Fresh from the wild ridges of the Dragon’s Back the day before, I headed out again —this time to Dragon Hill and the iconic Uffington White Horse. Definitely a winter walk, the sun didn’t make an appearance at all and the wind was biting at times, but the company and views more than made up for it.
We went around Wayland’s Smithy too on the way back.
This was a special one: Thoko asked me to take her on a hike, as she’s not used to hikes, and she absolutely smashed it.
That climb wasn’t easy—especially with the wind — but she powered through. It was a real joy to walk and chat together.
We were treated to the sight of majestic red kites soaring above Dragon Hill, adding a touch of magic to an already beautiful route.
A quieter, gentler pace than yesterday’s mountain adventure, but no less rewarding.
It’s such a gift to share these landscapes—and to see someone discover their own strength along the way.
Over a week on and I’m still buzzing from this one—an absolutely epic day out on the Dragon’s Back! We went to Hay-on-Wye for the Riverside parkrun first which was really lovely.
This hike was everything: tough, wild, a bit cold at times, and utterly breathtaking.
We set out with high spirits and solid legs, and by the end we’d tamed the ridges and conquered the peaks. The climbs were no joke, especially up to Waun Fach (811 m), but every step was worth it for those views.
It felt like we were climbing for the first five kilometres. From the ruins of Castell Dinas (450 m) to the sweep of the Black Mountains from Pen y Grib (493 m), this route delivered in every way.
It was the third organised walk from the series but the second attended by friends.
As for the first one, I planned the route on paper maps, GPS Garmin device and OS Maps app. I sent a kit list, admin instructions including elevation and overall hole description, as well as a timed itinerary, and everyone was prepared. I also provided the customary flapjacks.
The company was brilliant (thanks Gary, Johnny and Gary!), the weather held, and the landscape felt like something straight out of a fantasy novel.
Being there, at the top of those hills brings me such joy I don’t know how to put it in words and pictures can’t show it either… it’s somehow awe for nature we are with, a sense of insignificance and impermanence that makes me feel free from daily worries. It just fills my happiness tank!
I haven’t stopped smiling since. This was a hike that reminded me why the mountains are my happy place.
Highlights:
Sweeping ridges with huge views
A proper leg-burner with rewarding climbs (yes, it’s a positive!)
Sunshine, lovely friends, and moments of pure joy
Already planning to return. If you’re up for a challenge and love wild beauty, Dragon’s Back is calling!!
📍 Marlborough • West Woods • Vale of Pewsey • Avebury
Distance: 34 km / 21 miles Time on feet: 6h38
I planned this as a hike but ended up Jeffing it. I started at dawn and was worried, mid February that there wouldn’t be sufficient daylight but I was back in Marlborough in good time, before sunset.
I’d opened this up as a group recce for the MDC20, but it ended up being a solo effort—just me, my backpack, and a very long mostly muddy trail.
I still planned the route on map, Garmin device and OS Maps app, as if I was with a group and I had to plan for food& drinks for the day as there was no “support”.
Not quite a run, not quite a hike—definitely a trail slog. I set off from Marlborough, wound through West Woods and Gopher Wood, dropped into the Vale of Pewsey, and finally reached Avebury, after a few more hours on my feet than planned.
The weather was dry but windy and cold with occasional sunshine.
I went off-course three times. But here is something to make you smile…while lost just before reaching West Woods, I got a Facebook notification… for a navigation course, happening in West Wood, that day, at that exact moment. Thanks, universe, I did laugh out loud at the irony of the moment.
I really enjoyed walking by the wansdyke in the woods. I had the place to myself and it felt really special. I took my time admiring the trees.
Conditions check:
Mud: Abundant and clingy.
Wind: Brutal—especially between Marlborough and Avebury.
Fuel: Flapjacks carried me. Gels tolerated.
Hydration: Minimal—too cold to drink properly.
Vibes: Somewhere between “What am I doing?” and “Actually, I’m doing it.”
The aftermath..
Sore shoulders for days from the backpack.
A blister in the middle of my back. Yes, really.Yuck, I know.
Legs coped, spirit wobbled, but I didn’t break.
And here’s the thing: I’ll have to do it again in May for the actual event. No question.
But I’ll need to be faster to make the cut-off time. If it’s as muddy on race day, I might be staring down a DNF—so fingers crossed for a dry spell and fewer detours next time.
