Saturday 19th December
We hadn’t had the forecast snow at home but it was cold, frosty and bright sunshine so we drove to Ticknall and parked in the community centre. We followed the footpath beside the cricket pitch and into the new woodland where there was a smattering of snow on the floor. We found Bolt on By cache and then continued our walk towards Foremark. The views were good as it was so crisp and clear. We followed the footpath towards Bendalls farm and then walked along the road and into Foremark reservoir. We stopped at the visitor centre for a cup of chocolate, sitting on the snow covered benches - good job our trousers are waterproof! We then walked on to find a Cup of Tea beside the Sea cache. This was a bit strange as it was a sandy bay which looked like the seaside instead of beside a reservoir, although today the sand was covered in snow and white rocks in the water looked like ice-bergs! We continued through the reservoir park following a couple with a dog. At one stage the man climbed over the fence as the dog’s ball had gone over. As soon as the man got over the fence the dog jumped over and collected his ball himself!
We left Foremark and crossed the road to a footpath. We followed the path to The Scaddows and alongside strawberry fields (must remember this walk next summer!) where we lost the footpath for a while. A lady came out of her house and pointed us in the right direction. The last path was followed back to Ticknall. We walked through the churchyard which had several ruined arches standing in the grounds, the remains of a previous church. We had had a lovely walk of about 9.4km kicking through the snow and jumping in the icy puddles! Unfortunately I have mislaid my camera somewhere and so could not take any pictures.
Thursday 31 December 2009
Wednesday 30 December 2009
Lincoln Christmas Fair
Thursday 3rd December
We were up and hitched up by about 10.15 and arrived at Whisby at about 12. We are staying with South Lincs DA again for the Christmas Fair rally.
It was very cold and wet, the field is a bit boggy but ok. We decided against putting up the awning as it was so muddy. We caught the rally bus at 4.30 and got to Lincoln at about 5. We walked round the fair looking at things and eating lots of nice food. We had mulled wine and mince pie, some roasted nuts, then stopped for a hog roast roll with apple sauce. We bought some xmas tree decorations,ostrich steaks, kangaroo burgers and danish pastries. We had had enough by 7 so caught the bus back to the caravan.
Friday 4th December
We had a panic this morning as when I cooked the toast, smoke was coming from the back of the oven. We realised that the t-bag that John had dropped in the vent during the summer was now dry and smoldering on top of the grill. The smoke carried on for some time but then stopped. Hopefully it is now burnt out.
It was lovely and sunny, so we thought we would take advantage and go for a walk. We drove to Skellingthorpe, only 10 minutes away and parked in the community centre. We then walked along the disused railway finding a series of caches. They were all micros, but were hidden quite cleverly. We managed to find all 10 and then did the sums to find the final. It was a nice walk with good views and was surprisingly warm. The final cache was halfway back towards the car. We had walked about 10km by the time we got back to the car.
Saturday 5th December
We were ready early so decided to catch the 11 am bus which we only just got on. We were planning on doing a few caches, so set off to the conservatory to get some information. The fair was packed and it was almost impossible to move; you couldn't see any of the stalls as you were swept along in the crush. We finally got in to the conservatory and sat and had a coffee. We got out of the crush and walked to do the Seldom Seen series, they were all in nice little gardens around the city which are often overlooked . We eventually found our way down to the river and called into the Horse and Groom for some lunch. It took them over an hour to produce the sandwiches, by which time we had gone past hunger. While sitting there we discovered we were 40m from a cache, so went out and found a few along the waterfront before slowly making our way up Steep Hill, which was still packed. We went for hot chocolate at the referectory in the cathedral and then went into the cathedral for the carol's by candlelight service. We had planned on staying in Lincoln to eat, but it was pouring with rain and still crowded so we headed back to catch the 7pm bus.
Sunday 6th December
It poured with rain in the morning. We packed most stuff away and then went over to the Pride of Lincoln where there was a geocaching event. We went in to meet some new gcers and a few we hadmet before. We had lunch and a chat and then went back to hitch up the caravan. Everything was very wet but we got off the field ok and were home by 3.30.
We were up and hitched up by about 10.15 and arrived at Whisby at about 12. We are staying with South Lincs DA again for the Christmas Fair rally.
It was very cold and wet, the field is a bit boggy but ok. We decided against putting up the awning as it was so muddy. We caught the rally bus at 4.30 and got to Lincoln at about 5. We walked round the fair looking at things and eating lots of nice food. We had mulled wine and mince pie, some roasted nuts, then stopped for a hog roast roll with apple sauce. We bought some xmas tree decorations,ostrich steaks, kangaroo burgers and danish pastries. We had had enough by 7 so caught the bus back to the caravan.
Friday 4th December
We had a panic this morning as when I cooked the toast, smoke was coming from the back of the oven. We realised that the t-bag that John had dropped in the vent during the summer was now dry and smoldering on top of the grill. The smoke carried on for some time but then stopped. Hopefully it is now burnt out.
It was lovely and sunny, so we thought we would take advantage and go for a walk. We drove to Skellingthorpe, only 10 minutes away and parked in the community centre. We then walked along the disused railway finding a series of caches. They were all micros, but were hidden quite cleverly. We managed to find all 10 and then did the sums to find the final. It was a nice walk with good views and was surprisingly warm. The final cache was halfway back towards the car. We had walked about 10km by the time we got back to the car.
Saturday 5th December
We were ready early so decided to catch the 11 am bus which we only just got on. We were planning on doing a few caches, so set off to the conservatory to get some information. The fair was packed and it was almost impossible to move; you couldn't see any of the stalls as you were swept along in the crush. We finally got in to the conservatory and sat and had a coffee. We got out of the crush and walked to do the Seldom Seen series, they were all in nice little gardens around the city which are often overlooked . We eventually found our way down to the river and called into the Horse and Groom for some lunch. It took them over an hour to produce the sandwiches, by which time we had gone past hunger. While sitting there we discovered we were 40m from a cache, so went out and found a few along the waterfront before slowly making our way up Steep Hill, which was still packed. We went for hot chocolate at the referectory in the cathedral and then went into the cathedral for the carol's by candlelight service. We had planned on staying in Lincoln to eat, but it was pouring with rain and still crowded so we headed back to catch the 7pm bus.
Sunday 6th December
It poured with rain in the morning. We packed most stuff away and then went over to the Pride of Lincoln where there was a geocaching event. We went in to meet some new gcers and a few we hadmet before. We had lunch and a chat and then went back to hitch up the caravan. Everything was very wet but we got off the field ok and were home by 3.30.
Tuesday 29 December 2009
All Tooled Up
Monday 30th November
We decided to do a different sort of cache today. We sorted out a tool kit and drove to Croft to do a cache called "All Tooled Up". We were quite impressed when we walked into the playground beside the car park as there was an outdoor adult playground included. There were exercise bikes, rowing machines, ski simulators etc for a bit of a work-out. We walked across a playing field and the first task was to extract a film cannister from a hole, using the bit of cane we had brought. We collected the co-ords, and then onto the next stage where we had to find some numbers stamped on a gatepost. They were very small and required a magnifying glass. The next stage was missing but it didn't matter as there was only one footpath to follow. On the bridge over the river some more numbers were stamped. The next two stages involved using a magnet to remove a bolt, and a spanner to extract a bolt.The co-ordinates were stamped on the shaft of the bolts. We followed round the church to a tree where we had to use a bit of steel to pull out a bolt. Then into a new woodland where the co-ords were attatched to a chain inside a long tube. We had to make a hook to pull the chain up. We were then stumped, as the footpath was closed and the diversion was under a foot of water. We walked via the road to find the last clue but could not get to the cache as the bridge was also under water. It had been good fun solving all the clues even if we hadn't got the final cache. We will have to come back in the Summer when the water level has gone down a bit. We walked on to do "Neither on the hill or the hole" cache which was found easily and then we walked to the top of the hill where we had good views of the quarry and Leicestershire.
We decided to do a different sort of cache today. We sorted out a tool kit and drove to Croft to do a cache called "All Tooled Up". We were quite impressed when we walked into the playground beside the car park as there was an outdoor adult playground included. There were exercise bikes, rowing machines, ski simulators etc for a bit of a work-out. We walked across a playing field and the first task was to extract a film cannister from a hole, using the bit of cane we had brought. We collected the co-ords, and then onto the next stage where we had to find some numbers stamped on a gatepost. They were very small and required a magnifying glass. The next stage was missing but it didn't matter as there was only one footpath to follow. On the bridge over the river some more numbers were stamped. The next two stages involved using a magnet to remove a bolt, and a spanner to extract a bolt.The co-ordinates were stamped on the shaft of the bolts. We followed round the church to a tree where we had to use a bit of steel to pull out a bolt. Then into a new woodland where the co-ords were attatched to a chain inside a long tube. We had to make a hook to pull the chain up. We were then stumped, as the footpath was closed and the diversion was under a foot of water. We walked via the road to find the last clue but could not get to the cache as the bridge was also under water. It had been good fun solving all the clues even if we hadn't got the final cache. We will have to come back in the Summer when the water level has gone down a bit. We walked on to do "Neither on the hill or the hole" cache which was found easily and then we walked to the top of the hill where we had good views of the quarry and Leicestershire.
Monday 21 December 2009
Caching and the search for a new GPS
Tuesday 17th November
We decided on a trip to Nottingham to have a look at new GPS’s. We caught the park and ride (£4 per car) and got to the town at about 11. We first found a micro cache at Fletchers gate and then followed the GPS past the station and towards "Nutts in Nott’s" cache. This had been a puzzle cache which had had interesting logs posted on the web site so we felt we had to give it a go. We ended up near Anchor Supplies in an industrial estate. We spotted the "Geocachers Welcome" sign so wandered in. It was an Army surplus store and was filled with ammo boxes, old bits of artillery and various other equipment. We knew we were looking for an ammo box but didn’t fancy searching through all the boxes on display. We wandered up and down for a while and then someone gave us a knowing grin. He pointed out the Geocaching sign on a shop door. We hadn’t thought that it would be inside the shop -being against geocaching rules. We went in and the assistants grinned and we soon spotted a small museum, where we found the correct ammo box. The shop owner came over and had quite a chat with us. He has become very interested in Geocaching recently and was pleased to meet so many people in the shop. We eventually got away and walked towards the Trent where we found another micro cache before heading back towards the city. Our last cache was by the station – there had been youths lurking when we had walked past earlier but they had now gone. However, just as we had retrieved the cache a transit van full of police turned up and parked opposite. We felt a bit suspicious relacing the cache under their gaze. We had some lunch in the Salutation (very uninspiring) and then went to Blacks where we found both the Dakota and Oregon GPS on display. John tried the Dakota but found that the compass was dificult to calibrate.The Oregon was nice, with a big screen and extra functions. Looks like his birthday present might be ordered on-line when we get home!
