Archive for the ‘around the UK’ Category
Is it hot? Or is it π₯΅ hot?
Posted in around the UK, tagged climate change, hot, UK heatwave on July 19, 2022| 5 Comments »
16th Century Houses
Posted in around the UK, Churches of the UK, Domesday Villages of England, historical houses of the uk, project 101, villages of the United Kingdom, tagged domesday book village, Domesday Book villages visited for Project 101, history, medieval houses, Stanford Dingley, Travel on June 19, 2022| 2 Comments »
In my line of work I travel a lot and often get to stay in fabulous, centuries old houses in quirky villages, many of which are mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book.
I’m currently working and staying in this fabulous 16th century, listed house. The main part of the house is in this image; a quintessential English house. The rest of the house which leads off to the right is added onto and a converted barn.
It’s a twisty, winding type of house with long passages and rooms leading off; the exterior replicates the original house. It’s just gorgeous
The village nearby is indeed a Domesday Book village with a fantastic old church that retains vestiges of the original medieval wall paintings/decorations.
The village of Stanford Dingley is a good walk through fields of long grass awash with buttercups, and along shady woodland lanes. The village is ever so pretty under normal circumstances, but look so gay and colourful with the Platinum Jubilee bunting and flags.
I love the plaque that’s been installed near the pub
Is it too late?
Posted in around the UK, conqueror challenges, Fun Stuff, gratitude, It's my life, Travel, tagged conqueror virtual challenges 2021, conqueror virtual challenges 2022, happy new year, walking on January 14, 2022| 11 Comments »
To say Happy New Year πππ
I’ve been awfully slack these last few months and after my computer kicked the bucket I simply did not have the will to write up a post using one finger π π€ͺπ€ͺ
So yeah. Thought I’d better at least get one post up before you’ll think I’ve done a runner πππΆπΌββοΈπΆπΌββοΈ
I’m hoping to buy a new (refurbished) machine soon and then I can get back to writing.
I’m pleased to say I made my walking target of 3200kms for 2021, although it was very tough going the last few weeks of 2021 and my daily targets were exhausting, but I did it πππ
I’ve set a lower target of 2022kms for 2022…give my body a break π
Wishing you all a happy, safe, healthy, wonderful New Year for 2022
Clapham Common
Posted in around the UK, cities and towns of the UK, conqueror challenges, Domesday Villages of England, It's my life, project 101, Travel, walk 1000 miles 2021, tagged addicted to walking, adventures in london, baby boomers travel, Clapham Common, conqueror virtual challenges 2021, domesday book villages england on November 16, 2021| 8 Comments »
I’m working near to Clapham Common for the next 12 days. I never knew it was so pretty.
This is going to be a relatively easy booking, but quite boring with nothing much to do. I may just get to start and finish (hopefully) my September blogs – it will all depend on whether or not my laptop is still operational.
From Wikipedia: At over 85 hectares in size, Clapham Common is one of Londonβs largest, and oldest, public open spaces, situated between Clapham, Battersea and Balham.
Clapham Common is mentioned as far back as 1086 in the famous βDomesday Bookβ, and it was originally βcommon landβ for the Manors of Battersea and Clapham. βCommonersβ β tenants of the Lords of the Manors, could graze their livestock, collect firewood or dig for clay and other minerals on the site“.
Whoop whoop, another Domesday Book place.
Lots of space for walking, and I’m planning on finishing the Ring Road Iceland by Wednesday next week π€π€π€ and starting the Romantic Road, Germany virtual challenge.
Tomorrow I shall go walkabout and look out for interesting architecture.
