Hidden Treasures

After returning to the warmth further south and east, we took a few days to explore more of the west of our home county. Norfolk is the fifth largest county in England so it’s not often I venture west for walking, so it was lovely to do some of the circular routes in my ‘Norfolk Walks’ book discovering new trails and villages.

We found a gem of a park up spot near West Acre with a great 5 mile running route, plus easy access to ‘The Nar Valley Way’ to walk into Castle Acre to explore the castle ruins and the amazing priory ruins. Both dog friendly and great to stop for a picnic lunch. An overnight spot I’d definitely return to.

We meandered our way along the coast enjoying favourite spots in Holkham, Wells, a moody sky in Cley and finally a Saturday Park Run in a rainy Sheringham under the trees. I was super grateful that a friend was there, as he made the 5km fly by - thanks Duncan!

So, back home once again to unpack Roo and enjoy some Norfolk meet-ups with friends, as well as completing the 60 mile run challenge before the end of the month.

So, thanks for reading!

Until the next adventure calls…

Lakes to Peaks

After leaving the beauty of the lakes, the rain followed us into the peaks. Despite the more autumnal weather we loved exploring Castleton and our walk up Mam Tor. 

Luckily we re-found blue skies at Bolsover Castle with its incredibly well preserved paintings on the ceilings and ornately decorated rooms. Poppy wasn’t allowed in, although she was more than happy to have a rest day I think. As well as our walking, she is helping me to run 60 miles this month to raise money for MNDA. We are trying to run a few miles each day or sometimes every other day. Pretty sure Poppy has already run her 60 miles as she goes back and forth so much!

Run 60 Miles for MND

Wandering West and Getting Wet

When it was time to leave the borders and head south, I was tempted to go back into Northumberland as we’d had such a great time, but I knew how close we were to one of my favourite places, so south and west we went.

Calling into Carlisle Castle and its beautiful Cathedral, as well as a brief stop in Penrith en route to my favourite town in the Lakes, Keswick. I found a spot in one of our favourite park up locations and we headed into town, through Hope Park and out to Friar’s Crag where we watched the storm coming in. 

It was a shame we couldn’t get up on the high fells this time due to the wet and windy weather, but it’s still a great place to be. I would definitely be here more often if Norfolk was a little closer!

In the Borders

After a great couple of days in Berwick upon Tweed, with a super park up spot overlooking the water, it was up to the Scottish Borders, an area of Scotland that most people drive straight through. We decided to explore this area a little and also met up with a friend who was back visiting the UK from the USA. We first met in Glastonbury when I was touring in the van down south and stayed in touch. Together we went to find the statue of Wallace and Leaderfort Viaduct, which were both impressive to see. 

Learning about the history under cloudy skies of the abbey ruins at Kelso, Melrose and Dryburgh, together with quiet river walks soon filled our days. The towns here have a real warmth to them and you soon feel really at home. 

Sadly this is as far north as we shall venture on this trip, but I’m super glad I know more about the place names on the map now in this region. Our trip south (and west) begins…

Holy Island

It was like the excitement of Christmas Day. I’d always looked at Lindisfarne (Holy Island) on a map and wondered what it was like to visit. We parked up at the Lindisfarne Inn and after a great coffee and helpful info from the lovely lady on the bar, we walked the 4 miles to cross the causeway, making sure we checked the tide times first!

The weather could not have been better. Enjoying the priory ruins, the views to the castle and sitting on the beaches - the day just flew by and before we knew it we were walking back along the ‘Pilgrim’s Way’ off the island. It was quite a meditative walk following the posts through the pools of water, which were warm from the heat of the day’s sun. I kept wondering what it would have been like to do this same journey in winter, especially at the time St Aidan and St Cuthbert were there.

The few people we spoke to said it was their second or third time visiting, which I think tells you that it’s a pretty special place to go if you ever get the chance.

Castles and Coast

Our luck continues with the weather as we have just spent the last few days exploring Northumberland, as well as a brief stop in the city of Durham where people were visiting the impressive Cathedral, rowing boats on the river and lining the streets adorned with bunting, enjoying coffee in the sun.

Our English Heritage membership has guided us from castle to castle and I’ve taken recommendations from Martin Dorey’s book ‘Take the Slow Road’ on where to park up to admire the views across bays, beaches and seaside towns. Our journey has taken us to Amble, Warkworth Castle, Alnmouth bay, Craster, a windswept walk to Dunstanburgh Castle, Embleton bay, Low Newton, Beadnell Bay and onto Bamburgh. The roads have been great to drive and we have met some lovely local people, aswell as a couple from Germany who now live in Lincoln. They said it has taken them ten years to see as much of the UK as we’ve seen in the last couple of years. How lucky we are!

Very excited for today’s adventure. I am sat with a coffee waiting to cross the Lindisfarne causeway to Holy Island, a place I’ve always looked at on the map and wanted to visit. Poppy I think would be more than happy to stay fast asleep, soaking up the sun!