We decided on a trip to Nottingham to have a look at new GPS’s. We caught the park and ride (£4 per car) and got to the town at about 11. We first found a micro cache at Fletchers gate and then followed the GPS past the station and towards "Nutts in Nott’s" cache. This had been a puzzle cache which had had interesting logs posted on the web site so we felt we had to give it a go. We ended up near Anchor Supplies in an industrial estate. We spotted the "Geocachers Welcome" sign so wandered in. It was an Army surplus store and was filled with ammo boxes, old bits of artillery and various other equipment. We knew we were looking for an ammo box but didn’t fancy searching through all the boxes on display. We wandered up and down for a while and then someone gave us a knowing grin. He pointed out the Geocaching sign on a shop door. We hadn’t thought that it would be inside the shop -being against geocaching rules. We went in and the assistants grinned and we soon spotted a small museum, where we found the correct ammo box. The shop owner came over and had quite a chat with us. He has become very interested in Geocaching recently and was pleased to meet so many people in the shop. We eventually got away and walked towards the Trent where we found another micro cache before heading back towards the city. Our last cache was by the station – there had been youths lurking when we had walked past earlier but they had now gone. However, just as we had retrieved the cache a transit van full of police turned up and parked opposite. We felt a bit suspicious relacing the cache under their gaze. We had some lunch in the Salutation (very uninspiring) and then went to Blacks where we found both the Dakota and Oregon GPS on display. John tried the Dakota but found that the compass was dificult to calibrate.The Oregon was nice, with a big screen and extra functions. Looks like his birthday present might be ordered on-line when we get home!
Saturday 19 December 2009
Afternoon at Zouch
Monday 16th November
We had planned a walk but just as I was loading up the GPS a new cache came in at Zouch. We changed our plans and decided to walk there instead. We parked in the little car park in Zouch and walked along the road towards the river. We were first to find the cache which was by the wier. The river was flowing fast so was quite impressive over the wier. We crossed the road and walked along the canal and river towards Sutton Bonington. We were aiming for the Soar Navigation cache but realized after a while that we were on the wrong lane. We continued to Sutton Bonington and then headed across the fields towards Kegworth. It turned out that we were doing the walk backwards as I had planned the field walk for the return route. However, it was quite pleasant and not as muddy as we had expected. We eventually got to the river and the new Kegworth lock. The cache was hidden near the old Kegworth lock which we didn’t realize was there. It was on the other side of the canal and involved walking carefully across the lock gates. The old lock has been filled in but the top of the rotting wooden gates could still be seen. We found the cache and then walked beside the river for the rest of the walk back to Zouch. There were plenty of ducks on the water so it was quite atmospheric walking along the towpath in the dusk. We found the Soar Navigation cache which we had missed on the way out, by which time it was getting dark. We got back to the car at a bout 4.30 after having walked about 9km - a nice short afternoon walk.
We had planned a walk but just as I was loading up the GPS a new cache came in at Zouch. We changed our plans and decided to walk there instead. We parked in the little car park in Zouch and walked along the road towards the river. We were first to find the cache which was by the wier. The river was flowing fast so was quite impressive over the wier. We crossed the road and walked along the canal and river towards Sutton Bonington. We were aiming for the Soar Navigation cache but realized after a while that we were on the wrong lane. We continued to Sutton Bonington and then headed across the fields towards Kegworth. It turned out that we were doing the walk backwards as I had planned the field walk for the return route. However, it was quite pleasant and not as muddy as we had expected. We eventually got to the river and the new Kegworth lock. The cache was hidden near the old Kegworth lock which we didn’t realize was there. It was on the other side of the canal and involved walking carefully across the lock gates. The old lock has been filled in but the top of the rotting wooden gates could still be seen. We found the cache and then walked beside the river for the rest of the walk back to Zouch. There were plenty of ducks on the water so it was quite atmospheric walking along the towpath in the dusk. We found the Soar Navigation cache which we had missed on the way out, by which time it was getting dark. We got back to the car at a bout 4.30 after having walked about 9km - a nice short afternoon walk.
Saturday 12 December 2009
A walk fro Ruddington Country Park
Monday 9th November
As it was another lovely day we thought we should take advantage so drove to Ruddington, (Nottinghamshire) for a walk.
We parked in the Country Park and after making use of the compost toilets - very clean and much nicer than normal public loos, we walked through the park and onto the public footpath running around the outskirts. The path passed a dog kennels - The Premier Hotel for Pets! The noise of barking dogs was awful and we could hear them for quite a distance. We walked beside the track of the Great Central Railway; There were no trains running today but the path was flat and dry and we had good views across to Gotham hills. We followed the path over Fairham brook, which was in a surprisingly steep gully, and then passed around a bridge. We found a cache here and sat on some concrete blocks to enjoy our lunch in the sun.
We continued beside the railway for a bit further and then walked under the railway and started to walk across Bunny Moor where we crossed a bridge over a ditch and found another cache.
We followed the footpath to Bunny and then footpaths towards Bradmore and finally back to the Country Park. It had been a lovely days walk, the sunshine and autumn leaves giving everything a golden glow. We had walked about 10km and found 3 caches.
Wednesday 11 November 2009
Watermead country park
Saturday 7th November
We had to do some chores before we went out this morning. John bottled his homebrew beer which went well until the last couple of bottles when one broke and spilt all over the floor. A bit of cleaning up was needed before we could head out.
We drove to Watermead park near Birstall for a caching walk after the mornings bottling. After having a bit of trouble actually finding our way into the park we parked in the North car-park, and walked along the canal for about a km to find a cache. We stopped and had a light lunch at the Hope and Anchor and then carried on walking through the park.
There were lots of lakes and they were all full of birds and we were also impressed with this statue in the water.
We followed the footpath towards Birstall, still staying beside the water until we got to the south end of the park. Unfortunately the bridge to the other side of the park was closed for repairs and there was no alternative route round so we had to retrace our steps, and were not able to find 2 of the caches that we had planned or see the Watermead Mammoth! We did mange to find three other caches on the way round the rest of the park, one of which was very sneakily hidden. We got back to the car at about 4 after 10 km.
We had to do some chores before we went out this morning. John bottled his homebrew beer which went well until the last couple of bottles when one broke and spilt all over the floor. A bit of cleaning up was needed before we could head out.
We drove to Watermead park near Birstall for a caching walk after the mornings bottling. After having a bit of trouble actually finding our way into the park we parked in the North car-park, and walked along the canal for about a km to find a cache. We stopped and had a light lunch at the Hope and Anchor and then carried on walking through the park.
There were lots of lakes and they were all full of birds and we were also impressed with this statue in the water.
We followed the footpath towards Birstall, still staying beside the water until we got to the south end of the park. Unfortunately the bridge to the other side of the park was closed for repairs and there was no alternative route round so we had to retrace our steps, and were not able to find 2 of the caches that we had planned or see the Watermead Mammoth! We did mange to find three other caches on the way round the rest of the park, one of which was very sneakily hidden. We got back to the car at about 4 after 10 km.
Monday 9 November 2009
Calke Walk Caches, Derbyshire
Friday 6th November
As rain was forecast this afternoon we left home early to do a caching walk at Ticknall. We parked behind the village hall in Ticknall and walked towards Calke Abbey, before we got to the drive we turned left and walked towards the new plantation and headed towards Vees wood. We had a diversion to find the first cache and then followed the path through the new woods. It was quite muddy and we were surprised to see deer slots in the mud. We walked through a lovely mature wood, named Robin wood, which was lovely as we could kick through all the fallen leaves. The path left the wood and we continued walking along the outside of the wood, until we emerged onto the track running towards the Melbourne to Ticknall road. We started to walk down the road but then found that there was a gap in the hedge which meant we could walk in the new plantation. We followed this for a while and then found that the path came to an abrupt end at a ditch. We had to clamber back onto the road and then re-enter the plantation a few yards further down (via the gate this time). This woodland is known as Poppy wood and after finding a cache and then been growled at by a dog - the owners just smiled sweetly, I had to return to the cache as I had left my walking pole there. We found a bench and sat and had a biscuit and then walked through the wood. There were lots of information boards telling us what had been planted in each section and how the woodland would be managed. We left the wood and walked down the bridleway leading to St Brides - a close of posh houses, and then found the footpath to the other Melbourne road. We walked down Robinsons Hill and took the footpath which led to Staunton Harold reservoir. We used the facilities and found a cache - which we were surprised to find we were the first to find. We then headed across the fields with good views of the reservoir. We crossed into the Calke estate and walked along the limeyards arriving back in Ticknall. We had walked 11 km. found 7 caches and got home just before the rain started.
Sunday 8 November 2009
Harlaston, Staffordshire
Monday 19th October 2009
Time for a decent walk as John's dodgy knee is feeling a bit better. We drove to Harlaston which is just into Staffordshire. The small village was quite pretty, although there had been a lot of new building in the area. The church was unusual (although I forgot to take a picture). It had a black and white tower, and dated from Saxon times, with medieval and Victorian additions.
We walked along the street and found a footpath which wound alongside several pretty gardens and emerged by a farm. The footpath sign pointed to a pile of rubble and farm equipment blocked off with barriers. Hmmm, no way through there then. The cow barn was open (and empty) so we walked through and reached a field edge. We were walking parallel with the path we should have been on, so followed it until we reached the area where the footpath proper joined the field.
The next part of the walk was over fields with new crops but no signs to show the path, and when we did reach the stile it was broken with no cross step, so we had to carefully climb over the barbed wire. It was lucky I had put the route on the GPS, so we knew where the paths went; when the crops are grown it will be impossible to see the path .
