Not Just a Granny

NOT Nottingham

March 8, 2018 by notjustagranny

Nottingham has been on my list of places to go ever since I arrived in the UK 17 years ago. It’s taken a while LOL. Getting around the UK is relatively easy with the extensive railway network, but it is prohibitively expensive, so my visit to Nottingham had to wait till an assignment became available…which it did in February. Exciting!! I was thrilled.

When I did the journey planner the station code came up as NOT and as it turned out, NOT pretty much described my overall visit…..NOT Nottingham. It just wasn’t at all what I expected. First impressions were thrilling….the castle built on top of the sandstone caves; gaping wounds in the cliff-face gave an indication of what lay behind the facade.

nottingham, robin hood, cities of england, domesday book, project 101, explore nottingham, visit nottingham, what to see in nottingham

Sandstone cliffs and a myriad of cave

A quick walk around the city after checking in at my AirBnB led to the discovery of the fantastic 12th century inn; Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – apparently the oldest inn in England (disputed by some) and saw the statue of Robin Hood in the plaza out front of the castle walls. I found a superb old Tudor style building nearby and delighted in the stories behind the myriad caves that lay beneath the castle.

Nottingham Castle gates and statue of Robin Hood

Walking further into the city I found that I could have been in any major city anywhere in the UK. Nottingham didn’t hold the quirky charm I had been expecting….high street stores, chain restaurants and charity shops. I felt robbed LOL sorry Robin.

But never one to leave any stone unturned or city unexplored, I delved deeper, determined to find the hidden gems…and I found plenty.

First up a walk through the city’s oldest area: the Lace Market. This historic quarter-mile area was once the centre of the world’s lace industry during the British Empire. Meandering the streets I was enchanted by the quirky old buildings, now dotted with street art and turned over to various other industries and businesses, the area still holds a charming olde worlde atmosphere.

nottingham, robin hood, cities of england, domesday book, project 101, explore nottingham, visit nottingham, what to see in nottingham, lace market

The Creative Quarter; the Nottingham Lace Market

From there I made my way to The City of Caves, the entrance located on the upper level of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. For someone who loves caves, this was a real treat. They are fantastic and tell the story of the people who have inhabited the area for aeons, right up until when the caves were used as air-raid shelters during the 2nd WW. There is even the sound effect of an air-raid with bombers going overhead and the wail of a siren. Thrilling. I can recommend this if you enjoy history & caves and don’t suffer from claustrophobia http://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/venue/city-of-caves/

nottingham, robin hood, cities of england, domesday book, project 101, explore nottingham, visit nottingham, what to see in nottingham

Walking above ground, you would never know there were 800 caves beneath your feet…a city of caves indeed.

the city of caves nottingham, robin hood, cities of england, domesday book, project 101, explore nottingham, visit nottingham, what to see in nottingham

the city of caves…..800 caves beneath your feet

I managed to visit 2 churches, one of which; The Church of St Mary the Virgin is located in the Lace Market area

st mary the virgin lace market nottingham, robin hood, cities of england, domesday book, project 101, explore nottingham, visit nottingham, what to see in nottingham

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is the oldest religious foundation in the City of Nottingham, England, the largest church after the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Nottingham and the largest mediaval building in the city

St Mary the Virgin, aka St Mary’s in the Lace Market was by far and away my favourite building. A Grade 1 listed building, one of only 5 in Nottingham, this fantastic 16th century church has a history is that is just astounding. Mentioned in the Domesday Book it is believed it’s roots go back deep into Saxon times. The main body of the present building (possibly the 3rd on the site) dates from the end of the reign of Edward III (1377) to that of Henry VII (1485–1509), the tower wasn’t completed till the reign of Henry VIII. There are some fascinating memorials in the church with an array of stunning stained glass windows; art works in themselves. The chantry door, dating from the 1370s or 1380s is considered to be the oldest surviving door in Nottingham and contains an example of iron work from the medieval period in the locking mechanism.

st mary the virgin, nottingham, notting cathedral, robin hood, cities of england, domesday book, project 101, explore nottingham, visit nottingham, what to see in nottingham

the Chantry door, St Mary the Virgin in the Lace Market area of Nottingham

In the grounds are a number of marvellous headstones that tell a story all their own as well the grave and a memorial plaque to Nottingham’s first black entrepreneur: George Africanus (1763-1834). This magnificent church is well worth a visit in my opinion. They depend on donations for the upkeep of this magnificent building; please give generously https://www.stmarysnottingham.org/

