Today, instead of resting as initially planned due to a poor weather forecast (,the first plan was hiking Yr Wyddfa at sunrise but then forecast for poor to moderate conditions meant I went for a “rest day”), I couldn’t resist the appeal of the local hills. I decided to go on a “leisurely stroll” up Moel Eilio (726m), Foel Gron (629m), Foel Goch(605m), and Moel Cynghorion (674m). Bagging two Welsh Marylins (Moel Eilio and Moel Cynghorion) felt like a satisfying achievement.
It was a simple, happy day, enjoying the beauty of nature in its purest form. Very few people about. I saw 4 or 5 people in the first 4h, and after 1h of not having seen anyone, I went for a nature wee behind a rock…what are the chances?!? Two German trail runners showed up! Luckily they didn’t see me as I was quick. Classic hiking bad timing though…
I had lunch at the top of Moel Cynghorion. It was so pleasant. Looking over the valley and yr Wyddfa.
Instead of pushing on towards Garnedd Ugain and Yr Wyddfa (which was very tempting while there as it looked fairy close and feasible), I opted to head back via Telegraph Valley.
Lots of ascents today again but I really enjoyed it. The “stroll” turned into a full-on hill hike.
Today wasn’t planned, but it turned out to be a day filled with unexpected delights, once more, in the stunning landscape of Eryri. After a week of adventurous stomping around, covering 87 miles or about 140 kilometers with plenty of uphill climbs, embracing the wilderness, camping under the stars for four nights (3 of them wild camping), encountering wildlife, and both swearing and laughing in the face of challenges. Time to go home tomorrow.
In the lead-up to my upcoming Snowdonia Slate Trail adventure, I embarked on two amazing hikes that not only served as preparation but also filled my soul with joy and anticipation for the trails ahead.
Firstly, I ventured to Coaley Peak and Woodchester Valley loop, accompanied by the indomitable Andrea. Amidst the verdant woods and rolling hills, we indulged in a morning of hiking, sprinkled with a dash of trail running to outrun a passing tractor in the vineyard – an adventure filled with laughter, sunshine, and the simple pleasures of nature. It was a reminder of why the great outdoors is my happy place, and I eagerly look forward to more moments like these.
Next, I tackled Fan Brycheiniog, standing tall at 802m in the heart of Wales. Joined by ten fellow trekkers (from our Iceland trek) and two canine companions, Bear & Daisy, the day was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite the initial steep incline and an unexpected detour along the way, our journey was marked by camaraderie, breathtaking vistas, and the shared joy of overcoming challenges.
As I reflected on our Iceland trek and the resilience it demanded, conquering Fan Brycheiniog felt like a tribute to our determination and spirit of adventure. Each step reminded me of the incredible community of trekkers and supporters rallying behind Prospect Hospice, spurring me onward to embrace new challenges and make a difference.
With memories of these two unforgettable hikes fueling my excitement, I’m ready to embark on the Snowdonia Slate Trail, embracing the unknown with open arms and a heart full of anticipation. Here’s to the adventures that lie ahead, the friendships forged on the trails, and the endless possibilities waiting to be discovered amidst the beauty of nature.
I wanted to share my last two training hikes before the Iceland Trek.
Sunday Solo Hike – More Iceland Trek Training
Date: 25th February 2024
This marked another section in my journey to prepare for the upcoming Iceland trek. Despite forgetting to check the forecast (rookie mistake, I know!), I embarked on a solo hike that turned out to be quite the adventure, if a wet and windy one!
The route took me through some familiar landscapes (which I’d walked in June 2022 on my walk across Wiltshire in aid of Prospect Hospice), starting with Walkers Hill and winding through charming little villages. As I walked along the canal and passed through Honeystreet and Alton Barnes, memories of my previous walks across Wiltshire flooded back, except there was a bit more wind and rain this time around.
