We’re carrying on living the life, enjoying the open road. The last few days certainly made easier by staying at the fabulous Eastwatch Guest House. Having the swimming pool and hot tub to return to after miles of path walking was an incredible bonus, not to mention the warm hospitality of Paul and his partner. We made the most of the guest kitchen/dining area to cook in most nights and enjoy the sea views while dining – why would you not?

It’s been a full on few days of walking though so the blog is not so many words and loads of photos! We covered 40 miles in 3 days (Sunday – Tuesday) and today (Wednesday) we’ve done a cheeky little 7 miles (a shorter one planned so I could reserve some time and energy to catch up on blogging …. oh, and Steve has a sore toe!!

Sunday 8th May 2022 – Beal to Berwick

A straightforward walk – 9 miles – no trips, slips or blips in organisation. Mixture of splendid beaches and farmland walking. Stumbled across a golf club around lunchtime that actually invited walkers in – so of course we did! Lots of high speed trains, fascinating geology and most exciting of all … an ice-cream van. And a beautifully sunny day.

Monday 9th May 2022 – Bamburgh to Beal

Today was harder, hillier and much more inland – only glimpses of the sea at the beginning and at the end. Still beautifully countryside scenic – bluebells en masse, deer, hares, pheasants, partridge – we could hear but not see cuckoo! Forever awed by the nature around us. Some excitement today on having to phone to cross the railway line – we haven’t done that since we were kids!

Had one of those not so happy moments though on reaching a gate with ‘Warning, Bull in Field.’ No discussion on turning back, Steve forever the farm boy! So through the gate I went moaning and groaning about the stupidity of risking death by bull – and breathlessly climbed the huge hill, continuously and anxiously scanning 360 degrees to detect said creature, my escape route through barbed wire cunningly planned. And it had to be the longest field ever of course, going up, up, up and then down, down, down. When we finally got to the end of the field we met such a jolly old man (yes, considerably older than us!) who was sat on the stile smoking a roll up! And his devoted elderly wife was sat on the ground at his feet – and they were full of the joys of Spring (well, we think they were as they were very animated and smiley … unfortunately the local accent though fabulous can be a little tricky for us to understand). Turned out they had just climbed that hill and were coastal path walking too. Made me feel so pathetic about my anxieties when we were obviously so much faster on our feet!

And almost 16 miles today – not bad!

Tuesday 10th May 2022 Bamburgh to Craster

Took the decision to walk southwards today due to wind direction … but it changed direction regularly!

A lovely walk though, much more coastal today although still ventured into farmland and woodland at times. Another day of castles, golf courses and an abundance of natural beauty. A blend of windy and sunny weather for the 13 miles. On reaching Craster, we caught the bus back to Bamburgh to collect the car … and then drove to our new accommodation in Amble. Seems lovely … but no hot tub!!! (We’ve been spoilt)!

Wednesday 11th May 2022 Amble to Alnmouth

A cloudy start to the day today but we set off with all enthusiasm as we knew it was going to be just a short stroll today. Like yesterday, it was a beautiful walk all the way … largely coastal and beach side, including sand dune paths.

Not far from Amble we walked through the beautiful village of Warkworth with its stunning church and castle. I was hugely excited at spotting an otter (my first sighting ever) … only to find out from Steve’s photo that it was actually a seal.

Another great day for bird watching … discovered the Eider Duck, the UK’s heaviest and fastest flying duck. This duck’s breast feathers have long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts … Eiderdown.

And after 7 miles of walking, we finished up with lunch in the picturesque village of Alnmouth – probably our favourite village so far. And we were even allowed to lunch in the Golf Club and enjoy the views of the green while munching.

And, back in Amble, finished off the day with local sea bass and too much prosecco … as you do!

A lot of people say to us “Why do you do it?”

And the answer has to be for the freedom, for the fresh sea and country air, for the time to appreciate all forms of nature, for discovering new things, for the wonderful scenery that takes our breath away each day, time for mindfulness and reflection, for the physical challenge too, for the satisfaction of pushing yourself and achieving, for that lovely tired feeling at the end of the day … and of course for ‘being together’ time.

So, to walk or not to walk?

Walking, blogging, selfie poses …. it’s a yes from us, the Rambling Roses xxxx

Saturday 7th May 2022

We started off the day with the Pastures parkrun, overlooked by the magnificent Alnwick Castle (pronounced to rhyme with ‘panic).’

