14th to 15th November 2015
Following doing our usual 'stupid thing' (5k run) at Longrun Meadow we packed up the van and headed off to Oxford for the weekend on a mission to collect a new tent (Mountain Hardwear Weatherstation) bought using James' first months wages.
Our first stop was on the outskirts of Oxford. Oxford itself was really, really busy and with no easy parking spot so we moved on North to Upper Wolvercote, an area we close to the canal where we could walk Bill along the tow path - even spotted a kingfisher skimming the water. Back in the van we ventured further until we found Summertown, a centre where we could stop (just) and get some lunch - sushi - yum!
Next stop was Bicester town centre followed by a fab walk through a park (Graven Hill) complete with its own stone circle. Next stop was Bicester outlet village - Kath Kidston P.J's were the major purchase here by Sarah. The shopping centre looked magical lit up for Christmas but was really busy as it had been a wet drizzly day. Chinese for tea from Wheatley - yum. Then it was a sneaky stopover at Wychwood forest - a perfect spot for an overnight stay.
Sunday morning started with a walk around the butterfly trail in the forest and then it was off to Horton-cum-Studley to pick up James' tent. We dropped back into Oxford - not so busy on Sunday morning so we parked up and explored the castle and town centre. Then it was a trip home via Newbury for lunch which was a nice stopping place. Then it was back along the A303 with its great views of Stonehenge (at least for now!) and home to get ready for the week ahead.
Sunday, 15 November 2015
Wednesday, 19 August 2015
Scotland August 2015
Saturday 1st 2015
A long drive North to Abbey St Bathans and our home for the week Moorhouse Cottage. A warm welcome awaited us with wine, a beautiful vase of cottage garden flowers and a yummy victoria sandwich - just what you need to start a holiday!
The cottage is in a lovely rural location - just what you need for a relaxing break.
Sunday 2nd August
A morning dog walk along part of the Southern Uplands Way which runs close to the cottage.
We then ventured out to the coast - a beach walk along Pease sands, a walk out to Fast Castle,
a visit to St Abbs and seal spotting at Eyemouth.
Monday 3rd August
A hill walk up Spartleton this morning - a very windy summit.
Next stop was a spot of shopping at Haddington. On the way to North Berwick we found a fantastic tower that you could climb up.
We did a bit of shopping and visited the beach at North Berwick before climbing Berwick law complete with whale bones on the top. Lovely views to Bass rock from the top. Our final stop of the day was Tantallon castle and the beautiful beach below it.
Tuesday 4th August
A walk to Eddins Hall fort and Brock. A walk across a wobbly suspension bridge on route.
A later trip to Eyemouth and St Abbs to do some crabbing - only caught one tonight.
Finally sandcastle making on Coldingham bay - fantasic beach huts, some of which are a hundred years old.
Wednesday 5th August
A trip to the market town of Duns and we then joined the Southern Uplands Way at Longformacus to walk back to the cottage along the long distance footpath.
Thursday 6th August
A morning walk with Bill behind the cottage joining the Southern Upland Way. In the afternoon we climbed Trapran Law on the way to a beach visit at Musselburgh. Last visit of the day was visiting family in Edinburgh, a chinese take away and a dog walk to Mavis Bank.
Friday 7th August
A morning walk along the geology trail to the lighthouse at Barns Ness. Next stop was Dunbar before walking out to the lighthouse at St Abbs Head. A final visit to Coldinham Bay before an evening in front of the woodburner.
Saturday 8th August
A trip further North to Fort William. A drive through Edinburgh - Ice creams at S. Luca Musselburgh, a stop at Portobello, Leith and then a walk across the Forth Road road bridge.
A stop at Callender and then through Glen Coe to Fort William. A night at the car park at the start of the footpath with people walking up and down all though the night.
Sunday 9th August
An early start for a wet walk up to the summit of Ben Nevis.
Snow in August didn't feel quite right!
After a stop in Fort William we took the scenic route to Lochaline with its beautiful views to the Small Isles. A night on the harbour waiting for the morning ferry to Mull in the morning.
Monday 10th August
We caught the ferry across to Fishnish. First stop was Aros Castle and then Tobermory. After lunch we had a wet walk to the lighthouse. Then it was on to Dervaig, Calgary Bay, Gruline and Scallastle bay before finding a fantastic wooded overnight spot.
