Our first full day in Athens. Rather than actually visit one of the many sights we thought we’d just speend a day mooching about to get a feel for the city, lie of the land and all that. The main sights are all pretty close together so everything is very much walkable.
As Athens is packed with historical sights and each one has a detailed history, I’ll just make brief comments in the blog rather than typing out lengthy extracts or cutting and pasting. Safe to say we were really into the whole Greek civilisation thing with all the legends and stories that underpin in.
We took a walk over the northern end of the hill that sits between our neighbourhood and the central part of the city. Its a lovely area of rocky outcrops and trees and as ever hosts some fascinating remains. It also has more fine views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hills to the left.
This is the Hill of the Pnyx. It was the official meeting place of the Greek Democratic Assembly in the 5th Century BCE. In effect the very first site of democracy. The steps in the middle of the photo are where the speakers stood to address to the assembled people.
Not much remains but the fact you can see the Acropolis highlights how important this place was. Fascinating to stand where democracy was born (as it continues to die back home).
We wandered past the Acropolis, saving a proper visit for the next day (and the next post). This is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre, one of two theatres within the Acropolis.
No idea what this cute little bird was but he was very tame and let me get right up close to take a photo.
The Acropolis Museum where all the treasures from the site (bar some controversial exceptions) are now on display.
And the Roman town exposed beneath when they built it. More on both of these in a future post.
From there we walked through into Plaka.
Athens is quite a scruffy city in places although my view is that’s a Greek thing and more to do with the somewhat laid back attitude of the people rather than any deliberate neglect. It doesn’t really have an “old town” and Plaka is the nearest thing. Touristy but charming all the same.
We walked up the lovely stepped street of Mnisikleous to find a restaurant for lunch. They all looked good so we settled on this one who’s name I can’t remember but where the food was great and the staff friendly.
A perfect setting under the vines to soak up a little Greek hospitality.
More post lunch wandering to look for an ice cream shop.
This is the Roman Agora.
And its entrance Archway. Again, more on this in a future post.
This is Hadrians Library. Its one of the few of the main sights we never found time to look around. There is a surprising amount of Roman influence in Athens. Whilst still being invaders, they did respect the achievements of their Greek subjects. Hadrian built this to also house music and lecture rooms and was the largest structure he built in the city. It became the Civic Centre while the Agora was the market.
We ate our ice creams and moved on to Monastiraki Square, the heart of the city. This is the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Pantanassa in the square.
All the walking made us thirsty so we retired to what was to become a feature of the trip, afternoon drinks in a rooftop bar of which Athens has many.
Despite the photo I was very happy sat up there enjoying a nice fruit cocktail with a view to the Acropolis. One day I’ll learn to smile while taking a selfie.
Thunderstorms on the distant hills. It did this most afternoons but it never actually rained.
On our way back we visited Areopagus Hill. Referred to afterwards as the Slippery Rocks on account of the polished stone from thousands of visitors a day. It was here that Ares was tried by the gods for the murder of Poseidon’s son.
We came up here a few times and it became a favourite spot with som e great views over the north of the city.
And particularly over the Ancient Agora – you guessed it, more on that in a later post.
It also has a great view of the entrance steps and temples of the Acropolis.
Enough sightseeing for one day. Back to the apartment for a chill out before another fine meal in a local eatery. Took us the whole trip to work out Greek small plates are not in any way small but designed to be shared! To work off the overeating I took a stroll to look at the city at night. They light the Acropolis up to superb effect but its almost impossible to take a decent photo without a proper camera and tripod.
South over the city to the coast
The Philopappos Monument with the Acropolis behind
These closer shots didn’t come out too bad, probably as the lights weren’t shining directly at the camera/phone.
I was enjoying the night walk so much (even though I got lost in the woods a couple of times) so I carried on back to Areopagus Hill again. Walking around on those Slippery Rocks was quite a challenge in the dark. A great view of Lycabettus Hill
And probably the best picture of the Acropolis at night. Satisfied I headed back for good nights rest before the main event in the morning.
Time for something different. We’d been thinking about a spring city break but with all the expense of the new van I couldn’t put things together for an Easter trip like the one we did to Bruges last year.
Due to the working patterns for the beach funsters we thought we could put together a trip over the Spring Bank Holiday. After some discussions around finding some sunshine (we booked it in the dreary early spring) and scouring the flight schedules we settled on Athens.
But before all that Greek stuff, some flight photos.
