Travels in 2007
Travels in 2007
Thursday 8th March
My first taste of "Freedom". A 25 minute train journey takes me to Gospel Oak Station and from there I can walk across Parliament Hill to Hampstead Ponds and then back over the hill to Highgate Ponds and so back to the station. The possession of a Freedom Pass means that I will now be able to venture further afield for my "local" walks in London, although I will not record all here in this journal as they could be repeated many times over. [For some reason I seemed to have overlooked that I also visited and photographed the Tower area of central London on 7th March and Kenwood House on 16th March - must have been the excitement of being able to travel for free! ]
Tuesday 20th March
A journey by train from East London where I live, to Kew Gardens in West London. A one hour journey but with only one change of trains at Gospel Oak - the alternative route, by Central and District Lines of the London Underground would take about the same time but would involve travelling through the centre of London. I've bought a season ticket for Kew Gardens and so this is likely to be the first of several visits during the year, probably at least one per month. On this visit a very brisk walk around the gardens (there was a very cold wind blowing at the time) and a more leisurely stroll around the conservatories.
Wednesday 21st March
By London Underground to Hyde Park Corner and visits to the Wellington Arch and Aspley House (Wellington's London residence). Unfortunately both were closing early on this day but, as I was in the area for other reasons on this occasion, no inconvenience and a further visit can be undertaken at any time.
Monday 2nd April
To Kew Gardens by train again. A much warmer day and so I was therefore able to take my time walking around the gardens.
Thursday 19th April
To Kew Gardens by train. Wisteria and bluebells were the main attractions on this visit.
Sunday 29th April
Morning: Travel by motor home to Fairlight Wood CC campsite near Hastings in East Sussex, via Blackwall Tunnel and Sevenoaks - A20, A224, A21 & A259.
Afternoon: Short walk through surrounding woods and local lanes - bluebells everywhere!
Monday 30th April
A circular walk - E from Fairlight Wood campsite, by road, through Pett and on to Cliff End and the beach there - then W by road to Fairlight Cove and then coastal path into Hastings Country Park - then N, mostly road, through Fairlight and back to campsite (6.9miles)
Tuesday 1st May
A walk to Hastings - S from Fairlight Wood campsite, by road, through Fairlight to Hastings Country Park - then W by the Saxon Shore Way coastal footpath to Hastings - return NE from Hastings by the 1066 Country Walk footpath, via North's Seat and Friar's Hill to the campsite. (10.5miles)
Wednesday 2nd May
A walk to Winchelsea - from Fairlight Wood campsite SE by road to Fairlight Cove - then NE on coast path to Cliff End - continue NE on path alongside The Military Canal to Winchelsea - then S by road to Winchelsea Beach - SW along top of sea bank to Cliff End - return W by road through Pett to campsite. (11.7miles)
Thursday 3rd May
Return from Fairlight Wood campsite by motor home - same route as the outward journey, avoiding motorways.
Wednesday 16th May
am - Travel to West Runton CCC campsite, about 2 miles west of Cromer on the North Norfolk Coast, avoiding motorways.
pm - Walk from campsite over nearby Incleborough Hill and then through the village of West Runton to the coast. Saw an interesting sign there saying 'Danger - due to coastal erosion the cliff top path no longer exists'. One to cross of my list of potential walks!
Thursday 17th May
am - Walk from campsite by footpaths to Cromer, along promenade then along east cliffs as far as the lighthouse. Returned through town and then footpaths.
pm - Walk on footpaths, and through woods, surrounding the campsite in bright sunshine.
Friday 18th May
am+ - Walk from campsite to Sheringham through the woods, then along the coastal path as far as Weybourne. Return by similar route, but with a few shortcuts.
Saturday 19th May
am+ - Walk from campsite to Felbrigg Park (NT), mainly on footpaths through the woods. Then followed two waymarked trails through the park (green and then vaguely red in reverse direction) finishing back at Felbrigg Hall. A look at the gardens then back to the campsite. (8.6miles)
Sunday 20th May
am - Travel the short distance by motor home to Sheringham Park. A walk through the blooming rhododendrons of Sheringham Park in the bright early morning sun. Travel from Sheringham Park to the Norfolk Showground CC campsite on the western outskirts of Norwich.
pm - Investigate the immediate surrounds of the campsite, first on foot, but as I could not get very far by that method, then by cycle.
