The BigBlackCat Photo Album
The BigBlackCat Photo AlbumPhotographs from our walking and trekking holidays at home in the UK and around the world.
Walking Holidays AbroadPhotographs from our hiking and trekking holidays around the world.
2019. The Best of the Via DinaricaAugust 2019. A 13-day trip walking southern sections of the 'Via Dinarica', a long-distance trek through the 'Accursed Mountains' of the Balkans. Starting in…
2018. Tour Du Mont BlancAugust 2018. A two week circuit of the Mont Blanc massive in the Alps starting and ending in Chamonix, France. Walking from France into Switzerland and Italy,…
2017. Nanda Devi and Milam GlacierSeptember 2017. A trek to the basecamp of Nanda Devi, the highest mountain in India. Fantastic river valley walking with dramatic gorges and snowy mountain…
2016. Canadian Rockies Wilderness WalksAugust 2016. Two weeks walking and camping in Canadian national parks - Banff, Lake Louise, Yoho, Jasper and Waterton. Stunning scenery ... and a…
2015. Guatemalan Highlands & VolcanoesNovember 2015. A fantastic two weeks spent climbing volcanoes in Central America. Beautiful and varied scenery with masses of plants and flowers to admire.…
2014. Peaks and Valleys of the Atlas.September 2014. A 2-week Exodus trek in the High Altas Mountains, Morocco Heavy rainfall the week before the trip resulted in a changed itinerary, but still a…
2013. Grand Traverse of the Indian HimalayaAugust 2013. A 3-week holiday with Exodus in the Ladakh and Spiti regions. Bleak, wide-open landscapes in the first few days, a huge azure blue lake then…
2012. Manaslu Circuit, Nepal.October 2012. Three week trip with Exodus. Trekking and camping around Manaslu, the eight'th-highest mountain in the world. Varied but always stunning scenery…
2012. Sierra de Aitana, SpainFebruary 2012. A one week trip with Exodus walking in the Sierra de Aitana range in Alicante province, Spain. Not especially demanding, but beautiful - and a…
2010. Tien Shan, KyrgyzstanAugust 2010. A two week trip with Exodus treking in the remote Tien Shan mountains, including a helicopter flight up the Inilchek Glacier to Khan Tengri & Peak…
2009. Simien Mountains Trek, EthiopiaOctober 2009. A two week trip with Exodus walking in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Stunning scenery, incredible encounters with local wildlife…
2007. The GR10, French PyreneesSeptember 2007. A two week trip with Exodus walking the GR10 between Gourette and Luchon in the Haute Pyrenees. Tour ref. TWR
2006. The Huayhuash Circuit, PeruSeptember 2006. A three week trip with Exodus walking the Huayhuash Circuit in the Peruvian Andes, including a visit to the "Joe Simpson" Siula Grande basecamp.…
2005. The Alpine High RouteAugust/September 2005. A two week trip with Exodus walking the Haute Route between Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland. Tour ref. TWH
2004. Tuscany, Alpi ApuaneSeptember 2004. A two week trip with Exodus walking in the Apuane Alps and Apennine mountains. Tour ref. TWG
2003. Hiking in Cilento & Amalfi, ItalySeptember 2003. A two week trip with Exodus walking in the Cilento National Park and along the Amalfi coast. Tour ref. TEC
2002. Bulgaria: Mountains and MonasteriesSeptember 2002. A two week trip with Exodus exploring the Pirin and Rila mountain ranges. Tour ref. TVB
2001. Sierra Nevada Foothills, AndaluciaSeptember 2001. A two week trip with Explore walking from village to village in the Alpujarras, Andalucia. Tour ref. SR
Long Distance WalksPhotos from our walks along long distance paths in England.