An interesting route over countryside so it was bumpy underfoot, hilly at points, splattered with cow pats and involved three lots of running through a particularly muddy bog. Michael the Run Director and his team of volunteers couldn’t have been friendlier though and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit here.

We drove straight from the parkrun to Alnmouth where we had decided to park up and catch up a bus to our coastal path starting point of Craster. We enjoyed a hearty Eggs Benedict breakfast and lashings of tea before boarding the bus, so that was us nicely set up for the day. Our mission was to walk back from Craster to Alnmouth along the path, retrieve our car and drive back to our accommodation in Berwick. This is all a bit higgeldy-piggeldy this time in terms of where we walk, but bear with us, it will make a complete jigsaw by the end of the fortnight.

The very first part of the coastal path was through a pub garden – it was quite amazing that we got any further!! From A to B it was a fabulous path … a real coastal path in its terrain and views of the sea, we loved everything about it. A few hills here and there but nothing too horrendous. We even walked a stretch of golden sand as we neared Alnmouth and finished off by walking alongside the village golf club.

It was a day of views, of birdsong, of seaside smells … and eventually of sunshine. With my blog head on I couldn’t help but notice a whole load of yellow and gold today. Mostly from the flowers – huge swathes of brightly coloured gorse lined the majority of the path … then there were primroses, buttercups, cowslip, even late blooming daffodils and tulips … and of course Mr. Dandelion! And as the walk progressed there was more evidence of that large yellow ball in the sky peeping out. “The sun has got his hat on ….”

We had excitement too watching a group of reluctant coasteering victims as well as a flock of young lambs exploring their independence whilst Mum called fervently from nearby.

It was just over 7 miles of walking today + our 3 miles of running … so not a bad day’s effort. Revived ourselves in the gorgeous bubbly hot tub on our return and now chilling with wine and pizza, watching and listening to the waves.

So, it’s been a yellow sort of day between the flowers, the sunshine, the sands and also the rapeseed fields seen so much in this area. Maybe I should order a bowl of custard!!!!

p.s. did you notice that I haven’t mentioned being ill – I think that Northumbria air is kicking in!!

In 635AD Saint Aidan came from Iona and chose to found his monastery on the island of Lindisfarne. From here the Christian message flourished throughout the world.

Today Steve and I chose this as our ramble, a steady little explore of a place we had wanted to visit for some time. Still dealing with a weakened “me’ we chose to do this on our way between Newcastle and Berwick, something gentle. And we weren’t disappointed – picturesque, historically interesting and, being out of season, not too overrun with tourists! A truly unique little island with its tiny population, a handful of hotels and what seems a thriving fishing trade. Not sure that remote a life is for us but can certainly understand it’s charm. Decided to drive over the causeway and park rather than do the ‘pilgrims walk’ barefoot on wet sand – protecting my health of course … but we really loved our 4 mile windy walk around the island.

Have now checked into Berwick-upon-Tweed for the next 4 nights … and boy has Steve chosen well. We’re staying at the Eastwatch Guest House – right on the seafront. Has spectacular views, wonderful accommodation, an indoor swimming pool, sauna and a hot tub in the garden. So after a relatively easygoing day we had an easygoing swim and a long lounge in the bubbling hot tub. Well it is a sort of holiday. Going to really enjoy our time here – I think I feel better already just thinking about it!

Tomorrow is Saturday so of course it’s time to run. We’re off to The Pastures parkrun at Alnwick Castle and we’ve volunteered to do the parkrun Report. So we’ll be up and out early, a 5k run followed by our day’s coastal walk then back to our new pad for hopefully a whole load of relaxation.

Love our life x

Wednesday 4th May 2022

Today we drove up as far as Newcastle – a city we’re both visiting for the first time. Immediately impressed with its architecture and vibe. Loved seeing the Angel of the North as we arrived. Checked into the County Hotel – grand, central, affordable … with an old fashioned air and the slowest lift ever! Treated ourselves to a fine dining experience tonight at the Six Restaurant, a 6th floor setting overlooking the Tyne. I actually dressed up and everything – dress, heels, jewellery – the lot!!

Have been fighting a series of chest infections in recent weeks – have been taking the meds and resting but it’s clearly not working. So, as this trip was planned I’m going to give it my best shot and whilst being sensible, try and fit in as much fresh air and walking as I can. It feels like my body is swilling around in a cocktail of amoxicillin, paracetamol, covonia, jakemans, lemsip and strepsils …. fresh air and gentle exercise has got to be the answer surely. Well, let’s see.