The end of the line; 84 miles along Hadrian’s Wall
Posted in around the UK, Hadrian's Wall, It's my life, long distance walks - solo, Northumberland coast path, Travel, Uncategorized, UNESCO Heritage Sites, walk 1000 miles 2021, walks around the UK, tagged followed travel baby boomers travel, long distance walking, walking hadrians wall, walking the Northumberland Coast Path on September 22, 2021| 6 Comments »
Hello ππ I’m back. And it done. Yes, I reached Banks at Fort Maia (aka Bowness on Solway) at 15:14 yesterday 21.09.21 π
The first thing I did was phone my daughter and sob ππ We had a lovely long chat and she did a photo of me at the hut via WhatsApp video. Technology eh!!
So I guess this post is jumping the gun a wee bit since I haven’t really posted much about my journey since 1st September when I started my journey at the Scottish border near Berwick Upon Tweed…but I really wanted to share this with you now, and later I’ll jump back in time and update you on my adventures.
In summary it’s been an amazing experience. Hard at times with days when I hit a wall of exhaustion, but other days that were a sheer joy.
Oh the things I have seen and the places I have been….every day a new door to open on vistas and adventure. And have I had some amazing adventures….but all will be told in time.
Meanwhile, here I am at Banks at the end of the 84 miles National Trail of Hadrian’sWay, and finally I can legitimately wear my cap ππ ‘I’ve Walked Hadrians Wall’.
I have to give a shout out to Gemini, my walking poles.Β Without them I would not have been able to complete the walk. They saved me from stumbling (many times), helped me haul myself up inclines, and steadied me going down vertiginous descents. They kept my balance on rough paths and helped me jump over muddy puddles. They are invaluable and I am so grateful for their constant presence…they are like an extension of my body now, and we’ve been walking together for 5 years. Unlike me, they’ve had 3 sets of new feet and still going strong.
I’ll get onto my laptop soon and catch up….from the Scottish Border near Berwick Upon Tweed on the east coast of Northumberland, to the west coast of Cumbria; Bowness on Solway – 421 kms (263 miles) North to South along the Northumberland Coast Path and East to West along Hadrian’s Way.
Done and dusted (except for 12kms between Craster Harbour and Alnwick…but more about that later ππ
Day 17 and Day 8
Posted in around the UK, Castles of UK and Ireland, cities and towns of the UK, conqueror challenges, Fun Stuff, gratitude, Hadrian's Wall, Historical, It's my life, long distance walks - solo, Northumberland coast path, seaside towns of Britain, Travel, UNESCO Heritage Sites, walk 1000 miles 2021, walks around the UK, tagged adventure, baby boomers travel, long distance walking, solo travel, walk1000miles, walking hadrians wall, walking the England coast path, walking the Northumberland Coast Path on September 17, 2021| 4 Comments »
Yes, unbelievably it’s Day 17 of my walking adventure and Day 8 of my jaunt along Hadrian’s Wall, so I thought I’d pop in and give a quick update.
I had hoped to update you on a daily basis as mentioned before, but oh my gosh, the most I could manage was to eat (not even every night), shower, repack Pepe, and then bed. And repeat.
As per the title, I’m now starting Day 17 of my adventure, and Day 8 of my walk across country from North Shields; Segedunum Fort to Bowness-On-Solway, along Hadrian’s Wall. What an experience it has been. I’ve taken hundreds of photos and will share some of them in due course when I get the time, and energy to write β ππ….so….here I am
Relaxing in bed in Brampton, watching a stunning sunrise and thinking back over the last 16 days.. it’s been a truly epic journey.
When I first planned on adding the Northumberland Coast Path to my Hadrian’s Wall adventure, I never for one minute doubted I’d be able to do it. But I also had no idea of what lay ahead. If I had, I might not have been quite so confident. But now that I’m near the end, and with the easy stretches ahead, I’m astounded I managed to get this far, and certainly amazed I’m still standing…well at the moment I’m lying down πππ
But, geez, I never imagined I would do quite as much walking as what I have. It’s been epic. Every day has brought its own joy, and pain, and laughter, and lots of “OMG that’s amazing” moments; reaching the border with Scotland, the dolphins off Farne Islands, seeing that bridge in Berwick Upon Tweed, traversing the bloody Blythe River estuary π€ͺπ€ͺ, visiting St Mary’s Lighthouse, the wonderful beaches of Northumberland, the many castles – all different and unique in their own way, reaching Tynemouth, the bridges of Newcastle, visiting Arbeia Roman Fort, discovering the first section of the Wall at Heddon on the Wall, seeing the ascent and then descent as I climbed the first ridge on Hadrian’s Wall (I truly do not know how I did all those), seeing the tree at Sycamore Gap from the top of the ridge and suddenly realising what it was ππ, exploring the forts and carrying my backpack for 32kms on what was the hottest day of my whole journey…unreal.
