The first inclines and rain of the pilgrimage arrived today as we moved from the coast to an inland section. It had lashed it down during the night giving the morning a refreshing air. I began walking with Anastasia from Russia until I caught up with my mum and brother. We called into a cafeContinue reading “Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 4 – Marinhas to Viana do Castelo”
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Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 3 – Póvoa de Varzim to Marinhas
An Atlantic wind was our companion for today, as well as a few spattering of showers, keeping the walking comfortable. We were out dead on 7am, knowing we have one of the longer stages ahead. There was a very light shower to begin with, that kept coming and going for the first 30mins or so.Continue reading “Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 3 – Póvoa de Varzim to Marinhas”
Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 2 – Labruge to Póvoa de Varzim
This stage was a short easy one, with a cooling sea breeze and cloud cover keeping the sun off us; perfect walking weather. We had a lazy start, having breakfast at a pastelería near the albergue, taking our time. It was close to 9am when we started walking. Back on to the boardwalk along theContinue reading “Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 2 – Labruge to Póvoa de Varzim”
Gibraltar and Bow Making
It’s been a week on the go; I’ve not stopped, packing in quite a bit, making the most of the bank holiday weekend and a few leave days. Day 1 – Woodland outside Helperby, Yorkshire Arriving early evening on Friday, we were led along a gravel track into woodland with deliverance vibes. For the nextContinue reading “Gibraltar and Bow Making”
The Saint James Way Video
For me, the last couple of months have been manic, and the little spare time I’ve had, has been ploughed into getting my video of The St. James Way done. It’s in a different style to my usual reflective narrative, as I’ve noticed that the UK routes are fairly unknown; they need a little moreContinue reading “The Saint James Way Video”
St. Alkelda’s Way Day Two – Middleham
It had gone 9 when I returned to the route. Again cooked breakfast was between 8.30 and 9. Must be a Yorkshire thing. Drizzle greeted me on the climb out of Kettlewell and up on to the fells. It came in waves, never heavy enough for the full on waterproofs. The first 5km was theContinue reading “St. Alkelda’s Way Day Two – Middleham”
St. Alkelda’s Way Day One – Kettlewell
The choice was either do 2 of the 3 big hills on the first day or just do the one. Naturally I opted for the former; however a side quest had me adding an extra one! I started later than I would have liked. My BnB only served a cooked breakfast between 8.30 and 9.00.Continue reading “St. Alkelda’s Way Day One – Kettlewell”
The St. James Way Day Six – Southampton
Brambles. Officially my least favourite plant. Next week’s forecast is a heat wave, and today was the warm up. At 8.30am it was already hot. We rejoined the riverside path, that seemed to turn into a jungle expedition the further along we travelled it. Nettles and brambles crisscrossed the narrow footpath. The nettles were nothing.Continue reading “The St. James Way Day Six – Southampton”
The St. James Way Day Five – Eastleigh
A day of Peregrine Falcons, Kingfishers and Cetti’s Warblers. Ornithology and tranquil river banks. It started out in the drizzle, and as we passed the cathedral the Falcons were crying from the spires, clearly also disgruntled with the weather. The route winds through Winchester to the banks of the river Itchen, where it follows itContinue reading “The St. James Way Day Five – Eastleigh”
The St. James Way Day Four – Winchester
Today brought rain and soggy feet, but also an easy 17km stroll into a former capital of England and the resting place of St. Swithun. It was probably our quietest night sleep on the pilgrimage so far. No revelling golfers, early morning beer deliveries or city noises. When we began today’s walk, there was aContinue reading “The St. James Way Day Four – Winchester”