West Highland WaySeptember 2026 106 miles Our latest long distance walk took us up to Scotland to tackle the West Highland Way, a 95-mile walk from Milngavie (just north of…
Day 6 - Inveroran to Kingshouse10.1 miles
Accommodation: taxi transfer to Tigh-Na-Cheo, Kinlochleven
The Inn Way to the Lake DistrictSeptember 2025 After the success of last year's walk, we booked another self-guided walk with Mickledore. We chose a tried-and-trusted "Inn Way" this year.…
Hadrians Wall PathSeptember 2024 After a covid-then-health-induced break from long distance paths, we are back on the trail with a visit to Hadrian's Wall. Walking East to West,…
TynemouthOur first evening in the North East was spent in Tynemouth, a short ride on the Metro from Wallsend. We settled in to our B&B room, then went for a stroll…
Day 1 - Wallsend to Heddon on the Wall17.7 miles Following a short Metro ride to Wallsend we set out from Segedunum museum in Wallsend. Following the River Tyne for most of the day , through urban,…
Day 2 - Heddon on the Wall to Humshaugh18.5 miles
Accommodation: Simonburn Cottage (No longer providing B&B?)
- Day 5 - Twice Brewed to Lanercost
15.4 miles
Accommodation: Lanercost Equestrian& Country (No longer providing B&B)
White Peak WaySeptember 2019 . Surprise, surprise - we were planning to complete the Icknield Way this year, but finding suitable accommodation proved impossible. Having…
The Icknield WaySeptember 2018. A long time in the waiting, we had planned to walk the Icknield Way back in 2011, but had to cancel at short notice. Due to time constraints we…
The Viking Way (Part 1)June 2016. This year we decided to look closer to home for our long distance walk and finally settled on The Viking Way. We did not have sufficient free time to…
The Viking Way (Part 2)May 2017. Completing the Viking Way - this time starting at the Humber Bridge and walking down through the Lincolnshire Wolds to finish in Lincoln. In stark…
The Nar Valley WaySeptember 2015. Feeling in need of a bit of a break, we headed off to Norfolk (yet again) and the Nar Valley Way. Just two days walking, covering 40 miles or so…
The Inn Way to NorthumberlandJune 2015. Having enjoyed the Inn Way to the Peak District so much last time out, we thought we would try another of Mark Reid's walks. Officially 94 miles…
The Inn Way to the Peak DistrictJune 2013. A magnificent circuit through the Peak District. The 'official' path is 84 miles long and is split into six stages. As usual we used the train from…
The Dales High WayJune 2010. 93 miles of stunning Yorkshire Dales scenery in 7 days. Starting in Saltaire and ending in Appleby. Varied walking each day combined with some…
The Dales WayJune 2009. We included the link route from Leeds before completing the official Dales Way walk from Ilkley to Bowness in the Lake District - a total length of…
Day 1 - Leeds to Chevin End Farm16 miles (plus 2 from home to Peterborough station). An early start to catch the train to Leeds. A couple of miles from Leeds station to the link route start…
Day 2 - Chevin End Farm to Appletreewick17.5 miles. Boiling hot. A wander through Menston, then up onto the moors to Ilkley, start of the official Dales Way. Mainly riverside walking thereafter,…
Day 3 - Appletreewick to Buckden16 miles. Roasting hot again ... Lovely riverside ramble into Grassington (disaster area beyond Burnsall excepted), then up into an airy limestone upland…
Day 4 - Buckden to Ribblehead.14 miles. Once again, glorious weather as we continued to head upstream following the River Wharfe. Beautiful scenery along Langstrothdale, then a long…
Day 5 - Ribblehead to Sedburgh.16 miles. After re-joining the Dales Way, a brief climb up onto marshy upland followed by a long but pleasant road walk beside the infant River Dee.br>The…
Day 6 - Sedburgh to Bowston.18 miles. A long day, but vary varied and most enjoyable. The day comprised: more riverside walking (Rivers Dee, Lune and Kent); a couple of minor "diversions"…
Day 7 - Bowston to Bowness11 miles. A short, easy final day. Gorgeous path along the River Kent in morning sunshine. Clouding over by the time we passed over the A591 at Staveley, and…
The Sandstone TrailEaster 2009. A 34 mile, 2 day walk through Cheshire, starting at Frodsham and ending in Whitchurch. The whole trail was completed in glorious sunshine, and we…
Day 1 - Frodsham to The Shady Oak, near…16 miles. Setting out from THe Bear's Paw in Frodsham and following the escarpment through Delamere Forest to finish at The Shady Oak pub by the Shropshire…
Day 2 - The Shady Oak to Whitchurch18 miles. After being dropped off at the pub, we continued south, past Beeston Castle, to finish in Jubilee Park in Whitchurch.