Kinder Scout
Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs, the Great Ridge above Castleton behind.
Austrian Alps
And the Greek coastline.
An easy transfer across Athens and we were at our apartment for the weekend
It was stunning. The owner (who showed us round both the apartment and the local neighbourhood and was charm itself) had designed it himself.
It was more garden with house than the other way round.
The outside was all trees, shrubs and flowers
A little oasis of calm that was always a delight to return to after a long day’s sightseeing.
The inside had huge doors that opened completely to effectively bring the outside, inside as it were.
It was quirky, unusual and quite the best rented holiday accommodation I’ve ever stayed in.
Sitting, relaxing on the decking with a beer you had no idea you were in the heart of one of Europes biggest cities.
The local neighborhood felt real and lived in and we felt like the only tourists around. We tried most of the local restaurants and all were superb, friendly and cheap.
The little garden pathway that leads to the apartment.
Relaxing in the evening with all the doors open to the garden.
After settling in we went for a walk to the top of the nearby Philopappos Hill to get a feel for Athens.
Like most of the city, as we were to discover, there are ancient ruins everywhere. These are the remains of commercial buildings that lined a main road into the city.
As we climbed we started to get views across the massive sprawl of the city and the coast.
And eventually our very first view of the Acropolis and its iconic Parthenon Temple, Athens most famous sight and one of the most recognizable in the world.
There is quite a Roman influence in the city as they invaded as part of their empire expansion. The monument at the top of the hill is a memorial to a Roman Administrator
The views across the city were superb
It’s a superb spot to view the Acropolis.
City panorama from the top.
Looking out across the south of the city towards the coast and island of Aegina.
The monument and the Acropolis.
And a close up view of the Acropolis as we headed down to freshen up for our first Greek meal of the trip.
As a final treat we spotted our first tortoise ambling about the ruins. Lots more Athens stuff incoming in the next few posts – safe to say we were already falling in love with the city.
Another morning bathed in glorious sunshine. We packed up the van and headed to the north-west corner of the Gower, not a part I’ve visited before.
We parked up by Broughton Burrows and walked out through the large caravan site to the coast path
I’d always assumed that this corner was just dunes leading down to the sands but in fact its a rocky shoreline with some truly stunning beaches.
Its not one of the better known corners so the path was quiet with only a few people out for a stroll.
After a little look at one of my many Wild Swimming guides, it indicated a small rock pool deep enough for swimming.
Its called the Bluepool and you can see it at the bottom of the photo above.
Not only is the pool stunning but so is the beach it sits behind. A pristine expanse of sand.
We had to take a swim of course.
You can probably tell from the look on my face that the water was startlingly cold! Not unexpected this early in the year.
We also paddled in the waves and TBF took a very brief swim.
Despite the warm sunshine it really was just too cold to enjoy anything more than the briefest dip.
It was wonderfully refreshing and the situation just perfect.
Eventually we had to tear ourselves away as there was more of this little bit of coast to explore.
A last look at the Bluepool.
Quite a scramble to get from the cost path down to the beach.
The walk through the grassy dunes was a real delight especially on such a warm sunny morning.
At the far end is this small island called Burry Holms with another stunning beach.
This one was completely deserted and it was tempting for another swim – the memory of cold water was still fresh in the mind to cause us pause.
We had a wander across the sands.
We were still enjoying our good fortune that the weather had been so perfect.
I’d expected Burry Holms to be quite popular but there were just half a dozen people about. The paths were hard to find so it clearly doesn’t see many visitors.
Quite surprising when it has a spot like this overlooking Rhossili Bay for lunch.
We had a look around the island (its has some very scant ruins of an old settlement and church) before starting the walk back to the car.
The tide was fully out now so we chose to walk back along the sands, paddling around a couple of the headlands.
The last headlands before the Bluepool beach was quite deep to walk round. Luckily there was an arch through the cliffs.
TBF threading the needle.
We sat on the sands for a while but a chilly wind was blowing in across the bay so returned to the van for a cuppa before heading home.
So glad we visited this corner and its well worth seeking out.
One of the best things about the new van-life is how easy it is to head off for an impromptu trip – be spontaneous! It takes about an hour to prep everything ready to go, most of which is the food planning.
Going back to mid-May the forecast looked promising for a dry weekend with some sunshine. As you’ll see it turned out to be something of a cracker.
We pitched up at the excellent Pitton Cross site on the Gower, near Rhossili. We arrived in time for a brief stroll down to the cliffs to look at the sea before an evening meal of Chilli back at the van.
Next morning was a stunner, clear blue skies and warm sunshine. Time for an Al Fresco breakfast
We were planning a walk around the coast to Rhossili Bay and back over Rhossili Downs above the beach.
Its a stunning walk, this is the approach to the first beach at Mewslade Bay down a gorgeous, green limestone valley.
Mewslade Bay is an absolute corker. Whilst there is only a sandy beach exposed at low tide, the bay is backed by some truly spectacular rock outcrops and cliffs.
I expect this is the result of limestone rock exposed to the waves and wind.
We had a short stroll on the beach before pressing on along the coastal path.
A view back along the valley that leads to the beach.
And the beach we were walking on a few minutes before.
There are some seriously exposed rocky outcrops which have you peering down a couple of hundred feet straight to the sands, rocks and ocean.
One or two of the path sections are quite exposed although nothing too tricky.
However one or two of the narrow rocky aretes that overlook the beach are seriously exposed. I tried to wander to the end of this one before I lost my nerve.
The grassy meadows above the beach make for wonderful easy strolling on such a fine morning.
Another exposed rocky spire.
Looking out west to the next bay
There were lots of rock climbers on the cliffs. The routes looked pretty serious.
Looking back east to Mewslade Bay.
And the next beach, Fall Bay appears.
A fine stretch of sand but less dramatic than the towering cliffs and spires of Mewslade Bay.
Neither beach ever seems to appear in “best beach” reviews which is a real surprise.
Leaving Fall Bay behind the dramatic outline of Worms Head comes into view.
Wild ponies and lots of foals were putting on a show for the crowds.
Rhossili Bay does feature on many “best beach” lists so that, and the walk along the cliffs to Worms Head, make this a very popular area.
Despite the crowds we found a quiet, peaceful grassy picnic spot above the cliffs for lunch.
Fantastic views over Rhossili Bay and Worms Head.
Time to move on. We wanted to walk back along the the ridge of Rhossili Downs so we had a choice to walk across the sands or along the grassy terrace just above the beach.
Whilst a walk on the beach is always nice it can drag a bit so we chose the grassy option, which still had grand views across the sands.
Its a short steep climb up onto the ridge but the views are just superb.
The steepness and proximity to the sea give the hill a much greater felling of height than its modest 193m would suggest. Looking north across Llangennith beach to Burry Holms and beyond to Pembrokeshire.
And south to the first half of our walk.
We had another fine lunch stop among the rocks in the centre of the ridge.
Before reaching the summit of this grand mini-mountain.
Another “Small Hill with Disproportionately Great Views” to add to the book.
Just a short walk across the downs and the woodland to finish off a great walk
Back to the campsite for some R&R in the sunshine and a BBQ.
A brilliant day topped off by Man City clinching the Premier League title – deserving of a celebratory beer.
Sometimes the weather lets you down – sometimes it delivers far beyond expectations.
And finally the first truly warm, clear blue, sunny day of the year!
It was overcast when we set off from home but the forecast said it would clear and be better the further west you went so we headed to the Elan Valley.
First stop a really nice picnic area for breakfast.
The van makes this sort of thing so much easier with all the cooking stuff already in there.
It was a truly stunning day even better than the weather forecast.
We parked up at the base of the Rhiwnant valley with a plan to head up into the wild and lonely hills to the south of the reservoirs.
The Rhiwnant Valley is a stunner.
More on that later. Firstly there was bagging to be done.
This is the mighty Gorllwyn the most southerly Nuttall I haven’t done so it needed a tick. Its pretty soggy up here so a dry sunny day is the best time to do these hills.
Looking across to Drygarn Fawr to give a feel for what an empty wilderness it is up here.
TBF jumped at my suggestion to NOT trudge all the way out to a lonely hill and to sit in the sun and wait for me.
It was quite a walk to get out to the top and back and in places a very, very wet one. The hills still drying out after a wet winter and spring.
The summit achieved.
Summit selfie to celebrate.
After collecting TBF and having a well deserved lunch we headed off across the boggy moorland for Drygarn Fawr.
Its a fine summit with two massive beehive cairns. One of my favourite places.
We didn’t walk out to the highest point and the second of the cairns. We had another idea in mind.
Walking around here can be hard work and it takes a fair bit of concentration to thread together grassy sections and sheep trods, avoiding the tussocks. You really don’t want to end up in a tussock expanse around here.
Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountain on the horizon.
We found a pretty good route back down to the Rhiwnant Valley with only a few minor disagreements with the tussocks.
Our goal is ahead.
A fine waterfall as we reached the valley.
The path by the bubbling stream under a cloudless sky was a wonderful delight.
TBF making short work (well she is only 5 foot) of a stream crossing
This was our objective for second lunch.
A wonderful deep pool and waterfall. After a long walk in the sunshine what better way to finish off than…
A swim!
Its a deep pool and very cold, and as you can see from the colour of our legs in the water, very peaty!
A wonderful spot. and so far off the beaten track that its rare to see anyone here.
Another food break and a chance to relax in these superb surroundings.
Perfect!
Unlike previous visits, we walked along the north side of the river. This is much better as it follows closer to the river. There seemed to be several other swimming possibilities in small pools and ravines.
Riverside walking in a valley you have to yourself is a pretty fine way to spend a sunny Saturday.
Onto the home stretch.
And a last lingering look along the valley. What a fantastic day. And a Hill List tick into the bargain!
Since the turn of the year the UK weather had been very ordinary. Not terrible but days of blue sky and sunshine were few and far between with far too many days of grey, dreary skies. Once we got back from our trip to the Lake District, things began to improve, starting with this fine day out in the Shropshire Hills
We planned a breakfast by the car but we were late setting off from home so it was pretty much lunchtime by the time we ate.
Our go-to parking area for these parts is at Plush Hill. There is always plenty of space and its free – two ticks in the box there. It also has fine views over the northern Shropshire Hills, The Wrekin and Cheshire.
Our target for the day was The Lawley. Its a fine ridge that wouldn’t be out of place among much higher mountains.
Downside is its kind of out on its own to the north of the other hills and kind of tricky to fit in a route that takes in the full length of its splendid ridge.
We set out for some paths that looked like they would take us close to the north end of the ridge.
We passed through the gorgeous and evocatively named Gogbatch valley, another reminder that while the top of the Long Mynd is somewhat bland, the valleys that carve into its easter flank are stunning.
The paths across the farmland to The Lawley started off ok. Sadly it soon deteriorated into overgrown stiles, no way-marking and no paths through fields deep with crops. I had to wear waterproof over-trousers over my shorts to keep my legs dry and avoid them turning raw with nettle stings.The final straw was a field with some very aggressive cows on the right of way and an electric fence without a gate keeping them in. Luckily we found a way around the edge of the next field and climbed over a gate into more poorly marked paths and finally out to the relative comfort of the road. Its the second time I’ve had this problem around here so its clear the local farmers have zero respect for walkers and rights of way. Next time I’ll just stick to the lanes.
No matter how grumpy you are at such things, spirits are always lifted and the mists of frustration blown away on a ridge as fine as The Lawley.
At the first suitable spot we whipped out the chairs and sat down for a long break, communing once again with the joys of the Shropshire Hills.
There were a few other people enjoying the ridge but by and large its isolation keeps it quiet.
It was the first time this year that I’d felt warm on a walk
We set off for the summit. Quite a steep climb and the isolated location gives the ridge a more lofty feel than its 400m height would suggest.
It’s one of the best ridge walks I know and sadly over all too soon.
We had planned to climb Caer Caradoc as well. However our late start and all the various shenanigans of the day meant we didn’t have time – just as well as the climb to the top is brutally steep at the north end.
After a muddy start the path that traverses the base of the hill became a very nice grassy trod.
We descended back to the valley and crossed back to slopes of the Long Mynd with a great deal less incident than the outward leg.
The route back to Plush Hill takes you through the most gorgeous little valley with its bubbling stream.
Despite its beauty its doesn’t seem to have a name on the map.
You forget at this point that Plush Hill is quite elevated and its a very steep, if short, climb back up to the car.
Rewarded with a fine final view across to The Lawley and the Wrekin.
As expected Saturday was not as sunny as Friday evening.
It was grey and overcast but the cloud was high enough and it stayed dry.
One of our usual large groups set off for Middle Fell across the fields.
In many ways the weather doesn’t really matter all that much and neither does the route. The whole purpose of these gatherings is to meet friends, catch up, tell stories and engage in gentle banter and mickey-taking.
Buckbarrrow which has become one of my favourite little mountains over the years we’ve been coming here.
Looking back to the Wast Water Screes and Illgill Head from the climb to Middle Fell.
We decided a stop halfway up the steep climb was very much in order.
After Middle Fell we stopped for another bout of eating and chat. After which a few decided to climb Seatallan. The rest of us decided to walk straight around to Buckbarrow but even though Seatallan was in the cloud it would have been better to climb it – the route to Buckbarrow was hard work and decidely soggy underfoot.
On returning to the campsite we engaged in the time honoured British tradition of outdoor eating when its really too cold and chilly to do so!
The Sunday was, frustratingly and predictably, horrid. Heavy rain and low clouds for most of the day. We’ve been coming to this corner of the Lake District for well over 12 years and I’m struggling to remember the last time the Sunday wasn’t dreary, miserable and wet.
Luckily a few of the group gave up the idea of camping this year and rented a caravan. Very handy as it gives us campers somewhere to retreat to on a wet day.
We headed to the coast at Seascale in the afternoon in the hope the weather might be better and it was – very much so. We even had some blue sky and sunshine.
Despite the fact that Seascale has a kind of “left behind” tired look about it, I really like the place. It has free parking, a decent beach and a first class ice cream and tea shop.
We managed to sneak into the latter for a quick cuppa and some ice creams before it shut. Its become our go to place on a wet Lake District Sunday, and that’s ok with me.
Our last day started wet and with persistent and annoying little bursts of rain while packing up. A few hardy souls stayed on and decided to take a walk on our now traditional Monday outing towards Illgill Head above Wast Water.
As we climbed up towards the ridge there were tentative signs of an improvement in the weather.
The Isle of Man just visible on the horizon out west.
It was decidedly chilly for the time of year.
We managed to find a sheltered spot on the ridge for a long lunch.
The impressive defile of Greathall Gill.
We headed over Whin Rigg and the weather really started to brighten although the clouds were still down on the high summits
There is a spot between Whin Rigg and Illgill Head with a truly spectacular and vertiginous overview of Wast Water. There is a protruding rock that I refer to as the Diving Board that’s sensationally exposed. TBF does her duty and poses for the camera.
Sunshine starts to light up the fields at the end of the lake.
We took another short break to enjoy this most superb of spots.
Yewbarrow looking majestic above the lake.
Sadly the hour was late and we all had long drives to get home. One last final view along this classic lakeland valley before bidding fond farewells after another excellent weekend with friends.
May Day Bank Holiday Weekend is time for our annual gathering of old friends at our long term home at Church Stile campsite in Nether Wasdale.
For us, the first time in the new van and rather than arriving late at the campsite we took in an off-grid night in lonely Dunnerdale.
We found an excellent little spot and settled down for a cosy night in this very unspoilt and quiet corner of the Lake District.
TBF getting ready to settle in for the night.
The next day was a bit grey and dreary so a leisurely breakfast in our grand little spot was in order.
Our van in the centre of the photo.
We headed up to Seathwaite Tarn, not a place I’ve ever visited before.
Its a fine spot even on a grey day.
We had thought about heading up to the summits but it didn’t seem worth the bother with the cloud down so low. We satisfied ourselves with a circuit of the tarn. The path along the south shore was especially good and we enjoyed a fine lunch stop by the stream at the far end.
As we walked back down the weather improved a little and we had some decent views down over Dunnerdale.
We followed a fine little ridge down until it became a bit to steep and rocky. I really liked this part of the walk and look forward to coming back on a sunnier day.
We decided to follow the riverside path from Birks Bridge. We spent a very happy day with the Silverdale gang a few years back, climbing Harter Fell in the morning and swimming under the bridge in afternoon.
It was a bit too chilly for swimming today.
The riverside path was a disappointment. Overgrown, muddy and with hardly any views of the river.
We bailed out and took a path over High Tongue on our way back to the van.
We found a nice rocky spot for second lunch and the sun started to appear, weakly at first.
And then more widely as we lazed on the rocks.
Looking back up to the crags we descended. Seathwaite Tarn is up there somewhere.
It was gorgeously sunny when we arrived back at the van and things continued to move in a sunnier direction as we drove over to the campsite.
By the time we arrived it was stunning. We pitched up as our friends arrived to join us.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen the trees in blossom on previous visits.
It was stunning.
Pitched up for the weekend.
All that was left was to walk over to the pub and join everyone for a few beers and a slap up meal at the local pub. Would the weather remain sunny an d blue for the rest of the weekend. Spoiler alert – it didn’t!
