Fun Stuff | Not Just a Granny

Archive for the ‘Fun Stuff’ Category

Offa’s muddy Dyke

Posted in around the UK, Fun Stuff, It's my life, Travel, walk 1000 miles 2017, walks around the UK, tagged a walk along offas dyke, Country Walking, http://notjustagranny.com/2017/07/23/day-one-southwark-to-gravesend/, http://notjustagranny.com/2017/08/25/way-of-st-augustine-day-1/, long distance walks in the uk, long distance walks in wales, map my walk, montgomery wales, travel blogging, travel diaries, walk 1000 miles, walk offas dyke wales, walking in the uk, walks in the uk, yellow publications maps on January 11, 2018| Leave a Comment »

After a number of overcast, wintry days, yesterday dawned bright and sunny and no frost… Perfect for an adventure. Our neighbour loaned me his map of the Montgomery area showing various walks (yellow publications), and suggested a local walk that would take in a section of Offa’s Dyke; (Offa, the Anglo-Saxon king of Mercia from 757 until his death in July 796 – had a great dyke built between Wales and Mercia from sea to sea). This border between Wales and England was built to prevent the Welsh from infiltrating the country. Not sure why they thought it was a good idea, but on closer research it may well have been a defensive wall.

walk offas dyke wales, a walk along offas dyke, long distance walks in wales, long distance walks in the uk, walking in the uk, walks in the uk, walk 1000 miles, country walking, travel diaries, montgomery wales

can’t complain about that view

Kitted out with shoes and poles I set off with determination. To reach the section where I planned to walk was a fair trot from the village and my initial terrain was a good solid tarmac road. The route goes through Lymore Park and farmland. All went well, I passed the Lower Pond and a farm, crossing multiple cattle grids and eventually reached the border between Montgomeryshire and Shropshire where I encountered #4 cattle grid (urgh, they are horrible to walk across), and a field of dozy sheep. They are such silly creatures.

dozy sheep. Offa’s Dyke path

Starting off along the path, I was sceptical as to how good an idea this was going to be…the path was a slushy, muddy morass…mostly churned up by previous walkers and a few horses, and I considered retracing my steps and leaving it for another day. But my philosophy in life is: do it while you are here, it may be the only opportunity you have.

along the dyke….the walking was not pleasant…although the scenery was lovely

So with that in mind, I started walking along the path… Mud, mud not so glorious mud. Slushy, mushy, slimy, grimy mud. The first 3 sections were just bloody awful and I spent a lot of time trying to find stable spots to place my shoes without slipping or getting too dirty. Sloshing through craftily hidden pooled water, standing on tussocks that were not as stable as they looked, slipping and sliding as I attempted to get from one spot to another and accompanied with lots of laughter, cussing and wtf am I doing, I later forded a small rushing stream; a very tricky section that was a sheer, unadulterated quagmire. Creeping gingerly beneath overhanging branches, my poles planted firmly before advancing, I made it safely and relatively dry, albeit a tad more muddy, across the wee bridge, but after walking some distance further I realised /discovered I’d gone off course, so had to back-track and ford the stream once again. OMG!! Seriously.

this is where I went wrong…

going back….fording a stream…the ground on the other side of the stile was a quagmire

I didn’t escape unscathed this time around. After crossing back over the bridge and stile, I surveyed the immediate terrain and spotted what looked like a stable spot. Alas it was not so…instead, as I trod down my foot sank ankle deep into mud that sucked at my shoe, reluctant to let it go 😱😱 After a bit of a tussle, hanging onto my walking poles for dear life trying to stay upright, I won….The mud finally released my shoe with a sucky slurk. However my shoe was now completely covered in thick mucky mud.

I won the tussle 🙂

Onwards…. I found the track once again (thank you mapmywalk), and from thereon the terrain was fairly stable and a lot less muddy albeit still churned up in places..and those hidden pools. Sigh.

Offa’s Dyke as I thought it would be….how gorgeous is that stream

Offa’s Dyke; now that’s more like it

Offa’s Dyke – a long distance walk on the border between England and Wales

6.53 kms and 1.55 hours later and my shoes and walking pants were in the washing machine. 🤔🤔🤔🤔 That was a quite insane walk.

map my walk

Well worth it though, the countryside here is astoundingly beautiful. As with most of the UK, Wales and the bordering English county of Shropshire are stunning. Much of the land here is given over to farming and raising sheep or horses. Dotted across green fields are huge trees, now bereft of their summer greenery, but nonetheless absolutely stunning. I actually prefer to see trees without their leaves; far more interesting.

And as weird and exhausting as it was, I felt it was good practice for any UK walks I have planned… It rains a lot in this country (duh!! who’d have guessed?) and there’s no way I’ll enjoy the kind of weather I had in Portugal and Spain in September 2017.

camino de santiago, portuguese coastal route, porto to santiago, viana do castelo to caminha, visit portugal

I loved walking alongside the ocean. I stopped off in this area to rest and just enjoy the scenery

It’s given me pause for thought in terms of my shoes. I may/will have to invest in something more hardy. I was just glad I didn’t have my backpack on when my shoe got stuck in the mud… That could have caused a different outcome in my tussle for possession. and once again I had occasion to be thankful for my walking poles. Truly, I will never walk any long distances without them ever again. They have saved my ass so many times; on the Camino and certainly on the many walks I have undertaken in the UK; my Canterbury Tales & Way of St Augustine

More about Offa’s Dyke: ref wikipedia

Offa’s Dyke (Welsh: Clawdd Offa) is a large linear earthwork that roughly follows the current border between England and Wales. The structure is named after Offa, the Anglo-Saxon king of Mercia from AD 757 until 796, who is traditionally believed to have ordered its construction. Although its precise original purpose is debated, it delineated the border between Anglian Mercia and the Welsh kingdom of Powys.

The Dyke, which was up to 65 feet (20 m) wide (including its flanking ditch) and 8 feet (2.4 m) high, traversed low ground, hills and rivers. Today the earthwork is protected as a scheduled monument. Some of its route is followed by the Offa’s Dyke Path; a 176-mile (283 km) long-distance footpath that runs between Liverpool Bay in the north and the Severn Estuary in the south.

A scheduled monument is a “nationally important” archaeological site or historic building, given protection against unauthorised change.

Read Full Post »

Walk 1000 Miles 2018

Posted in around the UK, cities and towns of the UK, Fun Stuff, It's my life, seaside towns of Britain, walk 1000 miles 2017, tagged blogging, broadstairs, capturing britain, seaside towns of the uk, sunrise, travel diaries, walk 1000 miles, winter walks, wordpress on January 7, 2018| Leave a Comment »

2018 did not get off to as good a start as 2017…..it was wet and cold and frankly, just miserable, ergo I didn’t get to start my #walk1000miles challenge till 3rd January. Thankfully the day dawned bright and I woke early. I had been longing to get out for a nice long walk but didn’t fancy walking in cold rain. 😉 It’s one thing walking in rain on a hot day, but cold? No thanks.

