If you are ever curious as to what happens on a U3A Hostelling or Trail Walking trip or wondered if it was for you , read on, as this may just convince you that it is.

This spring , a 14 strong group headed for the YHA in Swanage . We were as varied a collection of people as you could imagine, in gender, age, fitness and breakfast choices! We had those who enjoyed a small amble round the town and seafront of Swanage enjoying the good weather and ice creams, those who preferred bus or steam train journeys to nearby Corfe Castle, Sandbanks or Studland and those who chose a good 12-15 mile walk along beautiful cliff paths. And of course, the more intrepid among us who enjoyed an exhilarating speed boat trip viewing the Jurassic coast from a more spectacular angle.

One of the attractions of hostelling is that we usually all meet in the evening for a catch up on the day’s events over a tea, coffee or something stronger, at the venue or somewhere in the locality, as we did this trip at the local Tapas bar.

We also come across interesting people that we would not normally meet. This trip alone, we met a retired lady who spends her time scuba diving off coasts all over the world and an Aussie viola player of some quality who joined us for chats.

We were fortunate to arrange for a local group of sea shanty singers to come and entertain us, and a few of our group were happy to get up and join in, and yes, the girl with the viola joined us in a rendition of Waltzing Matilda .

Having fun, as well as broadening the mind, are our aims, be that individually or in groups. Some chose solo trips during the day where they could wander at their own pace through the picture postcard hamlet of Worth Matravers, others enjoyed the camaraderie and comfort of a group (getting stung when friends are watching is much funnier than when you are on your own – well, for the friends it is )

Of course, we can never guarantee the weather, the quality of local beer , the crispiness of the batter on fish and chips or the variety of vegan options on offer, but we can guarantee you will come home enriched by your experience.