It was warm and sunny and we had good views across the fields and we followed the path over Hogs hill (which was really very flat) and emerged onto Syerscote lane, a gated road which we followed for a while and then sat on a verge to eat our sandwiches and have a cup of coffee.
After lunch we followed a permissive path (rather than the lane) to Twizzle lane. We were surprised to walk around large fields full of elephant grass. I assume it was for biofuel.
After reaching Haunton we used the footpath to walk parallel with the road back to Harlaston. We had found 6 caches on the way round and wanted to do another before we left. We took a footpath near the church and crossed a field which had heifers in. All was well as we crossed the stile but as we found the cache we could hear snorting and puffing. As we went to go back over the stile all the cows had come to see what we were up to. John bravely persuaded them to move away from the stile and we crossed the field with them showing no further interest. Our walk had been 10km.
Time for a decent walk as John's dodgy knee is feeling a bit better. We drove to Harlaston which is just into Staffordshire. The small village was quite pretty, although there had been a lot of new building in the area. The church was unusual (although I forgot to take a picture). It had a black and white tower, and dated from Saxon times, with medieval and Victorian additions.
We walked along the street and found a footpath which wound alongside several pretty gardens and emerged by a farm. The footpath sign pointed to a pile of rubble and farm equipment blocked off with barriers. Hmmm, no way through there then. The cow barn was open (and empty) so we walked through and reached a field edge. We were walking parallel with the path we should have been on, so followed it until we reached the area where the footpath proper joined the field.
The next part of the walk was over fields with new crops but no signs to show the path, and when we did reach the stile it was broken with no cross step, so we had to carefully climb over the barbed wire. It was lucky I had put the route on the GPS, so we knew where the paths went; when the crops are grown it will be impossible to see the path .
It was warm and sunny and we had good views across the fields and we followed the path over Hogs hill (which was really very flat) and emerged onto Syerscote lane, a gated road which we followed for a while and then sat on a verge to eat our sandwiches and have a cup of coffee.
After lunch we followed a permissive path (rather than the lane) to Twizzle lane. We were surprised to walk around large fields full of elephant grass. I assume it was for biofuel.
After reaching Haunton we used the footpath to walk parallel with the road back to Harlaston. We had found 6 caches on the way round and wanted to do another before we left. We took a footpath near the church and crossed a field which had heifers in. All was well as we crossed the stile but as we found the cache we could hear snorting and puffing. As we went to go back over the stile all the cows had come to see what we were up to. John bravely persuaded them to move away from the stile and we crossed the field with them showing no further interest. Our walk had been 10km.
Saturday 7 November 2009
Rough Park walk
Wednesday 14th October
We only had time for a short walk today so headed off to find some caches around Rough park. We parked at the Lount nature reserve and then walked along the road to enter the park via the bridleway. This was another local nature reserve that we hadn't realised existed and only found because someone had placed geocaches there. We walked along the track and stopped to find "Curse of the First to Find no 8". It took ages to find and then we finally found it in the first place we had looked!
This nature reserve is a mixture of ancient woodland and new National Forest plantations so there was lots of birdsong as we walked.
We continued around the trail and found "Rough Speaking" geocache, hidden in a tree trunk. As we followed the trail we passed a small orchard with 3 large pigs in it. They were having a bit of a tussle and charging at the fence. We walked on and found "Rough Rising" on the outskirts of Rising wood. It was starting to get very noisy here as the park was running close to the A42. Our last cache was found at Rough Water, a small lake. We finished the walk by following the path back to the road and then back to Lount reserve. It had been a short 5 km but had at least stretched the legs.
We only had time for a short walk today so headed off to find some caches around Rough park. We parked at the Lount nature reserve and then walked along the road to enter the park via the bridleway. This was another local nature reserve that we hadn't realised existed and only found because someone had placed geocaches there. We walked along the track and stopped to find "Curse of the First to Find no 8". It took ages to find and then we finally found it in the first place we had looked!
This nature reserve is a mixture of ancient woodland and new National Forest plantations so there was lots of birdsong as we walked.
We continued around the trail and found "Rough Speaking" geocache, hidden in a tree trunk. As we followed the trail we passed a small orchard with 3 large pigs in it. They were having a bit of a tussle and charging at the fence. We walked on and found "Rough Rising" on the outskirts of Rising wood. It was starting to get very noisy here as the park was running close to the A42. Our last cache was found at Rough Water, a small lake. We finished the walk by following the path back to the road and then back to Lount reserve. It had been a short 5 km but had at least stretched the legs.
Tuesday 3 November 2009
Clifton Campville
Monday 5th October
We decided on an afternoon walk so drove to Clifton Campville near Tamworth, Staffordshire.
We parked on the main street and then walked towards the church which had an interesting millenium tower of tiles, with villagers names on. We had a stroll through the new plantations on Coneyberry Green and then crossed the road and headed across ploughed fields.
We had problems at one footpath junction as the footpath had been ploughed up whilst harvesting potatoes and there was no footpath direction sign. We ended up on the wrong side of the field but eventually got back to the right path.
We walked beside a fishing lake and a stream for a while with the path surprisingly going through hedges and over bridges, and not around the field edge as it looked like it should do.
We chatted to a dog walker for a while as he complained about the lack of signage on the paths and asked whether you could walk to Clifton across the fields. We assured him you could.
We headed towards Haunton but found that the footpath across the field was blocked so we followed the road. Haunton was a small village with a convent, a nursing home and lots of catholic statues.
Having solved the clues of a multicache, which we found in Twizzle lane we walked back to Clifton Campville. We diverted off to find a cache, which involved walking through a new housing estate and what appeared to be someones garden, but the path went around the back to a field. As we hunted for the cache a lady appeared and asked if we had found it. She was very chatty and said she enjoyed meeting the people who came to hunt for the cache. The walk was 11km.
We decided on an afternoon walk so drove to Clifton Campville near Tamworth, Staffordshire.
We parked on the main street and then walked towards the church which had an interesting millenium tower of tiles, with villagers names on. We had a stroll through the new plantations on Coneyberry Green and then crossed the road and headed across ploughed fields.
We had problems at one footpath junction as the footpath had been ploughed up whilst harvesting potatoes and there was no footpath direction sign. We ended up on the wrong side of the field but eventually got back to the right path.
We walked beside a fishing lake and a stream for a while with the path surprisingly going through hedges and over bridges, and not around the field edge as it looked like it should do.
We chatted to a dog walker for a while as he complained about the lack of signage on the paths and asked whether you could walk to Clifton across the fields. We assured him you could.
We headed towards Haunton but found that the footpath across the field was blocked so we followed the road. Haunton was a small village with a convent, a nursing home and lots of catholic statues.
Having solved the clues of a multicache, which we found in Twizzle lane we walked back to Clifton Campville. We diverted off to find a cache, which involved walking through a new housing estate and what appeared to be someones garden, but the path went around the back to a field. As we hunted for the cache a lady appeared and asked if we had found it. She was very chatty and said she enjoyed meeting the people who came to hunt for the cache. The walk was 11km.
Monday 2 November 2009
EBE caching series
Thursday 1st October
We decided on a walk today so drove to Etwall , in Derbyshire to do the WebRats EBE series (Etwall - Burnaston - Etwall).
The first problem arose when I overtook some lorries so did not see the signpost. We were at Utoxeter before we realised so had to turn round at the roundabout and go back about 10 miles. We parked in Etwall and set off along the road. This series had 16 caches in it so they were placed at fairly regular distances along the route. We soon left the road and set off along the border of the Toyota factory and into some very nice woodland. We found the Dave reincarnation cache, a bit off the beaten track, and also a cache which was disabled -not quite sure why, as it was clearly visible from the track and was well stocked.
We walked beside a stream for a while and then stopped by a bridge to enjoy a sandwich and a cup of coffee before walking onto the road which led to Burnaston. Here we diverted to find one of JustAlans puzzle caches. I had solved all these caches a while ago and this was the first time we had been in the vicinity to find one. Unfortunately this cache was not in a good condition so we have emailed the cache owner to do some maintainance.
We sat on a bench in front of the village hall in Burnaston for a coffee and then continued the walk. The next cache was near a barn, in a field of cows. I found the cache and hastily signed it before the cows became too nosey. We passed into some woodland and the cache listing here stated that it was the site of a secret nuclear bunker from the 60's. There is nothing there now as the site has been filled with farm rubbish but it was quite interesting to know the history of the area. Another Justalan puzzle cache was found, which involved me climbing through a hedge ad rummaging around an old tree stump before we were soon heading back towards Etwall having found about 20 caches, which has taken us into the top 1000 UK cachers. WooHoo!
We had walked about 9km so stopped at the Seven Wells in Etwall for our tea and to give the traffic time to ease off. We had two fish and chips for £9!
We decided on a walk today so drove to Etwall , in Derbyshire to do the WebRats EBE series (Etwall - Burnaston - Etwall).
The first problem arose when I overtook some lorries so did not see the signpost. We were at Utoxeter before we realised so had to turn round at the roundabout and go back about 10 miles. We parked in Etwall and set off along the road. This series had 16 caches in it so they were placed at fairly regular distances along the route. We soon left the road and set off along the border of the Toyota factory and into some very nice woodland. We found the Dave reincarnation cache, a bit off the beaten track, and also a cache which was disabled -not quite sure why, as it was clearly visible from the track and was well stocked.
We walked beside a stream for a while and then stopped by a bridge to enjoy a sandwich and a cup of coffee before walking onto the road which led to Burnaston. Here we diverted to find one of JustAlans puzzle caches. I had solved all these caches a while ago and this was the first time we had been in the vicinity to find one. Unfortunately this cache was not in a good condition so we have emailed the cache owner to do some maintainance.
We sat on a bench in front of the village hall in Burnaston for a coffee and then continued the walk. The next cache was near a barn, in a field of cows. I found the cache and hastily signed it before the cows became too nosey. We passed into some woodland and the cache listing here stated that it was the site of a secret nuclear bunker from the 60's. There is nothing there now as the site has been filled with farm rubbish but it was quite interesting to know the history of the area. Another Justalan puzzle cache was found, which involved me climbing through a hedge ad rummaging around an old tree stump before we were soon heading back towards Etwall having found about 20 caches, which has taken us into the top 1000 UK cachers. WooHoo!