The Coast to Coast PathMay 2008. 187 miles of sublime walking in two weeks. Starting in St Bees on the Cumbrian coast, crossing the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Pennines and North…
Day 1 - St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge14.6 miles. Heading north for a couple of miles along the Cumbrian coastline before heading inland over rolling hills and into the Lake District proper.
Day 2 - Low Cock How Farm to Rosthwaite16.1 miles. Following the southern shore of Ennerdale Water, then through Ennerdale Forest before climbing steeply beside Loft Beck. From the Brandreth Fence,…
Day 3 - Rosthwaite to Grasmere8 miles. From Rosthwaite, a long ,sometimes steep, haul up to Greenup Edge, then descend via Calf Crag, to Grasmere.
Day 4 - Grasmere to Patterdale7 miles. After a quick tour of Grasmere, head up Tongue Gill for lunch at Grisedale Tarn. Continue climbing up to the sumit of St Sunday Crag, at 2756 feet…
Day 5 - Patterdale to Shap16.7 miles. Stunning views back to the Helvellyn range, Patterdale and Ullswater on the way up to Angle Tarn. Continue climbing up towards High Street before…
Day 6 - Shap to Kirkby Stephen20.4 miles. Traversing open limestone moorland, interrupted only by a diversion to the chocolate factory at Orton !
Day 7 - Kirkby Stephen to Keld11.5 miles. A quick look around town, then up and over the high moors of the Pennines via Nine Standards. Descend into Whitsundale, following the Beck into…
Day 8 - Keld to Reeth10.9 miles. A reminder of industries long gone. Transfer back to Keld, then after admiring the waterfalls, head up to the "high route", passing the ruins of…
Day 9 - Reeth to Richmond10.4 miles. Leaving Reeth, head for Marrick Priory, then a gentle climb up through bluebell woods and open fields to Marske and beyond. More lovely woods…
Day 10 - Free day in RichmondA lazy Bank Holiday Sunday exploring Richmond and nearby Easby Abbey.
Day 11 - Richmond to Ingleby Arncliffe22 miles - our longest day. An early start and we are soon walking high above the River Swale heading for Catterick Bridge and the A1. Thereafter, open fields…
Day 12 - Ingleby Arncliffe to Chopgate12 miles. Relatively easy in distance, but most of the day is spent walking through low cloud on the North Yorkshire Moors, so we miss out on spectacular views…
Day 13 - Chopgate to Glaisdale18.3 miles trudging over the moors in very low visibility. Flagging spirits are raised somewhat by a stop for lunch at the Lion Inn at Blakey, then more…
Day 14 - Glaisdale to High Hawsker14.1 miles. Varied scenery for our penultimate day, ancient woodlands, steam railways and open moorland. Spoiled only at the very end by the double-whammy of…
Day 15 - High Hawsker to Robin Hoods Bay (and on…4.3 miles. An easy stroll along the North Yorkshire coastline to reach Robin Hood's Bay, the end point of the Coast to Coast. After photos, a celebratory…
Day 16 - A day in WhitbyA short drive up the coast for lunch at Steve & Sonia's, then a leisurely look around Whitby in the afternoon.
The Hereward Way2008 and 2009 110 miles from Oakham in Rutland to Harling Road Station in Norfolk. We used this path as training for the Coast to Coast walk in 2008 and for the…
Day 1 - Oakham to Stamford27th March 2008. 16 miles (plus 3 miles or so for the walk to and from Peterborough train station). Initially walking along the northern shore of Rutland Water,…
Day 2 - Stamford to Peterborough31st March 2008. 16 miles (plus 3 miles return trip, home to the train station). A saunter through the Burghley Estate, following the old roman road Ermine…
Day 3 - Peterborough to March21 miles - A walk from home. From Town Bridge in Peterborough, walking along the River Nene past Flag Fen sewage treament works to Whittlesey. More walking…
Day 4 - March to Ely24 miles (and add 3 miles or so for the walk to and from Peterborough train station, plus 1 from March station to the start of the walk).
