Portsmouth and the Wayfarers' Walk

 

To try and prove that I have a hinterland outside politics, unions, housing and pensions, below is another countryside walking post. While away for the weekend, Gill and I did this 6.5 mile circular route, in the rolling Hampshire countryside. 

It was a blue walk ("modest length, likely to include some modest uphill walking") from Jarrold, Ordnance Survey, Pathfinder series: book 12 "Hampshire and the New Forest". The weather was very kind and it was a lovely quiet walk through fields, lanes, woods, streams and a Roman Road. Overlooking Portsdown Hill and the historic "Palmerston's folly" Fort Widley.  

There was also the largest "Solar panel" farm I have ever seen and we even walked past a "Wanstead Farm" (many, many miles away from Wanstead flats which starts across the road from us). 

Very good free parking, benches to change footwear and WC facilities at the start in the car park at Purbrook Heath. Nearest public transport Purbrook. 

Check out further photos on https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=732243433&sk=grid

Crossthwaite Common, Rake Gill and Holwick Walk: Is this really an overcrowded Island?

 

Off message. Just been sorting out photos from recent holiday in Country Durham and created college from a tough but magnificent 9.5 mile circular solo walk, I did starting from Middleton-in-Teesdale. This was an orange Pathfinder walk. 

The weather going up was damp and very, very windy. I saw 2 other walkers while going along the Pennine way path, then when I left it for the moors, I saw no other person at all for over 3 hours, until I came down the other side.  I got lost a couple of times since the paths were often unclear but it was a fantastic walk.  It ended in sunshine, while I returned by the river to Middleton. Again, hardly a soul to be seen. 

Farthing Common, Postling & Tolsford Hill Walk

 

Check out a view from my seat. A fantastic 5.5 mile circular Pathfinder walk in Kent, North Downs. For a "Green Walk" is was quite demanding with lots of ups and downs. The views were wonderful. No good public transport links apparent I am afraid. 

This was during my "recovery" weekend after the local Council elections on May 5. 

I will post more pictures on Facebook and link. 

Penycoddiau & Moel Arthur Walk Easter 2022

 

Off message - During Easter Gill and I went to North Wales to see my Mum and our family. We went on some wonderful walks. 

This 7.5 mile circular orange walk "Penycoddiau & Moel Arthur" from our ancient (make sure you buy the modern version) "North Wales, Snowden and Offa's Dyke" Pathfinder guide was fantastic. 

As a young boy we use to go for family sledging down the steep slopes of Moel Arthur in winter and later on, as a teenager I would walk and wild camp along these Clwydian Hills with friends, when I was in the ATC (Air Force cadets) practicing for Duke of Edinburgh awards expeditions. 

There are two fairly steep climbs near the start and then near the end but the rest of the walk is along ridgetops and fairly level trackways with glorious views first of the Wirral then the Vale of Clwyd. 

Check out the wild hill forts, the spring blossom and the peace and quiet. 

The bottom picture of the collage is mine and the top suggested by Google. Not sure which one I prefer? Both lovely. You can see other photos from this walk here on my Facebook page. 

View from my seat: Hollingbourne & Thurnham Pathfinder Walk

 

Gill and I went on this amazing walk today in the North Downs. Hollingbourne is about 1 hour drive from Newham (also accessible by train). It is a 8 mile circularly walk from the "Kent Walks" Pathfinder Guide. 

I would get the latest version of this guide since the right of way has been changed a little. Better still, subscribe to the online Ordnance Survey Map service  which is a little annoying at times, but tells you where you are in real time and not were you think you are. 

The first half of the walk is really easy, along level quiet country roads and paths. There was some low level road noise from the M20 but it would have been hypocritical of me to complain. Apart from the odd car and cyclist we did not see a soul on the first part of the walk. 

There was however a fairly steep climb up to the North Downs Way, where there was more walkers (but not that many). 

The views from the top of the North Downs were simply magnificent. The cold blue skies and sunshine helped but this was the best walk I have been on for ages. There are lots of ups and downs, and you definitely need decent footwear and warm clothing. 

We had to get back home for a Tesco delivery so did not stop off for a drink at the "Dirty Habit" but it looked like a great pub with a fantastic menu. 

Check out further photos on Facebook

Hanningfield Reservoir walk

Off message but recently Gill and I did this short (4 mile) walk starting and finishing at Hanningfield Reservoir in South Essex (near Chelmsford) about 40 minutes drive from Newham (public transport not good). Big Essex Skies. 

Check out Essex Pathfinder books. Will post more pictures on Facebook. 

A lovely walk despite typical British winter weather - sunshine, cloud and occasional rain. A bit muddy crossing fields. 

Newcastle Emlyn and Cenarth Pathfinder Walk

Off message but last week Gill and I spent a wonderful week in a static caravan, located in an isolated small holding in mid Wales.  The weather was marvellous and we managed to go on a number of lovely walks locally (despite many blocked paths, which I will be contacting the local Ramblers footpath secretary about, since I have never come across so many serious obstacles on "rights of way" including barbed wire and permanently shut gates).

On our last day, we went on this 7 mile circular Ordnance Survey pathfinder walk (our walk is in the 2011 edition and I assume that this walk is also in the latest version).  No paths were blocked but they were overgrown in parts and wearing shorts was probably not a great idea if you have sensitive skin. 

The walk starts and finishes in Newcastle Emlyn, which is a small historic Welsh market town with a ruined castle (with a fascinating but bloody history). It is a "Orange" level walk but not too strenuous, lots of ups and downs, enclosed paths, tracks, lanes and woodland.  The Cenarth falls and water walkways are delightful. There are also great views towards the end of the walk overlooking the town and the river Teifi.