We had walked about 9km so stopped at the Seven Wells in Etwall for our tea and to give the traffic time to ease off. We had two fish and chips for £9!
Sunday 1 November 2009
Curse of the Black Panther
Wednesday 23rd September
We did a bit of gardening and then decided to attempt a local night cache, called Curse of the Black Panther.
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=bb1246ed-9efa-433b-89c6-16f7a0bddac0
After dinner we drove to Albert village and parked by the road. It was not quite dark so we walked down the road to try another cache which was further down than I expected and by the time we got there it was too dark to see properly, so we abandoned it and walked back to Pick wood. Several bats flew over as walked up the road and past the lake. We put on the torches and followed the path to a large spoil heap which we climbed and after a bit of a search found the first cache - Pick Triangle. This area used to be the site of Wraggs pipe works but has now been planted up as part of the national forest. We then went to the correct place as mentioned in the directions and shone the torches around. John eventually spotted a reflection in the trees and we headed down the hill towards the reflector. We then stood and shone the torches again, and spotted another reflector on an information board. It was now quite dark and we stumbled through the grass and onto the next reflector. We could hear owls around us. It was a bit of a job spotting the next reflectors, but we did and then eventually spotted the one that the instructions said were only 30 ft from the cache. The cache was soon spotted but it was difficult getting it out of the hole, we had to did around it to remove it, we signed the log and put it back in as far as we could. We then had great fun trying to find the way back to the path and back to the car. The main paths certainly didn't show up well in the dark. It had felt like quite an adventure, even though we had only walked a few hundred metres. We did not see any night animals but did hear some owls. We got home at about 9 o'clock.
We did a bit of gardening and then decided to attempt a local night cache, called Curse of the Black Panther.
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=bb1246ed-9efa-433b-89c6-16f7a0bddac0
After dinner we drove to Albert village and parked by the road. It was not quite dark so we walked down the road to try another cache which was further down than I expected and by the time we got there it was too dark to see properly, so we abandoned it and walked back to Pick wood. Several bats flew over as walked up the road and past the lake. We put on the torches and followed the path to a large spoil heap which we climbed and after a bit of a search found the first cache - Pick Triangle. This area used to be the site of Wraggs pipe works but has now been planted up as part of the national forest. We then went to the correct place as mentioned in the directions and shone the torches around. John eventually spotted a reflection in the trees and we headed down the hill towards the reflector. We then stood and shone the torches again, and spotted another reflector on an information board. It was now quite dark and we stumbled through the grass and onto the next reflector. We could hear owls around us. It was a bit of a job spotting the next reflectors, but we did and then eventually spotted the one that the instructions said were only 30 ft from the cache. The cache was soon spotted but it was difficult getting it out of the hole, we had to did around it to remove it, we signed the log and put it back in as far as we could. We then had great fun trying to find the way back to the path and back to the car. The main paths certainly didn't show up well in the dark. It had felt like quite an adventure, even though we had only walked a few hundred metres. We did not see any night animals but did hear some owls. We got home at about 9 o'clock.
Tuesday 20 October 2009
Kegworth canal walk
Friday 18th September
We spent an hour in the garden clearing the bottom corner and then went to the organic farm to get some meat for Sunday and some lunch for today.
We drove to Kegworth where we parked by the canal. We started by walking across a ploughed field towards the railway where we had to go under a very low tunnel. I could just about walk upright but John had to duck. We carried on across fields emerging onto the road at Kingston. After finding a cache we sat by the memorial and ate our lunch - bacon puffs and a scone. We found the next footpath which went between some lovely cottages with pretty gardens. We crossed a little bridge and watched some fish and then headed towards the power station. We crossed another bridge where another cache was found and John spotted a yellow frog. We continued along the footpath towards the power station and then followed a zig zag path through lovely woodland and then across rough ground to the road.
The map was very unclear at this point and we headed towards the A453 but decided it was wrong so headed back but still could not find a path. We went into Ratcliffe village and found the path which was very overgrown but which went past a garden with llamas. The footpath signs disappeared and we suddenly came face to face with some very big and loud dogs. We hastily retraced our steps but could still not find the correct path through. Consulting the map we found a different way through but when we found ourselves at the river there was no way across so we walked back up onto the A453, crossed the bridge over the river and eventually found our way down onto the other side of the river. We enjoyed the stroll down the river watching the ducks and swans. We reached the canal and crossed back to the car after 8.1km.
We spent an hour in the garden clearing the bottom corner and then went to the organic farm to get some meat for Sunday and some lunch for today.
We drove to Kegworth where we parked by the canal. We started by walking across a ploughed field towards the railway where we had to go under a very low tunnel. I could just about walk upright but John had to duck. We carried on across fields emerging onto the road at Kingston. After finding a cache we sat by the memorial and ate our lunch - bacon puffs and a scone. We found the next footpath which went between some lovely cottages with pretty gardens. We crossed a little bridge and watched some fish and then headed towards the power station. We crossed another bridge where another cache was found and John spotted a yellow frog. We continued along the footpath towards the power station and then followed a zig zag path through lovely woodland and then across rough ground to the road.
The map was very unclear at this point and we headed towards the A453 but decided it was wrong so headed back but still could not find a path. We went into Ratcliffe village and found the path which was very overgrown but which went past a garden with llamas. The footpath signs disappeared and we suddenly came face to face with some very big and loud dogs. We hastily retraced our steps but could still not find the correct path through. Consulting the map we found a different way through but when we found ourselves at the river there was no way across so we walked back up onto the A453, crossed the bridge over the river and eventually found our way down onto the other side of the river. We enjoyed the stroll down the river watching the ducks and swans. We reached the canal and crossed back to the car after 8.1km.
Saturday 17 October 2009
Llandudno 3rd to 11th September
Thursday 3rd September
We had a slow morning but were eventually packed and ready to go by about 11.30. When going to the car, I heard a dreadful commotion, it was a sparrowhawk with a blackbird. As I moved the hawk dropped the blackbird who hid in the hedge. I then could not find my house keys so we spent ages looking for them,they were eventually found tucked in a map on the floor of the car. We left home at 12.20 and arrived at Llandudno at about 3 having stopped for a sandwich and taken a wrong turn which luckily we could turn round in a petrol station. We are staying on Bodolfan fields which is right on the promenade. It is a THS run by the BCC-ribblesdale section. It was very windy, the tail end of hurrican Bob, so we did not put up the awning this time.
Saturday 5th September
I popped out to get some rolls and Emily and Mike arrived whilst I was out. They were staying at Penmaenwahr in Sylvia and Jeffs caravan. We had a cup of tea and then walked along the prom and took the tram up to the top of Great Orme.
It is a cable tram ride in two parts. You have to get off halfway up to get onto another tram which takes you to the top. We had lunch in the café and then strolled around the top which was very windy. 
We found a couple of caches and then headed back down on the tram. Emily and Mike went back to change and shower and then we went out to find a restaurant for dinner. We went into a Mediteranean restaurant with a good selection of meals. Emily and I had tovuk rule, which was chicken with spinach and walnuts in a cream sauce. John had swordfish and Mike had sea bass.
Monday 7th September
It was a very windy night, but surprisingly warm and dry when we got up. We decided on a walk around Great Orme. I packed a picnic - Mike had bought us pork pies yesterday, and we set off along the prom. We walked towards Happy Valley and headed up through the gardens. After finding a cache we sat and ate our pork pies, enjoying the views. It was very warm, and we had worn coats thinking it would be windy so overheated a bit.
We climbed past the ski slope and followed the path towards St Tudno church. We diverted through the heather to find a cache, and then went down to the church. It was very small and pretty but had a very large cemetary, considering there is only a small population on the Orme. We were pointed towards an unusual grave of a lady, Buzzin Bee, Ms Hot Rod of the 20's who buzzed round Wales on her Beezer bike. Her gravestone was a motorbike wheel with wings.
We headed from the churchyard up towards the summit stopping under the cablecars, which were running, to eat a muffin, and then headed to the summit café for a cup of tea. We walked off the top and explored a small disused quarry where the rocks were full of fossils of big shells.
We had collected all the information for a multicache, so set off on a pleasant walk around the headland. The views were stunning and the heather and gorse beautiful. As we approached the cache area we walked through sheep tracks in the heather and finally found the right place, an ammo box hidden in the gorse. We had a lovely view of the lighthouse which was castellated!
After this we headed back towards the church and then followed the tram lines back down to Llandudno. It was very steep walking down the hill. We had walked 16km.
Tuesday 8th September
It was a lovely day so we decided to finish our walk at Conwy that we had started on Sunday. The entrance into Conwy is stunning as you drive over the river and beside the castle. We parked near the castle and walked into the town to buy some huntsmans pies from the butchers. We then found a path heading along the shore. We diverted into Bodlonbed woods to find a cache, where we had very good views across the sea.
We followed the path to the marina where we stopped to eat our pie whilst watching a shag. As we walked off to find a cache we disturbed a flock of lapwings -2 adults and several young. We walked round to the marina again to pick up a clue about the wartime Mulberry harbours. This clue led us back into the town and then out the other side, up a very steep hill to a trig point. We found the cache and enjoyed an alternative view of the castle.
We finished with a walk around the town walls and then went for a drink at the Liverpool Arms near the harbour. We had fish and chips sitting on the harbour walls whilst watching the birds.
Wednesday 9th September
We had a quiet morning, it was sunny but very windy. In the afternoon we decided on a walk to Little Orme.
We walked across the road from the site and found Bay View cache, and then walked along the road to enter a nature reserve. We walked to the trig point on Little Orme and then across the top to find a cache. We then followed the North Wales footpath to find another cache and walked around the cliff top looking for another. Unfortunately it was 50m away at sea level and we could not see a way down. We back tracked and followed a path down an inclined plane to the sea. We found the cache and then tried to work out how to get back. We decided to go back up the inclined plane and follow the NW path. It started to rain near the top and then the path disappeared. The rain got heavier, we were soaked and unsure of the way. I spotted the trig point and we followed my instincts which were right. We eventually regained the right path and got back to the van, soaked through having walked just 7.84km.
