Welsh Wanderings

This summer we escaped the heat and headed west to the Welsh hills. A beautiful drive via the Peak District for a few walks not far from Ashbourne, including at Wetton Mill, Thor’s Cave and Lud’s Church. In the van, nothing is ever hurried. We take our time, wake when we wake and usually Poppy likes a nap again after her breakfast, whilst I plan us a walk. So although the journey could’ve been done in a few hours, we meandered over the border after a few days when we felt like it.

Once in Wales, we stopped to walk near Bala before reaching the ruggedness and beauty of Snowdonia. Walks included the Aberglaslyn Gorge from Beddgelert, the Glyders (which I’ve wanted to hike for ages) and Snowdon again, still with no summit views! Lovely to have some company for some hikes as my sister and her family were holidaying in Wales for the week.

Living in such a flat county in the UK, I’m drawn to mountains. The last few years our summers in the van have taken us north to Scotland, but it was great to head west and rekindle my love for Wales. Everywhere is super dog friendly, lots of places to park up and picturesque, small towns to explore. I also returned to Llangollen for the Park Run on Saturday as I’d remembered what a good route it was through woodland.

Today we left the mountains behind, still under clear, blue skies as home is calling for some ‘life admin!’ Next stop, west Norfolk to our favourite spots on the coast…slowly of course!

On the move

July is always a crazy month. The end of the school year brings with it levels of exhaustion, both physically and emotionally. Anyone that works or has worked in education will know the feeling. This year to add to the busiest month, I moved back into my van…during a heatwave! I sold my house in mid June, put my few belongings in boxes and stored them with lovely friends and Poppy and I were back to living so simply. 

In those few weeks, we spent our days at school (the kids loved having Poppy there) and our evenings roaming from woodlands to the coast. We fell asleep listening to the sea, or to the silence beneath the trees. We spent our long weekends at our favourite spots in west Norfolk, being kind to ourselves with walks I know without the need for a map and favourite treats along the way. Not a drop of rain fell and it felt like we were the first ones awake each morning to greet the world. Huge thanks must go to good friends who lent their driveways, showers and outside taps for us during our short return to van living!

The day after school finished marked five years since Dad died. To be present as someone takes their final breath is an unexplainable moment, but one that remains as vivid five years on as the day it happened. Five years and I finally moved from the house I shared with Dad. Five years of sorting, re-homing and selling things. My intention wasn’t to buy again, but things happen for a reason and a property I viewed two years ago came back on the market. It’s quiet, tucked away and surrounded by the green of trees. It is now home.

We spent the end of July exploring new footpaths from our new spot and going to local events. Norfolk’s best bookshop, The Norfolk Children’s Book Centre also moved into new premises and it was a privilege to see Chris Riddell, one of my favourite children’s authors christen the wall with an incredible illustration. A small crowd had gathered from toddlers to grandparents and were simply mesmerised watching as the artwork filled the space. It was a reminder perhaps that even though it’s sad to say goodbye as things end, new beginnings should also be celebrated.

Here’s to a summer of new adventures…