The Church of St Peter with St James

The 2nd church; Church of St Peter with St James is a delightful church right in the centre of Nottingham. I had noticed it previously when I first arrived and was delighted to discover the link with the pilgrim St James. One of the three medieval parish churches in Nottingham, the original church was destroyed by fire in the early 1100s and rebuilt between 1180 and 1220. United with the church of St James which was demolished in the 1930’s, the church is now a Grade I listed building. The stained glass windows are a glorious rainbow of bright bold colours and above the west porch entrance is a fantastic painting of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper. Painted in 1816 by Thomas Barber (1771-1843). This beautiful building offers an oasis of peace and tranquillity in a busy city.

nottingham, notting cathedral, robin hood, cities of england, domesday book, project 101, explore nottingham, visit nottingham, what to see in nottingham

Nottingham Cathedral.

And the cathedral; Nottingham Cathedral is located not too far from the castle along and just off Maid Marion Way. I loved the fabulous feeling of space in this church and the ceiling seems to soar above you. An unearthly blue light fills the space, the stained glass windows adding to the ethereal atmosphere. Built between 1841 and 1844 by the architect was Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, I was delighted to discover the link to the church in Ramsgate; St Augustine’s, from whence I started my walk along The Way of St Augustine in 2017. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is absolutely exquisite and well worth the visit.

I visited the Castle that isn’t really a castle, but more of an enormous palatial Manor house built after the original castle was destroyed by fire, and explored the fantastic displays and exhibitions quite thoroughly before embarking on a tour of the caves which were just awesome. There is a charge to visit the castle and an extra £5 to visit the caves.

nottingham castle, mortimers cave, nottingham, notting cathedral, robin hood, cities of england, domesday book, project 101, explore nottingham, visit nottingham, what to see in nottingham

Exhibitions in Nottingham Castle

Sandstone Caves at Nottingham Castle,

Before I left I managed to squeeze in a visit to Green’s Mill. I’d seen the windmill on the horizon earlier on in my stay, and determined to visit before I left the area. Absolutely charming. It’s a working mill and you can buy freshly milled flour on the premises and a recipe book for various yummy goodies …I bought one bag of flour and a recipe book for my son-in-law who is a keen baker. You can clamber about the inside the mill which offers a look at the many mechanisms required for milling the grain into flour.

Green’s Mill and Science Centre, Nottingham

The views from the top floor are well worth the climb; just mind your head going up!! Green’s Mill also depends on donations to maintain the building, so please give generously. If you’re a UK tax payer remember to tick the Gift Aid box. It all helps. https://www.greensmill.org.uk/

I managed to get in a couple of lovely walks along the canal and river as well as a visit to Victoria Park and the amazing memorial to both World Wars, on the embankment near the fantastic suspension bridge

nottingham, robin hood, cities of england, domesday book, project 101, explore nottingham, visit nottingham, what to see in nottingham

In all I spent 2.5 weeks in Nottingham, 2 weeks of which was working, and so, during my breaks I managed to get in quite a few walks around the area, many of which were along the river. On a warm clear day before the snow, I chanced upon and watched a boat race.

Nottingham. Although I was at first quite disappointed, after digging around and finding all these amazing places to visit, I can say that, despite not meeting Robin, in all I enjoyed visiting these amazing places and discovering more about the history of the city and I especially enjoyed visiting the caves.

And so my visit went from NOT Nottingham, to why NOT Nottingham.

Posted in around the UK, Castles of UK and Ireland, cities and towns of the UK, Domesday Villages of England, project 101, Travel | Tagged cities of england, domesday book, explore nottingham, greens mill and science centre, mortimers cave, notting cathedral, nottingham, nottingham castle, project 101, robin hood, visit nottingham, what to see in nottingham | Leave a Comment »

Charming Chester

March 7, 2018 by notjustagranny

I couldn’t believe that I was finally here. After years of wanting to visit, it was thrilling to be walking these ancient streets, lined with all the amazing black and white buildings. I was giddy with elation and came close to photographing every single blessed building LOL

chester, visiting chester, black and white buildings chester, the chester clock, river dee chester

The wonderful canal, famous black and white buildings and the world famous Chester clock

To say that I was charmed and delighted by Chester would be the understatement of the year.

