Richard Cole

There’s a unique magic in retracing the footsteps of one’s childhood, especially when those steps lead through the enchanting landscapes that inspired some of the most beloved adventure stories ever written. My recent week-long holiday through Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset was not just a trip down memory lane but a bridge connecting my past to… Continue reading Rediscovering Childhood: A Journey Through Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset Inspired by Enid Blyton

From Coal Face to Wild Place: A RSPB local group field trip at Fairburn Ings Another weekend, another adventure. After wrapping up work, we swapped our usual camping gear for binoculars and warm layers, loading up the car for a change of pace. This time, we were heading north of Leeds for a cozy night… Continue reading The Birdwatcher’s Yorkshire Three Peaks: A Weekend of Wildlife at Yorkshire’s Nature Reserves

The weekend had been circled in the diary for weeks—a much-anticipated trip to Coniston to reconnect with friends and meet new ones. We were eager to get our hands on rock, scramble in the fells, and enjoy the last of the summer sun in one of the Lake District’s most iconic areas, and definitely one… Continue reading Coniston Scramble: A Weekend of Sun, Rock, and Good Company

My first encounter with Tryfan’s North Ridge dates back to the early ’90s when I tackled it with my father. That memory, like so many of our other adventures, stays with me to this day. Whether it was camping in February near Cnicht in my original Terra Nova Voyager (back when they were called Wild… Continue reading Retracing Footsteps: A Weekend Scramble on Tryfan’s North Ridge

Nearly 15 years ago, I found myself stepping onto the platform at Bristol Temple Meads, my mind buzzing with anticipation for my first proper software service delivery project at a customer site. As a young professional, the prospect of weekdays away from home was both exciting and daunting. However, one thing quickly became clear: I… Continue reading Revisiting the Bristol Triangle: A Journey Through Time and Trails

I love nothing more than exploring the outdoors with friends and family, so I jumped at the chance to get out on a new trail with my son. The Sheffield Round Walk provides the perfect setting. This 15-mile loop transitions from urban landscapes to rural serenity, showcasing Sheffield’s natural beauty and rich history. The beauty… Continue reading Exploring the Sheffield Round Walk: A Journey Through Nature and History

This year, the Stagecoach Peak Sightseer has revised and expanded its routes, offering even more opportunities to explore the beautiful Peak District. My daughter and I recently spent a delightful day experiencing the updated service. If you love open-top buses, breathtaking views, charming cafes, historic castles, and delicious ice cream, join us as we share… Continue reading Exploring the Peak District with Stagecoach Peak Sightseer: Updated Routes and New Adventures

The 2024 Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon was calling, and we were set to tackle the Bedafell class, a parent-child adventure through the stunning fells around Haweswater. Our journey was punctuated by the usual traffic delays, but a short break midway gave us a much-needed pause. Despite the hold-ups, we arrived in good time to get… Continue reading Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon 2024 Bedafell Class

This weekend headed off on Saturday morning for a day out with our local RSPB group to venture into the nature of RSPB St Aidan’s. Although this day I we had decided to extend our trip to Sunday to visit one of our favorite nature reserves: RSPB Bempton Cliffs. This weekend trip turned out to… Continue reading A Weekend Immersed in Nature: Exploring RSPB St Aidan’s and Bempton Cliffs