Flower of Suffolk: A 26-Mile Ramble in the Baking Heat

The Flower of Suffolk is one of those quintessential Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) events that blend community spirit, challenging terrain, and a “do it at your own pace” ethos. Back in the summer of 1997, my father signed us up for the 26-mile route starting at Framlingham Sports Centre, unaware that we would be …

A Blocking High Over the Cairngorms

Last Adventure with Bloxham School When reflecting on my life so far, I see these transition points where one chapter closes and another begins. The summer of 1997 captured that feeling perfectly for me. One chapter was ending, and another was about to start. Fresh from A-level exams, I joined a group from Bloxham School …

A Wander Between Pubs in the Forest of Dean

For me nothing quite says “post-exam freedom” like a low-key wander through the Forest of Dean with a good friend and plenty of countryside pubs to discover. Fresh off my A-levels, I hitched a ride with a group from school who were heading to the forest for a Duke of Edinburgh expedition. Hedley and I …

The YHA Peak Marathon from Edale to Ilam, 1997

Hot on the heels of my adventure on the Isle of Rum, legs still sore and mind still buzzing, I found myself, just days later, gearing up for another epic outing: the YHA Peak Marathon. It was great to revisit my diary notes from all those years ago, and I’ve written them up here. Organised …

Tides, Trails, and the Eden Project: A Journey from Falmouth to Plymouth Along the South West Coast Path

Falmouth to Treworthal – A Journey Begins Saturday, May 4th, marked the beginning of the next section of our exploration of a bit more of the south west coast path. An early morning start with the alarm jolting me awake at 4:30 a.m. I made it to the 5:30 train from Bristol, a quiet ride …

Exploring the Sheffield Round Walk: A Journey Through Nature and History

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 …

Exploring the Peak District with Stagecoach Peak Sightseer: Updated Routes and New Adventures

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 …

Hiking some of the Salzburger Almenweg

It felt like the start of an adventure sat in the Eurostar lounge waiting to board the first train out of London to Paris and on to Munich with our bags packed with the plan for doing a section of the Salzburger Almenweg and some sightseeing on the way to and from Austria.  After zooming …

Winter Backpacking Trip along the Cumbrian Way

A great trail across the Lake District. Swapping the more normal fastpacking kit for plenty of warm clothes and a tent as we followed the Cumbria Way signs. Each day as we headed north we got to experience the changes to the landscapes across the Lake District through fields and on into the fells and …

Langtang, Helambu and Gosainkund Trek in Nepal

“Memories are the treasures that we keep locked deep within the storehouse of our souls, to keep our hearts warm when we are lonely.” Becky Aligada After all our preparation we stepped out of the land cruiser at Syabru Bensi and with our guide and porter we headed towards the Langtang valley. After a year …