere.html

Rambler Friendly Pubs:-
The Malt Shovel at Highly, Shropshire. Tel 01746 862550, Email LiOka6@aol.com
Licensees: Jason & Lisa. Took over in November 2006. From Rowley Regis originally.
Visited on Tuesday 6 September with party of 23 led by Brian & Jan Gregg.
Extremely warm welcome - good pub food, Hobson’s beers.
Nice garden and patios with marvellous views of the Clee Hills.
Sunday lunch for 4.95 pound
The Peacock Inn, Main Street, Tysoe, Warwickshire CV35 0SE. Tel 01295 680338
Licensee: Jan
Warm & friendly village pub serving traditional pub food
Recommended by Peter Figg after a recent visit.
The Huntley Arms at Wheaton Aston, Staffordshire. Tel
Licensee:- Keith
Canalside pub with excellent pub food. Close to the Staffordshire Way.
Weekdays 6 pound for two meals for pensioners. Beautifully served and marvellous value.
The Huntsman, Little Wenlock, Shropshire TF6 5BH. Tel 01952 505820
Licensee:- John Haffall.
Swan, Fradley, Staffs. Tel 01283 790330
Very friendly pub with good food.
The Ship Inn, Barlow Hill, Wincle, Cheshire. Tel 01260 227217
Licensee:- Chris Knights
Walkers very welcome in the tap room.
The Hill Tavern,Lower Clent, Worcs. Tel 01562 885024
Licensee:- Lorraine Gannon
Visited by a large coach party of Sandwell Ramblers after the Three Peaks walk on Sunday 16 March 2008.
Good food with a warm and friendly welcome. www.hilltavern.co.uk
The Bell, Trysull, South Staffordshire. Tel 01902 892871
Visited on Wednesday 23 April with party of 24 led by Brian & Jan Gregg.
Extremely warm welcome - good pub food. Nice sheltered patio with tables and chairs. Large car park.
Licensee:- Steve
The Finger Post, Norton Road, Pelsall. Tel 01922 693707. email thefingerpost@hotmail.co.uk
Manager: Steven Foster
Nice location beside the canal, good food and walkers welcome

(updated 25 February 2009)

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