Soon after I arrived, and after dropping my luggage, I set off from the AirBnb where I was staying and walked back into the city in the waning hours of the day. The sky was painted a soft blue with a pink tinge to the west, the last remnants of the setting sun. First stop was to photograph the lovely little houses on the canal…..the lights casting yellow reflections on the water. I determined there and then to walk along at least a part of the canal during my stay.

I soon reached the city centre and stood with my jaw agape, thrilling at the many black & white buildings, albeit many of them being Victorian restorations, they were utterly charming. I meandered here and there, my camera clicking away, thrilled to see the famous Victorian Chester clock above the city gate.

I love these old Roman towns with their city walls and gates. It always gives me an absolute thrill to walk beneath them or along them. Chester’s city walls are in a remarkably good condition and I noticed that I could practically walk right around the city via the walls……tomorrow.

The cathedral stood majestic and proud, shadows casting a spell in the early evening light, the building looked mystical, magical, ethereal and otherworldly. I walked along the famous Rows in the heart of the city, described as the oldest shopping arcade in Britain they were between 1220 and 1350 when Chester was a booming market town and port.

The Bridgegate, River Dee and

The Bridgegate

The River Dee, Chester

I walked along the 4 main thoroughfares and then with the Chester High Cross behind me I walked down to the river. Passing through the medieval Bridgegate that guarded the approach to Chester from North Wales I soon crossed the medieval bridge over the River Dee. Bliss. I stood there for ages and then retraced my steps through the city and back to the B&B. Tired but happy. I could barely wait to explore the next day.

Originally a Roman settlement, Chester was one of the 1000s of villages listed in the Domesday Book (great survey of 1086) and adds to my ever growing list for Project 101…I may just have to make it Project 202 at this rate LOL. Chester appears in 9 entries in Domesday Book.

One last photo of the clock, and although it was only 7.30pm it was totally dark. And so to bed, perchance to dream…….

the Chester Clock

Posted in around the UK, cities and towns of the UK, Domesday Villages of England, project 101, Travel, walk 1000 miles 2018 | Tagged black and white buildings chester, chester, domesday book villages of england, english history, explore chester, not just a granny travels, project 101, river dee chester, roman settlements in england, the chester clock, travel diaries, travel writing, visiting chester | 1 Comment »

And so to Chester.

March 5, 2018 by notjustagranny

I’ve been wanting to visit Chester for ever such a long time, and suddenly, due to circumstances on the work front, I’m able to plan a visit.

I’ve been working up in Nottingham for 2 weeks in February/March and tacked on 2 days for exploring the city while I’m here. I then tackled Google maps to see which places of interest were nearby…..voila Chester came up in my search, and since its just a 2.5 hour train journey away, I’ve decided to travel to Chester afterwards and spend a few days there as well.

Chester, located on the River Dee, has long been on my travel dream list as well as another location for Project101. A walled Roman city, Chester has a fascinating history, some of the most amazing Tudor architecture, a castle, an amphitheatre and a cathedral and nestles alongside a river, over which I’m sure there is a bridge or two. Perfect – at least 6 or 7 of the categories I’m aiming to fulfil. Founded as a ‘castrum’ or fort during the reign of Emperor Vespasian in AD79, Chester was one of the main Roman army camps, it’s original name: Deva Victrix, it was also briefly located in Wales, and is of course mentioned in the Domesday Book.

Known for it’s extensive Roman walls made of the local red sandstone, within the medieval city is The Rows, now a shopping precinct with Tudor-style half-timbered buildings, some of which are Victorian renovations. Just beyond the city’s old walls there’s a Roman amphitheatre and ongoing excavations. I’m excited to see my 3rd Roman amphitheatre.

The Minster Church of West Mercia, founded by King AEthelred of Mercia in 689, became Chester’s cathedral and the town was granted city status in 1541 during the reign of Henry VIII. Apparently it has one of the best preserved Roman walls in Britain, which the Saxons extended and strengthened to protect the city against the Danes. Chester was one of the last cities in England to fall to the Normans after which William the Conqueror constructed a castle, to dominate not only the town but also the nearby Welsh border.