Tuesday 11th August.
Weather much nicer today. A stop off at Craignure first, the onto Lochbuie with its fantastic honesty shop.
Next stop was Fionnphort and a walk over to the tidal island of Erraid. A lovely island to explore with lovely views across to Iona.
A drive around to Carsaig ready to walk to the arches in the morning.
Wednesday 12th August
A day walk to nuns cross cave and Carsaig arches. The cave was fantastic with its wall carvings of crosses and ships.
It was a long walk to the arches, but worth visiting to see the columnar basalt arches. We even saw a snake on the way back to the camper.
We drove around the middle part of the Island before setting up camp just along the loch from the Ben More footpath.
Thursday 13th August
A walk up Ben More in the morning - cloudy on top today but nice views on the way down. Then it was off the Island and a trip across the Corran Ferry before driving through Glen Coe, along Loch Lomand before stopping at Arrochar for some yummy chips and battered mars bars. A good night stop on he nature reserve of Ardmore.
Friday 14th August
A visit to Glasgow and the Kelvingrove museum to see the haggis - a strange creature! Then it was onto the lakes for a Chinese and an overnight at Penrith.
Saturday 15th August
After a visit to Kendal and a drive over Hard Knots Pass we scaled Scarfell Pike - our last mountain of the holiday. It was foggy again!
Next stop Rochdale and visiting family on the way home south.
A long drive North to Abbey St Bathans and our home for the week Moorhouse Cottage. A warm welcome awaited us with wine, a beautiful vase of cottage garden flowers and a yummy victoria sandwich - just what you need to start a holiday!
The cottage is in a lovely rural location - just what you need for a relaxing break.
Sunday 2nd August
A morning dog walk along part of the Southern Uplands Way which runs close to the cottage.
We then ventured out to the coast - a beach walk along Pease sands, a walk out to Fast Castle,
a visit to St Abbs and seal spotting at Eyemouth.
Monday 3rd August
A hill walk up Spartleton this morning - a very windy summit.
Next stop was a spot of shopping at Haddington. On the way to North Berwick we found a fantastic tower that you could climb up.
We did a bit of shopping and visited the beach at North Berwick before climbing Berwick law complete with whale bones on the top. Lovely views to Bass rock from the top. Our final stop of the day was Tantallon castle and the beautiful beach below it.
Tuesday 4th August
A walk to Eddins Hall fort and Brock. A walk across a wobbly suspension bridge on route.
A later trip to Eyemouth and St Abbs to do some crabbing - only caught one tonight.
Finally sandcastle making on Coldingham bay - fantasic beach huts, some of which are a hundred years old.
Wednesday 5th August
A trip to the market town of Duns and we then joined the Southern Uplands Way at Longformacus to walk back to the cottage along the long distance footpath.
Thursday 6th August
A morning walk with Bill behind the cottage joining the Southern Upland Way. In the afternoon we climbed Trapran Law on the way to a beach visit at Musselburgh. Last visit of the day was visiting family in Edinburgh, a chinese take away and a dog walk to Mavis Bank.
Friday 7th August
A morning walk along the geology trail to the lighthouse at Barns Ness. Next stop was Dunbar before walking out to the lighthouse at St Abbs Head. A final visit to Coldinham Bay before an evening in front of the woodburner.
Saturday 8th August
A trip further North to Fort William. A drive through Edinburgh - Ice creams at S. Luca Musselburgh, a stop at Portobello, Leith and then a walk across the Forth Road road bridge.
A stop at Callender and then through Glen Coe to Fort William. A night at the car park at the start of the footpath with people walking up and down all though the night.
Sunday 9th August
An early start for a wet walk up to the summit of Ben Nevis.
Snow in August didn't feel quite right!
After a stop in Fort William we took the scenic route to Lochaline with its beautiful views to the Small Isles. A night on the harbour waiting for the morning ferry to Mull in the morning.
Monday 10th August
We caught the ferry across to Fishnish. First stop was Aros Castle and then Tobermory. After lunch we had a wet walk to the lighthouse. Then it was on to Dervaig, Calgary Bay, Gruline and Scallastle bay before finding a fantastic wooded overnight spot.
Tuesday 11th August.
