Sandra and Derek wish to announce that they plan to retire at the end of 2008.

Back in 2006, when we both reached significant milestones in our lives, the subject of retirement arose and received much discussion. It was decided, for various reasons, that 2008 would be an appropriate time. Here we are nearing the end of the year and we have no reason to change the decision made three years ago.

So what does this mean?

The most important is the fact that we will not be arranging self-guided walking holidays in the future.

We hope that the name of Wycheway Country Walks will continue as we intend to continue leading some walks. These will mainly be on a voluntary basis.

Derek is a founder member of the organising committee for the Malvern Walking Festival and will continue to be involved with this project.

(In 2009 the festival will cover 9 days in early June, details, www.malvern-hills.info)

Before we turn the key on the office we must thank the many people who have helped us in our venture during the last 13 years.

We owe a huge vote of thanks to all those who have provided accommodation for our walkers. Without you we would not have had a business and we are grateful for the way that you have cared for our clients and for helping out when things may not have gone strictly according to plan.

We must also thank those who have carried the luggage, and occasionally, the tired walkers and taxis who have helped us out in many ways.

At the end of energetic day walkers look forward to a hearty evening meal and there are many pubs and restaurants who have admirably fulfilled that need. On some occasions it has been necessary to transport our clients to and from the nearest hostelry and we have been lucky in finding reliable transport to carry this out.

Lastly we must thank all of you, from more countries than we would ever have imagined, that have hopefully enjoyed our holidays. We have corresponded with all of you, spoken with some of you and met very few of you yet we feel that we know all of you, thank you.

We hope that our (foot) paths may cross again one day but until then, keep walking.

With best wishes,

Sandra and Derek

Wycheway Country Walks