Chester experienced substantial development during the Industrial Revolution which saw railways, canals and new roads being built. I’m so excited to be visiting there and wish I had a few more days…..but 2.5 will have to do for now.

Things I plan to see/do while I’m there:

Walk a circuit of the City Walls; 3kms approx and visit the city gates, of which there are by all accounts 7: Bridgegate, Eastgate, Newgate, Northgate, St Martin’s Gate, Watergate, and Wolf Gate. Awesome. I wonder how it compares to the city walls at Canterbury?

The amphitheatre and excavations – it will be interesting to see the comparison to the Roman amphitheatre at Guildhall in London.

The Castle (of course 🙂 ) – I love a good castle

The Cathedral – one of my favourite types of buildings to visit, they are usually quite exquisite.

The Row with it’s Tudor-style buildings – an absolute favourite in terms of architecture.

Walk alongside the river and cross at least two bridges….a must do 🙂

And last but absolutely not least….visit the famous Eastgate Clock; apparently the most photographed clock in England after Big Ben, which seems hard to believe…. This was one of the very first things about Chester that made the decision for me; I had to visit.

And so to Chester I go…..

Posted in around the UK, Castles of UK and Ireland, cities and towns of the UK, Domesday Villages of England, walks around the UK | Tagged domesday book villages of england, not just a granny travels, project 101, solo travel, travel diaries, travel writing, visit chester | 5 Comments »

The Beast from the East

March 2, 2018 by notjustagranny

Well we were warned! No-one can say that there weren’t repeated news briefs and weather warnings about the snow and cold that was headed our way.

It all started off rather mildly in Nottingham, a few flurries and a dusting of snow on the ground and it got somewhat colder than the days before. I thought “Oh, is that it?” But no, there was more to come.

The snow flurries got thicker and more frequent and then suddenly the storm was upon us.

Unfortunately, unlike when I was in Montgomery last year, the area I’m working in is quite dull and boring; just houses, shops and fuel stations, so absolutely nothing picturesque to photograph at all.

I did though take the opportunity during one particular lull to have a brisk walk down to the river. beast from the east, snow in nottingham, river trent, tavel diaries

beast from the east, snow in nottingham, river trent, tavel diaries

The Trent Bridge

There wasn’t much snow along the banks, but still it all looked rather pretty and I took a lovely long walk along the canal that leads into the city.

the lock

The worst of the snowfall came yesterday and the temperatures plunged. Now, I love being outdoors, but I’m afraid that this time I’ve decided to give it a miss and have stayed indoors reading instead.

River Trent

My time in Nottingham is drawing to a close and I finish this assignment on Monday, after which I will be spending a day and a half exploring the city before I head to Chester! I’m well excited for that.

To keep up with my travels and the places I explore, and the projects I’m interested in, follow me on instagram or Twitter (where I tend to rant a lot…if you can bear it LOL)

Posted in around the UK, cities and towns of the UK, It's my life, Travel | Tagged beast from the east, https://www.instagram.com/notjustagranny/, nottingham, river trent, snow in nottingham, travel diaries | 1 Comment »

National Book Day 1st March

March 1, 2018 by notjustagranny

I finished reading a book by one of my favourite authors last night, just in time for National Book Day – which is today 🙂

Val McDermid is one of my ultimate favourite authors and whenever I come across one of her books that I haven’t yet read, I grab the opportunity with both hands. I don’t often get to read a book much these days what with one thing and another….like planning a pilgrimage or two LOL and getting some miles under my belt (or is that feet?) for the #walk1000miles challenge.

As mentioned many time before, I’m really lucky in that my job takes me to so many new places around the UK and so the temptation to get out and walk and explore is overwhelming. But what with my unsociable hours whilst on the job, I seldom get time to sit down and just read.

However with the recent appearance of the #beastfromtheeast I’ve had a good enough excuse to not go out too often during my breaks and have instead snuggled up under the covers and read….I finally reached the last page of my current read; Splinter the Silence just after midnight, unable to put the book down at a reasonable hour. It’s just such a good read.

Prior to that of course it was Shetland on TV before bedtime so by the time I settled into bed it was almost 10:30pm.