Weather much nicer today. A stop off at Craignure first, the onto Lochbuie with its fantastic honesty shop.
Next stop was Fionnphort and a walk over to the tidal island of Erraid. A lovely island to explore with lovely views across to Iona.
A drive around to Carsaig ready to walk to the arches in the morning.
Wednesday 12th August
A day walk to nuns cross cave and Carsaig arches. The cave was fantastic with its wall carvings of crosses and ships.
It was a long walk to the arches, but worth visiting to see the columnar basalt arches. We even saw a snake on the way back to the camper.
We drove around the middle part of the Island before setting up camp just along the loch from the Ben More footpath.
Thursday 13th August
A walk up Ben More in the morning - cloudy on top today but nice views on the way down. Then it was off the Island and a trip across the Corran Ferry before driving through Glen Coe, along Loch Lomand before stopping at Arrochar for some yummy chips and battered mars bars. A good night stop on he nature reserve of Ardmore.
Friday 14th August
A visit to Glasgow and the Kelvingrove museum to see the haggis - a strange creature! Then it was onto the lakes for a Chinese and an overnight at Penrith.
Saturday 15th August
After a visit to Kendal and a drive over Hard Knots Pass we scaled Scarfell Pike - our last mountain of the holiday. It was foggy again!
Next stop Rochdale and visiting family on the way home south.
Monday, 8 June 2015
Brecon Beacons Birthday weekend.
6th to 7th June.
Saturday 6th June.
After a Parkrun at longrun meadow we hit the road for Wales. A lunch stop on the way past Costco at Bristol and another Birthday celebration as it was their 10th Birthday. Then it was across the bridge and a short stop at Newport and we were on our way North. Next stop was the stone circle carpark and a walk up Hey Bluff and Lord Hereford's Knob. Views from the tops were stunning.

Next stop was Hay on Wye for an after-the-shops-have-closed window shop. Then it was a Chinese stop at the Red Dragon in Brecon and a familiar wild camp in the car park we stayed when we scaled Pen Y Fan.
Sunday 7th June.
After a van based breakfast we drove around to the base of Cribin. The farm at Cwmcynwyn allows you to park for a pound. Then it was uphill for the accent of Cribin, a downhill drop before the accent of Fan y Big. Fantastic views once again. Lunch stop in the shelter at the top followed by a bit of stone moving whilst shelter mending.

Then it was a walk down the stony lower trackback to the van for tea and chocolate birthday cake - yum!
6th to 7th June.
Saturday 6th June.
After a Parkrun at longrun meadow we hit the road for Wales. A lunch stop on the way past Costco at Bristol and another Birthday celebration as it was their 10th Birthday. Then it was across the bridge and a short stop at Newport and we were on our way North. Next stop was the stone circle carpark and a walk up Hey Bluff and Lord Hereford's Knob. Views from the tops were stunning.
Next stop was Hay on Wye for an after-the-shops-have-closed window shop. Then it was a Chinese stop at the Red Dragon in Brecon and a familiar wild camp in the car park we stayed when we scaled Pen Y Fan.
Sunday 7th June.
After a van based breakfast we drove around to the base of Cribin. The farm at Cwmcynwyn allows you to park for a pound. Then it was uphill for the accent of Cribin, a downhill drop before the accent of Fan y Big. Fantastic views once again. Lunch stop in the shelter at the top followed by a bit of stone moving whilst shelter mending.
Then it was a walk down the stony lower trackback to the van for tea and chocolate birthday cake - yum!
Sunday, 10 May 2015
Ten Tors 45 mile route 9th to 10th May 2015
Saturday 9th May
After a busy day route planning for the Explorer Scout teams the previous day it was Chariots of Fire over the tannoy at 5 am on Saturday morning, followed by numerous motivational tracks to get you out of your sleeping bag and set up for the day and a bit ahead. The teams were ready for their walk up to the start line by 6:30 and the rain started before the start. The helicopters did a fantastic display, dropping soldiers down a rope to fire the starting gun.
Then starts the big wait.......with waiting ........and more waiting.......with limited tracking data being received for team VH. At least the rain did not last long, turning into a bright sunny day.
Sunday 10th May
A windy night turned into a misty morning - not the best conditions for navigating. Numerous visits to the hanger for team updates and lots of cups of tea later in came team VH - still surprisingly full of energy.