I just wish I hadn’t been so tired at the end of each day, I’d have liked to write down the daily experiences…but it was all I could do just to upload some photos before crashing. I’m looking forward to calculating my distances. But one of the best aspects of this journey has been the many, many lovely people I have met along the way, especially on Hadrian’s Way…truly epic.
And the journey continues
Posted in around the UK, england coast path, Fun Stuff, idiot category, It's my life, long distance walks - solo, Northumberland coast path, Travel, tagged long distance walking, solo travel, walking the Northumberland Coast Path on September 3, 2021| 2 Comments »
Hi everyone, I’m still alive. Just such long days and soooo tired I just couldn’t face anything except bed.
But I wanted to pop in and say that all is well, I’m having a thoroughly good time. This country is amazing and I will have to share it all when I am not totally exhausted.
However I have to share today’s adventure which was totally unexpected…after I had visited Bamburgh Castle and Seahouses, I went back to Belford…
And then I set off along the next stage of the Northumberland Coast Path, from Belford to Fenwick… and enroute I ended up on a completely different adventure… All went well up until that pic with the gate…a sign that was meant to be there wasn’t and after a good 90 minutes of walking, and walking and wondering when I was going to see the next signpost, I ended up at a farm. I spotted a gentleman working on some machinery, so meandered over and said “excuse me, I’m so sorry to bother you but am I on the Northumberland Coast Path?”….the answer was short and to the point “no”. Oh geez. Anyway after much discussion, he offered to drive me back to the gate where I was meant to turn off….and a teeny tiny plea from me “I don’t suppose you’d consider taking me all the way to Fenwick..only the last bus is at 6.45 ,and if I walk back, I’m going to miss it”. So blow me down if he didn’t actually drive me all the way!! It was quite thrilling actually, racing along the tracks at 60 kms per hour in a farm cart of sorts, scattering deer, and rabbits and pheasants as we went in my defence, he said that a signboard wasn’t where it was meant to be. So he took me all the way to the bus stop and we got there 5 minutes before my bus was due. The map shows where I ended up. In Holborn, and I should have been in Fenwick…which was miles away. When he dropped me off, I said “you Sir, are a true gentleman” to which he replied “I’ve been called many things, but never a gentleman “.
He also said I wasn’t the first, and probably wouldn’t be the last!! Clearly he’s had people ending up at his farm before!
Other than that, I’ve been to Lindisfarne (yesterday) absolutely fantastic. Didn’t get lost walking back πππ
And today I visited Bamburgh Castle – stunning place!! And the seaside town of Seahouses…so cute!!
Day 1 NCP – Berwick Upon Tweed
Posted in around the UK, cities and towns of the UK, conqueror challenges, england coast path, gratitude, Health, Historical, It's my life, long distance walks - solo, Northumberland coast path, project 101, Travel, Uncategorized, walk 1000 miles 2021, walks around the UK, tagged baby boomers travel, Berwick Upon Tweed, English Coast Path, long distance walking, Northumberland coast path, solo walking, walk1000miles, walking Northumberland Coast Path on September 1, 2021| 4 Comments »
Day 1 done and dusted ππ I had a completely uneventful journey, ever so quick from King’s Cross to Berwick…and boy are those trains fast!!