Thursday 10th September
It was a beautifully day so we decided to stay a bit longer rather than go home. We decided on a day on Anglesey starting by driving to Beaumaris, where we strolled along the water and round the castle. After lunch we drove to Din Lligwy where we stopped to do the neolithic village and butial chamber earth caches.
They were very atmospheric. We drove down to the beach and walked along the coast path for a while and then decided to drive home.
We had a slow morning but were eventually packed and ready to go by about 11.30. When going to the car, I heard a dreadful commotion, it was a sparrowhawk with a blackbird. As I moved the hawk dropped the blackbird who hid in the hedge. I then could not find my house keys so we spent ages looking for them,they were eventually found tucked in a map on the floor of the car. We left home at 12.20 and arrived at Llandudno at about 3 having stopped for a sandwich and taken a wrong turn which luckily we could turn round in a petrol station. We are staying on Bodolfan fields which is right on the promenade. It is a THS run by the BCC-ribblesdale section. It was very windy, the tail end of hurrican Bob, so we did not put up the awning this time.
Saturday 5th September
I popped out to get some rolls and Emily and Mike arrived whilst I was out. They were staying at Penmaenwahr in Sylvia and Jeffs caravan. We had a cup of tea and then walked along the prom and took the tram up to the top of Great Orme.
It is a cable tram ride in two parts. You have to get off halfway up to get onto another tram which takes you to the top. We had lunch in the café and then strolled around the top which was very windy. We found a couple of caches and then headed back down on the tram. Emily and Mike went back to change and shower and then we went out to find a restaurant for dinner. We went into a Mediteranean restaurant with a good selection of meals. Emily and I had tovuk rule, which was chicken with spinach and walnuts in a cream sauce. John had swordfish and Mike had sea bass.Monday 7th September
It was a very windy night, but surprisingly warm and dry when we got up. We decided on a walk around Great Orme. I packed a picnic - Mike had bought us pork pies yesterday, and we set off along the prom. We walked towards Happy Valley and headed up through the gardens. After finding a cache we sat and ate our pork pies, enjoying the views. It was very warm, and we had worn coats thinking it would be windy so overheated a bit.
We climbed past the ski slope and followed the path towards St Tudno church. We diverted through the heather to find a cache, and then went down to the church. It was very small and pretty but had a very large cemetary, considering there is only a small population on the Orme. We were pointed towards an unusual grave of a lady, Buzzin Bee, Ms Hot Rod of the 20's who buzzed round Wales on her Beezer bike. Her gravestone was a motorbike wheel with wings.
We headed from the churchyard up towards the summit stopping under the cablecars, which were running, to eat a muffin, and then headed to the summit café for a cup of tea. We walked off the top and explored a small disused quarry where the rocks were full of fossils of big shells.
We had collected all the information for a multicache, so set off on a pleasant walk around the headland. The views were stunning and the heather and gorse beautiful. As we approached the cache area we walked through sheep tracks in the heather and finally found the right place, an ammo box hidden in the gorse. We had a lovely view of the lighthouse which was castellated!
After this we headed back towards the church and then followed the tram lines back down to Llandudno. It was very steep walking down the hill. We had walked 16km.Tuesday 8th September
It was a lovely day so we decided to finish our walk at Conwy that we had started on Sunday. The entrance into Conwy is stunning as you drive over the river and beside the castle. We parked near the castle and walked into the town to buy some huntsmans pies from the butchers. We then found a path heading along the shore. We diverted into Bodlonbed woods to find a cache, where we had very good views across the sea.
We followed the path to the marina where we stopped to eat our pie whilst watching a shag. As we walked off to find a cache we disturbed a flock of lapwings -2 adults and several young. We walked round to the marina again to pick up a clue about the wartime Mulberry harbours. This clue led us back into the town and then out the other side, up a very steep hill to a trig point. We found the cache and enjoyed an alternative view of the castle.
We finished with a walk around the town walls and then went for a drink at the Liverpool Arms near the harbour. We had fish and chips sitting on the harbour walls whilst watching the birds.Wednesday 9th September
We had a quiet morning, it was sunny but very windy. In the afternoon we decided on a walk to Little Orme.
We walked across the road from the site and found Bay View cache, and then walked along the road to enter a nature reserve. We walked to the trig point on Little Orme and then across the top to find a cache. We then followed the North Wales footpath to find another cache and walked around the cliff top looking for another. Unfortunately it was 50m away at sea level and we could not see a way down. We back tracked and followed a path down an inclined plane to the sea. We found the cache and then tried to work out how to get back. We decided to go back up the inclined plane and follow the NW path. It started to rain near the top and then the path disappeared. The rain got heavier, we were soaked and unsure of the way. I spotted the trig point and we followed my instincts which were right. We eventually regained the right path and got back to the van, soaked through having walked just 7.84km.
Thursday 10th September
It was a beautifully day so we decided to stay a bit longer rather than go home. We decided on a day on Anglesey starting by driving to Beaumaris, where we strolled along the water and round the castle. After lunch we drove to Din Lligwy where we stopped to do the neolithic village and butial chamber earth caches.
They were very atmospheric. We drove down to the beach and walked along the coast path for a while and then decided to drive home.Thursday 15 October 2009
South West Holiday: Powderham Castle, Devon - edited highlights
Sunday 16th August
It was the last day of the Temporary Holiday Site so after going to the DA coffee morning we hitched up and set off. We decided not to go to Cornwall as it would be too long a drive along busy, narrow roads but headed instead to Powderham castle, near Exeter. The journey was very good until the end when I missed the turning. We ended up driving to Dawlish before we found a place to turn round. We set up in the middle of the field with a view of the river,the deer park and the castle.
Tuesday 18th August
After breakfast we set off for a walk along the river. We crossed the camping field and left at the footpath onto the road. We followed the quiet lane to Powderham church which we could not look round as it was locked but did have a chat with a couple with a batty boxer dog. We then went to look for a cache but found another couple in the place we were looking. It turned out they were cachers called HikerCAI. We were wondering how to get the cache which was called Go Commando, and decided we had to "crawl" under the bridge. We made it under, it was very low, pebbly and seaweedy, and found the cache on the other side. Hiker returned under the bridge but we walked North along the shore line and were able to get up onto the cyclepath a bit further on. We found the next cache "Lonesome pine" which John went to get as there were cows nearby. We then walked on to the Turf Hotel where we met HikerCaI again and sat with them while we all had lovely crab sandwiches. We left after Hiker CaI and followed the canal towpath to the next two caches. The path was very uneven and we could tell that it had been very muddy as there were very deep cracks in the path. We followed the towpath up to the Olde Topsham lock, where I discovered we were only 100m from another cache. We found that and then crossed the bridge and headed across fields to the Exminster marshes reserve. We found the Exminster RAF cache and then walked down the lane which took us back to the canal. We walked back past the Turf and back to the caravan talking to some birdwatchers on the way who said there was an osprey in the area. We saw lots of egrets and a heron but no osprey. We walked about 12km.
Friday 21st August
Today we went for a walk in the Haldon forest. We followed the directions to the start of a cache where we found a car park. As we got there it started to rain so we sat in the car and ate our rolls. When it stopped raining we followed the clues for a multicache around the sensory trail. The views from the obelisk were wonderful - across to Dawlish, Exmouth and beyond.
We finished off the sensory trail,dodging the showers and getting bounced by a dog with muddy paws. The final cache turned out to be near the carpark. We left the forest and drove toward Teignmouth. We parked in Little Haldon (NT), as it looked an interesting area on the map, and discovered there was a cache 60m away. It was a small offset so we walked off to do it. My gps said it was 100m E, Johns said 30m N, we checked Johns first and it was definitely wrong. We eventually found the cache and found there was another 500m away. We walked along the path and found Lidwell chapel ruins in a small wooded area in the middle of a field. It was very muddy and overgrown but we found the cache.
Saturday 22nd August
We pottered around in the morning and then decided on a walk around Exminster. We parked at Exminster marshes and walked across the marshes for a while, across a field of cows - very brave, and then emerged into Exminster, which was quite a pretty small town with lots of thatched houses. We took a footpath between houses and found a small cache and then walked beside the church but didn't find the way in. We walked across a road bridge, finding another cache. We walked beside the railway and headed towards the motorway bridge. We were in search of a cache called Kerplunk. John found the cache which was a long tube with cocktail sticks, in the bottom was a film cannister. We had to feed a magnet down and pull the cannister back up, feeding it through the sticks. It was more difficult than it sounds and took about 1o minutes to extract the canister and 15 minutes to feed it back in. After playing for a bit we walked on only to find that the footpath under the motorway had been blocked by workmen. We managed to get to the footpath by climbing over the fence but the path had obviously been blocked for a while as it was very overgrown. We worked our way through and then managed to find the way under the M5 and onto the canal path. We walked down the towpath to Topsham lock and then across the fields back to Exminster marshes.
We left for home on the 25th having had 3 weeks holiday for total site fees of £150 - not bad!
It was the last day of the Temporary Holiday Site so after going to the DA coffee morning we hitched up and set off. We decided not to go to Cornwall as it would be too long a drive along busy, narrow roads but headed instead to Powderham castle, near Exeter. The journey was very good until the end when I missed the turning. We ended up driving to Dawlish before we found a place to turn round. We set up in the middle of the field with a view of the river,the deer park and the castle.
Tuesday 18th August
After breakfast we set off for a walk along the river. We crossed the camping field and left at the footpath onto the road. We followed the quiet lane to Powderham church which we could not look round as it was locked but did have a chat with a couple with a batty boxer dog. We then went to look for a cache but found another couple in the place we were looking. It turned out they were cachers called HikerCAI. We were wondering how to get the cache which was called Go Commando, and decided we had to "crawl" under the bridge. We made it under, it was very low, pebbly and seaweedy, and found the cache on the other side. Hiker returned under the bridge but we walked North along the shore line and were able to get up onto the cyclepath a bit further on. We found the next cache "Lonesome pine" which John went to get as there were cows nearby. We then walked on to the Turf Hotel where we met HikerCaI again and sat with them while we all had lovely crab sandwiches. We left after Hiker CaI and followed the canal towpath to the next two caches. The path was very uneven and we could tell that it had been very muddy as there were very deep cracks in the path. We followed the towpath up to the Olde Topsham lock, where I discovered we were only 100m from another cache. We found that and then crossed the bridge and headed across fields to the Exminster marshes reserve. We found the Exminster RAF cache and then walked down the lane which took us back to the canal. We walked back past the Turf and back to the caravan talking to some birdwatchers on the way who said there was an osprey in the area. We saw lots of egrets and a heron but no osprey. We walked about 12km.