Thursday 5th May 2022

Not the best of nights between my coughing fits and Steve having to fetch his inhaler from the car in the middle of the night. But we were still up at 8.00am and still resolute to attempt a few hours of walking. First things first … we enjoyed a breakfast at Wetherspoons quayside – the difference in size between the large and small breakfast was like Daddy and Baby Bear meals … but it set us up perfectly for our ramble.

The first few miles was all riverside, the magnificent River Tyne. Such a vibrant area for cafes, restaurants and bars – spoilt for choice. Often we can spend a whole day coastal walking without any outlets for sustenance – here we were overwhelmed with choice but of course didn’t need anything at this stage.

Still riverside, the coastal path (also Hadrians Way at this point) ran along some pretty woodland and we were blessed with a selection of flora and wonderful aroma of blossom.

The second half of the walk was a different story as we were taken away from the river and found ourselves in industrial and housing areas. This was 5 or 6 miles in when we found ourselves gagging for a cuppa … but naturally not a cafe in sight when needed. At 9 miles energy levels were really dropping and we had to resort to a tasteless sandwich from a corner shop and a brief encounter with a chap and his dog in a particularly dodgy area.

Nevertheless, it gave us the burst required to finish the final three miles, taking us into Tynemouth. Treated ourselves to an ice-cream, keenly supervised by a crowd of seagulls, before catching the Metro back to Newcastle.

From one extreme to another, after our posh nosh last night, tonight we ate in Wetherspoons … and it is what it is. Chuffed with the bargain and swift service on using the app, we still found ourselves grumbling about the noise levels, people squeezing past the table, the kitchen door continually banging and the general chilliness – but you’re allowed to be grumpy when you’re old (and tired from 11 miles of coastal walking).

An of course tonight was all about Wycombe Wanderers in the play offs. Not being able to find a Sky Sports Bar, Steve settled for watching the game on his laptop in our hotel room – stocked up with milk and chocolate for the big game (rock and roll)!

Heading further north tomorrow – planning a visit to Holy Island.

Did I mention I was poorly!!!

Wednesday 20th April – Monday 25th April 2022

Have just returned home after 5 fabulous days in Krakow – first trip to Poland for Steve and I. What a magical city – packed with history and architectural splendour, so much to see and do.

It was a trip away with our running club – the invincible Redway Runners. So in between the sightseeing and partying there really was some running (more for some than others) – honest!! We have absolutely loved spending time with our running buddies and making some new friends too … and it’s absolutely true what they say – “what happens on tour, stays on tour!”

Day 1

After a 3am start to the day, flight from Luton, train from airport into Krakow city and a walk to the hotel, we settled for a light lunch on the river after check in and a little ramble around the local area before a much needed afternoon snooze.

Headed into Krakow Main Square in the evening to meet up with the gang – drinks and dinner and not too late a night – such a great start to the trip.

Day 2

How else would you want to start the day but with a 5km run along the river, all running at our own paces and a jolly good time was had by all. Explored a bit more of the area at the same time and then rewarded ourselves with coffee and delicious cakes (as you do)!

A little more sightseeing in the afternoon – Steve and I ventured to the Jewish cemetery and then into the Jewish Quarter – some fascinating history.

We spent some time in the Main Square (including the Rynek Underground Museum) before a walk up to the station to meet Alice, Ellen and James arriving from the Airport. Great to all be together. Tram back to the hotel and a quick turn around for them as meeting the RR gang back in the square. Another fun evening with dinner in the cellar.

Day 3

A sobering but essential day today as we set off early for our trip to Auschwitz and Birkenhau Concentration Camps. Nearly hit a problem when they required ID but they very kindly accepted what we had … including Jo’s cinema pass!

It goes without saying that to witness and learn in detail about this unmatched atrocity, so respectfully delivered by our guide, was something necessary and humbling.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. George Santayana.

Finished Day 3 off with drinks in our hotel bar, dinner in Hamsa Restaurant in the Jewish Quarter and a quick night cap in a very lively Irish Bar.

Day 4

It’s Saturday … it’s 9 o’clock …. so it’s Parkrun. A little tricky getting there as a different course to usual being used and the taxi drivers didn’t have clue … or should I say we didn’t have a clue and couldn’t make ourselves understood. But after some stress and a lot of uphill walking we all arrived in time.