Splinter the Silence is one of many books featuring the psychologist Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan. Of course Tony Hill is a favourite character of mine every since watching the TV series The Wire in the Blood with Robson Greene for whom I carry a schoolgirl crush LOL

The latest book (2015) in the Tony Hill/Carol Jordan novels, Splinter the Silence is fast paced, full of detail that gives you a clear idea of who is who as it wefts and weaves the characters together; the killer, the victims and the crime fighters, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses with snippets of background in an easy to read recipe for excitement as your pulse races along with the desire to get to the end and see ‘whodunnit’.

national book day, val mcdermid, splinter the silence, tony hill

Splinter the Silence – Val McDermid

I’m not one of those people who can pick up a book and put it down numerous times, I have to read as quickly as possible to get to the last page, often reading a whole book in one night – although I don’t do that anymore. I remember as a young girl I picked up the habit of reading the last page before starting the book….something that drove my Mother mad and she soon ‘beat’ it out of me…metaphorically speaking, and insisted I read the book through from beginning to end. Hahaha.

Splinter the Silence is a thriller and thrilling. I can highly recommend this as a thoroughly good read.

Posted in book reviews, lifestyle | Tagged book reviews, crime thrillers, national book day, reading for entertainment, splinter the silence, Val McDermid | 1 Comment »

Dying for water

February 25, 2018 by notjustagranny

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-42982959#

I recently read this very disconcerting and worrying article. Please read it and share. Along with other major cities in the world, London will run out of water in the not too distant future. Water is probably the MOST precious commodity next to air, and yet people waste it like its an unending supply. Only 3% of the water on the planet is drinkable and yet its poured away without thought. Of the 7 billion people on the planet, 2.7 billion have no proper access to fresh drinking water.

Just a few ways in which we waste water every day:

Boiling a full kettle for one cup = wasting water.

Gushing taps =wasting water.

Standing in the shower for ages =wasted water.

Filling a swimming pool =horrendous waste of water.

Washing a car with a hose pipe =horrendous waste of water.

Not planting a water retaining garden =waste of water.

Using sprinklers on the lawn during the day =waste of water.

Not retaining rainwater in a drum =waste of water.

Producing the hundreds of single use PLASTIC bottles of water =obscene waste of water.

Recycling that plastic = unnecessary waste of water.

Ice bucket challenge =waste of water….yes they raised money for charity, but millions of liters of water went to waste.

The list of how water is wasted is endless. Please do consider that #waterisprecious and think about how you can #savewater and #stopwaste

A good place to start would be #nomoreplastic #nosingleuseplastic #noplasticbottles

#conservewaterdontwasteit

Posted in around the UK, lifestyle, news from around the world | Tagged Cape Town runs out of water, Conserve water, Conserve water dont waste it, Dying for water | Leave a Comment »

Yayyyyyyyy for the Queen

February 23, 2018 by notjustagranny

Stepping up and showing the way to all those food outlets that are STILL dragging their heels.

There is no time for mucking about anymore. Drastic action must be taken by ALL food suppliers and producers ; farmers across all genres, fishermen, suppliers, supermarkets etc etc.

3 years is too long. Drastic action needs to be taken NOW to reduce plastic in the system.

Posted in around the UK, gratitude, Inspiration, lifestyle, plastic pollution | Tagged avoiding plastic, ban plastic bottles, ban single use plastic, no more straws, plastic pollution, Queen Elizabeth II bans plastic straws | Leave a Comment »

Manipulation of the masses

February 22, 2018 by notjustagranny

The article I’ve shared here is a long read. It may be worth your time to read it through. I left Facebook earlier this year, (although I haven’t yet deleted my profile), because it was making me feel uncomfortable and I noticed that I was being manipulated by what I was seeing. My daughter sent me this article and having read it, I see now that my thoughts and feelings of unease were correct. I realise that some will of course say they already ‘knew’ all of this. I’ll leave it to you to decide whether to read it or not, but in case you don’t, everyone on social media is being mass manipulated and Facebook is one of the worst perpetrators. : “They have created billions of individual channels, each of which can be pushed further into negativity and extremism without the risk of alienating other audience members. To the contrary: the platforms help people self-segregate into like-minded filter bubbles, reducing the risk of exposure to challenging ideas.” https://washingtonmonthly.com/magazine/january-february-march-2018/how-to-fix-facebook-before-it-fixes-us/