I recommend the freshly made sandwich deal at the Ty Croeso deli in the main street (sandwich, crisps and drink for £4.50). 

 

Waltham Abbey and the Lee valley walk

Somewhat off message but today Gill and I drove to this 4.5 mile circular route from "Essex Walks" Pathfinder series. It is also very accessible by public transport. 

It was a peaceful and relaxing walk mostly next to water but also across fields and hedgerows. The weather forecast was a bit dodgy but luckily there was only a few spots of very light rain. 

It is difficult to imagine that this area was for hundreds of years a Royal factory for the production of gunpowder and armaments. There still remains a very large fenced off former military "research station" which appears to be gradually being knocked down to build modern flats and offices. 

Many of the lakes and water features were also caused by industrial scale gravel extraction. 

The riverboat community were very friendly (apart from one who told us off for cooing at her cat which was sleeping in the bow of the boat). 

There are a number of interesting modern sculptures scattered around the area which are well worth a stop and a ponder and at least one wildlife hide. 

There was a "Viking" signpost and information board which pointed out that this used to be the border between the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to the west and the Viking controlled territories known as Danelaw to the east. 

By coincidence last night, I started watching the "Last Kingdom" series on Netflix, which is set in this period. It is not for the fainthearted (thank you Shabs) and I will give it another go tonight but if the death and gore count is similar to last night, I may give the rest of the series a miss. 

I recommend this walk but it is likely to be very busy for the first half if a warm and sunny weekend. 

 

The Glyders Walk and Kyffyn Williams "The Gathering"

Just back from a smashing long weekend in North Wales to see family and do a bit of walking. Not seen my Mum or elder sister, due to Covid since August 2020. Zoom and Facetime are really good at keeping in touch but it was great to meet up in person again. 

I was also really pleased to finally go for a 5 mile circular walk around "The Glyders" in Snowdonia (Route 28 "Snowdonia, Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula "Pathfinder Guide). 

My favourite artist, Kyffyn Williams, has painted a marvellous picture of Welsh Shepherds on top of Glyder Fach, a copy of which hangs in my living room (see collage).  I had promised myself that I would go up after lockdown. 

The walk started next to YHA on Llyn Ogwn. I arrived at 9.30am and was incredibly lucky to get a parking space nearby. I would recommend getting there far more early on busy Saturdays when the weather is good. There was decent toilets there and a takeaway shop (I enjoyed a hot sausage roll).  It took me 5 hours to complete the walk but maybe I should have had more rests to recover and taken longer. 

It was probably amongst the toughest walks I have ever done. I had thought that during lockdown, I had got pretty fit but jogging in Wanstead flats and walking along Kent green lanes and Essex fields had not prepared me for walking up and down (or rather scrambling on your hands and knees) Welsh mountains. I had plenty of cuts and bruises from minor falls and scrapes. When your legs start going shaky and your feet are sore with blisters on the way up then the way down is always going to be problematical. Wearing shorts wasn't a great decision either. 

From the start, after about 10 minutes of walking up and up on the hard stone surfaces it all started to came back to me and knew I was up for a bloody awful challenge.  The painful ascent of Bristly Ridge confirmed this.

There again, the views were simply phenomenal and the rock formations on top were amazing, Most fellow walkers were also very friendly and open to a chat on how knackering it all was but how great it was as well. 

Near the end, after beautiful Llyn Idwal, I passed a couple with their young daughter, probably aged about 6. As I passed, I heard her say to her Dad "that man in the hat looks like a Partner". The Dad responded by saying "We don't talk about what people look like when we are in public but what do you mean by "Partner". His daughter said "he looks like a cowboy with that hat". I had to turn and smile broadly (see collage and make your own mind up but anything to keep the sun off my face). 

Enjoyed a cool Welsh bitter beer in Bethesda on way back to Ruthin. 

(Please note warnings in guide book that you should not do this walk unless you are "fit and experienced". I was not but was lucky on this occasion and the weather was good). 

Newport and Debden Essex "Big Skies" walk

 

Off message. This is our favourite Essex Pathfinder walk. Only 40 minutes drive from Forest Gate (and accessible by rail). A 6.5 mile circular walk starting from Newport Railway Station. It is quite hilly for Essex and lots of lovely green lanes and footpaths as well as loads of attractive thatched cottages. 

On this clear day last Sunday, with lots of sunshine, the Essex "big skies" back drop to this walk is spectacular. You hardly see another soul on this walk. Last post on this walk in snow and ice 2010. 

A weekend away in Norfolk

Off  message but last weekend following English lockdown easing, we hired a self catering chalet in the Norfolk broads and had 2 marvellous days walking in the local countryside. It was great to wake up somewhere different. We even went out on Saturday for a nice outdoor pub lunch (and quickly got fed up with a couple of noisy pub bores on the next door table. We had forgotten about this occasional downside of the Great British pub) .  

On Sunday we walked the 5.5 mile  "How Hill and Ludham" walk from this pathfinder guide book. The start of the walk at How Hill is only 30m high (but classed as a hill in this very flat part of Norfolk). 

I loved the remoteness and the "big skies" you find in Norfolk and East Anglia. The history, the chocolate box villages and all the stunning scenery you come across is unbeatable.  

One thing I noticed is the impressive detached brick house bottom left. It has a plaque on it which says "District Nurse, Norfolk Country Council 1955 (see bottom left of collage). I assume this is from a time when employers cared about the housing need of their workers. 

The walk itself was well sign posted with no obstacles (or angry dogs, gamekeepers or horses) and the directions clear and accurate.