Friday 21st August
Today we went for a walk in the Haldon forest. We followed the directions to the start of a cache where we found a car park. As we got there it started to rain so we sat in the car and ate our rolls. When it stopped raining we followed the clues for a multicache around the sensory trail. The views from the obelisk were wonderful - across to Dawlish, Exmouth and beyond.
We finished off the sensory trail,dodging the showers and getting bounced by a dog with muddy paws. The final cache turned out to be near the carpark. We left the forest and drove toward Teignmouth. We parked in Little Haldon (NT), as it looked an interesting area on the map, and discovered there was a cache 60m away. It was a small offset so we walked off to do it. My gps said it was 100m E, Johns said 30m N, we checked Johns first and it was definitely wrong. We eventually found the cache and found there was another 500m away. We walked along the path and found Lidwell chapel ruins in a small wooded area in the middle of a field. It was very muddy and overgrown but we found the cache.Saturday 22nd August
We pottered around in the morning and then decided on a walk around Exminster. We parked at Exminster marshes and walked across the marshes for a while, across a field of cows - very brave, and then emerged into Exminster, which was quite a pretty small town with lots of thatched houses. We took a footpath between houses and found a small cache and then walked beside the church but didn't find the way in. We walked across a road bridge, finding another cache. We walked beside the railway and headed towards the motorway bridge. We were in search of a cache called Kerplunk. John found the cache which was a long tube with cocktail sticks, in the bottom was a film cannister. We had to feed a magnet down and pull the cannister back up, feeding it through the sticks. It was more difficult than it sounds and took about 1o minutes to extract the canister and 15 minutes to feed it back in. After playing for a bit we walked on only to find that the footpath under the motorway had been blocked by workmen. We managed to get to the footpath by climbing over the fence but the path had obviously been blocked for a while as it was very overgrown. We worked our way through and then managed to find the way under the M5 and onto the canal path. We walked down the towpath to Topsham lock and then across the fields back to Exminster marshes.
We left for home on the 25th having had 3 weeks holiday for total site fees of £150 - not bad!
Saturday 19 September 2009
South West holiday - West Quantoxhead
Monday 10th August
The Bristol rally finished today so we packed up the caravan and after managing to get off the field, which had dried out, we drove to West Quantoxhead, Somerset which only took about 90 minutes. This site is a THS run by Somerset DA at just£6 per night. The weather was clear when when we arrived and we were parked with a panoramic view over Bridgewater bay.
Tuesday 11th August
The Bristol rally finished today so we packed up the caravan and after managing to get off the field, which had dried out, we drove to West Quantoxhead, Somerset which only took about 90 minutes. This site is a THS run by Somerset DA at just£6 per night. The weather was clear when when we arrived and we were parked with a panoramic view over Bridgewater bay.
Tuesday 11th AugustA decent walk was called for this morning and so we left the site, walked along the lane and then headed uphill into the woods. It was lovely and sunny and dappled in the woods.
We searched for and found a cache next to an enclosure full of young pheasants and then walked on and emerged onto the hill. We sat near the top and ate a sandwich, with the sheep looking on, and a wonderful smell of heather and gorse. We walked over Beacon hill and then onto Stowbarrow hill. There were views across to Wales and Bridgewater and Minehead. 
We walked through the woods, found another cache and then descended to the pub (without stopping!) and back to the caravan.
We walked through the woods, found another cache and then descended to the pub (without stopping!) and back to the caravan. Wednesday 12th August
We left at 12.30 and drove to Blue Anchor where we parked the car and bought a ticket to Minehead on the West Somerset railway -£4.60 each. The train arrived at 1.30 and we enjoyed the 15 minute journey.
We watched the steam train turned round on the turntable and then walked into Minehead and along the front to the start of the South west coast path. 
We weren't walking that way today, but as we have done some of the other end of the SW coast path we thought it would be nice to visit the end! We were going to walk the other direction along the North Somerset coast path. We walked along the sand and towards Dunster beside a golf course most of the way and with views of the castle in the distance. We had an ice cream at Dunster and then found a"defence of the realm" cache. This was a series of caches near to pill boxes along the coast. At Dunster bay we were treated to a flypast by the red arrows, which was strange having seen a display by them at the balloon fiesta on Saturday. We carried on walking along the beach until we were back at Blue Anchor.
We left at 12.30 and drove to Blue Anchor where we parked the car and bought a ticket to Minehead on the West Somerset railway -£4.60 each. The train arrived at 1.30 and we enjoyed the 15 minute journey.
We watched the steam train turned round on the turntable and then walked into Minehead and along the front to the start of the South west coast path. We weren't walking that way today, but as we have done some of the other end of the SW coast path we thought it would be nice to visit the end! We were going to walk the other direction along the North Somerset coast path. We walked along the sand and towards Dunster beside a golf course most of the way and with views of the castle in the distance. We had an ice cream at Dunster and then found a"defence of the realm" cache. This was a series of caches near to pill boxes along the coast. At Dunster bay we were treated to a flypast by the red arrows, which was strange having seen a display by them at the balloon fiesta on Saturday. We carried on walking along the beach until we were back at Blue Anchor. Thursday 13th August
It was a lovely day so we decided on a drive to Watersmeet. We drove to Porlock and parked, meaning to do some caches but we were in the village and not at the weir, so we just looked round the village and then had fresh crab sandwiches for lunch at a nice restaurant. We then drove onto Lynmouth where we had spent our honeymoon 31 years ago! Porlock hill was fun and we were glad we didn't have the caravan attached; we stopped at the top to admire the view.
We enjoyed the drive over the moor with bright gorse and heather and lots of sheep and Exmoor ponies. We had trouble parking in Lynmouth but luckily I spotted a car coming out so we grabbed the space. We set off for a walk up to Watersmeet. There were lots of people but we managed to lose them so enjoyed the peace and the views. We stopped at Watersmeet House and had a slice of pie and clotted cream, yum and then walked on to Hillford bridge where we found 2 caches -1 good and 1 rubbish. We walked back beside the river and stood and watched a heron fishing for a while. 
When we got back to Lynmouth we had dinner at the Village Inn, rissoto for John, and salad with chicken, mango and goats cheese for me. We drove home across the moor with the sun setting behind us.
It was a lovely day so we decided on a drive to Watersmeet. We drove to Porlock and parked, meaning to do some caches but we were in the village and not at the weir, so we just looked round the village and then had fresh crab sandwiches for lunch at a nice restaurant. We then drove onto Lynmouth where we had spent our honeymoon 31 years ago! Porlock hill was fun and we were glad we didn't have the caravan attached; we stopped at the top to admire the view.
We enjoyed the drive over the moor with bright gorse and heather and lots of sheep and Exmoor ponies. We had trouble parking in Lynmouth but luckily I spotted a car coming out so we grabbed the space. We set off for a walk up to Watersmeet. There were lots of people but we managed to lose them so enjoyed the peace and the views. We stopped at Watersmeet House and had a slice of pie and clotted cream, yum and then walked on to Hillford bridge where we found 2 caches -1 good and 1 rubbish. We walked back beside the river and stood and watched a heron fishing for a while. When we got back to Lynmouth we had dinner at the Village Inn, rissoto for John, and salad with chicken, mango and goats cheese for me. We drove home across the moor with the sun setting behind us. Friday 14th August
We had a quiet morning and then after lunch drove to Kilve and parked in the village hall. We had a bit of trouble finding the start of the walk but located the bridleway and headed steeply uphill through a covered path. At the top was a small field of cows. I was a bit nervous after our experiences in Bristol, but we walked straight across with no problems. We walked along the lane to Kilton and stopped to look at St Nicholas church, a wayfarers church. It had a very interesting chandelier made of wire mesh. We then continued along the lane to St Andrews church at Lilstock which had been abandoned but still holds one service a year.
We had a quiet morning and then after lunch drove to Kilve and parked in the village hall. We had a bit of trouble finding the start of the walk but located the bridleway and headed steeply uphill through a covered path. At the top was a small field of cows. I was a bit nervous after our experiences in Bristol, but we walked straight across with no problems. We walked along the lane to Kilton and stopped to look at St Nicholas church, a wayfarers church. It had a very interesting chandelier made of wire mesh. We then continued along the lane to St Andrews church at Lilstock which had been abandoned but still holds one service a year.
When we reached the coast path we diverted East to find an interesting cache in an abandoned house. We couldn't find it, but it looked as though someone had moved in. We walked West along the path towards Kilve beach, finding 2 caches on the way. The beach consisted of layers of sandstone and shale and you could see the folds clearly. When we got to Kilve there was an oil retort where oil had been extracted from the shale before being abandoned as it was not profitable. We had walked 10.5km.
Friday 18 September 2009
South West Holiday - Bristol
Wednesday 5th August
We had a bit of a tour of the South West this year.
We had a bit of a tour of the South West this year.
The weather was awful when we left home but we had a good journey,and arrived on site at about 2. It was dreadfully muddy and we had to be towed onto the site. Not a good start! We are staying with the Avon and Bristol DA for the Balloon rally. It was not a brilliant site being on a slope and sandwiched between the railway and the Bristol flyover but was a good base for seeing the hot air balloons and visiting the Banksy exhibition which was showing in the city.
Thursday 6th August
We were up earlyish, and after breakfast set off for a walk to the park and ride into Bristol which was good value at £2.50 return for both of us. We got off near the city and after getting a bit lost we found our way to the city museum to see the Banksy exhibition. There was a 3hr queue but it was quite fascinating watching the people in the queue. It turned out to only be a 2 hr wait, but it started to rain so we were soaked by the time we got in. It was very good but some exhibits were quite moving whilst others were clever. His art was placed among the real art as though to mock it. We also saw some of his work on walls of buildings and suspect a tour round the city spotting art would be interesting.