I’ve kept my profile open simply so that I can pop in from time to time to contact friends whose phone numbers I don’t have, particularly those who live on different continents, and because I have never downloaded the Facebook messenger app since I didn’t and still don’t trust them or the app. I don’t see messages or tags anymore because I literally go onto my profile for a few minutes and off again. I won’t ever again be an active user.
I’ll still use instagram because I enjoy sharing my images and love seeing all the wonderful images of places around the world. It’s also useful to compile lists of where I want to go. WhatsApp has unfortunately become a necessity.. for now, but that will change in time. And Google is Google, a useful tool for research. Fortunately I’m not a very good consumer, so that’s their bad luck.

Anyway, I’d suggest you take the time to read this article, so that you can be aware of how we’re all being manipulated. Knowledge, as they say, is power.

https://www.wired.com/story/inside-facebook-mark-zuckerberg-2-years-of-hell/amp?__twitter_impression=true

Posted in family and relationships, Interesting articles, lifestyle, news from around the world | Tagged depression and Facebook, Facebook manipulation | Leave a Comment »

The homestead of Snot’s people

February 19, 2018 by notjustagranny

It is my dream and goal to visit as many places in the UK as I possibly can, especially places relative to my Project 101.

If I could spend every day travelling and going to new places I surely would…in between visiting home and my family of course 😉 I’m looking forward to the day I buy my motor home.

A few weeks ago I contacted the agency I get my assignments from and asked if they could send me farther afield than Kent…I’ve been to so many places in Kent already as well as many in the neighbouring counties, and I really wanted to extend my range again. Since Nottingham is on my list of places to go, so when they suggested a position in the city for 2 weeks I jumped at the chance.

After a long day of travel I finally arrived at Nottingham Station. It’s a long way from Broadstairs to Nottingham…5.5 hours and 3 train changes.

The Nottingham Canal that I crossed over on my way from the station to the B&B opened in 1796. I love seeing canal boats on a river, they always look so quaint and intriguing.

This is my first visit to Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, which is really exciting, as I’m now able to add this visit to a few categories on my Project 101: Domesday Book town, walled city, a major river, a castle, a cathedral city, a cathedral…which remarkably is linked to the Architect Augustus Pugin and ties in to the walk I did last year : The Way of St Augustine.

Can’t wait to explore, although proper exploration will have to wait till the assignment is finished, to which end I’ve booked to stay for a couple of days after. However there is no reason why I couldn’t pop out for a short walk around the city even though it was already dark out.

Nottingham is mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book as “Snotingeham” and “Snotingham”. Named for a Saxon Chieftain ‘Snot’, it was dubbed “Snotingaham” meaning literally, “the homestead of Snot’s people” (Inga = the people of; Ham = homestead).

First on the agenda was a visit to Nottingham Castle. I’d walked past it on my way to the B&B and seriously it was quite simply amazing…..

Nottingham Castle was constructed in the 11th century on a sandstone outcrop by the River Trent. I have never seen any such location for a castle in my life. The outcrop appears to be pock marked with caves and holes…and apparently, after reading the storyboard nearby, it seems that there are in fact tunnels and caves below the castle…..now I’m really intrigued and excited. The opening time is March which means my timing is perfect…thankfully. At the side of the castle is a fab statue of Robin Hood, he of Nottingham Forest and Maid Marion fame…..steal from the rich to feed the poor. Remember the film Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves… I wonder if he looked anything like Kevin Costner 😉

On the way there I passed Ye Olde trip to Jerusalem Inn which according to the blurb, is the oldest inn in England. Apparently this too has tunnels running beneath so of course I absolutely have to go back for a tour.

From there I took a stroll through the streets passing a fab little Tudor style house. I didn’t see many medieval style houses – I must try to find out if there are any.

The pedestrianised area is lined with the usual high street shops and stores…it look so familiar to many places I’ve been I could have been almost anywhere. Is there a template?

I did enjoy seeing the electrified trams…reminded me of Amsterdam and Dublin.

I stopped for a quick bite at Five Guys, I haven’t ever eaten there before, and probably won’t again. The sandwich I had was okay, and the fries edible but nothing to write home about.