Monday 21st May
am+ - Bus from the 'park and ride' 5 minutes walk from the campsite, to the bus station in the centre of Norwich. Then a walk around the city. This was not a shopping or site-seeing day, my camera did not even venture out with me. It was a day of remembrance. My father was born in this city on 21st May 1907, 100 years ago. I visited the street where he was born, Shipstone Road, and the site of the C.W.S. shoe factory (now flats) in St John's Street, where he spent all his working life, from the age of 14 to retirement at 65. Just my way of, belatedly, saying thank you.
Tuesday 22nd May
am - Cycle from campsite around the north western outskirts of Norwich, very familiar to me in my youth. Through New Costessey, Hellesdon, Drayton, Costessey, Ringland and then back through Easton to the campsite. Although many things have changed some remain, in particular the Primary School I attended looked totally unaltered - and I thought it quite old-fashioned then.
pm - As the weather remained fair, a leisurely cycle ride in the afternoon, circling villages to the south of the campsite. Back through Easton then Colton, Barford, Marlingford and Bawburgh.
Wednesday 23rd May
am - Cycled from campsite through Costessey to Drayton and then up and down the Marriott's Way. Down as far as it's termination near the centre of Norwich and up as far as Felthorpe Wood. Returned through Taverham.
Thursday 24th May
am - Travelled home via A11 and M11, stopping at Newmarket to do my 'weekly' shopping.
Friday 25th May
Another visit to Kew Gardens - before the good weather breaks for the bank holiday!
Monday 11th June
Kew Gardens again. First "summer" visit but the weather was very dull for photography.
Wednesday 13th June
am - Travel from home to Exeter Racecourse CC, via M11, M25, M3, A303, A30 & A38. As I arrived at the campsite so did the rain.
pm - After the rain ceased, a short walk around the immediate surroundings of the campsite to get my bearings.
Thursday 14th June
am - Travel from campsite to Matford Park and Ride on the outskirts of Exeter and then by bus to the centre of the city. My intention was to travel entirely by bus but, although several buses pass the campsite on the A38, none stop. I wandered about for a while, in very dull and damp weather conditions, and then returned to the campsite by the same method.
pm - The Caravan Club is 100 years old today. Cake and 'bubbly' were on offer as a celebration - it would have been impolite to refuse.
Friday 15th June
am - Walk west from campsite through Haldon Forest Park, following various waymarked trails for horses, cyclists and walkers, to the visitor centre and then on to Belvedere Tower, for the view. Returned following a different trail to the visitor centre and then similar routes back to the campsite.
Saturday 16th June
am - Walk from campsite to Mamhead Obelisk, mainly on minor roads but then on FC waymarked paths. Worth the walk for the views from the Obelisk - to the sea and over the Exe Estuary, with even further to the Jurassic Dorset coastline in the distance. Having mentally noted alternative paths through the woodland adjacent to the roads on my way out, my return walk was mainly off-road.(6.6 miles)
Sunday 17th June
am - Travel from campsite to Castle Drogo (NT) by most direct route using back roads. Interesting - some were very narrow, I had to wait on one occasion for a cyclist heading the other way, but fortunately being Sunday morning there was not much traffic. Visited the gardens and house at Castle Drogo (Lutyens 1911-30). Extensive repairs going on at the time of my visit - it had a flat roof and it leaked, no surprise there! It was also the day for a classic car event at the castle.
pm - Travel from Castle Drogo to Bodmin CCC campsite on A30. (A coincidence - my first car was an Austin A30, but there wasn't one example of those at the classic car event). A walk into Bodmin from the campsite to re-familiarise myself with the surroundings - my third visit. One new arrival is a large Asda store just round the corner from the campsite - could be very convenient.
Monday 18th June
pm - Cycled from the campsite to Padstow on the Camel Trail cycle path. A late start due to inclement weather but most of the cycle ride was in the dry, just a few drops of rain now and then. Did not stay too long in Padstow - far too many people and the pervasive smell of fish and chips.