Day 5 - Ely to Brandon21 miles. After an overnight stay in Ely, including an excellent evening meal at The Boathouse, we were ready to set off bright-and-early. Initially a very…
Day 6 - Brandon to Harling Road Station15 miles. O.K., so glossing over the overnight stay in Brandon, this was a fine days' walking ... right up until the last couple of miles where the whole…
The RidgewayMay 2007. The Ridgeway National Trail is 85 miles long, starting at Overton Hill near Avebury and ending at Ivinghoe Beacon. However, we started from Pewsey,the…
The Walk-in - Pewsey train station to East…10.7 miles walk-in to our first B&B at East Kennett. After a wonderful pub lunch, a stroll along the canal path, then up-and-over the white horse hill to our…
Day 1 - East Kennett to Ogbourne St GeorgeOur first taste of The Ridgeway National Trail. 12.2 miles of mostly open, exposed countryside, passing through Barbury Castle enroute.
Day 2 - Ogbourne St George to Kingston LisleA windy, exposed 14.3 miles. Wet and miserable in the morning, but sunny in the afternoon. Several ancient features today, and a pub for lunch! (Oh, yes -…
Day 3 - Kingston Lisle to StreatleyA long day today - 20.4 miles - mostly along the open ridge. The wet weather held off, but it was still tough going. We were especially grateful for a beer…
Day 4 - Streatley to Park CornerAfter yesterday, this was an opportunity to take it easy - only 12.3 miles today. The character of the path changed dramatically too - much more enclosed and…
Day 5 - Park Corner to Great KimbleAnother long day - 19.2 miles. A pleasant wander through Ewelme and Swyncomb estates brought us onto a long, straight stretch of wide track lined on either side…
Day 6 - Great Kimble to AldburyAh, back to an "easy" day! Only 14.2 miles - initially coninuing through the pleasant parkland, then passing Chequers, the PM's country pad. After the monument…
Day 7 - Aldbury to Ivinghoe BeaconAfter waking to driving rain, we were convinced that the last four miles of our epic journey would be decidedly uncomfortable. Fortunately, a prolongued…
The Angles WayJune 2005. The Angles Way is 78 miles long, starting at Great Yarmouth and ending at Knettishall Heath Country Park. As there are no local transport links from…
Day 1 - Great Yarmouth to Somerleyton13.7 miles walking along Breydon Water, past Burgh Castle and Caldecott Hall.
Day 2 - Somerleyton to Beccles14.9 miles including Oulton Broad and a painful 7 miles along the uncut banks of the River Waveney to reach Beccles.
Day 3 - Beccles to Harleston21.2 miles of varied walking through fields, woodland and quiet country roads.
Day 4 - Harleston to Hopton24.1 miles. Well, in our case Diss to Hopton (15 miles). Due to the excessive heat, we decided that 15 miles was plenty, so caught a bus to start the day at…
Day 5 - Hopton to Thetford9 miles walking. 4 to complete the official Angles Way at Knettishall Heath, then another 5 to reach Euston. Taxi from Euston to Thetford.
The Iceni WayJune 2004. The Iceni Way Path is 83 miles long, starting at Knettishall Heath Country Park near Thetford and ending at Hunstanton on the North Norfolk Coast. As…
Day 1 - Knettishall Heath to ThetfordA varied 16 miles walking through woodland, open felds and ending in a stroll across Barnham Heath Common.
Day 2 - Thetford to Hockwold14 miles walking along the banks of the River Little Ouse.
Day 3 - Hockwold to Denver Sluice20 miles. Initially fighting our way along the uncut banks of the River Little Ouse, then heading north along the Great Ouse.
Day 4 - Denver Sluice to King's Lynn14 miles walking between the Great Ouse and the Relief Channel.
Day 5 - King's Lynn to Dersingham11 miles. Heading inland through the outskirts of King's Lynn, passing through Castle Rising and Sandringham Estate.