I didn’t manage a very long walk after all due to the fact that not only was I due to be leaving for Wales just after lunch time, but I moved house (within a house) and was in the process of sorting through my possessions…..I’m currently downsizing and oh my gosh have I accumulated a LOT of stuff since arriving in the UK in 2001. Truly??? Insane. Although to be fair to myself it is mostly travel mementos, travel diaries, a LOT of postcards (whyyy???), plenty of mugs from places I visited over the years, some clothes and a lot of books. It’s been quite difficult really deciding what to keep and what to throw away.

So putting the sorting and packing aside I set off just after 7.30am for a brisk walk and to watch the sun rise. It’s been ages since I got to watch the sunrise and I was longing to enjoy that feeling of joy as it rises above the horizon….a new day and I was still alive….what a privilege. Viking Bay looked absolutely gorgeous, the tide far out, the beach virtually deserted and the sky a palette of pastels.

walk 1000 miles, winter walks, sunrise, broadstairs, capturing britain

Viking Bay, Broadstairs, Isle of Thanet

With a brisk wind at my back I strode purposefully along the promenade to Louisa Bay and down the slipway to the beach. The tide was out and made walking along the crispy sands an absolute must. Cold, crispy, fresh sea air blew vigorously around me whipping my hair into my face and bringing tears to my eyes with the chill of it.

The beach looked like an alien landscape; deep swirled holes potted the beach, carved out by the crazy seas after yesterday’s storm.

Louisa Bay; an alien landscape

I watched as I walked; the sky lightened and turned a soft pastel pink, that delicious colour you get during early winter mornings. Slowly the colours changed as the sun rose higher and then to my delight it started to peep above the horizon….up and up it rose, slowly brightening the sky till the disc of gold was full in the sky…..time to go home.

Sunrise 03.01.2018

I had by then walked a fair distance and out along a spit of stones and rocks right out beyond the shore line. I had noticed the tide slowly creeping closer and as soon as it touched my toes I turned to return to the shore….I did not fancy being cut off by the tide closing in behind me.

Going back was a little quicker as the wind had picked up and was pushing hard at my back. Now I could truly not see much with my hair slapping against my cheeks, flying about above my head like a dervish. The wind skimmed vigorously along the beach whipping the sand into a frenzy and blinding the unwary as it flew into the air. White horses crested the waves that were now rising higher and higher with the wind pushing from behind.

Dogs and owners scurried along, dogs chasing leaves and debris, owners chasing their recalcitrant pets.

Looking back, the sun shone like a golden disc above the choppy seas, a shiny gold path reflecting on the wet beach.

a golden path

I walked across the sands at Viking Bay towards the little boats sheltered in the harbour. As I neared the curve in the beach a sudden gust of wind lifted me off my feet and sent me flying across the sands…..Mary Poppins where are you now?

Broadstairs harbour, Viking Bay, Isle of Thanet

I do so love the winter months despite the wet, cold, grey days; but it’s those clear days I look forward to most – days when the sky is painted soft pastel greys, pinks and lilac as the sun rises on a new day.

I managed to get in just 4 kms/2.5 miles although not anywhere near what I would like to do each day, I only need to walk 2.74 each day to reach 1000 by 31.12.2018……997.5 to go!!

Read Full Post »

31 Days of Gratitude – Day 31 2017 in review

Posted in around the UK, Camino 2017, Castles of UK and Ireland, cities and towns of the UK, Domesday Villages of England, European travels, family and relationships, Fun Stuff, gratitude, historical houses of the uk, Inspiration, It's my life, my Canterbury Tales, My European travels, Palaces and castles in UK, seaside towns of Britain, UNESCO Heritage Sites, walk 1000 miles 2017, tagged 2017 in review, 31 days of gratitude, Camino 2017, Camino de Santiago, castles of the uk, Cindy's travels, coimbra, dark hedges game of thrones, domesday book villages of england, giants causeway, isle of thanet, Kent, New Year's Day swim 01.01.2017 Broadstairs Beach, Porto to Santiago, UNESCO World Heritage Sites on December 30, 2017| 2 Comments »

I was chatting to my daughter yesterday and remarked that I had been particularly blessed this year. Usually when you get to the end of the year you kinda feel like there is more that could/should be done before the year ends (well I do), and the last few days of December are spent cramming in just a few more activities. But this year I can truly say that I have had a year jam-packed with adventures, and for that, I am truly grateful.

Die with memories, not dreams

So to that end I decided to list my 2017 adventures, and was astounded at how much I had actually done, and how many places I have actually been to besides all my Camino 2017 practice walks that took me to some fantastic places. So this is my final blog for 31 Days of Gratitude – Day 31 – 2017 in review.

January

New Year’s Day swim 01.01.2017 Broadstairs Beach, Isle of Thanet, Kent

New Year’s Day, Broadstairs

Wedding Dress shopping with my daughter

wedding dress shopping…so much fun

Isle of Wight, Hampshire, England

A visit to the isle of Wight

Places I went while I was there; Nettlestone (1086 Domesday Book village), 20170116_144130-01 Bembridge Windmilll, Brading Roman Villa, Carisbrooke Castle, Cowes, Ryde, rode on a Hover craft, The Needles and Quarr Abbey.

a quick trip to Cowes – east and west

HoverCraft on the Isle of Wight

the outside area of Brading Roman Villa

whistle stop tour of the isle of wight shanklin

Chocolate Box perfect – quintessential England – Shanklin Isle of Wight

Carisbrooke, Newport, Isle of Wight

The Needles and the Marconi Monument, Isle of Wight

exploring the isle of wight, visit the isle of wight

East Cowes Marina

And Osborne House

visit osborne house isle of wight, visit isle of wight

Exterior views of Osborne House and across the grounds to the Solent

Queen Victoria – Osborne House, Isle of Wight

queen victoria empress of india, osborne house isle of wight, visit the isle of wight

gifts for the Empress of India, Osborne House, Isle of Wight

osborne house isle of wight, victoria and albert osborne house, visit the isle of wight