At that point I was just glad I got it done. It’s definitely a beautiful route and I hope to enjoy it more next time. One step closer. Onwards and upwards.
Slowly catching up on the hikes write up – this was five weeks ago.
Next time, I’ll mention Dragon’s Back – epic!
In the meantime here is my photo dump from the Marlborough Downs:
Our first Rambling On Together group hike of 2025 took us from the Richard Jefferies Museum to the Ridgeway, Liddington Hillfort and back—a lovely 17 km loop with pretty views, and great company.
I was joined by Johnny and Gary and, miraculously, avoided the rain! We had grey skies in this first day of February but it remained dry. It was chilly at the summit of Liddington Castle (275 m), but the views more than made up for it. We tucked into lunch and hot drinks up top, with homemade flapjacks keeping us going.
Along the way we spotted red kites, and even caught sight of a deer (you might just make it out in one of the photos). The Curly-Wurly Bridge also featured of course, and there was no shortage of good chat.
This was the first of the hikes I’m sharing with friends to join as a group.
I planned the route, shared a kit list and organised timings and I’m happy how it worked out. I’d also brought homemade flapjacks for the group.
Here’s to many more miles ahead.
I am posting this eight weeks later and we’ve hiked again since. I’ll share in the next post.
It’s been two weeks since I embarked on the unforgettable Iceland Trek in support of Prospect Hospice, and it’s time to share the incredible adventure with you all (sorry for the delay). From breathtaking landscapes to unexpected challenges, each day brought new experiences and lasting memories. I loved getting to know my fellow trekkers, and by the end of the five days, experiencing so much together, it felt like we’d known each other for five years. As I write this, I miss them so much!
Day 1: Travel and Reykjavik Welcome
Our journey began with an early start from the airport. Landing in Iceland just before lunchtime, we boarded our minibus, our trusty transport for the duration of the trek, and headed to Reykjavik for a delightful lunch in a food hall (everyone gets dishes from various restaurants and we eat in a central location) and a tour led by our knowledgeable guide, Dagny. From glimpses of the Parliament to insights into Icelandic history, the tour was a perfect introduction to this vibrant city. The highlight for me, however, was the harbour and the exceptional Harpa concert hall, a masterpiece of modern architecture.
In the evening, we arrived at our accommodation for the next three days. Expecting a basic hostel, we were pleasantly surprised by the lovely hotel awaiting us. Sharing a room with Sal, the best roommate I could have wished for, added to the experience. The hotel’s “hot pots” (hoy tub but not bubbly) offered relaxation with their crystal-clear waters, complemented by unlimited tea, coffee, and hot chocolate from the coffee machine. Chef Harry treated us to sumptuous dinners, with salmon and a lovely chocolate cake pudding, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
That evening I had a glass of wine. My first in about 4 months (I’d stopped counting at 100 days). It felt right to enjoy a glass of wine with those wonderful people, eating delicious food.
That evening, we heard that the volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which we passed on the way from the airport earlier that day and saw its smoke, erupted. The guide had told us that some scientists said it would erupt again whilst others were persuaded it would erupt again.
Day 2: Exploring Þingvellir
The morning brought a flurry of messages from friends, all concerned about the eruption. Fortunately, our trek remained unaffected; although we were also situated in the southwest of Iceland, far from the peninsula where the eruption occurred. We couldn’t even catch a glimpse of it in the sky, unlike reports of an orange glow seen above Reykjavik that night.
Hiking in Þingvellir National Park was a highlight of the trek, where we traversed a lava field (now extinct) in the 5km gap that separates the fault line between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The stunning scenery, from lowlands to a beautiful lake, to picturesque waterfalls, left me in awe of Iceland’s natural beauty. In that place, I think I might have fallen in love with Iceland! Despite encountering some challenging weather, the day was filled with wonder for this unique landscape.
When back at the hotel we had a gorgeous dish of braised lamb, with a madeira sauce made after Harry’s grandmother’s recipe…. and the best creme brulée I’ve ever eaten!
It was St Patrick’s day so we celebrated with some Jameson whiskey. We also had a great game of cards. What a lovely evening.
Day 3: Conquering Hengill
On the third day of our journey, we ventured towards the majestic Hengill volcano mountain range. En route, we passed an intriguing plant that I had never encountered before. Apparently, these plants capture CO2 from the air and reintroduce it deep into the ground—a fascinating environmental initiative [news article about it].