Day 6 - Dersingham to Hunstanton10 miles. Heading out to the North Norfolk Coast, then east along sea defences to Hunstanton. After a fish and chip lunch, catch a bus back home to…
The Weavers WayJuly 2003. The Weavers Way Path is 57 mile long, starting in Cromer and ending in Great Yarmouth We were originally intending to walk The Dales Way this year,…
CromerAfter being bowled over by our stay at Morden House when we completed the North Norfolk Coast Path, we couldn't resist an overnight stay before we started the…
Day 1 - Cromer to Aylsham15 miles heading almost due south from Cromer. We pass through Felbrigg and Alby, and through the grounds of Blickling Hall. Aylsham seems a bit like a race…
Day 2 - Aylsham to Stalham14 miles. We bridge the River Bure and soon find ourselves on a disused railway line which is now a nature reserve - butterflies galore in the sheltered…
Day 3 - Stalham to Acle16 miles - and what a slog it seemed! This morning we spent most of our time walking on tarmac. Not very nice for the feet, and as most of it was along the busy…
Day 4 - Acle to Great Yarmouth12 miles to finish off the walk. Everything started so pleasantly: a wander through a lovely riverside boardwalk in Acle, then over grassy flatlands of the…
North Norfolk Coast PathJune 2001 Hunstanton to Cromer - 54 miles. We had almost given up hope of doing a long distance path this year. Initially we had hoped to do the Dales Way but,…
Day 1 - Hunstanton to Brancaster9 miles between Hunstanton and Brancaster, passing through Old Hunstanton, Holme bird observatory and Thornham.- Day 2 - Brancaster to Wells-Next-The-SeaAfter passing the roman fort of Branodunum, the walk continues through the small harbours of Brancaster Staithe and Burnham Overy Staithe, along miles of golden…
Day 3 - Wells to WeybourneA delightful walk along the sand and salmarshes at the edge of The Wash, passing through Stiffkey, Marston and Blakeney, before hitting the gruelling 5 mile…
Day 4 - Weybourne to CromerLeave dismal B&B as early as possible! Today is the final stage. Nice walking initially along the coast, past the golf course at Sheringham, then heading inland…
The Cleveland WaySeptember 2000 A nine-day hike around the boundary of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, starting in Helmsley and ending in Filey. 109 miles, National…
Other Walks at HomeWe like walking. Not just long distance walks in the UK, and not always exotic locations around the world. Here are photo galleries from our 'other' walking…
Monk Coniston August 2026Another HF Holidays holiday - this time ta short three-night stay at Monk Coniston in the southern Lake District. Despite choosing August to get away, the…- A visit to BrantwoodAn early arrival in the Lake District gave us time to call off at Brantwood, home of John Ruskin, for a spot of lunch and a look around the house and gardens.
Wetherlam, Swirl How and Coppermines11.2 miles
Coniston , lakeside and Torver12.3 miles
Monk Coniston to Tarn Hows4.7 miles
Arnside May 2026A new experience for us - a few days away with our colleagues in the U3A walking group.<br>Staying at Parkside Guest House in Arnside. The weather was…- Arnside Knot and Silverdale8.2 miles After a climb to Arnside Knot in blazing sunshine we dropped down through the woodland to visit Arnside Tower. On to Silverdale to join the coast (of…
Levens Hall to Kendal9.4 miles A walk to the outskirts of Kendal starting at Levens Hall. We followed the River Kent on the outward journey and returned along the course of the…
Rusland Round from Newby Bridge13.3 miles A short drive to Newby Bridge for today's walk. Climbing steeply from the railway line we discovered the tower, a lovely secluded memorial to polish…
Arnside and Fairy Steps Circuit11 miles Initially following the estuary and saltmarsh around to Sandside, we then headed uphill through woodland to the Fairy Steps. Continuing through…
Levens Hall gardensBefore heading home to Skipton we drove out to Levens Hall to have a look around the gardens - including the famously wierd topiary!