The Durbar Room, Osborne House

osborne house victoria and albert, visit the isle of wight

Victoria and Albert who between them created a dynasty that spread across the world – family portraits

osborne house isle of wight, visit isle of wight

beautiful passageways with exquisite sculptures, finely furnished rooms

osborne house, exploring the isle of wight, visit the isle of wight

Osborne House, Isle of Wight – seaside home for Victoria and Albert

aerial view of Osborne and the house

Magic Lantern Festival – Chiswick Park, London

Magic Lantern Festival at Chiswick Park

Magic Lantern Festival – Chiswick House, London

lifelike figures – exquisite

Magic Lantern Festival – Chiswick House, London

Canterbury, Kent

February
Oxted, Surrey – the Greenwich Meridian runs through the town

A closer look at Oxted

Limpsfield, Surrey – a Domesday Book village

Limpsfield, Surrey

Limpsfield High Street

limpsfield surrey, domesday villages of england, english villages, st peters church limpsfield

St Peter’s Church, Limpsfield – a pilgrim’s church

Down House – home of Charles Darwin

Down House; home of Charles Darwin and his family

Tatsfield, Surrey – a Domesday Book village

South East England’s highest village; Tatsfield. Ref wikipedia: “In Anglo-Saxon England, Tatsfield lay within Tandridge hundred. In 1086 it was held by Anschitill (Ansketel) de Ros from the Bishop of Bayeux. Its Domesday assets were: ? hide. It had 2 ploughs. It rendered 60 shillings (£3) to its feudal overlords per year.”

Tandridge & Crowhurst, Surrey

Tandridge & Crowhurst

Dublin, Ireland

ireland

Dublin

Trim Castle & Trim, Ireland

Castle Trim, Ireland

Colourful houses in Trim, Ireland. #architecture #Trim #CountyMeath #ireland?? #islands #traveldiaries #CindysTravels

March
City of Winchester, Hampshire, England

Winchester

Torquay, seaside resort – Devon

Torquay

April

Pisa, Florence, San Gimignano, Poggibonsi, Sienna, Lucca – Italy

Florence, Italy

I visited the tomb of the Medici today; Cappelle Medicee. May I just say; OMG!! The Chapel of the Princes is just overwhelming. These are the coats of arms of the Duchy. Wonderful wonderful designs inlaid with marble, lapis lazuli and other stunning materials. #Michaelangelo #Medici #tomb #mausoleum #Florence #Italy #Florence2017 #traveldiaries #livinghistory

I visited the tomb of the Medici today. Cappelle Medicee is just overwhelming. The Chapel of the Princes is yet another grand and striking mausoleum erected between 1604 and 1640 by the architect Matteo Nigetti following the designs of Giovanni de Medici, who practised architecture in a semi-professional manner. The Mausoleum, with its large dome and lavish interior ornamented with marble, was conceived to celebrate the power of the Medici dynasty which had successfully ruled Florence for several centuries. The octagonal room designed to contain the bodies of the Grand Dukes is in fact almost entirely covered with semi-precious stones and different-coloured marbles. The sarcophagi of the Grand Dukes are contained in niches and complemented by bronze statues. Ref: http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/Medici_chapels.html #Medici #CappelleMedicee #Michaelangelo #Florence #Tuscany #Italy #artwork #medievalart #livinghistory #extraordinary #traveldiaries #CindysTravels #Florence2017 #loveItaly

Florence, Italy

Another mind-blowing day. Visited the Galleria dell’Academia today when I saw Michaelangelo’s David (just wow) and other sculptures (unfinished), and stood TWO INCHES away from a Stradivarius violin ?????? That nearly made me cry!!! I saw an embroidered altar piece frim 1313!!! I mean seriously!!! ?????? I visited the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum (extraordinary genius) and visited Opera Di Santa Croce where amongst many others I saw the tombs of Galileo and Michaelangelo and Da Vinci as well as art by Donatelli and many many other old masters. Wow. My head. #Florence2017 #Italy #BasilicaDiSantaCroce #Michaelangelo #Donatelli #LeonardoDaVinci #Galileo #OldMasters #art #exquisite #extraordinary #Stradivarius #violin

Florence, Italy

I dreamed of Florence, and Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano and Lucca 😉 all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites except Lucca which seems to possibly be…

Piazza de Miracoli, Pisa Leaning Tower of Pisa Duomo Santa Maria Assunta Baptistry of St John and the Old City Wall

Ponte Vecchio, Florence – that most famous of bridges

Poggibonsi, somewhere in Tuscany ???? I’m on my way to San Gimignano atm. Impulse trip. Probably not the best idea on a Sunday ?????? But nevertheless here I am. I have 60 minutes between train and bus so went walkabout. I should be in San Gimignano by 2pm, so plenty of time to explore. #Tuscany #Italy #traveldiaries #CindysTravels #Europe #Florence2017 #adventure #Poggibonsi #walledcity #SanGimignano

And so my day in San Gimignano comes to an end. What an extraordinary place!! I’ve climbed 2 towers ???? visited numerous museums and churches, a Roman ruin, walked up and down and around, seen frescoes that just leave you gasping and now I’m sitting on a bench in a forgotten corner eating the best gelato I’ve ever tasted from Gelateria Dondoli – Gelato World Champion 2006/2007 + 2008/2009. I can testify; it is delicious and now I’m enjoying the quiet and the view. My bus back to Poggibonsi leaves at 19:05. What a brilliant birthday trip. So glad I decided to visit. #SanGimignano #Tuscany #Italy #traveldiaries #Project101 #walledcity #UNESCOheritagesite #UNESCO #UNESCOWorldHeritageSite #walking #walk1000miles #loveItaly #Florence2017 #CindysTravels

May

Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Newcastle, Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast Castle

sculpture on the banks of the river Lagan

Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

me at the Giant’s Causeway

Dunluce Castle; a now-ruined medieval castle in Northern Ireland. It is located on the edge of a basalt outcropping in County Antrim. Built by the MacQuillan family around 1500, the earliest written record of the castle was in 1513.

the Giant’s Causeway

Dark Hedges – Game of Thrones, N. Ireland

The Dark Hedges – scenes for Game of Thrones were shot in this area

Sevenoaks, Kent, England

June
Tonbridge, Kent, England

a beautiful horse sculpture in front of Tonbridge Castle

Ironbridge, Shropshire, England – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ironbridge, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lenham, Kent, England

Lenham

July
Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales route – Southwark to Canterbury

southwark to canterbury rochester castle

pilgrimage southwark to canterbury southwark cathedral

pilgrimage southwark to canterbury medieval inns

pilgrimage southwark to canterbury rochester cathedral

Battle of Britain Airshow, Headcorn

Battle of Britain Airshow, Headcorn Kent

Battle of Britain Airshow, Headcorn Kent

St Augustine’s Way – Ramsgate to Canterbury

The St Augustine Trail

St Augustine

Minster Abbey

a dainty little hamlet – Stodmarsh

canterbury cathedral way of st augustine

Finally through the city walls and so to Canterbury Cathedral

August
Arundel, and Arundel Castle, West Sussex, England

the Market Town of Arundel; a Domesday Book village

Arundel Castle

Cathedral in Arundel

The Parish and Priory Church of Saint Nicholas Arundel

Kings Arms Hill, Arundel

views across West Sussex from the Norman Keep of Arundel CAstle

The Norman Keep, Arundel Castle

Arundel coat of arms

Arundel Castle West Sussex

Bromham, Houghton House with my lovely friends Lynne & Tim and Elstow (birthplace of John Bunyan) – Bedfordshire, England