Arrived in Berwick to the most glorious weather and scooted quickly over to the castle ruins. I didn’t go right into the keep coz it closes at 4pm and I got there at just on 3.54…but I had a good look around and then headed back up the million steps I’d just walked down π€ͺπ€ͺ Google maps doesn’t show how steep some places are!!
The Airbnb is lovely and the host is amazing…there’s a gorgeous ginger cat and a beautiful golden labrador, so I have had lots of kisses and cuddles.
As soon as I had dropped off my backpack, I grabbed my day pack and headed north yo the Scottish border. OMG what a path!! The views were spectacular but the path was hell!! For the most part it ran right along the very edge of the cliffs with just a tuft of grass between the walker and the vertiginous cliffs that fall 100s of feet down to the sea. The North Sea in case you wondered.
A local suggested I walk along the above ‘path’ because the real path “is a bit rough, and this is a lovely wee walk” – well he wasn’t wrong about the path, but this was no better and I crossed the edge of a potato field to the path as soon as I could. I’m thinking he’s never walked to the border before…
However, despite the awful path and the daunting propect of a twisted ankle on a very narrow and uneven path, and the fading light, I’m so glad I made the effort to walk up to the border and back
The views are absolutely spectacular.
Once I got back to town I had a quick whizz around and walked a small section of the town ramparts, which are just amazing with awesome views of the river and estuary.
I got back to the b&b at just on 9pm and having missed the fish and chip shop, I had 2 cup a soup and a cup of tea.
In all a terrific start to my Northumberland Coast adventure. Just on 17kms covered.
I’ve added some of the history of Berwick in case you’re interested π
Berwick is just four miles south of the Scottish Border, but during the last 300 years, control of the town swapped 13 times between England and Scotland. Berwickβs Elizabethan town walls are the most intact in England, and were Elizabeth Iβs biggest and most expensive project during her reign to keep firm control of this key town.
https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/explore/destinations/towns-villages/berwick-upon-tweed
Situated at the mouth of the River Tweed near the border of two kingdoms, the town of Berwick suffered centuries of conflict, as control of the town passed back and forward between England and Scotland until the late 17th century. Each crisis brought repairs and improvements to the fortifications, culminating in the great artillery ramparts begun in 1558. These survive largely intact and make Berwick one of the most important fortified towns of Europe.
Berwick’s town walls are its most famous piece of architecture and still stand strong today, hundreds of years after they were built. Berwick actually has two sets of walls, the first set (of which only fragments now remain), commenced by Edward I, was two miles long. The later Elizabethan Walls (which are still complete) are a mile and a-quarter in length. The ramparts completely surround the town, with four gates through which entry to the town is enabled.
Berwick’s Elizabethan Walls are the only example of bastioned town walls in Britain and one of the best preserved examples in Europe. When built in 1558 – designed to keep out the marauding Scots who regularly laid claim to the town – it was the most expensive undertaking of England’s Golden Age.
Andddd breathe!!!
Posted in around the UK, conqueror challenges, england coast path, Hadrian's Wall, It's my life, long distance walks - solo, Northumberland coast path, Travel, UNESCO Heritage Sites, walk 1000 miles 2021, tagged baby boomers travel, Country Walking, long distance walking, solo walking, walking hadrians wall, walking Northumberland Coast Path on September 1, 2021| 3 Comments »
Andddd….breathe!!! π€ͺπ€ͺπ€ͺ geez, I don’t remember being this tense when I set off for my Camino in 2017!! Probably coz I didn’t fully appreciate what was ahead.Β But now I do. π€π€
My heart is racing and I’m on the edge of crying..copiously ππ But I’m as ready as I can be. I’ve trained, I’ve packed and repacked, taken stuff out, put other stuff in, researched just about every inch of both routes, noted all dates, times, accommodation, excursions, reference numbers, telephone numberset etc etc so nothing left to be done, but πΆββοΈπΆββοΈπΆββοΈπΆββοΈ Whewwww. Cor blimey!!
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