Filey, Yorkshire coast May 2026A family holiday, staying for a week at The Bay , Filey, afforded us the opportunity to do a few coastal walks.<p>Despite the strong and bitterly cold…- Flamborough Head circuit10.2 miles A circular walk around Flamborough Head, starting from the car park at Dane's Dyke. Fantastic views along the coastline interspersed with dramatic…
The Bay to Bempton Cliffs and back13.6 miles A walk along the coastal path to Bempton Cliffs to see the seabird colonies (and the hoardes of visitors!). Initially retracing our route back, we…
Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay9.4 miles After parking in Robin Hood's Bay we caught the bus to Whitby and walked back along the coastal path. A cold and windy day with an occasional short…
Sedbusk, Yorkshire Dales April 2026A couple of nights away at the Stone House Hotel in Sedbusk, near Hawes ,in the Yorkshire Dales. Enroute to the hotel we stopped off in Austwick to admire the…
Austwick, Oxenber Wood and Crummockdale10.9 miles
Hawes and Lovely Seat11.4 miles
Hawes Mosaic Trail11.4 miles
Keswick, Lake District - November 2025Our third HF Holidays break. Taking advantage of a half-price offer we chose a three-night self-guided walking break at Derwent Bank hotel at Portinscale just…
Moffat - July 2025A week of walking in the Dumfrieshire Dales, based in Moffat. The weather was very mixed - changing, from one moment to the next, from heavy downpours to…
Day 1 - Merecleuch, Hind and Gallow Hills8.4 miles A wet start to our holiday - and a bit of a wake-up call!<br>We were hoping for good weather in July, but the waterproofs were on from the very…
Day 2 - Craigieburn Forest11.0 miles Another walk direct from the cottage. Our gentle wander through the forest became somewhat longer and more strenuous when we somehow missed a turning…
Day 3 - Grey Mare's Tail, Loch Skeen and White…7.8 miles A shorter, but much more strenuous day. Some steep climbs - initially up the well-worn path besides Grey Mare's Tail waterfall(s), then a boggy slog…
Day 4 - Moffat Well and riverside walk10.2 miles A relatively relaxed day today, taking in some local sites. First a wander around Gallow Hill followed by a diversion to check out (the run-down and…
Day 5 - St Mary's Loch and Dryhope Tower9.5 miles A short drive from Moffat brought us to the car park at St Mary's Loch, starting point for a circuit of this lovely waterbody. At the far end of the…
Day 6 - Annandale Way and the Devil's Beeftub14.2 miles Our final walking day saw us tackling the Devil's Beeftub. After following the River Annan out of town, the steady climb turned into a long and…
Skipton - March 2025A week in Skipton, a lovely town on the southern border of the Yorkshire Dales. A great location for a variety of walks - from the town itself, extending into…
Day 1 - a trip to Kendal10.6 miles After a wander around the town centre we headed up past the old racecourse onto Scout Scar and Cunswick Scar, returning via the golf course. A total…
Day 2 - Giggleswick Scar circuit10 miles Parking in Settle, we headed out to Stackhouse and Feizor following the Dales High Way. Returning to Giggleswick (and another new development) and…
Day 3 - Skipton Castle Woods and the Leeds and…10.5 miles A wander to investigate what walking opportunities Skipton has to offer ... incorporating another new-build development that shows real potential…
Day 4 - Skipton Moor12 miles Exploring beyond the town, we followed the canal before heading up onto Skipton Moor eventually picking up the old roman road with fantastic views over…
Day 5 - Embsay Reservoir and Moor15 miles Heading North, crossing the A59 and skirting Embsay village, we arrive at picturesque Embsay Reservoir. A steep climb takes us to the trig point at…
Day 6 - Flasby Fell, Rylstone and Hetton…16.7 miles Following the Dales High Way to the summit of Sharp Haw, then on to Flasby and a lovely circuit to Rylstone and Hetton . Returning to Flaby we pick…
Bury St Edmunds - November 2024A couple of nights in Suffolk to explore Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area. Accommodation: Dog & Partridge, Bury St Edmunds- Bury St Edmunds5 miles
A quick tour around the Suffolk town of Bury St Edmunds 
Lark Valley Path15.8 miles A there-and-back linear walk along the River Lark to West Stowe. We intended to walk a little further to explore King's Forest, but the path was…
Tuddenham St Mary6 miles En-route home we stopped at Tuddenham for a short walk to the River Lark through Tuddenham and Cavenham Heaths. Part of the route followed the Icknield…
Church Stretton, Shropshire - October 2024A four-night self-guided walking break with HF Holidays. Staying at Longmynd House in Church Stretton. Enroute we stopped off for a quick look around…
A short exploration of Shrewsbury6 miles On the way to Church Stretton we stopped off for a look around Shrewsbury, and were very impressed. Weather was mixed - light showers one minute, bright…
