What a wonderful way to see in the New Year. I joined a group of about 40 solo travellers for three days of walking and friendly fun filled evenings.
I took the ferry from Southampton which was a good choice as those travelling from Lymington Pier had their ferry cancelled due to fog. They all arrived a few hours later.
The weather cleared and we had a choice of three beautiful walks each day.
Freshwater House is ideally situated in a very quiet spot at the bottom of Tennyson Down. Stunning coastal walks to be had in both directions. The walk leaders were very knowledgable and fun, giving us local information as we walked. A fantastic picnic lunch was provided each day plus sumptuous breakfasts and suppers. The house has recently been refurbished to a very high standard.
Each evening would begin with a brief of each walk. We then made a choice – easy, medium or hard but were free to change our minds in the morning if we wanted.
we would all then dine at the same time, sitting on round tables and being encouraged to move around each night. After supper we would have something like a quiz apart from NY Eve where we had hilarious games around the table followed by a really good ceilidh with a fantastic band. At midnight, champagne appeared followed by cheese and wine. Such fun. We had arrived as strangers but left feeling as though we’d celebrated New Year with a group of friends. Good for anyone who enjoys walking and socialising but especially good for people in their own. I had had two offers for NY but nothing would have compared with this.
“For information”:https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/country-houses/freshwater-bay/