Bromham, Houghton House, Elstow

Zip Line with Zip World in London with my daughter

September
Walked the Caminho Portuguese – Porto, Portugal to Santiago, Spain 240 kms – Both UNESCO World Heritage sites

O Recuncho do Peregrino Albergue – Miguel our host; the best

Camino de Santiago -portuguese coastal route

The scallop shells of O Porrino, Spain

camino portuguese coast route port to santiago

The 999 arch aqueduct in Vila do Conde

camino portuguese coast route porto to santiago

Igreja Matriz de Vila do Conde

camino de santiago portuguese coastal route port to santiago

Me, Agata and Jakob in front of the Muro de Azulejos in Povoa de Varzim

portuguese coastal route porto to santiago, camino de santiago

Caminhos De Santiago – Apulia – Esposende

camino de santiago, portuguese coastal route porto to santiago, viana do castelo

Santuário de Santa Luzia, Viana do Castelo

camino 2017, camino de santiago, portuguese coastal route, porto to santiago, santiago de compostela, walking the camino, notjustagranny

Torre do Relógio (Clock Tower), Rua Direita (Straight Road)- renamed Rua Ricardo Joaquim Sousa, this straight ancient street is still known locally as Rua Direita and leads directly from the archway in the clock tower to the river, a courtyard alongside the church, a gateway in the city walls.

fortress valenca, valenca, fortress city valenca portugal, camino 2017, camino de santiago, portuguese coastal route, porto to santiago, santiago de compostela, walking the camino, notjustagranny

These walls look pretty impregnable to me!!!

medieval city valenca spain, camino de santiago, portuguese coastal route, portuguese central route to santiago, walking the camino, porto to santiago, walk 1000 miles, over the hill and still travelling, baby boomers, silver surfers, the boomer generation, things to do in your 60s, bucket list for the older generation,

Fortaleza Valença – a fortress started at the beginning of the 13th century and relating to the reign of King Sancho I – composed of narrow lanes, tunnels and fortified walls; muralha primitiva

tui international bridge, medieval city valenca, portugal, tui spain, camino de santiago, portuguese coastal route, portuguese central route to santiago, walking the camino, porto to santiago, walk 1000 miles, over the hill and still travelling, baby boomers, silver surfers, the boomer generation, things to do in your 60s, bucket list for the older generation,

In the past, pilgrims coming from Portugal had to reach Galicia, Spain by crossing the river Miño on a boat, but lucky me I could walk across via the bridge 🙂

cathedral of tui, Camino Portugues, Camino de Santiago, tui, spain, camino de santiago, portuguese coastal route, portuguese central route to santiago, walking the camino, porto to santiago, walk 1000 miles, over the hill and still travelling, baby boomers, silver surfers, the boomer generation, things to do in your 60s, bucket list for the older generation,

looking back at the cathedral, charming little pilgrim sculptures, streets of Tui

follow the signs to camino portugues, the town of o porrino, walking through galicia, Camino Portugues, Camino de Santiago, tui, spain, camino de santiago, portuguese coastal route, portuguese central route to santiago, walking the camino, porto to santiago, walk 1000 miles, over the hill and still travelling, baby boomers, silver surfers, the boomer generation, things to do in your 60s, bucket list for the older generation,

An hórreo; a Galician granary, a fabulous sign board; O Porrino 9.5kms and scallop shells decorate a wall at the garden cafe of O Chiriringo Ribedelouro

bo camino mos, walking through the galician countryside, camino de santiago, o porrino to arcade, walking the camino, portuguese coastal and central route,

Bo Camino, Mos. Get your passport stamped here. I loved the way they used the scallop shell to register different languages

ponte sampaio in arcade spain, camino de santiago, porto to santiago, portuguese coastal route, portuguese central way, tui to santiago, pilgrimage to santiago, solo women on the camino, camino for women over 60, baby boomers travel, walk 1000 miles

walking in history

concello de pontevedra, camino de santiago, porto to santiago, portuguese coastal route, portuguese central way, tui to santiago, pilgrimage to santiago, solo women on the camino, camino for women over 60, baby boomers travel, walk 1000 miles

69.971 kms to Santiago

camino de santiago, porto to santiago, portuguese coastal route, portuguese central way, tui to santiago, pilgrimage to santiago, solo women on the camino, camino for women over 60, baby boomers travel, walk 1000 miles

Ponte de Burgo, Pontevedra on the Camino de Portuguese. what a thrill to see this 🙂

caldas de reis to padron, camino de santiago, porto to santiago, portuguese coastal route, the camino portugues, walk 1000 miles, travel diaries, not just a granny, walking the camino, snapshots of spain,

Early morning in the spa town of Caldas de Reis

34. kms to Santiago and I’m adorned with amulets

boots

church

calle de dolores, pilgrims way to santiago, iglesia de santiago, padron galicia, camino de santiago, porto to santiago, portuguese camino, following the way of st james, pilgrimage to santiago

Calle de Dolores – The Way to Camino de Santiago

10.1666 kms to Santiago de Compostela

Praza Santiago de Compostela

Susana and me outside the Cathedral in Santiago

Coimbra, Portugal – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain

October
Montgomery Castle, Montgomery, Wales

Montgomery Castle, Montgomery, Wales

November
Caernarfon Castle, Wales – site where Prince Charles was crowned Prince of Wales

Caenarfon Castle, Wales

Ffenistogg Railway Line Train ride; Caenarfon to Portmadogg through Snowdonia

Ffenistogg Railway line Caenarfon to Porthmadogg, Wales

Ffenistogg Railway line Caenarfon to Portmadogg, Wales

Climbed Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd – highest mountain in Wales

Mount Snowdon, Wales

Montgomery, Powys, Wales – The Treaty of Montgomery was signed 29 September 1267 in Montgomeryshire. By this treaty King Henry III of England acknowledged Llywelyn ap Gruffudd as Prince of Wales.

Montgomery, Wales

December
Snow in Wales

Snow in Wales

Christmas in Broadstairs, Isle of Thanet, Kent

Christmas 2017 with my delightful family

And in total, between 01.01.2017 & 31.12.2017 I have walked well over 1100 miles.

And last one for today…scenes from today’s Camino practice walk…from Broadstairs to Kingsgate. 1.5 hours. 6.32 kms. 9937 steps. Of course if I didn’t stop to take so many photos….???? What a fantastic day. My daughter joined me at Kingsgate where we stopped for tea, then I walked back home. All the dark images are facing south and the blue sky images facing north. #Camino2017 #Broadstairs #Kingsgate #seaside #walking #walkbritain #mapmywalk #englishcoast #seasidetownsofbritain #isleofthanet #Kent #scenicbritain #englandsbigpicture #blueskies #winter #water_captures #CindysTravels #traveldiaries #capturingbritain_coast #igerskent

My #Camino2017 practice walk took me to Ramsgate today. When I set out the sky was a pale yellowish line on the horizon. By the time I reached Ramsgate it was turning to pink…very pretty. I took some photos and headed back along the coast….however…if I had stayed just 15 minutes longer I would have seen a most spectacular sunset..although I did catch a little of it when I looked back. Just gorgeous. #sunset #RamsgateRoyalHarbour #englishcoast #isleofthanet #seasidetownsofbritain #harbours #sunrise_sunset_aroundworld #mapmywalk

Had an absolutely brilliant walk to Ramsgate again tonight. Started out clear with blue skies and massive clouds on the horizon, watched a beautiful sunset from the harbour wall, then some seriously cool wave action before heading back, and halfway home it clouded over and started to rain…needless to say I got soaked LOL. But oh how exhilarating it is to just walk and walk….8.7kms, 1 hour 40 minutes, 11349 steps #walking #Camino2017 #practicewalk #mapmywalk #Broadstairs #Ramsgate #seasidetownsofbritain #sunset #seascape #clouds #RamsgateRoyalHarbour #cloudscape #blueskies #isleofthanet #capturingbritain_coast #CindysTravels #traveldiaries #photosofbritain

Colour me blue…stunning day on the #isleofwight #sunset #walking #mapmywalk #walkbritain #placesofuk #englishcoast #TheSolent #seascape #water_captures #CindysTravels #traveldiaries #capturingbritain #winter #capturingbritain_coast #harbours #everything_transport #visitisleofwight

Shapes and lines…and what I saw on my walk today. #fromwhereristand #isleofwight #islands #placesofuk #englishcoast #TheSolent #englandsbigpicture #CindysTravels #traveldiaries #walking #mapmywalk #nationaltrust #visitisleofwight #adventure #capturingbritain_coast #capturingbritain

Okay so I had to concede defeat. I got as far as Priory Bay but the tides in and the footpath is a quagmire.but I did discover this amazing place…I thought it may be a hotel but there wasn’t a soul about..so I just sqizzed around and left. Now I’ve jumped on the bus. I still want time to explore Sandown. #isleofwight #CindysTravels #traveldiaries #capturingbritain_coast #beautiful #igerswight #seascape #TheSolent #englishcoast #englandsbigpicture

So, Sandown is not at all what I expected. It has an air of faded grandeur…of good times gone by. Hotels boarded up, paintwork faded and peeling….still from afar it looks splendid. The bay is beautiful too. #Sandown #isleofwight #architecture #faded #daysgoneby #CindysTravels #walkbritain #placesofuk #visitisleofwight #traveldiaries #seasidetownsofbritain #englishcoast

Scenes from Seaview to Sandown on the #IsleofWight Although part of my journey was by bus, I managed to walk a combination of 4-5 miles. I’m really excited about the #walk1000miles challenge for 2017. Certainly gives me a massive target to aim for besides my #Camino2017 practice walks. #walking #walkbritain #placesofuk #capturingbritain #adventure #travel #discovery #CindysTravels #traveldiaries #capturingbritain_coast #visitisleofwight #islands #seaside #seascape #igerswight #igersuk

A quick whizz around Seaview today during my break and after my adventure to Bembridge. #Seaview #isleofwight #placesofuk #blueskies #capturingbritain_urban #EnglishCounties #englandsbigpicture #visitisleofwight

I had a fabulous walk from Seaview to St Helens today…I would have made it to Bembridge too except I took the wrong road ?????? anyway, it was a beautiful day and I enjoyed my walk.11.2 kms / 19,108 steps and plenty photos ?? Here are some scenes of St Helens. #Seaview #StHelens #isleofwight #walking #walk1000miles #walkbritain #placesofuk #islands #historicbritain

taking a rest on Titsey Hill

different paths; different journeys

the many paths in life we get to choose…..

Reaching my ‘Proclaimer’ goal on Newcastle Beach in Ireland

Becoming a Proclaimer 🙂 – heading now towards 1000 miles

I have walked 500 miles 🙂 and I will walk 500 more

views of the Titsey Place Estate near Oxted in Surrey

visit the isle of wight, its alright on the isle of wight

sunrise, sunset – Isle of Wight

Horestone Point & Nodes Point

What an extraordinary year; 2017. IMG_20171231_100927_404

p.s. Days 14-30 Days of Gratitude will follow shortly….I eventually ran out of time 😉

Read Full Post »

31 Days of Gratitude – Day 12

Posted in book reviews, Fun Stuff, gratitude, Historical, It's my life, lifestyle, memories of days gone by, Travel, tagged 31 days of gratitude, blogging, book reviews, books, illiteracy in the uk, Inspiration, learning to read, learning to write, Travel, wordpress, writing on December 12, 2017| Leave a Comment »

31 Days of Gratitude and today I’m grateful for reading; the ability to read.

Being able to read is a huge privilege and an incredible practical ability. Although it’s something we tend to take for granted, millions of people are unable to read.

Besides the lack of opportunity to learn how to read, physical disabilities can affect our ability eg dyslexia. “Britain has up to eight million adults who are functionally illiterate. The World Literacy Foundation said one in five of the UK population are so poor at reading and writing they struggle to read a medicine label or use a chequebook”.

Can you imagine that? Reading is such a fundamental function that we use every day. We grow up learning to read and it opens up opportunities we tend to take for granted without a second thought. What if we never had the privilege or ability to learn to read.

Could we apply for a job? Would we be able to write a job application? Would we be able to function in a work place where reading is fundamental to the job?

I was lucky enough to learn to read and write from a very young age. I’ve always loved books; a real bookworm growing up I spent every spare minute with my nose buried in a book….transported to different worlds. A voracious reader I went through school books like water through a sieve. My teachers had a hard time keeping me supplied and I went through the curriculum selection in no time at all.

2015-05-18 21.44.36 987858039044173615_231798962

Going to The Chapel, and we’re…… having hot chocolate with oodles of cream. 🙂 The Chapel is a quirky bar/coffee/book shop. It’s actually a bar with hundreds of books that line the walls, from floor to ceiling in some places, where you can relax with a drink and read a book…you can also buy the books which is super cool.

