Elton, Caster Highlands & Oundle walks

 

During the last Bank holiday weekend, Gill and I went on some superb walks in the Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire border. Beautiful countryside and historic stone villages. It reminds me of the Cotswolds without all the tourists. 

All the 3 walks finished with a pint of the local Best. 

Check out https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/cambridgeshire-the-fens-pathfinder-walks-guidebook/ and https://www.walkingbooks.co.uk/acatalog/Walking-Close-to-Oundle-0695.html for great walks. 

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. 

"Making our streets better for social distancing, walking and cycling..."

Check out the interactive survey launched today by Newham Council  https://www.newham.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/c19-information-advice/5

"We want to hear your ideas for making our streets better for social distancing, walking and cycling.

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, current Government advice is that public transport should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, and with over 50% of Newham households not owning a car, we need to make sure that walking and cycling is a safe and attractive option.

Newham also has the largest number of deaths attributable to poor air quality and encouraging more residents to walk and cycle, instead of private vehicles, will also help reduce air pollution.

Make suggestions on the map for wider pavements, new or better crossing points, reducing speeds and traffic volumes, changes to cycle routes or any other changes to support with social distancing, walking and cycling".

I have been a keen cyclist and walker in Newham (and beyond) for many years. Today I cycled from Forest Gate 5.08 miles into Newham Dockside in 30 minutes and then this evening 4.36 miles back in 27 minutes (slow but not that much faster if I drove during rush hour). 

Cycling through West Ham Park, the Greenway and Beckton Park was really enjoyable. While cycling back along Tollgate Road, Prince Regent Lane and Plaistow High Street wasn't that great. 

So if you have any ideas about how to make our streets safer then click on the interactive survey and let Newham Council know. 

By coincidence as a Councillor I have had casework recently from residents wanting to increase the number of cycle hangers (secure storage cages on our roads). So as well as using the interactive survey to indicate areas which need more hangers, email Cycle.Training@Newham.gov.uk with your location and ask for more (and encourage your neighbours to do so as well) 

Walking in County Kerry

Off message but after a week in Dublin I spent a wonderful week walking in County Kerry, Republic of Ireland. Hired a cottage in the tiny former smuggling port of Portmagee. A drop dead gorgeous, relaxed and friendly part of the world. Reminded me of Madeira.

There are a number of "looped walks" which are well signposted and very quiet and peaceful even in August. Many have historical themes.

My only regret was that I left it too late to book a boat trip to visit Skellig Michael. Next time.

The Guinness wasn't bad either.

More pictures on Facebook here and here.