Since it was was already very dark I decided to head back to the B&B and settle in for a nice hot bath, some T.V. – one of my favourite shows: Call the Midwife and then an early night is in order.

I’m looking forward to when the assignment is over and I can explore more thoroughly. I enjoyed finding these coats of arms and of course a door is always intriguing..

Posted in around the UK, Castles of UK and Ireland, cities and towns of the UK, Domesday Villages of England, Historical, project 101, Travel | Tagged domesday book villages, nottingham castle, places to visit in the uk, project 101, robin hood and nottingham castle, travel in the UK, tunnels of nottingham castle, visit nottingham | Leave a Comment »

It’s all coming together

February 18, 2018 by notjustagranny

Planning, planning, planning. What fun it’s been planning my 2 big 2018 pilgrimages; The Pilgrim’s Way from Winchester to Canterbury and Camino Ingles from Ferrol to Santiago and from there on the Camino Finisterre with a final journey to Muxia; the now agreed furthermost point of mainland Europe and an ancient pilgrims destination.

As mentioned in a previous blog, I’ve had hours of fun with researching what to see, reading the respective pilgrimage guides, studying the route on google maps, scanning airbnb and booking.com for suitable and not bank-breaking accommodation rates, then calculating the cost of these pilgrimages……and therein lies the rub…..or should I say months of hard work LOL. Ouch. It’s going to be a lot more expensive than I anticipated…especially the UK pilgrimage.

Accommodation in the UK does NOT come cheap. Unlike the albergues and hostels on the various Camino routes in Spain which cater for pilgrims, the best price I’ve managed to book for the UK is at one of the YHA locations – at £16 for the night, it’s very comparable to the accommodations in Spain.

AirBnB! How did we do without it before? It’s a gem, although not necessarily cheap, you can find some lovely accommodations and I have found a number of very suitable places along The Pilgrim’s Way. I had planned on staying the first 2 nights in Winchester, but after trying various places in Winchester, oh my gosh, talk about exorbitant…..as I said to the one lady I spoke to, I’m walking as a pilgrim, not visiting as a tourist. If I want to pay so much money, I’ll stay at a hotel. Winchester does not come cheap!!

But there it is. So instead I’ve altered my plans and have found some lovely accommodation in Southampton, which is brilliant since Southampton is a famous sailing off point for pilgrims travelling to distant shores; namely the point of departure for the Pilgrim Fathers aboard Mayflower in 1620, as well as many pilgrims from the UK departing to follow the way of St James in Spain. I’ve wanted to visit Southampton anyway, so this will give me the chance to add a day of exploration to the itinerary and explore the city for a day and there is MUCH to see 🙂

I’ve booked 9 of 18 nights for the UK….the rest will have to wait while I work some more and save up some more LOL ….the joys of travel. I’ve also booked 7 of 21 days in Spain and plan to make the most of the traditional alburgues and hostels along the routes on a ‘phone ahead and hope for the best plan’.

Besides planning when to start my pilgrimages and how many days to walk each route, I’ve had to do a budget projection right through to end October to ensure I can in fact earn sufficient income to pay for them, as well as calculate exactly how much I can squeeze out of my monthly budgets towards the main aspects of expected expenses; travel, food, accommodation, mementos and of course most importantly travel insurance. It’s going to be a hectic balancing act and my accounting background and love of spreadsheets is coming in well handy LOL

I can barely believe that I’ll finally be walking one of the long-distance pilgrimage routes in the UK. I have already followed Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales route from Southwark to Canterbury and the Way of St Augustine from Ramsgate to Canterbury, but neither of those routes was in excess of 100 miles. I have walked the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago which was 150 miles, so that was quite good…..the Pilgrim’s Way from Winchester to Canterbury is 133+ miles and the 3 Camino routes in Spain will equal approx 135 miles. Although neither of them come anywhere close to the Camino Norte which is over 515 miles, and which I’m planning (hoping) to walk in 2019. Whew, wipe the sweat from my brow LOL

There are quite a few websites that I’ve frequented whilst planning these trips and I have found 2 of them to be most useful.

The Pilgrims Way Canterbury http://www.pilgrimswaycanterbury.org/

Confraternity of St James https://www.csj.org.uk/

I also purchased 3 Pilgrim guides that have been a mine of information: