The unusual Prinknash Abbey, hidden in the Cotswolds We had overnighted at Painswick on the Cotswold Way. Being a Sunday morning, we breakfasted and then were off to experience a local church service. A pleasant service at St. Mary’s with the minister giving a sermon about the evils of transnational companies such as Nike. After […]
South Downs Way – Frogs and White Horses
The lovely Cuckmere River on South Downs Way Some time ago…. From London’s Victoria Station we board the bus and head off to Eastbourne, a 3 hr trip to the south coast. Most of the time was snoozing time. At Eastbourne, we then walked the 1and ½ miles to the Beachy Head Youth Hostel (no […]
John O'Groats: top of Scotland
At John O’Groats Scotland From the Diary – May 31 – Saturday: Inverness – Thurso – John O’Groats I was staying overnight at the Inverness Youth Hostel. Phew! What a pong in the room. All these walkers, baked bean eaters, snorers, and no windows to let the air in. I found it difficult to sleep […]
Scotland: Fort William – Ben Nevis summit
Almost at the summit of Ben Nevis Fort William – Ben Nevis summit If you’re ever in Fort William, Scotland and you have a spare day, don’t miss out on a great opportunity of walking up to the summit of Britain’s highest mountain. And it’s not overly difficult, as long as you encounter a relatively […]
Monmouth Bridge – Offa’s Dyke
Monmouth Bridge on Offa’s Dyke Offa’s Dyke Walk: There was a gradual ascent through a series of beech-forested slopes named Quicken Tree Wood, Wyeseal Wood and Creeping Hill. . The sky remained overcast without threat of rain. Once Keith and I had reached the top, we had occasional glimpses of the Wye and again walked upon the Dyke […]
Lake District Walks – over Stake Pass
From the Diary – The impressive Langstrath Valley near Stonethwaite . Nov 5 – Tuesday: Keswick, Lake District, UK About 5.00pm we arrive at Barron House, a youth hostel, a pleasure after many hours of walking. This hostel is an imposing building and is in the Superior Class, i.e. it has all facilities. The drying […]
Coast to Coast – Kirkby Stephen
On the Coast to Coast Path: We followed the track that led along a back lane and out onto the long main road of Kirkby Stephen. There was our accommodation, perched right on the main street. The “Jolly Farmer” was a comfortably renovated inn. The assortment of boots and walking staves in the corridor suggested […]
West Highland Way: the Devil's Staircase
Near Glencoe Valley Oct 6 – Monday: King’s House – Kinlochleven (14.5 km) It was raining and a heavy wind blew throughout the night. We had breakfast in the hotel’s quaint dining room. The lady of the house takes our order and even suggests conspiratorially to Carol that she tries the blood sausage. Mrs. –‘s […]
Dreams of the GR3 Saumur – Orleans
Saumur on the Loire River, France . Feb 11 – Tuesday (some years ago) REIMS, FRANCE I plan to walk from Saumur to Orleans along the GR3 Trail. A big hearty breakfast and off to the station. Ten minutes before the train pulls out – a bomb scare. The police arrive, but don’t find anything. […]
Foulksrath Castle – Ireland's oldest hostel
Foulksrath Castle, near Kilkenny, Ireland From the travel diary: Dec 16 (some years ago) – Monday: Kilkenny, Ireland After a big breakfast I walk down to the railway station and take the train to Thomastown, named centuries ago after Anthony Fitz Thomas. I grew up in Thomastown, Victoria, Australia so I was interested to compare […]