Krakow is known to be an easy and flat Parkrun but oh no … not today … they literally went from one extreme to the other. Due to an inline skating marathon on the usual route, we were banished to a forest and an incredibly steep hilly one at that. Stunning scenery but just ridiculous in terms of running … but we did laugh afterwards … well eventually!!

While most of the others went off to register for this evening’s 10k Krakow run, we sloped off for some different afternoon and evening activities.

I on the other hand spent some Nobby No-Mates time exploring churches, castles and other historical must-sees.

And no holiday is complete without a boat trip and so it was the ‘Trusty Five” boarded at 8pm for a river night cruise … well rewarded by views.

Before retiring after our weary day, we headed up to the Main Square to cheer our friends off at the start of their 10k run. Also moved down to encourage them on again at the 7k marker. Great representation from the Redway Runners and superb running. Fooled by the quad bike tailing, I presumed my pals Sheila, Sue and Karen had dipped out and so we caught the tram home. But my heroes did make it all the way and within the allocated time (albeit alone and in darkness) … and rightly so are chuffed with their achievement … although questioning their sanity!

Day 5

Our final day started off with a 5k run with a small mixed paced group. Luckily Lee kept me company at the back while Steve and his faster chums looped to keep us in sight. Beautiful run around the city parks and up to Wawel Castle then along the river. Lee and I left them to it at 5k and slunk off for coffee. Steve and Michelle then joined us for breakfast at Hamsa – a Jerusalem breakfast (otherwise known as scrambled eggs on toast with salad).

Taking it easier today we even made time for a sauna and chill out for a couple of hours before meeting the ‘young ones’ in the Sky Bar for cocktails.

Alice, Ellen and James then headed off to the airport for their flight home. We stayed in the Jewish Quarter for a ‘big meet up’ and managed drinks outside for an hour, until the heavens opened. Wandered off in our different groups for dinner. We had the best time ever for our last night – the best company, lots of laughs, good food and wine … even singing!

Then Steve, Sue, Phil and I ‘wobbled’ home on the cobblestones to our hotel – The INX Design Hotel (thoroughly recommend) for a much needed last night’s slumber.

Well we won’t forget this trip in a hurry – have loved everything. A lot of teasing, a lot of laughs, a lot of walking, running and sightseeing … and Steve tried his hand at organising – but I believe Lee’s in charge now! Our very first Redway Runners tour – hope they’ll be more.

Cheers everyone x

Wednesday 16th February 2022

After another great night’s sleep in ‘The Hive’ we set off with a spring in our step to walk the 9 miles to Skegness (+ a mile to get to the coastal path), leaving the car parked up. So full of bravado after yesterday’s straighforwardness and the sun out today with blue skies – what could possibly go wrong!?

And it was the accustomed straight flat sea defence wall walk, surrounded by cabbages, flights of geese and the occasional glimpse of sea in the distance. We suspected a wee bit of trickiness as the Ordnance Survey app wasn’t showing a clear coastal path but there had to be a way through surely. It has been announced some time ago that there is definitely a path connecting up the whole of the UK. And the destination is Skegness – not exactly the back of beyond – there’s a Butlins there and everything!

After 4 miles we started to hit problems as paths shut off – we had to make decisions like walking along farm fields and jumping over barriers but still heading in the right direction. Steve took a tumble down a muddy slope – he was fine apart from muddy legs, wounded pride and mutterings to his new walking boots! We soldiered on.

And then we got to a marina where the sea wall path was definitely cut off. The OS app showed a footbridge if we turned left and walked half a mile up. This we did, battling the fierce wind head on … arrived to find that the footbridge had a big padlock on and there was no way through. Trying not to be despondent we decided to carry on in the hope of another footbridge. The wind was getting stronger and stronger – Storm Dudley was forecast for later in the day – we wondered if we’d met the beginning of it but as yet no rain. We walked and wobbled with the wind for at least another mile. We saw some deer along the way which temporarily lifted the spirits.

After a 2 mile diversion we hit barbed wire fencing and water either side!

We took time to pause, think and eat chocolate. We had to go forward as there was nothing for us going backwards in terms of getting to Skegness. Steve fiddled with the barbed wire and found a big enough hole for us to climb through – we then had to climb over a series of locked gates and walk through a farmyard – luckily no guard dogs!… or farmers!