Fundamental to reading is a good cup of tea and a packet of biscuits….my ideal day.

As a child my absolute favourite books were the Secret Seven or Famous Five books by Enid Blyton. Anne of Green Gables was a huge favourite and so many others. My Mother used to buy me comics every week when I was about 5 years old…I waited with anticipation for the latest to fall through the letter box. I loved all the fairy stories and the Brothers Grimm stories were read again and again. I remember in my teens and 20’s literally reading through the night and finishing a book a night. I used to read at least 2 – 3 books a week; spy thrillers, WW2 stories, conspiracy theory stories, love stories, historical novels, the list of my likes went on and on.

These are some of my latest reads as well as my fantastic collection of books about London. I adore London and love to read about her secrets and history.

lettile beach bakery

one of my favourite authors

my London books

book review

These days I don’t read hardcover books so much since most of my time is now spent writing, but I still read a lot via the internet – articles on travel – namely walks around the UK and the various Caminos in Spain. I read a lot about health and finance, as well as the occasional gossip column LOL Ergo, most of my day is spent in reading or writing.

Besides loving books, I love the English language; it’s such a rich repository of wonderful words that we’re able to play around with creating pictures using descriptive words to create an image or a story.

Alongside of reading comes writing. To be able to write is as much a privilege as reading. I can’t imagine not being able to read and write; it’s fundamental to my day to day life. My whole working life has involved reading and writing and even today in my current career reading and writing is a necessary ability. I’ve written poems, a short story and 3 London books, one of which is a travel guide.

Absolutely thrilled to finally see the finished product! My book arrived a few days ago … but I…. only got home last night 😉 The quality of the print is superb, I’m well impressed with Blurb. I used only my own photos in the book and coz I’m not a professional photographer I was concerned the images might not transfer well to print, but I’m pleased to say they look amazing. I’m like ‘are those my photos?’ LOL. So, the next step is to amend the few errors I found (despite repeated checking before printing) and then I’ll be able to upload it to the internet. Excited!! #Blurb #books #selfpublishing #London #3DaysInLondon

I had a blind friend once who lost his sight when he was a young boy. He had to learn braille and over the years he managed to obtain a computer on which he could write using braille. He worked in the office of the Courier company I was working for and held down a most fundamental role in the company. But it was always a challenge for him.

If I was unable to read and write I wouldn’t have been able to take up most of the opportunities I’ve had in the past and certainly currently. My blog is a vip part of my day and besides sharing my stories, I’m able to follow the stories of those that I identify with. I’ve been able to follow walkers on the Camino, learn about health benefits and latest research. I’m able to follow articles on finance and learn about trends like Bitcoin and Litecoin…which I might add are bloody exciting.

I taught my daughter to read at a very early age and one of my most endearing and enduring memories of her childhood are the nights when I would read her bedtime stories. One of our favourite books (I still have the relevant book) was The Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. An absolute favourite I would read two or three chapters, following the faerie characters on their many adventures. I would also invariably fall asleep…something that happens a lot these days too when I read a book LOL 2 -3 pages and I’m asleep. Another favourite book was The Neverending Story….still a favourite and I hope to read these two books to my grandchildren one day.

One of the hardest of my possessions to give up when I packed up in South Africa was my books. I had to leave hundreds behind. But sadly I don’t have the space for them. I did keep many of the favourites though. One book I have is The Water Babies. An old book that belonged to my father as a boy….it’s a treasured item.

So today I am grateful for reading and alongside of that I’m grateful I can write. There are millions who cannot and I can’t imagine how debilitating and hindering that must be.

31 Days of Gratitude – Day 11

Read Full Post »

31 Days of Gratitude – Day 8

Posted in around the UK, cities and towns of the UK, Fun Stuff, gratitude, It's my life, Travel, tagged blogging, snow in the uk, snow in wales, snow in winter, snow landscape, Travel, travel blogging, visiting narnia, winter wonderland on December 8, 2017| 1 Comment »

31 Days of Gratitude and today I’m grateful that I live in the Northern Hemisphere.

Last night I went to sleep in Wales, this morning I woke in Narnia. Yessss, it snowed during the night. hoorah!!!! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked out the window this morning. Our neighbours later commented that they had seen me out in my gown and slippers running down the road to take photos at 7:30am LOL I guess that’s a first in the neighbourhood.

31 days of gratitude, winter in the uk, snow in the uk, snow in wales, not just a granny travels

Hello from Narnia 07:30

As a kid and later as an adult I remember we had snow in South Africa, but except for one year as a kid when I was about 7 or 8, and one exceptional year in 1982 when we had blizzards of snow, the most we saw of snow was on the high mountains of the Drakensburg or the peaks of the mountains in the Western Cape. They usually had snow in the hinterland or in Lesotho, but we seldom had it in the suburbs.

So when I moved to first Ireland and then the UK, I anticipated seeing snow on a regular basis. In my first year of working in the UK I remember it snowed close to Christmas. My excitement knew no bounds and whilst it hasn’t snowed every year, we have certainly had some fantastic snowfalls.

I was in transit from London to Oxford one year; 2010/2011, on an assignment and I recall with clarity that just about the whole of the UK was covered with snow….just the far south of Cornwall escaped. One year too when I was home in London we had a fantastic snowfall and my daughter and I walked all the way from St John’s Wood to Hyde Park (January 2007) to play in the snow; snowmen, snow angels, snowballs…..we had an awesome time. Another year (2010) we had and exceptionally high snowfall in London. We were living near Alexandra Park and again we traipsed, knee-deep through the snow, through the park and up the hill to the crest of the hill where we spent an hilarious few hours playing in and relishing the snow. I borrowed a sled from some kids and proceeded to make a complete ass of myself sledding….not very successfully as you will see LOL

and then as if once wasn’t enough…”I want to go again”…LOL

Too much fun. We laughed so much that day. I eventually had to give the sled back to the kids I borrowed it from, but not without regret 🙂 We did go out and buy our own sled, but as fate would have it, it never snowed like that again!!! Certainly not in our area of the hood. We eventually gave the sled away during one of our many house moves.

I was really hoping that since I’d be working up in Wales this year that I’d see snow, and this morning my wish was granted. It was thrilling beyond words to wake up to a winter wonderland.

at tad later 8:15

It was magical. As soon as I had woken my client and got him up, dressed, fed, dishes done, beds made, laundry in, cat fed and house tidied, with his permission I donned my shoes, jacket, hat and gloves and with poles in hand I walked up to the castle.

walking up to the castle

The views are under normal circumstances just breath-taking, but with snow in the trees, on the verges and covering the landscape as far as the eye could see…..it was magical. It felt like Narnia.

the village

How lucky am I!!!! 🙂

Today I am grateful that I live in the Northern Hemisphere and I am grateful that I got to see the snow 🙂 I could very well be at home and not seen any at all LOL

31 Days of Gratitude – Day 7

Read Full Post »

31 Days of Gratitude – Day 4

Posted in around the UK, Fun Stuff, gratitude, It's my life, lifestyle, memories of days gone by, project 101, Travel, wealth and finance, tagged 31 days of gratitude, blogging, computer, Inspiration, internet, learning computer code, not just a granny, photography, technology, Travel, wordpress, writing on December 4, 2017| 1 Comment »

Today I’m grateful for my laptop. It seems like a fairly trivial thing to be grateful for, and yes I realise it’s not only a non-essential for life, but it’s also a staple of a consumer society.

However, my laptop has been invaluable to me. I remember when I got my very first one…about 14 years ago. I was living in London, working as a Carer then as now, and between my sister and I we decided I needed a laptop rather than going into internet cafes all the time.

I’d started blogging by then and it was a pain having to download my blog to an external hard-drive, then walk to the internet cafe during my break, then login and download over an insecure connection and finalise the blog. Time consuming and not very secure.

So the decision was made to buy a laptop. My sister suggested a Dell and since I had nothing to compare it to, and had no knowledge of laptops and how they worked, I said go ahead. In due course they delivered the laptop, and boy was it heavy….it still is.

And then the fun began…..first I had to learn ‘how to do set up’ ergo charging the battery, setting up the account, and going through the set up process….this I had to be talked through by my brother-in-law from Ireland. That is how much of a novice I was. I used it for 3 years till it began to go so slowly it may as well have gone backwards. Since then I’ve come leaps and bounds. Once I decided to get a new computer I took out a contract with my network provider and I’ve upgraded my computer contract twice in the intervening 10 years. I try to make them last till they collapse (which is what happened to the last one 3 years ago). My current model has lasted well over 3 years……touch wood.

The reason I’m grateful for my laptop is that it has allowed me to reach into the wonderful and sometimes scary world of the internet. I’ve since learned to build a website, download, edit and upload photos and videos, create videos from images and progress to the various photo-sharing apps. I’ve learned how to use Google to find out just about anything I set my mind to, even sometimes incredibly obscure questions…I use my laptop to plan my Caminos by using Google Maps and accessing relevant websites.

My laptop has allowed me to create a 2nd website (which is where you are reading this article) and yesterday I managed to ‘crack a code’. If you look at the top right hand side you’ll see a button for the SA Blog Awards…well, when I tried to paste their code into the wordpress ‘widget’ it kept telling me that there were 6 errors I had to fix first before it could save. I was like ‘wtf’ ..seriously!!!

Anyway after about 15 minutes of stress, I hopped onto google and within 30 minutes I had fixed the errors and voila the badge was up. I was well pleased 🙂

I have learned so much since those early days when I lifted the lid on my Dell in 2003, I have travelled vicariously through reading other peoples blogs, created relationships on Facebook, Tweet for China, loaded images via instagram, flickr and pinterest and as a result of this one of my images was chosen to feature in a book about the Queens of England. 🙂

I’ve learned how to create spreadsheets (I’m the spreadsheet queen) LOL, how to edit images in powerpoint, how to create videos using movie maker, I’ve written and created 3 books on Bookwright and so much else it’s staggering.

Having my laptop has stopped me from going crazy when I’m in a stressful position at work by allowing me to be creative, to write and to communicate. I am able to keep up with world affairs, with latest trends in politics and travel and investments. It’s allowed me to share my stories and photos of far-flung places and taken me on the road to Project 101.

I am grateful for my laptop. It is my most ‘prized possession’

31 Days of Gratitude – Day 1

31 Days of Gratitude – Day 2

31 Days of Gratitude – Day 3

Read Full Post »

31 Days of Gratitude – Day 3

Posted in career, family and relationships, Fun Stuff, gratitude, Health, It's my life, memories of days gone by on December 3, 2017| 1 Comment »

Okay so today I’m grateful for being able to cook. LOL I know that sounds really weird, but it is a huge benefit being able to cook. How often have you heard “he/she can’t even boil an egg”.

Yesterday I mentioned about working as a Carer and how it fills my desire to travel. One of the most important aspects of working as a Carer is being able to cook healthy nutritious meals. Most of the people I’ve worked for have it written in the job description : “likes a good home-cooked meal”. Okay that I can do.

Now to be honest I don’t like cooking. I find it tedious and a complete waste of time. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy eating 😉 Just not the time it takes to prepare a meal. I’ve said for decades that the day they invent a tablet that turns into a beautiful plate of food after being heated in a machine like a microwave, is the day I will cheer loudly and celebrate.

I love the smell of a good meal, I love the taste of a good meal, but I do not like the preparation and the cleaning up afterwards. Boring and tedious.

I was lucky to grow up during the 60’s and 70’s in South Africa. Firstly my Mother was a brilliant cook and taught my sisters and I how to cook. Although even then I didn’t enjoy it, I learned. Then at school, before it was considered sexist to have Home Economics for girls and Woodwork classes for boys, we had cooking classes. During those classes we learned how to prepare an extraordinary range of food, from vegetable to full on roast meals.

And for that I am grateful. I am grateful my Mother taught me how to cook, I am grateful I learned even more in school. 31 days of gratitude, learning to cook, preparing healthy meals

I am able to prepare really good, basic home cooked meals for my clients and of course I was able to prepare really good healthy meals for my daughter when she was growing up. I still do… whenever I spend time with her and her fiance, I prepare a dish of macaroni cheese…..always goes down a treat.

31 days of gratitued, learning to cook, preparing healthy meals

one of my daughter’s favourite meals; macaroni cheese

My daughter is now following suit and prepares some amazing meals for the two of them

31 days of gratitude, learning to cook, preparing healthy meals

Celebrating Christmas

a good roast meal for Xmas

Cooking is a skill. It doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Some people just have a knack for it, like my sister just younger than me who cooks a dream. But on the whole, cooking is something that needs to be learned….I was lucky enough to have been taught.

31 Days of gratitude 🙂

Read Full Post »

31 Days of Gratitude – Day 2

Posted in around the UK, cities and towns of the UK, Domesday Villages of England, Fun Stuff, Historical, It's my life, Palaces and castles in UK, project 101, Travel, walk 1000 miles 2017, tagged 31 days of gratitude, domesday book villages, nettlestone 1086, not just a granny travels, project 101, travel blogging, travel the uk, working as a carer for the elderly on December 2, 2017| 1 Comment »

I thought it was apt that today’s day of gratitude should be about my job. In this capacity I get to meet people from a very wide spectrum of humanity and I get to travel the country, mostly for 2 weeks at a time and sometimes for a longer stint…currently I’m at a 31 day position in north west Wales.