Tuesday 19th June
am - Walk from campsite to Lanhydrock (NT). To centre of Bodmin then following cycle route 3 on roads, paths and a suspension bridge over the A30 (2.9 miles). First a tour of the damp gardens with photographs of the exterior of the house and church. Then a tour of the house - my second visit to the house and while much is interesting it is the Long Gallery which really impresses.
pm - Walk back from Lanhydrock to the campsite. Total distance walked today 8.2 miles.
Wednesday 20th June
am - Circular walk on a very windy day; from campsite through northern outskirts of Bodmin joining the Camel Trail heading north along a wooded river valley as far as Hellandbridge. Then by road east through Helland and finally south back to campsite. (8.2 miles)
Thursday 21st June
am - Travel from campsite to The Eden Project; B3269, A390. My third visit to the Eden Project since it was built. Although the weather generally has been atrocious it did relent long enough for me to have a lengthy wander around the outside areas as well as re-visiting the biomes - the sun even appeared briefly.
pm - Travel back from The Eden Project to the Bodmin campsite.
Friday 22nd June
am - Travel from Bodmin to Merrose Farm CC campsite, near St Mawes in Cornwall. A30, B3275, A3078.
pm - A short walk from the campsite to the coast, but as the sun made a strong showing for the first time in a week, the walk was extended south along the coastal path, across Porthcurnick Beach, to Portscatho. The return from the beach was by road through the hamlet of Rosevine.
Saturday 23rd June
am - Walk from campsite to St Anthony Head. South by road to Portscatho, continuing on the SW Coastal Path through Towan Beach, Porthmellin Head and Zone Point to arrive at St Anthony Head and pause for lunch.
pm - Continuing the walk around the headland, with views across the estuary to St Mawes and Falmouth, to the ferry landing at Place House. To continue on the SW Coastal Path requires a ferry across to St Mawes and then another to Falmouth - but that was not my intension for the day. I continued on a footpath keeping to the eastern bank of the River Percuil and then a creek off this river to a car park at Porth Farm, across the road and a short path leads to Towan Beach. From here I retraced my steps back to the campsite. (12.5 miles total for the day)
Sunday 24th June
A wet day - did not venture out from the campsite or even much from the motor home.
Monday 25th June
am - Walk from campsite to Carne Beach - and back in very inclement weather. From the campsite to the nearest point of the coastal path and then follow the path north-east through Pendower and on to Carne. Back across the beach to Pendower and then following a higher path through NT land to reach the main A3078 a few hundred yards from the campsite turnoff. After a day on inactivity yesterday I was determined to walk today even if it meant getting wet - and I did, very, very wet. (4.8 miles)
Tuesday 26th June
am - Travel from Merrose Farm to Lynton CCC campsite in North Devon; A3078, B3275, A39.
pm - Walk from campsite by narrow lane (Lydiate Lane - unsuitable for motor vehicles) direct to Lynton (1.5 miles) then descend by zig-zag path to Lynmouth. After a wander around in both, returned to campsite by same route. (4.7 miles total) The total distance covered only tells part of the story though - Lynmouth is at sea level, as you would expect for the mouth of a river, but the lane to the campsite goes over the crest of a hill which 315 metres above sea level. It was needing to stop two or three times during the ascent of this hill during my last visit to this campsite in 2001 that showed me how unfit I was becoming. Today I did not stop once on my way back to the campsite and I felt like giving a small cheer as I crested that hill, but as others were approaching at the time I restrained myself. A landmark that deserves recording however.