Ascending Hengill was a monumental challenge, one that pushed me to my limits both physically and mentally. But I relished every step in the snow…I wasn’ so keen in climbing the steep mossy inclines. Despite being the hardest thing I’ve ever done, it also treated me to some of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen and provided valuable lessons along the way.
As we ascended through snow, ice and moss-covered terrain, the physical and mental challenges became apparent for all of us in the group. Everyone was pushing their limits and supporting each other. Little did we know, the weather had more in store for us. During our lunch break, the strong winds started peaking and relentless sleet made an appearance—a preview of the grueling return journey back down the mountain that awaited us.
Despite the harsh conditions, the camaraderie within our group and the sheer beauty of the landscape made every step forward feel worthwhile. However, as the weather intensified, so did its toll on my body. I found myself grappling with mild hypothermia (I didn’t know that it was hypothermia at the time), my mood darkening as I struggled to eat, to stay warm and to stay focused.
Upon reaching the minibus, I was trembling, my soaked layers providing little protection against the biting cold. It dawned on me that the elements had gone through every layer, leaving me vulnerable and chilled to the bone. Grateful for the offered coats in the mini bus and for the short trip back to the hotel, I sought refuge in the warmth of the room, where a hot shower, dry clothes, and then comforting hot chocolate and cake in the snug, helped restore some semblance of warmth and vitality.
I still had a headache that only shifted after dinner. So I went to the sauna for welcome warmth.
Despite the adversities we faced, the experience only deepened my affection for Iceland and reinforced my belief in the indomitable resilience of the human spirit, as exemplified by the determination of our group.
Day 4: Reykjadalur Valley
Our final hiking day took us through the stunning Reykjadalur Valley, where hot springs and streams awaited. Walking through snow, wind, and hail once again, but this time I remained warm, we reached the hot river bathing spot—a surreal experience amidst the harsh elements.
Arriving at the hot river bathing spot felt like stepping into a dream amidst the unforgiving elements. The contrast between the icy surroundings and the soothing warmth of the natural springs was nothing short of surreal.
After indulging in the rejuvenating experience, we retraced our steps back to the café where we had parked, our spirits filled by the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. With warm drinks in hand (and perhaps a few indulging in something stronger), we shared hearty laughs and triumphant smiles, basking in the joy of our shared achievement.
As we paused to reflect on our journey and the funds raised for Prospect Hospice, a profound sense of pride and gratitude washed over us. Not only had we explored some of the wonders of this remarkable country, but we had also made a tangible difference in the lives of others—a truly humbling and rewarding experience.
We headed to Reykjavik to a new hotel and for a celebratory dinner.
Still no sight of the northern lights but we’ll have to return to Iceland for this.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back on the Iceland Trek, I’m filled with a mix of emotions—gratitude for the support of friends and fellow trekkers, awe at the beauty of Iceland’s landscapes, and admiration for the resilience of the human spirit.
Being part of this landscape, each day, show how little we are, amongst the majestic mountains and vol
In hindsight, the challenges faced during the mountain hike on Hengill left a lasting impact. Since then, I’ve struggled with regulating my body temperature and have found it difficult to exercise properly. Despite these ongoing difficulties, the journey was a testament to the power of perseverance and the joy of adventure. I’m priviledge, lucky and grateful to have had such an amazing experience, have met and walked with the most beautiful souls, and seen such incredible sights.
As I’m writing this, I want to thank every single one of you who have supported Prospect Hospice through donations on my page.
I’m now preparing for my next adventure, in May, in North Wales. More in the next post. Until then, happy rambling.
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 scenery was so beautiful, almost a winter wonderland at times.
The route was good. We used this All Trails route but we did it backwards which I was glad about as it would have otherwise started along the main road. It was nice to start the walk on the Ridgeway.
The All Trails red route isn’t easy to follow as it’s not on the actual paths so if you decide to do this walk, follow the closest (marked as a dashed line) path to the red line.
It took us 2h40 to walk the 11.5km, a little faster than the average time published on All Trails. That’s also a little longer than the All Trails map but only because we kept walking at one poi t while chatting and drinking coffee from Andrea’s flask. It wasn’t hard to get back on track and in terms of elevation the hardest part was the hill back towards the road in the last 30 minutes. So no massive challenge.
