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This year's tour takes us from The Bluff to St Julian as we follow five walks to discover the stories and memories of the immortal Salient. From the origins of the campaign in December 1914 at Gheluvelt through to the muddy November fighting in the shadow of the Passchendaele Ridge, this comprehensive small group walking tour is a must of anyone with an interest in the Ypres Salient.
Day 1 - Travel from the UK to our mainstay hotel in Dixsmuide.
Day 2 - Walk
One PZanvoorde to Gheluvelt, from the impressive Household Cavalry Memorial we study the 1914 fighting and visit Zanvoorde CWGC. We then cover the ground to Gheluvelt where we visit the memorials to the South Wales Borderers and Worcestershire Regiments gallant actions in the opening months before ending at the gates to the famous chateau scene of bitter fighting in October 1914.
Walk Two Zillebeke, starting at Transport Farm CWGC we follow the path of the British soldier through the gun lines that flanked Zillebeke Lake up to the old front line. After a visit to the Aristocrats Cemetery in Zillebeke we move to Perth China Wall, scene of the longest duckboard track on the Western Front before visiting Birr X Roads CWGC and ending at the site of Rifle Farm overlooking Hell Fire Corner.
Day
3 - Walk Three The Bluff – From the old Brigade HQ at Lankoff Farm we follow the Kingsway up to Spoilbank CWGC. After passing Chester Farm we make our way up the line past the defended locks to end at Oak Dump CWGC.
PM – Lunch at Varlet Farm before a visit to the Zonnebeke Chateau Museum & Tynecot
Day
4 - Walk Four Polygon Wood – Beginning at Clapham Junction we pass Fitzclarence Farm on route to Black Watch Corner, entering Polygon Wood we discover the bunkers hidden within before ending at the beautiful Buttes New Military Cemetery.
Walk FiveFrom New Irish Farm we follow Admirals Road to Cheddar Villas via Mousetrap Farm. Passing Kitcheners Wood we cross the Steenbeek River ending at St Julian Dressing Station CWGC.
Day
5 - Travel back to the UK via a visit to the Trenches of death and Vladslo German Cemetery.
* Please note the November departure is based around the Armistice commemorations and a morning in Ypres on the 11th replacing the afternoon at Varlet Farm and Zonnebeke Chateau. All 5 walks will remain on the itinerary.
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