Wednesday 27th June
am+ - A North Devon Coast circular walk with many undulations. From the campsite (270m) down bridleway though Sixacre Farm to road, and SW Coastal Path, at Lee Abbey (100m). East along SW Coastal Path which keeps to the seaward side of Lynton and then descends to Lynmouth (10m), Over footbridge continuing east along SW Coastal Path and ascending to the radio mast and trig point at Butter Hill on The Foreland (302m). Back down the hill, crossing the A39 at Countisbury (258m) and continuing south to descend to Watersmeet (50m approx). Crossing rivers by footbridge and A39 again to ascend to Myrtleberry Cleave (270m) and follow undulating footpath west to eventually descend to Lyn Bridge (50m approx). Crossing footbridge and B3234 and ascending narrow lane (Lyn Way) north to the centre of Lynton and then road west through the Valley of Rocks (131m) and completing the circuit at Lee Abbey. Ascend bridleway south back to campsite. (13.7 miles)
Thursday 28th June
am - A short leisurely stroll from the campsite down the bridleway again to the coast, through woods belonging to Lee Abbey, to Lee Bay. Then west along a short stretch of coastal path towards Woody Bay, returning through woodland to campsite. My binoculars accompanied me and spotted three buzzards - although more likely it was the same buzzard three times.
Friday 29th June
am+ - Travel home from Lynton. A39, A399, A361, M5, M4, A420, A34, A41, A411, A109, A406 and home. Not the most direct route but it keeps motorway use to a minimum and avoids the M25 completely.
Monday 9th July
am - Travel from home to The Covert CC campsite in Thetford Forest, Norfolk; 'old A11', A11, A1065.
pm - Two short walks, well strolls really, through the Forestry Commission woods surrounding the campsite while the bright sunshine lasted.
Tuesday 10th July
am - Travel to Titchwell Marsh RSPB to purchase new binoculars to replace the old (25 years old I think) pocketable pair I use when out walking - trying to use the old pair in the wet conditions prevailing during my recent visit to Cornwall proved to be a waste of time. New binoculars:- Nikon 8x25 Travelite EX - and they are waterproof.
On my return to the campsite I made a small diversion to visit Castle Acre, which is just north of Swaffham. Only a brief visit to Castle Acre Priory (EH) for a wander around and to take some photographs (the weather was kind), I then continued my journey back to the campsite.
pm - Another stroll through the woods surrounding the campsite - well I had to make sure the new binoculars worked!
Wednesday 11th July
am - Cycle from campsite to Lakenheath Fen, following minor roads through Didlington, Weeting and Hockwold cum Wilton, to the RSPB reserve at Lakenheath Fen. After seeing the new visitor's centre a brisk walk (it was cool and windy and I was dressed for cycling) through the reserve and return by the public footpath. Although the new visitors centre promises much (it still seems in need of fitting out) other visitor facilities seem to be lacking - no hides only raised viewing areas - several of the paths shown for public access on the reserve map are closed off - one path was formed by roughly cutting the vegetation back - best viewing was from the public footpath. Work in progress, I think.
pm - Cycled back to campsite, initially on similar backroads to my outward journey but finishing up on main roads through Mundford.
Thursday 12th July
am - A walk to Lynford Arboretum, near Mundford, but by a roundabout route. First west from the campsite through woodland, by reasonable paths, to join a minor road leading towards Mundford (1 mile from campsite). Following this road south east until it joins the main A1065 as it reaches that village (3 miles from campsite). A short stretch south on that road, on pavements, then turning east on to a minor no through road to reach Lynford Arboretum (4 miles from campsite). A wander around the arboretum, over a bridge and then west along the banks of an ornamental waterway eventually joining a public footpath back to Mundford. From there I retraced my footsteps back to the campsite. (total 9.5 miles)
pm - Most evenings since arriving at this campsite I have taken a short walk through the woods surrounding it. Today, tempted by the warm evening sun, I took a longer walk and was rewarded by excellent sightings of a barn owl. The first was the best - it came gliding around the corner in a forest track that I was approaching and kept heading straight for me as I trained my new binoculars on it, eventually banking and turning just before it reached me. A little later I saw it again, at a greater distance, quartering a patch of grass for prey. Distance walked, irrelevant - I'm happy.
Friday 13th July
am - Travel from The Covert campsite to home, using the same route as the outward journey but with a detour into Newmarket for my weekly shopping.
Tuesday 28th August
I eventually managed to get round to visiting Kew Gardens again. I see that my last "summer" visit was in early June - but then there hasn't been too much summer around this year!