Long Mynd Circuit14 miles
Caaer Caradoc and The Lawley12.4 miles
Brampton, Cumbria - July 2024Staying for a week in a convenient one-bedroom flat in Brampton town centre. We completed several local circular walks - a couple from the flat, a couple…
Day 1 - Lanercost Priory and Hadrian's Wall12.7 miles Heading out from the town centre via the Moat, initially along the Brampton Ridge and through The Ridgewood before following a lovely wooded path…
Day 2 - Gelt Woods and Talkin Tarn14.6 miles Today we headed South from Brampton for Low Geltbridge. Here we picked up a gorgeous path through Gelt Woods, following the River Gelt all the way to…
Day 3 - Cardunneth Fell from Castle Carrock8.7 miles Today we had a short drive to Castle Carrock to start our walk. We climbed steadily from the village to Castle Carrock Fell with fantastic views in…
Day 4 - River Annan circuit6.8 miles A 45-minute drive found us in Annan in Dumfries & Galloway. After a quick look around town (not especially inspiring) and a cup of tea & slice…
Day 5 - Walla Crag from Keswick5.5 miles Another drive, this time 40 minutes south to Keswick in the Lake District. After tolerating the crowds for a quick look around the outdoor shops, we…
Day 6 - Geltsdale circuit from Jockey Shield9.3 miles A short drive to Jockey Shield before heading up-and-over Talkin Fell to Forest Head. Got 'lost' in the disused (but largely waterlogged and boggy)…
Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire - May 2024A three-day break in Woodhall Spa. We stayed in a spacious Bed & Breakfast located very handily for the local amenities , and managed two walks, two evening…
Day One - The Spa Trail (11.5 miles)A there-and-back walk along the Spa Trail between Woodhall Spa and (almost) Horncastle. A lovely combination of amazing rhododendron displays through the golf…
Day Two - Woodhall Spa, Stixwould, Southrey…Much of the time we followed the Viking Way and/or the Water Rail Way. A good mixture of hardstanding, field boundaries and woodland paths, although there were…
Day Three - Woodhall Spa Airfield Nature Reserve…Earlier rain cleared up long enough for us to saunter around the nature reserve before heading back home. What appears initially to be a flat, desolate site is…
Giggleswick and Settle walks - March 2024Walks from a cosy house in Giggleswick. Being early March, the weather was not perticularly great - mostly overcast and drizzly with a strong, cold, wind - but…
Austwick, Stainforth Falls and Langcliffe16.5 miles A wander up the valley to Stackhouse, then up-and-over the wind-swept hillside to Feizor and Austwick. Rejoining the River Ribble at Stainforth…- Giggleswick to Cleatop Park5.7 miles Miserable weather in the morning meant we had a quick wander around Giggleswick and Settle and bought some magnificent rolls for lunch fron The Old…
Settle to Malham Cove and Tarn16.9 miles A steep climb out of Settle , but the early rays of sunshine were most welcome. Walking alongside Attermire Scar we were afforded some spectacular…
A short circuit to Stackhouse and Langcliffe4.2 miles Another wet day, so we drove to Skipton for a look around the castle and found a nice little cafe for lunch. The rain eased off in the afternoon, so…
Cattrig Force and Victoria Cave13.2 miles Yesterday was a complete washout for walking. Low cloud and heavy rain forced us to visit the spectacular White Scar Cave. Today was our last chance…
Dovedale, Derbyshire - February 2024A short stay at HF Holidays ' Peverill of the Peak' hotel just outside the village of Thorpe in the Peak District. We chose a four night self-guided holiday. As…
White Peak Dales and Villages12.4 miles- Wolfscote Dale, Alstonefield and Ilam15.2 miles
Thorpe, Ilam and Throwley Hall11.6 miles
Northern Dales Explorer - September 2023A ramble through Wensleydale, Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, in the Yorkshire Dales. Five days point-to-point walking, and three circulr walks along the way in…
MiddlehamA quick look around Middleham the evening before setting out on our trek. Accommodation: The Wensleydale Hotel, Middleham- Day 1 - Middleham to Aysgarth Falls12 miles From Middleham, a wander down Coverdale, then over Carlton Moor to the Walden valley. Returning to Wensleydale to our accommodation, the Aysgarth Falls…
Day 2 - Bolton Castle circuit10.5 miles After exploring the three cascades of Aysgarth Falls, we head over to the fascinating structure of Bolton Castle, diverting en-route down to the…
Day 3 - Aysgarth Falls to Hawes11.4 miles A day spent in mid-Wensleydale. Leaving Aysgarth and steadily climbing up the River Ure valley to reach our hotel at Sedbusk near Hawes. The route…
Day 4 - Aysgill Falls circuit9.4 milesA figure-of-eight walk from the hotel in Sedbusk, taking in two more spectacular waterfalls, or 'forces' - Aysgarth and Hardraw.