We found ourselves on a road … and took the opportunity to walk to the right to see if we could get back to the coast. It was a long long remote walk but finally we spied a bridge which enabled us to cross the water and ramble our way to Skegness.

We joined civilisation at the Skegness golf course with a line of magnificent properties facing it. We looked a bit out of place with our mud smeared hobbling weary appearance. 12 miles of walking plus the added stress was enough for one day. We decided to skip the promenade and pier and just head to the bus station – we needed to get to the car and get home.

So we’ll be back to see Skegness another day in the future where we’ll start off and head northwards.

Our 4 days of walking in Lincolnshire are over. We’re now home, clean and rested. Have just heard on the news that the missing prisoner has been found – in SKEGNESS.

Tuesday 15th February 2022

Today was SO straightforward – no prisons, no tracking down any prison escapees, no duck conventions. We even had a lift to the coastal path in Butterwick (where we left off yesterday) from our wonderful airbnb host, Gus, which saved us about 3 miles of walking and a bus trip. We didn’t fall over, we didn’t fall out … and we didn’t get lost, not even one bit!!

And the coastal path from Butterwick to Friskney was unbelievably straightforward … literally straight forward… straight all the way. Luxuriously flat and straight sea defence wall walking was the order of the day – that embankment, again heavily molehill ridden, just kept on giving as far as the eye could see.

WW2 Pill Boxes lined the path at regular intervals, historical anti invasion defences. Steve and I did our local community work, peeping into each one to see if there were any prison runaways lurking.

We didn’t actually see any other person on the whole 8 mile route. We saw plenty of birds – this area is such a twitcher’s paradise. Spectacular air displays of geese flocks … genuinely of Red Arrows quality.

It was SO peaceful. Lots of time to think and contemplate life. The first hour was incredibly wet, driving rain on our backs, but the last two hours it dried up and there was actual blue sky. The other bonus, and this may sound strange, but for the first time in 3 days of coastal path walking we actually got to see the sea! This part of the Lincolnshire coast line is such an expanse of mud flats that the path steers you away at a safe distance. So, blue sky plus sea views was quite something.

Today we were surrounded by farm land on both sides and we saw some marvellous examples of healthy vegetable crops – huge plots of cabbage, brussel sprouts and kale – looked spectacular but gave off that aroma of school dinner halls!

After 8 miles of coastal path straightforwardness, Steve judged the turn off to our accommodation perfectly – just a mile’s amble along a country lane and we were back in “The Hive’ … our gorgeous airbnb annexe. Top marks to my amazing man for his logistical planning – it was spot on!

ONLY WE COULD GO FOR A COASTAL PATH WALK AND END UP IN PRISON !!!!!

Monday 14th February 2022

Waking up early with hangovers was a pretty grim start to the day! Last night we went for a fabulous Thai meal in Boston. Then, as we were staying in a pub we felt it was polite to stop off for one drink rather than head straight upstairs. Well …. one turned into several more as the pub was a local with a great jukebox and lively customers. We ended the evening with singing and dancing and making many new friends! And having to get up to move the car out of the car park by 8.00am wasn’t the best of planning.

Headed into town for a full English before attempting to walk. Made the very sensible decision to cut today’s route short – settling on a 6 miler as opposed to the original 13 miler planned. So tummies full we drove from Boston to Butterwick.

Managed to successfully park the car in Butterwick and catch the bus back to Boston to continue the coastal path walk. Like the pilgrims we set sail from Boston … except instead of the Mayflower we just had our trusty walking boots.

At the start it was an easy enough path, again along the embankment wall, with views to the right of mud flats and views to the left of flat farm land. Not much out of the ordinary although again huge gatherings of Shelducks with their lovely waddling ways.

Managed to misjudge the route at a couple of points but thankfully had not gone too far along before turning back. However … third time not so lucky. The OS app took us through half a mile of ‘trickiness’ – first we had to pick our way through a jungle of reeds with dodgy ground underneath and then this changed to walking precariously along the edge of muddy farmland with lots of tripping hazards … only to find a dead end – we had to turn back and repeat the torture in reverse. Oh joy!!

So we then took the alternative path and guess where we ended up … IN PRISON !! As we were nearing what turned out to be HMP North Sea Camp, we were approached from across the ditch by a burly prison guard. We explained our plight and he ever so kindly allowed us into the prison grounds and escorted us through to where we could pick up the coastal path again. It turned out that the coastal path (which we had temporarily lost) actually goes through the prison anyway – escorting ramblers therefore is not such an uncommon occurrence.