Sunday 9th September
am - Travel to Cheltenham Racecourse CC campsite - via the A41 A34 & A40.
pm - A short walk; first along the side of the racecourse towards Prestbury and then around Pittville Park, which is only a short distance from the racecourse. Both walks to help me locate myself in an unfamiliar location in a town I know well.
Monday 10th September
am - Walk in to the centre of Cheltenham from the campsite for wander around and even some shopping - a smaller belt to accommodate my reducing waistline!
pm - A more serious walk for the afternoon. From the campsite by footpath to Prestbury and then continuing by an increasingly steep lane to reach the Cotswold Way on Cleeve Common. Following the Cotswold Way northwards and then veering off to reach the top of Cleeve Hill. A pause to admire, and photograph, the view then a return by a similar route. The one difference was to descend by a bridleway rather than the lane, but this was a mistake - most of the surface had been washed away during the summer's torrential rain leaving a rubble filled gully blocked in places by fallen trees, but I made it through to the bottom with only slightly soiled hands and clothing.
Tuesday 11th September
Travel from campsite to The Forest of Dean. Two walks in the forest. In the morning around the Sculpture Trail from the Beechenhurst Visitors Centre. Then in the afternoon, after a short drive, around Mallard Pike Lake, returning to the campsite by mid-afternoon.
Wednesday 12th September
Walk from campsite, by road, to Charlton Kings to meet, and have lunch with, Phil my brother-in-law.
Thursday 13th September
am - A return trip on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, from Cheltenham Race Course Station to Toddington Station. The attraction - a steam hauled train passing through the Cotswold scenery. A pleasant, lazy, way to spend the morning after the long walks of previous days.
pm - A short walk around Pittville Park again, but this time with some photos of The Pump House.
Friday 14th September
am - Return from campsite to home using similar route to outward journey.
Tuesday 18th September
A further visit to Kew Gardens, by train from home. Following my visit to the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail last week I found myself on another one today - but this time the artist is slightly better known. The Moore at Kew Exhibition started on 15th of this month and continues through to March next year and features 28 of Henry Moore's large "outdoor" sculptures. The lighting proved excellent for photography and so many were taken although the early popularity of the exhibition made it difficult to avoid including some of the "posers".
Sunday 23rd September
am - Travel from home to Canterbury CCC campsite in Kent - mostly A2/M2 from the Blackwall Tunnel, but collecting fuel and provisions on the way.
pm - Walked from the campsite to the centre of Canterbury and wandered about a bit. On return I diverted into St Augustine's Abbey (EH) - or the remains thereof - for a brief look, may return with camera later in the week.
Monday 24th September
pm - Walked to the centre of Canterbury via St Martin's Church and by a roundabout route on to the cathedral. Despite visiting Canterbury on several occasions I have previously been put off entering the cathedral environs, initially by an admission charge but mainly by the vast groups of tourist that always seem to be there - nearly all young and European. But this time I braved both and spent some time there taking many photographs, inside and out.
Tuesday 25th September
am - A circular (well more of a triangle shaped really) walk through the countryside to the east of Canterbury. Initially towards Canterbury then following the Stour Valley Way (poorly signposted) east to the village of Fordwich, then south via lanes and (well signposted) footpaths to reach the North Downs Way, finally returning west along the North Downs Way to Canterbury.
Wednesday 26th September
am - Travelled by van to Margate from campsite. The wrong day to visit Margate - strong, cold northerly wind was blowing straight off the sea. The first car park I attempted to stop in was in danger of being flooded by the sea as waves were breaking over the sea wall and so I sought out another, on higher ground. A very brisk walk along the sea front and then around the town. Not finding much to detain me I quickly returned to the van and moved on.
pm - Travelled from Margate to Richborough via Broadstairs, stopping at Joss Bay to have lunch in the van and watch some brave souls trying (without much success) to take advantage of the strong wind to surfboard. Visited the remains of the Roman Fort at Richborough (EH). Another brisk walk, pausing only briefly to take in the story of the site and a few windswept, cloudy photographs. The story is that the Romans built these massive walls as a defence against Saxon invaders - from my experience today I suspect they were built as wind-breaks! Travelled back from Richborough to the campsite.