Thursday 6th August
We were up earlyish, and after breakfast set off for a walk to the park and ride into Bristol which was good value at £2.50 return for both of us. We got off near the city and after getting a bit lost we found our way to the city museum to see the Banksy exhibition. There was a 3hr queue but it was quite fascinating watching the people in the queue. It turned out to only be a 2 hr wait, but it started to rain so we were soaked by the time we got in. It was very good but some exhibits were quite moving whilst others were clever. His art was placed among the real art as though to mock it. We also saw some of his work on walls of buildings and suspect a tour round the city spotting art would be interesting.
After tea we went up to the Balloon fiesta. Where we took part in the Geocachers Flash Mob event. At 8 pm a cacher blew a whistle and all the cachers converged on the spot. The idea was to blow up a balloon, sign the log, take some photos and then disperse within 15 minutes. There must have been about 200 cachers there and it was a very surreal experience.
We then walked to the arena and watched the night glow. It was very good, about 30 hot air balloons in the centre and burners round the outside, switching on and off to music followed by a firework display. We fought our way through the crowds and got home at about 11.
Friday 7th August
At 7am there was a mass balloon launch with about 100 balloons taking off.
After watching the balloons we set off on a walk. We followed a footpath along lanes and through woodland. It was very overgrown in places and we were followed by a herd of cows in one field although they lost interest. We had lunch at the Welford arms, very good value, and then continued our walk. This is where it went wrong, it was not well signposted and there was a locked gate beside the sign.We climbed over and found the next stile, which we crossed into a field of cows. They followed us across the field and we only just got across the stile. We walked across the next field where the cows also followed us. We got across the busy A38 with difficulty and had trouble finding the path, which had been diverted. We found a path, crossed the field where a herd of young cows chased us. And at the next field larger cows surrounded us snorting. I was terrified by the time we got through the gate. We followed the diversion but still found we were off course. We climbed a gate and walked back to the road and walked further down the road to the lane. This turned into the lane our campsite was on. We got back feeling very stressed and found the gas had run out!
Sunday 9th August
We woke to another mass launch, this time with the wind in a different direction so the balloons were coming much closer, 1 right over the field. The RAF balloon did not get enough height and came down next to the railway.
We managed to move the car out of the field which had dried up quite a bit and drove to Weston super mare for the UK 2nd geocaching mega-event held at the Winter Gardens. We met the Web Rat and the Rascal Gaskels, geocachers from our local area and then went to find some lunch - fish and chips eaten on the prom, and then found some caches which had been placed specially for the event. We found about 8 during a very hot walk around the town and then went back for the closing ceremony.We got home in time to see the last mass balloon launch.Wednesday 2 September 2009
Ross-on-Wye, 21st to 28th July
A few highlights from our trip to Ross on Wye.
Heavy rain was forecast for today but it was dry all morning. We went out at 12 and took a very narrow road to Sellack, where we went into the Lough Pool Inn. It was a lovely black and white pub with 2AA stars where we had a sunday roast. It was a bit light on vegetables, but the beef was local hereford and was lovely, beautiful light yorkshire puddings and nice roast potatoes. We had a nice desert too, I had goosberry and white chocolate mousse with tuille biscuit, John had lavender crème brulle with short bread. After coffee we continued our drive and went through Hoarwithy, where we stopped to look at St Catherines church which had been Italianised in 1870. It was beautiful. Lots of columns, mosaic floors, the apse columns were made of cornish and French marble on green marble, and the altar was made of lapiz lazuli and tiger eye.
We then drove on to Dinedor to the hill fort. We drove along a very narrow lane, John was cursing me, the gps pointed up an even narrower hill but we were worried that we might not be able to turn round so I walked up on my own to check. It was very steep and I was puffed by the time I got to the top. There was a small car park at the top so I walked back down to tell John. We parked at the top and found the cache we wanted wasn't the closest! We walked onto the hill fort and solved the clues for Dinedor camp cache and then hunted for High above Hereford. We couldn't find it so walked down to the car to get my stick, for rummaging. We came back, hunted again and was about to give up when I spotted it. It had now started pouring down. We went back to the car and sat for a while, then put on waterproof trousers and headed off through the woods to find the cache. We got back to the car and drove home. It was raining hard but was nice to be able to leave the wet things in the new awning.
We looked down on where we walked the other day. The RSPB were at the top showing the peregrine falcons. After seeing them we walked down the road we had just walked up and headed off along a lane to Welsh Bicknor. It was steep and slippery and down wooden steps and stone steps to the river Wye. We were caught in another shower here but soon continued walking up the hill again, round huge boulders and ruined houses to a road. We walked across a field to the river on the other side of the Yatt. We stopped at the Saracens head for lunch, hot smoked salmon sandwiches and then walking along the river and through the woods to a rope bridge at The Biblings. There was a troop of scouts waiting to cross and they had to go across in groups of 6. We had to have a go once they had all gone, it was very bouncy.
Tuesday 21st July
We had a leisurely start and left home at about 12. We got to Carthage farm, Foy, Ross on Wye at about 2 having driven for about 3 miles down a single track road -very scary when towing the caravan! We are on the top of the bank overlooking the river, we were advised not to go too close to the river as they were unsure how high it would rise after the recent rain.
We had a leisurely start and left home at about 12. We got to Carthage farm, Foy, Ross on Wye at about 2 having driven for about 3 miles down a single track road -very scary when towing the caravan! We are on the top of the bank overlooking the river, we were advised not to go too close to the river as they were unsure how high it would rise after the recent rain.
Thursday 23rd July
We were up reasonably early (mainly because we had a wagtail tap-dancing on the roof and peering through the skylight) and decided on one of the walks in the Walk this Wye booklet.
We were up reasonably early (mainly because we had a wagtail tap-dancing on the roof and peering through the skylight) and decided on one of the walks in the Walk this Wye booklet.
We drove to Goodrich where we parked in the castle car park and found the clues for a cache to be found on the walk. We walked down to the village and turned towards the school and followed the footpath behind the school and through a field to St Giles church. We passed through the churchyard and along a grassy path to a road and then into a Herefordshire Nature Reserve which was a small orchard with cider apple and perry pear trees. We realised our path did not go through the orchard so retraced our steps to the road and turned right passing the home of Joshua Cristall a watercolour artist.
We walked along the lane and into a field of alpaca, one of which was particularly interested in us. They had recently been shorn and only sported nice little curly tops on their heads. We crossed two fields and then across a busy road, and then up a steep track and a path into Rocklands wood. This was a lovely ancient woodland with lots of beech mast and hazel nuts on the floor. We looked for deer but did not see any.
We emerged into a field beside the river Wye. We spoke to some other walkers, who had seen deer and then we saw a bird of prey come out of the woods which was possibly a goshawk.
We passed under Yat Rock, and saw a heron fly over, and then walked through a field of Hereford cows. At the end of a field I saw 2 deer disappearing down a track. We realised we had missed our path so walked back through the cows to the path. We walked up the long steep path through the woodland onto the top of the hill, seeing several deer, one with a fawn as we went. We walked along to Coppett hill and found "Welli's wander cache", and then on a bit further with lovely views of the Brecon beacons and Goodrich castle. We arrived at the Folly, a ruin of a rabbit warriner, where we sat for a while and then found our 2nd cache, Coppets folly. We passed a trig point and then zig zagged our way off the hill and back to the castle where we had coffee and cake! 11km
Friday 24th July
We were up early, breakfasted and out by 9 so that we could drive to the Severn Bore Inn as a bore was due today. We got there by 9.40 and walked to the river where several people were already waiting. It started to rain and thunder but we were wearing waterproofs so were ok. The bore was due at 10.21 but did not arrive till 10.45. There were about 40 people waiting to see it and 3 surfers. The bore was not as impressive as when we saw it in 2006 as this was a 2* and last time was a 3. But it was still worth seeing. The water level rose by about a metre.
We were up early, breakfasted and out by 9 so that we could drive to the Severn Bore Inn as a bore was due today. We got there by 9.40 and walked to the river where several people were already waiting. It started to rain and thunder but we were wearing waterproofs so were ok. The bore was due at 10.21 but did not arrive till 10.45. There were about 40 people waiting to see it and 3 surfers. The bore was not as impressive as when we saw it in 2006 as this was a 2* and last time was a 3. But it was still worth seeing. The water level rose by about a metre.
We left after the wave and drove to the Forest of Dean where we parked in the visitor centre. After a light lunch in the café we headed off to follow the Sculpture trail. The trail consists of 17 sculptures of which I can't say I was impressed by any. Especially not the pile of coal dust with wood stuck in it. The Place and Cathedral of the Forest were quite good though. 
We collected answers to clues on the way round so that we could find 2 geocaches. Unfortunately I did the sums wrong, twice, so we were looking in the wrong place for a while. We found them in the end though. We were lucky to spot a small lizard scampering across the path on the way round.
Sunday 26th JulyWe collected answers to clues on the way round so that we could find 2 geocaches. Unfortunately I did the sums wrong, twice, so we were looking in the wrong place for a while. We found them in the end though. We were lucky to spot a small lizard scampering across the path on the way round. Heavy rain was forecast for today but it was dry all morning. We went out at 12 and took a very narrow road to Sellack, where we went into the Lough Pool Inn. It was a lovely black and white pub with 2AA stars where we had a sunday roast. It was a bit light on vegetables, but the beef was local hereford and was lovely, beautiful light yorkshire puddings and nice roast potatoes. We had a nice desert too, I had goosberry and white chocolate mousse with tuille biscuit, John had lavender crème brulle with short bread. After coffee we continued our drive and went through Hoarwithy, where we stopped to look at St Catherines church which had been Italianised in 1870. It was beautiful. Lots of columns, mosaic floors, the apse columns were made of cornish and French marble on green marble, and the altar was made of lapiz lazuli and tiger eye.