What was a little hairy however was on leaving the grounds being followed by a more senior prison officer who caught up with us and asked for our names. He then asked if we had taken any photos and the couple we had sneaked for the blog he asked us to delete after he had had a good check. We felt like two naughty schoolchildren. When we reflected later, they may have thought we could be paparazzi – Steve had a camera slung round his neck with long zoom lens … yesterday’s National news had reported an escapee from said prison. Later too we discovered that this is where Jeffrey Archer served some of his time. And … there’s been recent controversy over their use of the term ‘residents’ instead of prisoners, which is one of the photos of signage I had taken!

After that it was pretty plain sailing to complete the 7 miles (could have been 6 without the confused bit). With garmins switched off we walked the last 1 and a half miles from the path to the parked car …. in torrential rain and wind – we were literally drowned rats.

Drove to our airbnb where we are now for 2 nights. It’s a cosy annexe to a farm house – stylish and packed with goodies … chocolates, wine, porridge and croissants.

And being Valentines we ended the day with champagne, chocolates and cuddles – SO much better than prison slops !!!

So Saturday night we were tucking into Loaded Cheese Nachos with lashings of guacamole in Lincoln. And on Sunday we were on a coastal path from Boston that revealed a possibly secret life of Duck and Mole…ee!! (I know, I have too much time to think when I’m walking … but I shall reveal all later).

We were up in Lincolnshire so that Steve could watch Wycombe scrape a draw at Saturday’s game against Lincoln (the imps). We did a little sightseeing in the gorgeous city of Lincoln, climbing the steep cobbled hill to the castle and the cathedral and learnt a huge amount about the history and the imp! While Steve and Jeff braved the cold and windy match on Saturday, I met up with Tracey for a cultural visit to the Usher Art Gallery followed by charity shop bargain hunting (stocked up massively on books) and a stop for tea and waffles.

Sunday 13th February 2022

Up bright and early, full English breakfast before leaving our accommodation in Burton Water, Lincoln, to drive to the town of Boston. Straightforward drive – good roads – my… Lincolnshire is flat!!

Parked up in a centre of town car park as it turned out that there was extremely limited parking at the pub we had booked into for the night. Discovered there were no daytime buses running to Fosdyke Bridge, which was our planned starting point for today’s Coastal Path walking. Phoned for a taxi and negotiated a rate of £27.50 … tried to haggle the driver down en route but he was having none of it – then, Steve must have thrown him into confusion by giving him £30 and saying “keep the change!!” All going swimmingly so far.

But we found the coastal path straightaway – bonus.

Well I say coastal path, it was one of the ‘less interesting’ estuary and mud flat walks today but we’re up this way and to finish our project we have to complete all the pieces of the jigsaw. To cut a long story short, it was just less than 10 miles of very flat embankment walking. Miles of straight lines only getting interesting at the occasional left or right turn which brought with it a new level and direction of wind blasting … front on, knocking us sideways to the left, knocking us sideways to the right or pushing us on from behind.

There was more interesting farmland to the left of us, miles and miles and miles of it, as far as the eye could see. The only thing we saw growing though was one field of daffodils.

But to my duck story. We passed a farm field absolutely crammed with ducks … and very noisy ducks at that. It was like they had gathered from across the lands for a duck convention. My mind was working overtime and I imagined that ducks had flown from near and far to appoint a new Queen Duck or that maybe it was the start of a new revolution – the ‘Planet of the Ducks! It was honestly so bizarre, why would SO many gather like that in one unlikely spot.

And then my mole story! The majority of the 10 mile stretch of embankment was riddled with molehills – again a most extraordinary number. It’s a very remote path – we passed one group of walkers the whole day. So, there was my little storyteller’s mind imagining the hundreds of short-sighted creatures venturing out in quieter moments and at night to play.

And who knows, maybe the ducks and moles are planning a takeover … watch this space!

The path came to a bit of an abrupt end and we got diverted off into a bleak Industrial Estate – we had covered just short of 10 miles at this point. And now to find our way back to the car. This is often the point where we fall out due to google map reading!! Plus it had started raining heavier … and PLUS it took an around the houses 3 miles to locate the car. But, of all ironies, amidst this wet and miserable angst, we received an email asking us to confirm our availability for a 5 week house-sit in St. Lucia in August/September this year …. oooh, yes please!!