The highlight of the hike was the ascent up the hills, with iconic landmarks like Alton Barnes White Horse and Milk Hill punctuating the landscape. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the walk served as excellent preparation for the cold and unpredictable weather I’ll likely encounter in Iceland. Plus, it gave me the chance to test out my gear once more and make sure everything is in top shape for the adventure ahead.
The Malverns, with the best company I could wish for
Date: 3rd March 2024
And the trek training continues!
This time, for my last hike before the big one, I was joined by my two lovely daughters. They asked to join and wanted to “go up a mountain”. We would have done Pen Y Fan but the forecast was for heavy snow and the ground conditions meant we probably wouldn’t have been able to reach the car park.
So a friend suggested the Malverns. It was closer so that’s a win, but also it’s somewhere all three of us could discover together.
We approached the hills startled and in awe. It looked stunning with the snow atop. We parked and started from British Camp. Word of warning if you ever go, the card machine wasn’t working in the car park. Bring coins. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect – a beautiful sunny day that filled us with energy and excitement for the journey ahead.
As we soaked in the breathtaking views and embraced the crisp air, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for moments like these. And while I may have forgotten to start my Garmin for the first couple of miles (oops!), the experience itself was worth more than any number on a screen. In total, we covered a solid nearly 9km, making every step count.
These hikes, despite their challenges and surprises, remind me why I fell in love with hiking in the first place. Each journey is not just about physical endurance, but also about embracing the beauty of nature, pushing past limits, and finding moments of pure joy, whether it’s when enjoying company or simply connection with the world around us, when we’re on our own or with others.
I still am amazed by all the support I have got from all my friends. Thank you.
Tomorrow I’ll be landing in Iceland, ready for the three-day trek in aid of Prospect Hospice.
I can’t wait to share this journey with all of you
I’ve been a bit slack on the blogging front lately. Apologies for that! I’m attempting to catch up on what’s been happening out on the trails as our small group is gearing up for our big Iceland trek in just three weeks!
First off, we tackled Bibury-Coln on January 27th – a beautiful hike, albeit a muddy one. Then, a few weeks later on February 10th and 11th, we went for not one, but two hikes, back to back. Not everyone came along to all the hikes as not everyone is available at weekends, but it was nice to get to know each other a bit better. We’re really getting into the swing of things!
A few photos from our Bibury hike
My poor navigation did get us slightly off my originally planned track but we rejoined the track soon after. Note I did not use the word “lost” 😆
Then, a few weeks ago on February 10th and 11th, we went for not one, but two hikes, back to back. Not everyone came along to all the hikes as not everyone is available at weekends, but it was nice to get to know each other a bit better. We’re really getting into the swing of things!
Old Town walk lead by Tony:
Despite the mud and the rain leaving some areas barely passable (seriously, will it ever stop?), we soldiered on, knowing that each hike brings us closer to being ready for Iceland.
The highlight? Definitely the beautiful 15-mile trek, which tested our endurance and our hill walking. It was tough, but we made it through together.
Avebury – Wansdyke 15-miler
As for training, I’ve been going to the gym three times a week, focusing on functional training with sandbags and keeping flexible. Plus, I’ve been squeezing in a couple of runs each week, with a bit of Parkrun tourism thrown in for good measure.
I ran a 10k event in Longleat at the end of January too, the day afer the Bibury walk. That was hilly and challenging too!
Note: If you haven’t heard of Parkrun tourism, look it up!
Now, let’s talk tech. My Garmin watch decided to have a meltdown on me a couple of times, so my route maps on Strava (above) ended up looking a bit wrong on a couple of occasions.
As we gear up for Iceland in three weeks, I want to remind you that you can join me on this journey by supporting my fundraiser. Every little bit helps, and I’m so grateful for your support.
You can donate to my Iceland trek fundraiser on my Justgiving page .
More updates, plans and adventures coming soon. Until then, happy rambling!