Next stop was the medal award on the podium and the long awaited pasty - 45 miles plus is a long way to walk to get one!
Monday, 4 May 2015
Brecon Beacons
3rd and 4th May 2015
Sunday 3rd May 2015
We thought we would have an overnight visit to the Brecon Beacons over the bank holiday to walk up Pen y Fan. After a stop for lunch in Portishead we traveled across the Bridge to Wales. We drove to Pontneddfecen and after a visit to the Water Fall Visitors Centre we traveled on up towards Nant-y-Carred to walk the waterfall loop. The highlight was walking behind the Sgwd yr Elra falls. It was a really wet afternoon and it was good to take shelter behind the waterfall!
Next stop was going to be Brecon, although a yellow sign to the Cotswold Tent Show at the National Park Visitor Centre lead us on a detour. A whole variety of tents at brilliant prices - we will be back to have another look in the day light. After a yummy Chinese for tea at the Red Dragon and we were all ready for bed wild camping in the well hidden car park by the Cwm Gwdi training camp at the foot of Pen y Fan.
Monday 4th May 2015
An early visit back to the tent show lead to James splashing out on a Vango Force Ten for back packing. It was taken on our walk today with a practice pitch on the way up Pen y Fan.
It was a lovely clear day and the views were fabulous.
The summit was busy, and there was even a queue for photos at the peak!
We walked on to Corn Du, with lovely views down to Llyn Cwm Llwch.
It was then back to the car and on to Brecon to visit the May Day fair in the town centre. As it was a sunny day we stopped for ice cream at Llanfaes - the fruit cake ice cream was lovely :) It was then a trip home, stopping of at the Sugar Loaf view point before crossing the bridge and back home on the M5.
3rd and 4th May 2015
Sunday 3rd May 2015
We thought we would have an overnight visit to the Brecon Beacons over the bank holiday to walk up Pen y Fan. After a stop for lunch in Portishead we traveled across the Bridge to Wales. We drove to Pontneddfecen and after a visit to the Water Fall Visitors Centre we traveled on up towards Nant-y-Carred to walk the waterfall loop. The highlight was walking behind the Sgwd yr Elra falls. It was a really wet afternoon and it was good to take shelter behind the waterfall!
Next stop was going to be Brecon, although a yellow sign to the Cotswold Tent Show at the National Park Visitor Centre lead us on a detour. A whole variety of tents at brilliant prices - we will be back to have another look in the day light. After a yummy Chinese for tea at the Red Dragon and we were all ready for bed wild camping in the well hidden car park by the Cwm Gwdi training camp at the foot of Pen y Fan.
Monday 4th May 2015
An early visit back to the tent show lead to James splashing out on a Vango Force Ten for back packing. It was taken on our walk today with a practice pitch on the way up Pen y Fan.
It was a lovely clear day and the views were fabulous.
The summit was busy, and there was even a queue for photos at the peak!
We walked on to Corn Du, with lovely views down to Llyn Cwm Llwch.
It was then back to the car and on to Brecon to visit the May Day fair in the town centre. As it was a sunny day we stopped for ice cream at Llanfaes - the fruit cake ice cream was lovely :) It was then a trip home, stopping of at the Sugar Loaf view point before crossing the bridge and back home on the M5.
Friday, 10 April 2015
Snowdonia Easter 2015
Snowdonia
4th to 11th April 2015
Saturday 4th April
After a busy drive along the top coast of Wales we arrived in our holiday home for the week - Trefan Cottage in Llanystumdwy (http://www.holidaycottagecriccieth.com). It is a fantastic cottage complete with inglenook fireplace, beamed ceilings and and the most fantastic bedroom I have ever slept in. We were warmly greeted by the house owners with a welcome pack of tea, biscuits, cake, fresh eggs and a bottle of chilled wine - a fantastic start to a holiday......and we brought the weather too!
Sunday 5th April
Fantastic weather this morning and we decided to climb 'the big one' - Snowdon. The boys decided to traverse Crib Goch and the girls and Bill decided to go up the Pyg track. The girls and Bill got to the top first and after a 50 minute wait the boys rolled in - not sure what kept them!