* lack of photos due to camera being on the wrong setting and they all came out dark, hence no evidence to verify duck & mole stories!

We’ve managed to squeeze some rambling in between loads of fun family time this week so thought I’d write it all into the blog.

Sunday 14th November 2021

Started the day with a splash around in the sea, as you do on chilly November mornings. Were well and truly rewarded with an amazing display of dolphins playing in front of us … as always, hard to catch on camera!

Talyllyn Railway’s steam engine was our mode of transport for the afternoon taking us on a joyful ride from our town of Tywyn, which sits on the edge of Snowdonia National Park through to Nant Gwernol, buried deep in the mountains of Abergynolwyn … as you can imagine the views were spectacular. The carriages were a little bijou so we were squeezed and cosy. When Steve had booked the ticket he had ordered a little treat of Prosecco to sup along the way. This delighted one of the guards who took to referring to us as “the alcoholics carriage” at every opportunity… and with a little chuckle asked us if we were going to the pub when we got off!!

Monday 15th November 2021

We were all up early this morning to set off on the drive to Mount Snowdon for a little amble up that legend. Weatherwise it wasn’t the best of days – low cloud and drizzle – but it didn’t deter us, we were on a mission! I had climbed Snowdon many many years ago but had forgotten just how steep it was (and we had chosen the easier route). It was fabulously scenic though despite walking in mist and cloud.

I have to confess that the final path was a ‘steep” too far for me …. it wasn’t the going up so much but the thought of coming down (I had no walking poles) in this slippery weather. I have slipped down many a coastal path and just didn’t fancy the risk. So the others trooped on up to the top and I enjoyed a slow and peaceful trek back down. And the very best thing of all was that at the base of the mountain I stumbled upon the most wonderful tea room where I was greeted by an elderly chap with such warmth … we chatted and chatted as I was the only customer and he brought me hot tea in elegant china and a plate of the most deliciously buttered bara brith. All of this in front of a roaring fire – it was like stumbling upon an oasis in the desert, I was in heaven.

But hats off to Steve, Tom, Jess, Alice and Jon who persevered to the top … sadly finding themselves shrouded in cloud so no amazing views …. but a great sense of achievement.

Tuesday 16th November 2021

So today was my birthday … and I was spoilt from the off. Cards, presents, birthday banners and a bagles/cream cheese/bacon and bucks fizz breakfast. Alice and I braved a little paddle before we headed off to Aberdovey for lunch and after a little art gallery mooch we enjoyed a first class pub lunch … more wine! Then it was home for board games, champagne and tons of giggles. Finished the day off with a takeaway Chinese meal (Tywyn seems to close down on Mondays and Tuesdays – no restaurants open) … photo session on the balcony at sunset, more fun and games – Steve and I retired to bed exhausted about 10pm while the younger ones carried on till the wee hours.

Jon missed out on the daytime festivities as he had to drive back to Manchester for a check up on his broken little finger – they were concerned that it wasn’t setting straight, and they were right. This resulted in an early appointment on Thursday morning for a break and reset …. and much bigger bandage!

Wednesday 17th November 2021

Today was our last full day in Wales and the sun was shining, it felt warm. The night before after several beverages had been consumed, Tom, Jess, Alice and Jon had set themselves the challenge to fully swim in the sea the next morning. So, true to their word, they hit the waves … and I went along for the ride too. It was FREEZING but so so exhilarating – I can recommend.

Finally the ramble itself. Feeling mighty alive after a swim and hot tub, Steve and I set off on another one of those coastal rambles. There was a bit of a bus muddle resulting in a lot of grumbling and a phone call to Tom to come and drive us to the start of our walk in Llwyngwrll.

Not far from the off we were climbing … and climbing Snowdon style! And the first half of the walk continued in this style – up up up and down down down. But my goodness the views were absolutely spectacular- it was worth every ounce of exertion. And we faced it all – muddy terrain, puddles, overhanging brambles, ladder-like styles and those precarious stepping stones – but all in all it was a splendid walk. We sat on a rock amongst the hundreds of sheep to eat our picnic lunch and just soak up the magnificent sight of the Welsh hills and attractive coastline.

Another 9 miles done and dusted …. and throughly enjoyed.

So, this week I have turned 63 … I have walked 32 miles of coastline, I got a PB at Parkrun, I climbed Mount Snowdon, I partied hard with the kids, I had a November swim in the sea … and I have pink hair. We have the best family every and we’re loving life.