Yesterday’s ramble took me on an 8.5-mile journey, guided by the memory of Judith. Alongside Richard (my friend, Judith’s husband) and a group of Judith’s friends, we strolled off from Barbury Castle and the Ridgeway, while looking at nature’s wonders.
I had run a 5K parkrun in the morning and done leg day at the gym the night before, so this was perfect to stretch my legs. A day later, it’s all a bit tense so I’m off to yoga class today 🙂
I really enjoyed the walk.
Shortly after leaving the Ridgeway path, I heard a murmurration of starlings behind the hill, then some red kites soared above the path, a bit further.
Despite the biting cold, our brisk pace kept us warm, a fitting tribute to Judith, who sadly left us three years ago in December 2020. Judith had shared countless adventures with children on Duke of Edinburgh programs and her friends yesterday told me many lovely stories of her time with them.
The camaraderie with Judith’s friends added more warmth to the chilly walk. However, our hike wasn’t without its challenges. Crossing paths with a hunting group required a bit of patience (and a lot of my tolerance as I’m not very understanding of hunting generally), as they fired across the public road at pheasants. Further along, Finn, the energetic black Labrador who walked along with us, found himself in a field with horses, but together, we navigated the situation with teamwork.
Approaching Rockley, an unusual sight awaited – a field retaining water from recent rains, a rare occurrence in these clay fields.
The last few miles we walked through sunset around 16:30 and then it became much darker. With my ’emergency’ small torch in hand, I navigated the path, and as the temperature dropped, we reached the car park.
The celebration began with mince pies, blueberry muffins, and Christmas biscuits treats from East Germany that Alan brought. The festive spirit thrived, accompanied by (now daily cold) hot chocolate from my flask, while others enjoyed mulled wine (I don’t drink alcohol at the moment). The night views of Swindon were lovely, a fitting conclusion to a great walk.
As I reflect on this day, I am grateful for the invitation from Richard. Judith’s memory lives on through each step, and I look forward to honoring her with many more hikes. She remains a source of inspiration, alongside the wonderful Jen who’s also one of my hiking inspiration, shaping my journey one hike at a time.
I’ll write a bit more about my plans for this year’s walk in another post.
I’ve been busy planning for a long distance hike in May (more about this later), set myself 12 fitness challenges for 2024! (also more on this) and fundraising and training for the Iceland Trek in aid of Prospect Hospice.
We’re 13 of us doing the trek. In the last month, we’ve managed to meet up and train with some of the “crew” joining me in March. It’s been lovely to meet them and I look forward to getting there. I missed one of the evening hikes organised by Tony but here is a quick summary of the other two hikes.
In November, we hiked from the Three Trees café and Farm shop to Liddington Castle by the Ridgeway. We covered 8.47 km, with Anna, Deb, Mandy, Sal and Tony. We faced biting winds. This shared moment at the Liddlington Castle’s trig point captured our determination, followed by a warm reprieve at the Three Trees Café, thanks to Tony for treating us to it.
Then today we went to Barbury Castle and covered 13.67 km with Frances, Tony, and Anna, and Marley the dog. Some muddy tracks and gusty winds challenged us. It was quite pleasant otherwise, a dry day, and we brought hot drinks with us.
Aboit half way, an unexpected encounter with inquisitive horses added a thrilling twist to our walk. One of the two horses dared to nibble at my backpack, as I was holding Frances’ hand to retreat from the horses who were both around her. My backpack remained intact, but it just added a dash of excitement to our training tales.
These experiences fortify us for Iceland’s rugged landscapes. Each stride not only strengthens our physical readiness but also strengthens the bonds among us.
I look forward to the next training hike in January. 🙂
I’m about £500 short of my fundraising target which I need to complete in the next month, so if you read this and if you’re able to contribute just a little, it would mean a lot. Thank you 🙏!