Quick post while I have a few spare minutes between enjoying the sunshine.
A day out in London to watch Man City play in the FA Cup Semi-Final. We’ve taken to enjoying a day out for those games when we can get a ticket. Long way for UF and the Prof but for me it’s just over 3 hours from my front door to stepping out on the South Bank walk by the Thames.
Its one of my favourite walks and despite an ordinary forecast it was warm and sunny. Views across to the skyscrapers of the City of London. The skyline seems forever changing and the Natwest Tower (the dark tower on the left), which used to be the highest, now dwarfed by other buildings.
The Shard. Great to look at, expensive to go up!
After a cracking Venison Burger in Borough Market we hopped on a train to Greenwich. We snagged a riverside table at the Trafalgar Inn and had a couple of very enjoyable pints and some bar snacks overlooking the Thames and the O2 Arena.
No trip to London is complete without a walk through the Greenwich foot tunnel and a trip on the Docklands Light Railway through Canary Wharf. We even managed to slip in a trip on the new Elizabeth Line to see how the £20+ Billions had been spent.
And then along to Wembley and the classic walk down Wembley Way (or Olympic Way as I believe its now called). Good natured banter with the opposition fans from Sheffield United.
Its always fun to watch a match at Wembley although the game was a little one sided. A grand day out though as Wallace and Gromit would have said
Back to the Easter break and another weekend in the “van-life” adventures. We’d arranged to meet THO and his missus (and dog!) for a bit of an explore of the North Somerset Coast around Porlock and Minehead.
As we drove in the weather was appalling, heavy rain and low cloud were the order of the day. As we approached the campsite (the very excellent and laid-back Burrowhayes Farm) the rain stopped and there was some semblance of blue sky.
By the time we’d pitched up, side by side in our respective campers it was a glorious sunny late evening.
Time for chilli and beers.
Next morning was a stunner. Cloudless blue skies all round.
I’ve not done much walking around here, in fact, none at all. I was keen to take a look at Selworthy Beacon as its sits over 1000 feet above the sea (and not just because it ticked a Marilyn box for me!). You can drive to the top and as you can see the views are magnificent.
Losts of potential routes and paths including the “Rugged” Coast Path!
Equally good view inland to the hills of Exmoor, here looking at the highest point of Dunkery Beacon.
The view over Porlock Weir and beach and into North Devon.
Bossington Hill.
Looking out over the Bristol Channel.
Our little four legged friend Mac. Reminding me just what a an extra pleasure it is to take a walk with a dog.
We found a wonderful perch overlooking the sea for first lunch.
Before walking along the twists and turns of the SW Coast path.
A fabulous path perched above the sea but never actually particularly rugged.
The contrast between the blues of the sea & sky, the greens of the grass and the bright yellows of the gorse was magnificent.
TBF poses for a photo.
A sharp dip into and out of a little stream filled valley.
We ate up the miles on good paths.
On the way back I took a small detour to claim the summit of Selworthy Beacon. Box ticked!
Superb walk!
Back to the campsite for a BBQ and a very convivial evening comparing VW and Ford Campers!
It was no great surprise that the next day was grey and dreary. The weather for the first 4 months of the year had delivered a seemingly endless pattern of grey days with just the odd day of sunshine.
We took the short drive and walk to claim Dunkery Beacon. Here looking back to our hill from yesterday.
It wasn’t a day to be on the high moors so we finished off the weekend with a trip to the ancient Clapper Bridge at Tarr Steps.
I remember coming here as a kid and loving it. A bit sad therefore to see that winter storms had damaged it and you can’t cross it at the moment. Repairs are planned.
We took a walk along the river Barle whuchg was very fine.
It would be a superb walk on a sunny summers day and there are plenty of spots to take a swim.
We walked back and bid farewell to our van-life companions and headed home. A cracking good weekend and area with loads of stuff to do, return trips are needed.
I spend alot of my time surfing the web looking for ideas on places to go, walking routes, travel ideas and tips to plan the perfect holiday or day out. (I'm a project manager I like to plan). I thought it was time to share my own experiences and contribute to the vast amounts in information that's already out there.
I'll also add in some gear and tech reviews and when something irks me I may even use this forum to have a rant - I do that pretty well I'm told.There are a few pages at the top that give a bit of background to what I like to get up to and what you can expect to see in my posts. I'm not exactly a creative writer but I hope some people will find my stuff useful or inpsiring or at least enjoy some of my photos.
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