Thursday 27th September
am - Another walk to the centre of Canterbury with a brief revisit to St Augustine's Abbey, but with a camera this time. Not my original intention for my final day in this city but the adverse weather - strong cold northerly wind with the threat of heavy showers - dissuaded me from the planned cycle ride to Whitstable.
Friday 28th September
am - Returned home from the Canterbury campsite.
Sunday 7th to Friday 12th October
Travelled to the Sandringham CCC campsite in Norfolk on Sunday returning Friday. Much walking and cycling around the surrounding area with a view to buying a new home for myself here, hence none of the usual detailed daily descriptions for this stay.
Wednesday 17th October
The sun came out today - it's absence has been noted recently - so I went to Kew Gardens. Not too much Autumn colour to photograph yet and the Moore sculptures are still surrounded by people - will probably be mid-winter before I manage to get some clear photos of them.
Friday 19th October
am - Travel from home to Beechwood Grange CC campsite on the northern outskirts of York; M11,A14, A1, A64.
pm - A short walk around the immediate surroundings of the campsite in search of bus stops, cycle paths and footpaths, to help me decide how I was to travel in to the centre of York tomorrow - decision; cycle.
Saturday 20th October
Cycled to York Minster to meet up with some old friends. Much talking, interspersed with some walking, eating, drinking and a boat trip on the river. Follow this link for further details and photos of this reunion.
Sunday 21st October
pm - Having waited most of the morning for the cold fog to dissipate, I cycled in to the centre of York again for some more sightseeing. Visits to The Treasurer's House (NT) and Clifford's Tower (EH).
Monday 22nd October
am - Travel from York to Top Lodge CC campsite near Stamford; A64, A1, A43.
pm - Walk through the woodland surrounding the campsite - Fineshade Woods - including an inspection of the new visitor centre (FC & RSPB) opened since I visited the campsite last autumn. Some of the paths have been improved since I was here last year, and given names, my route today followed The Smelters' Walk, with a few diversions.
Tuesday 23rd October
am - A walk through Fineshade Woods roughly following the signposted Mill Wood Trail, where possible - some parts not accessible as the moment. Called in at the wildlife hide and was rewarded with good views of a group of deer, including two stags.
pm - A further walk in Fineshade Wood, the shorter Dales Wood Walk this time
Wednesday 24th October
am - A final walk through Fineshade Woods, calling at the wildlife hide first - several deer and a great spotted woodpecker - and then vaguely following the Mill Wood Trail in the reverse direction to yesterday.
pm - A short walk to the visitor's centre and some early Christmas shopping at the RSPB shop.
Thursday 25th October
am - Travelled home via the A1, A14, M11 and finally the old A11 route south of Cambridge that I now find much more attractive (although slower) than the southern part of the M11.
Tuesday 6th November
A bright sunny autumn morning inspired me to explore Epping Forest. A short journey on the Central Line took me to Loughton Station and from there my walk commenced. Through the forest on a circular route, with High Beech being the furthest point of the circuit. The sunshine continued through the morning, the autumn colours of the trees were at their best and I thoroughly enjoyed the walk. The only disappointment was to find that the many photograph I took during this walk don't really do justice to the natural beauty of the scenery.
Tuesday 13th November
A lengthy, but cheap (two £6 advanced singles), train journey to Norwich and back from Stratford (East London) station. The reason for my journey was to mark the centenary of my mother's birth - 13th November 1907. Having made a similar visit in May for my father it seemed only right to accord my mother the same respect. A walk from the station to the street my mother lived in during her childhood, Sussex Street, then on to the city centre to find somewhere to eat. The cold, overcast and frequently wet weather did not encourage me to venture any further and I was home again by about 4:30 in the afternoon.
Friday 30th November
Almost missed my monthly visit to Kew Gardens, but remembered just in time. Not a brilliant day, weather wise, for a visit, but it remained dry and the sun did occasionally peep through from behind the clouds. The one advantage of visiting on a dismal day at the end of autumn was that the gardens were relatively deserted, compared with the summer, allowing some unobstructed photography of the Henry Moore sculptures that I found impossible earlier in the year.