The Richard Jefferies Museum by Coate Water in Swindon has initiated the Wildlife Walk in celebration of Jefferies’s life. This walk spans a whopping 175 miles, connecting various places that were significant in Jefferies’s life.
The Richard Jefferies museum Start
Three weeks ago, I took on the challenge of walking the length of the ridgeway, a grueling 99 miles over 6 days, which coincides with some of the Wildlife walk. It was a test of endurance and determination, but I’m proud and glad to have accomplished it. Today, I connected that path, by walking from the Richard Jefferies Museum to the Ridgeway. Despite it being one of the hottest days of the year, and having already run a Parkrun earlier this morning, the main challenge was indeed the heat. You can check out the stats of my walk on Strava.
Coate Water Nature Reserve
My friend Craig, who’s well-versed with the route, was my guide for the day.
A significant portion of our walk coincided with the National Cycle Route 45, leading us to the Three Trees Farm Shop. There, we took a much-needed break (mostly looking at all the goodies in the shop) and refreshed ourselves with cold drinks.
The curly-wurly bridge over the M4
Our journey was mostly smooth, except for a stretch of long grass that we inadvertently ventured into. But that’s the beauty of such walks, isn’t it? The unexpected turns and the surprises they bring! And the rash on my legs has almost gone by now 😀
We were also treated to sightings of squirrels, red kites, rabbits, and deer along the way.
Craig, ever the enthusiast, suggested we circle around Liddington Castle, which I was relunctant to because my legs were getting tired and it was so watm, but I’m actually glad we did (I just moaned a lot). The views from the trig point, overlooking Swindon, were absolutely breathtaking.
Never not funny…
Our return journey, though still under the scorching sun, felt a tad easier. Most of it was downhill, and we eventually made our way back to Coate. To mark the end of our 11-mile walk in the heat, we decided to treat ourselves to a drink at the Sun Inn.
Now, here’s where I urge all of you to get involved. The Wildlife Walk is not just a physical journey; it’s an experience, a tribute to Richard Jefferies. I encourage everyone to explore the route, walk as much (or as little) as you can, and share your experiences with the museum. And if you’re around on the 6th of November, do join in the celebrations of Richard Jefferies’s birthday and life.
The Richard Jefferies Museum is a treasure trove of events and exhibitions. If you can, drop by for the “Music and Cream Tea” afternoons held on Sundays( you might see me there volunteering). In fact, there’s one tomorrow, and given the sunny forecast, I hope to see many of you there!
Another recommendation from me is to buy and read this wonderful book Wildlife, to learn more about Richard Jeffries.
Lastly, if you’re in a position to, consider donating to support the museum. Every bit helps in preserving the legacy of Richard Jefferies.
As for me, I aim to walk the entirety of the 175 miles, though I will not be able to complete it by the 6th of November. My next segment? Joining the Ridgeway to Tolworth, Surbiton. Life is proving busy and a bit difficult at the moment, so I’m not sure yet when this will be, but I’ll keep you updated in this blog.
Just over a week has passed since my return from the Hadrian’s Wall Path walk, and I’ve been grappling with a weird sense of lethargy, perhaps a bit of post-hike blues. The thrill of the through-hike adventure had probably spiked my dopamine levels, and its abrupt end (+ a busy work week) left a void. To fill this, last night, I turned to the OS map, packed my bag, and decided to embark on another (smaller) journey – this time to Wales.
OS map for Ystradfellte area
After leaving the main road, the drive towards Ystradfellte was nothing short of surreal. The last two miles were through a landscape filled with low ferns and roaming sheep; it felt eerie. It was a scene straight out of a painting. It was starting to rain.
With a much smaller and lighter backpack than last week, I decided to hit the trail immediately, hoping for the clouds to part soon. My pack held the essentials – 1.5L of water, first aid kit, some food, spare socks, sun cream ( over-optimistic anticipation of the sun), and my battery pack. Equipped only with my fleece and cap for weather protection (I forgot my rain jacket), I stepped onto the trail.