Day 5 - Hawes to Keld11.0 miles Climbing steeply over the wide open expanse of Great Shunner Fell into Swaledale and our destination for the night, Keld. Accommodation: Keld Lodge
Day 6 - Keld to Low Row10.2 miles A stunning mix of waterfalls, open views along the valley, and quaint villages today as we follow the River Swale. Accommodation: The Punch Bowl Inn,…
Day 7 - Maiden Castle circuit9.9 miles A steep climb up onto heather moorland today, offering yet more spectacular views of Swaledale. We arrive back at the hotel just ahead of the heavens…
Day 7 - Low Row to Arkengarthdale12 miles A day of two halves. Before lunch we continue to follow the Swale, reaching Reeth for lunch. In the afternoon a steep climb up to Fremington Edge, and…
Tideswell Walks - April 2023A seven-night stay in a lovely litttle cottage in the Peak District village of Tideswell in April 2023. The location was perfect. We could walk in any…
Tideswell, the Hucklows and Cressbrook Dale12.9 milesTaking in Little and Great Hucklow and Grindlow. Returning along Silly Dale to Wardlow Mires then Cressbrook Dale and Litton.
Tideswell loop via Peak Forest, visiting six…11.7 miles North skirting Wheston to pick up the Limestone Way to Dam Dale Farm, then a loop up to Peak Forestand back. Returning via Dam Dale, Hay Dale, Peter…
Tideswell and Cheedale circuit12.2 miles Down Tideswell Dale to Litton Mill, then along the Monsal Trail and Cheedale to pick up the Pennine Bridleway to Wormhill and Wheston. Return to…- Tideswell, Monsal Head and Priestcliffe13 miles To Litton , Tansley Dale, and Cressbrook Dale to Cressbrook. Follow the riverside road to join the Monsal Trail near Upperdale Farm before heading up…
Tideswell, Monsal Dale and Deep Dale14.2 milesReturning via Taddington, Priestcliffe and Millers Dale.
- Yorkshire Dales walks - September 2020A week in the Yorkshire Dales, September 2020 Taking advantage of the break between Covid lockdowns, and our pre-booked accommodation (we had originally…
- Malham circuitMalham circuit - 12.2 miles. A circular walk from Malham taking in the classic features in the area - Janet's Foss, Goredale Scar, Malham Tarn and Malham Cove.…
Kettlewell, Litton and BuckdenKettlewell, Litton and Buckden - 13.2 miles. A circular walk from Kettlewell passing through the villages of Litton and Buckden. Accommodation: The King's Head,…
West Burton to PenhillWest Burton to Penhill - 10.3 miles. A circular walk to Penhill from West Burton. Accommodation: Fox & Hounds Inn, West Burton
Hawes to High DoddHawes to High Dodd - 11.7 miles. A circular walk from Hawes to High Dodd. Accommodation: Cocketts Hotel, Hawes
Dent and DeepdaleDent and Deepdale - 9.7 miles. A circular walk from Dent taking in Deepdale and following sections of the Dales High Way and the Dales Way. Accommodation: Dent…
Inglebrough from IngletonInglebrough from Ingleton - 13.3 miles. A circular walk from Ingleton to the summit of Ingleborough, returning via Chapel le Dale and the Ingleton Waterfalls.…
Lake District - 2005A week in the Lake District, 2005. Arrived in Keswick on Saturday and bought some new boots at George Fischer. Spent the rest of the week breaking them in. Some…
Bowfell & Crinkle CragsBowfell & Crinkle Crags from the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.Approximately 8 miles. From the hotel car park (National Trust = free parking for members !), head…
The High Stile Range, ButtermereA wonderful circuit starting and ending at the national Trust car park at Buttermere. Approximately 11 miles. The walk initially follows the lakeside path…
Munro Challenge - 2005Sponsored Munro-bagging ! As we both work for the Environment Agency, in 2005 we took part in the annual Munro Challenge organised by our adopted charity, Water…