I have a love/hate relationship with my job; as a Carer for the elderly. Sometimes the assignment I am allocated is amazing, and sometimes its just plain awful – you never know which it will be till you get there. One thing I have learned in this job is that there are so many very unhappy people in the world, and there are some lovely folk who are a daily pleasure to be with.

In my capacity as a Carer I get sent all over the UK and sometimes even to Ireland. Its a fantastic way to see the country and mostly I don’t mind the travel, even though occasionally it takes anything up to 8 hours to get to a place from home; door to door. Fortunately I have social media to keep me occupied and every now and then I pull out my knitting and knit a few more squares for my motor-home blanket.

I’m grateful that I am able to visit some of the most historic, quirky and amazing places in all 4 countries that make up the UK. It was during a visit to the Isle of Wight that Project 101 really took off….when one day while out walking I noticed the village sign board; Nettlestone 1086 🙂 wowwwww a Domesday Book village.

31 days of gratitude, domesday book villages, nettlestone 1086, travel the uk, working as a carer for the elderly, not just a granny travels, project 101

Nettlestone 1086; a Domesday Book Villages

Intrigued, I decided to see how many of these I had already visited over the last 16 years. Before then I had merely been counting the islands I visit with a goal of 100, but since I saw that sign I decided to find out how many Domesday Book villages, towns or cities I had visited….currently it’s 107!!

I was astounded and that got me to thinking about other places I had been, and so Project 101 was born.

I am grateful too that I have work. During uncertain times, it is in fact a bonus to have a job, especially a job that I mostly enjoy. I’ve been with the same agency now for 10 years and in that time I have travelled to just about every county in England, a good few in Scotland (I worked in a castle once!!), 1 county in Ireland and currently I’m in Wales.

some of the many, many places I have worked in the UK

It’s not always an easy job and sometimes I leave after 2 weeks absolutely drained; emotionally, mentally and physically. Old people can be very challenging, on all 3 levels mentioned. But I have learned some fascinating stories…when someone is prepared to talk about their lives, you hear some extraordinary tales. I often wish they would put their stories into a book. Especially when it relates to WW2. So many personal accounts of life during the war are lost and we’re left with the ‘official’ accounts.

I am grateful for my job because it allows me to satisfy my highest value; travelling. I get to meet interesting people, see fantastic places, and steep myself in the amazing history of this country. And at the same time, I can pay my bills LOL 💸💸💸💸

I’ve also learned to be extraordinarily patient, to create interesting and colourful meals and occasionally I get to enjoy an assignment that is so lovely, that I got back again and again.

preparing nutritious and colourful meals

I also get to meet all manner of pets, and now and then I fall in love with a real beauty.

a beautiful little boy

Read Full Post »

#walk1000miles 2017

Posted in around the UK, family and relationships, Fun Stuff, Health, Inspiration, lifestyle, Travel, walk 1000 miles 2017, walks around the UK, tagged Country Walking, long distance walking, travel blogging, travel diaries, travel writing, walk 1000 miles, walking in the uk, walking to health, walks in the uk on November 30, 2017| Leave a Comment »

So excited to be part of this fantastic challenge #walk1000miles 2017

It’s literally changed, improved and saved lives, and taken people of all ages, from toddlers to oldies, from all walks of life, in all manner of situations, out and about; in cities, towns, villages, hamlets and the countryside, to and from and in all parts of the world – whether it’s 500 or 5,000 the members have risen to the challenge and gone walking 🙂

walk 1000 miles, country walking, walking in the uk, walks in the uk, long distance walking

….one foot in front of the other…

Join us along with Country Walking for 2018 and walk 1,000 miles or maybe even 5,000 – yes, some people have walked in excess of 5,000 miles this year. Awesome 🙂

Walk 1000 miles in 2018 from Country Walking on Vimeo.

https://vimeo.com/245014566

Read Full Post »

Camino Practice walk 28.11.17

Posted in around the UK, Castles of UK and Ireland, Fun Stuff, Health, It's my life, lifestyle, Palaces and castles in UK, project 101, Travel, walk 1000 miles 2017, walks around the UK, tagged blogging, camino 2018 practise walks, montgomery castle wales, not just a granny travels, travel blogging, travel diaries, walk 1000 miles, walks in wales, wordpress on November 28, 2017| Leave a Comment »

How lucky am I that I get to walk in so many amazing places in the United Kingdom. My current location is in a tiny village in the stunning Welsh county of Mongomeryshire, right on the border of England’s beautiful Shropshire.

walk 1000 miles, walks in wales, montgomery castle wales, camino 2018 practise walks

graveyard in the church

I usually have a 2 hour break every day whilst working, so if it’s not raining I take myself out for a walk. Today I had a free hour in the morning, and since it’s a stunning day and not raining (for a change), popped out for a quick walk to the castle and back.

Montgomery Castle, Montgomeryshire, Wales

The views across the Welsh countryside and into Shropshire are just beyond description from that elevation; 85 meters. The UK truly is a most beautiful country.

looking toward the county of Shropshire in England from Montgomeryshire, Wales

I was quite surprised that I managed to walk that elevation with barely any heavy-breathing LOL The Camino route I’m planning for September 2018 has elevations of 360 meters on one or two days, so I shall have to get in more practice with higher altitudes before then, but for now it’s good to be out and walking with my Camino goals in mind.

As for my 2017 goal of walking 1000 miles, I reached that in Santiago in September; boots on miles from 01.01.2017 till 24.09.2017. Since then I have walked a further 73.15 miles (117.03 kms) in places like Barcelona, Broadstairs, Caterham, Montgomery, Caenarfon, Porthmadog, and along the Miner’s Track up Mt Snowdon from Pen-y-Pass

mount snowdon caenarfon, pen y pass snowdownia, walk 1000 miles, walks in wales, montgomery castle wales, camino 2018 practise walks

walking up Mt. Snowdon from Pen Y Pass

a walk up Mt. Snowdon

and briefly along Offa’s Dyke on the Welsh/English border.

offas dyke, walk 1000 miles, walks in wales, montgomery castle wales, camino 2018 practise walks

along Offa’s Dyke

Participating in the #walk1000miles 2017 challenge and practising for my #Camino2017 along with Project 101, has taken me to some fascinating places in the UK and Europe.

Long may it last…..

I’ve joined the #walk1000miles with Country Walking Magazine challenge for 2018, and along with planning my 2nd Camino for September 2018, I’m aiming for 2018 miles next year.