The top was really, really busy.....too busy.....so were soon on our way back down via the miners track. Billy enjoyed a cool down with a roll in the snow and a swim in the lake on the way back down. We stopped off at Beddgelert on the way home for a well deserved ice cream.
Monday 5th April
Another beautiful day with the sun shining so we decided to climb Tryfan - the reason for our visit. We parked at Llyn Ogwen and started our accent of the North Ridge. Where the more adventurous between us could tackle the climbs, some of us went around the obstacles. It was a rocky scramble all the way to the top, with plenty of pushing and pulling needed to get Billy up to the summit. No one was brave enough to jump between Adam and Eve though!
We stopped off for a drink at the Pen-y-Gwryd hotel and saw all the fabulous Everest memorabilia and think about the link with the Everest expedition and the oxygen breathing apparatus trials that they did up Tryfan.
Tuesday 6th April
A rest day today to rest those aching arms, legs, backs, feet, paws.......whole body really. We explored the Lleyn Peninsula cruising down the South coast with a play on the beach at Pwllheli and a walk to Hell's mouth.
4th to 11th April 2015
Saturday 4th April
After a busy drive along the top coast of Wales we arrived in our holiday home for the week - Trefan Cottage in Llanystumdwy (http://www.holidaycottagecriccieth.com). It is a fantastic cottage complete with inglenook fireplace, beamed ceilings and and the most fantastic bedroom I have ever slept in. We were warmly greeted by the house owners with a welcome pack of tea, biscuits, cake, fresh eggs and a bottle of chilled wine - a fantastic start to a holiday......and we brought the weather too!
Sunday 5th April
Fantastic weather this morning and we decided to climb 'the big one' - Snowdon. The boys decided to traverse Crib Goch and the girls and Bill decided to go up the Pyg track. The girls and Bill got to the top first and after a 50 minute wait the boys rolled in - not sure what kept them!
The top was really, really busy.....too busy.....so were soon on our way back down via the miners track. Billy enjoyed a cool down with a roll in the snow and a swim in the lake on the way back down. We stopped off at Beddgelert on the way home for a well deserved ice cream.
Another beautiful day with the sun shining so we decided to climb Tryfan - the reason for our visit. We parked at Llyn Ogwen and started our accent of the North Ridge. Where the more adventurous between us could tackle the climbs, some of us went around the obstacles. It was a rocky scramble all the way to the top, with plenty of pushing and pulling needed to get Billy up to the summit. No one was brave enough to jump between Adam and Eve though!
Tuesday 6th April
A rest day today to rest those aching arms, legs, backs, feet, paws.......whole body really. We explored the Lleyn Peninsula cruising down the South coast with a play on the beach at Pwllheli and a walk to Hell's mouth.
We returned back to the cottage on the North coast and spent the rest of the day was playing in the lovely grounds of the hall and cottage
Wednesday 8th April
With bodies recovered we decided to walk up Y Garn. We stopped at a fab deli at Porthmadog for some supplies - just look at their bread!
After a steady climb to the top we were rewarded with the most fantastic views and some more snow.
The way down past Devil's Kitchen was a steep decent - who needs step aerobics?
On the way home we stopped again at Beddgelert for another ice cream - well there are lots of flavours to work through! We also went for a walk along the river and visited Gelert's grave.
Thursday 9th April
Another good weather day allowed us to walk along the Glyder ridge. We walked from the campsite along from Llyn Ogwen past Tryfan and up to Glyder Fach. We played on the Cantilever and climbed the castle of the winds - luckily it wasn't windy up there today.
Then it was on along the ridge to Glyder Fawr before a mad decent down a snowy, shale scree. Then it was the long downhill walk past the Devil's kitchen once again.
Back home via Beddgelert and another ice cream - think we need to find another route home!
Friday 10th April
Another warm sunny start. A morning visit to Caernarfon to visit the castle, as that is James' and Sarah's house at school. Then we drove through the Pass of Llanberis on the way to Capel Curig and a last walk of the holiday up Moel Siabod. Lovely views on the way up across to Snowdon, the Glyders and Tryfan on the approach but then the mist descended on the way back down.
Another drive home past the ice cream shop at Beddgelert - and the last ice cream of the holiday. It will be a shame to have to go home tomorrow - but Billy said that it will give his rock warn paw pads a rest!
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