Walking alongside a wall feels quite familiar 🙂
The trail to the waterfalls was a stark reminder of the impermanence of nature. The once healthy trees that lined the path looked damaged and diseased, a stark contrast from my visit almost two years ago. Their plight was painfully evident when compared to the picture that is on the main header of my site.
But the journey must go on, and it led me to the first waterfall, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, just after 10 o’clock. A serene stroll through a valley and a charming forest lead to this stunning waterfall, where the River Mellte gushes towards a drop and disappears below the cliff edge.
The drizzle persisted, making the stones leading to the waterfall viewing spot slippery. But, it was warm, and the drizzle was strangely refreshing.
Next came Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, a charming waterfall, secluded amongst woodland. The journey to it involved descending several flights of steep, muddy stairs, leading to a river nestled on a bed of black rock.
Following a muddy trail over the river from Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, I reached the highest waterfall, Sgwd y Pannwr. The sounds of rushing water could be heard before the fall even became visible. It flows down elegantly, step by step into the riverbed, a sight that leaves you in awe of its beauty. I love being by water and this felt just right.
I then went onto Sgwd yr Eira, the final and the largest waterfall on the trail. The descent to this waterfall was steep but with steps so not as strenuous. It rewarded me with a stunning view of the waterfall rushing down, a bit like a white veil. You can walk behind the curtain of cascading water! It felt very special.I didn’t get to experience this last time I visited so this was great!
After the short climb from the top of the fourth waterfall, I returned to the car park. In total the walk was just under 3 hours, covering 8.5km. The grey weather persisted, with fog and mist still hanging over the valley. But it was warm, and the drizzle was not an issue.
Deciding to make the most of my visit, I then went down to the cave, from the car park. The shift in temperature was noticeable as I descended the steps, the cold air bringing back childhood memories of visiting caves. Although it was getting busy and the car parks were full for the waterfalls walk, I had the cave to myself, engulfed in silence. It’s likely a place more suited for experienced visitors and maybe I wasn’t allowed to be there.
As I drove away from the valley, the weather decided to surprise me. Just a mile from the car park, I was greeted with beautiful skies and lovely sunny weather.
My next stop was Penderyn, where I picked up a present for a friend’s birthday. For anyone who enjoys a good whisky, I highly recommend stopping here. The lady in the shop was very helpful, and they offer visits every open hour, seven days a week.
On my way home, I stopped at Merthyr Tudful to charge my car and grab lunch.
This trip was a much-needed respite, but the next few weeks are going to be busy. My next hike might not be until late July, but I’ll post again soon about my plans for my next through-hike. Until then, keep exploring the outdoors!
It was good to get out, especially as life is challenging at the moment. One of my favourite moments was watching the red kites, close up, while by the Uffington White horse, on the hill.
Here are some photos of the walk.
In May, I’ll need to walk up to double this distance, every day for 7 days, with a 15kg backpack. More training needed…
Next walk will be in a couple of weeks, still along the Ridgeway but further away, near Barbury.
I’m typing this well over a week after this walk. It’s been such a busy time of the year.
I set off on Saturday, 4 February 2023 for a hike based on an All Trail route, which I modified slightly. I parked at the delightful Whitehall garden centre and tea room, in Woodborough, and walk a circular route.
Here’s my map.
Much of the area reminded me of the route we took with Aimee and Richard on my Walk Across Wiltshire in June last year.
It was a little cold be a nice walk and I was just so relieved and happy to have gone out, after about 10 days cooped up at home, isolating because I managed to catch COVID for the first time in three years of avoiding it.
So I took it easy as I was still very tired from it.
Here are a few pictures from the hike.
I used my trusty trail running shoes as my hiking boots were falling apart after around 10 years of using them.
Next outing next month, because this coming weekend, I’ll be volunteering at the Festival of Tomorrow. But I might post about my plans for walking Hadrian’s Wall.