We then drove on to Dinedor to the hill fort. We drove along a very narrow lane, John was cursing me, the gps pointed up an even narrower hill but we were worried that we might not be able to turn round so I walked up on my own to check. It was very steep and I was puffed by the time I got to the top. There was a small car park at the top so I walked back down to tell John. We parked at the top and found the cache we wanted wasn't the closest! We walked onto the hill fort and solved the clues for Dinedor camp cache and then hunted for High above Hereford. We couldn't find it so walked down to the car to get my stick, for rummaging. We came back, hunted again and was about to give up when I spotted it. It had now started pouring down. We went back to the car and sat for a while, then put on waterproof trousers and headed off through the woods to find the cache. We got back to the car and drove home. It was raining hard but was nice to be able to leave the wet things in the new awning.
Monday 27th July
We had torrential rain all night but it had stopped by the time we got up. After breakfast we drove to Symond Yatt East and after driving across a single track bridge and a very narrow lane, we parked at Symond Yatt. After wandering around trying to make sense of the map we realised we were parked in the wrong place and should have been at Yatt rock. We followed the footpath up to the top of the rock, very steep and wet, got caught in a rain shower and eventually found our way to the start of the walk. We treated ourselves to an icecream and went to see the view from the rock.
We had torrential rain all night but it had stopped by the time we got up. After breakfast we drove to Symond Yatt East and after driving across a single track bridge and a very narrow lane, we parked at Symond Yatt. After wandering around trying to make sense of the map we realised we were parked in the wrong place and should have been at Yatt rock. We followed the footpath up to the top of the rock, very steep and wet, got caught in a rain shower and eventually found our way to the start of the walk. We treated ourselves to an icecream and went to see the view from the rock.
We looked down on where we walked the other day. The RSPB were at the top showing the peregrine falcons. After seeing them we walked down the road we had just walked up and headed off along a lane to Welsh Bicknor. It was steep and slippery and down wooden steps and stone steps to the river Wye. We were caught in another shower here but soon continued walking up the hill again, round huge boulders and ruined houses to a road. We walked across a field to the river on the other side of the Yatt. We stopped at the Saracens head for lunch, hot smoked salmon sandwiches and then walking along the river and through the woods to a rope bridge at The Biblings. There was a troop of scouts waiting to cross and they had to go across in groups of 6. We had to have a go once they had all gone, it was very bouncy. We realised we had gone wrong so walked back and headed up the correct path. We were going to see the Suck stone but decided it was too much of a diversion so followed the path round and eventually got back to the top of Symond's Yat. We were very tired and had to walk down a very steep path to get back to the river and the car park. We had walked 14.4 km.
Catching up
We have been very busy lately, away on several holidays, trips to Kent and also trying to make some headway in the garden - a hopeless task, which means I haven't blogged for a while.
I will now make some attempt to catch up with details of some of our walks.
Wednesday 15th July
A local geocacher had laid out a series of 18 geocaches on a walk around South Ashby so when the rain had eased we set off for a walk.We parked at Packington and set off along the road and across a stile into a field. We found the Brookside cache quickly and moved across the field. After finding a sneakily hidden cache near a footpath sign we continued across fields and along the path to Normanton le Heath. We walked past the pretty church, finding another cache, and then took the path through some very overgrown fields. One of the advantages of caching is that it encourages people to use the footpaths, and when these have become overgrown, they do tend to have ways pushed through them. This was the case with the next cache. The path was very overgrown but a few cachers had been through recently and so there was the beginning of a path through. We battled our way through and found the next cache, the path now emerging onto a lane. We followed the lane and this was where our luck ran out with the next 2 caches unfound. The skies were now beginning to look very heavy so we followed the road back into Packington having walked 9km and finding 8 of the 18 caches.
Saturday 18th July
We set out today to do the second half of the South Ashby walk. We parked in the same place at Packington and waited for a shower to stop and then walked back down the lane to try to find the cache that we had missed on Wednesday. John found it tucked in a hole almost immediately this time. We walked back up the lane to do "Stylish" cache, but although we hunted for ages we still could not find it. We eventually abandoned it and walked across a field and over a stile, to cross a field of corn. We diverted here to go into Sunnyside, a National forest wood to find another cache. We had to walk through very long reeds and although we could see where cachers had been before we could not find it.
We walked back to the footpath and crossed onto the road where we searched for "North Pole South Pole". This again took ages and just as we were about to give up I found it, tucked inside a gate post. From here we folowed the footpath across fields and walked parellel with the A42. Here we found "Hitch hiking", though I don't know why it was called that. We crossed the A42 and walked towards Ashby but diverted along Packington Lane and along the back of the school and quickly found "No way out". After this we walked down the road towards Packington finding "Foot high", on top of a footpath finger post. We walked through Mill Farm where they are converting barns and followed the footpath signs, unfortunately the path is not walked much and it was deep with thistles, brambles and nettles. We battled through and emerged onto a bridge where we sat to eat a biscuit. Two rams came over to see what we were doing although when it was clear they were not going to get any treats they waked away. We walked across the field and stopped to find "Stoned", a clever hide in a tree and then left the field and the rams. We crossed the A42, again, which was very brambly, and did the last cache. We then walked down the bridleway and back to the car. We had walked 9.5km and another 7 caches.
I will now make some attempt to catch up with details of some of our walks.
Wednesday 15th July
A local geocacher had laid out a series of 18 geocaches on a walk around South Ashby so when the rain had eased we set off for a walk.We parked at Packington and set off along the road and across a stile into a field. We found the Brookside cache quickly and moved across the field. After finding a sneakily hidden cache near a footpath sign we continued across fields and along the path to Normanton le Heath. We walked past the pretty church, finding another cache, and then took the path through some very overgrown fields. One of the advantages of caching is that it encourages people to use the footpaths, and when these have become overgrown, they do tend to have ways pushed through them. This was the case with the next cache. The path was very overgrown but a few cachers had been through recently and so there was the beginning of a path through. We battled our way through and found the next cache, the path now emerging onto a lane. We followed the lane and this was where our luck ran out with the next 2 caches unfound. The skies were now beginning to look very heavy so we followed the road back into Packington having walked 9km and finding 8 of the 18 caches.
Saturday 18th July
We set out today to do the second half of the South Ashby walk. We parked in the same place at Packington and waited for a shower to stop and then walked back down the lane to try to find the cache that we had missed on Wednesday. John found it tucked in a hole almost immediately this time. We walked back up the lane to do "Stylish" cache, but although we hunted for ages we still could not find it. We eventually abandoned it and walked across a field and over a stile, to cross a field of corn. We diverted here to go into Sunnyside, a National forest wood to find another cache. We had to walk through very long reeds and although we could see where cachers had been before we could not find it.
We walked back to the footpath and crossed onto the road where we searched for "North Pole South Pole". This again took ages and just as we were about to give up I found it, tucked inside a gate post. From here we folowed the footpath across fields and walked parellel with the A42. Here we found "Hitch hiking", though I don't know why it was called that. We crossed the A42 and walked towards Ashby but diverted along Packington Lane and along the back of the school and quickly found "No way out". After this we walked down the road towards Packington finding "Foot high", on top of a footpath finger post. We walked through Mill Farm where they are converting barns and followed the footpath signs, unfortunately the path is not walked much and it was deep with thistles, brambles and nettles. We battled through and emerged onto a bridge where we sat to eat a biscuit. Two rams came over to see what we were doing although when it was clear they were not going to get any treats they waked away. We walked across the field and stopped to find "Stoned", a clever hide in a tree and then left the field and the rams. We crossed the A42, again, which was very brambly, and did the last cache. We then walked down the bridleway and back to the car. We had walked 9.5km and another 7 caches.
Thursday 9 July 2009
Ivanhoe Way - Nailstone to Shackerstone
Saturday 4th July
It was still warm with showers threatened but we decided to do the last stage of our Ivanhoe Way walk. We drove to Nailstone and parked outside the Black Bull. We walked along the very narrow lane out of the village and crossed the A447 into fields with very clear footpaths through oilseed rape, broad beans and barley. We emerged onto the road leading to Odstone and followed the road round to Odstone Hall where we came across a sign saying “road closed due to flooding”. We debated a bit but decided the footpath was still open so continued through. As it was, the path was a bit wet in places but we have walked in much worse and you wouldn't have got a vehicle through even without the flooding!
As we were walking along here a group of horse riders passed us, then another, and then another. We decided we were in the middle of an organised trek. We stopped and watched the riders for a while and then battled our way along the footpath which went through oil seed rape which had collapsed over the path, it was a struggle to get through and when we got to the end we met the riders again who had diverted round the farm.
We emerged into Shackerstone and thus ended the Ivanhoe Way which we had started in November last year. We had a celebratory lunch in the Rising Sun and then set off for the return journey.
We followed the path beside the canal for a little while, and then headed across meadows towards Tivey's farm. This was where things began to get difficult. We had trouble finding the footpath and then when we did the stile was obstructed by a large pile of building rubble which we had to climb over, we then could not find where the path went but when we found the sign the farmer had conveniently dumped a very large, fresh pile of cow slurry just I front of the stile (or it was a very large cow)! We managed to negotiate this safely and then again found there was no indication of where the path went, so we walked around the side of the field - the wrong side I suspect and eventually found a way out onto the lane.
We managed to follow the path clearly for a while, still meeting horse trekkers, their route left ours a bit further along this path.
We crossed the road at Odstone and followed the path, but here we had problems as the farmer had divided his fields up with electric fencing and wire barriers, completely obstructing the access to the footpath. We managed to get over one fence and walked up the track to the farm where we were able to rejoin the footpath, but at various intervals he had placed electric fences across the path. We met two walkers coming from the other direction that were lost and said they had been unable to find the path as the signs were hidden and the path blocked with fences. We managed to eventually get through to the A447 at Ibstock, but not without having to climb over two more wire fences and cross a field with cows and a very large bull.
We crossed the road and walked behind the church yard to emerge on a lane at Belchers bar. We were unsure of our way here, but a man in his garden pointed out the path. We crossed into the fields and were a bit nervous to see cows at the bottom of the field near the stile. After all the reports of stampeding cows over the last few weeks we were a bit worried, especially when we saw that one cow had some very young calves. We walked around the cows and although they seemed interested they did not move. We crossed into an area of National Forest plantation which also did not seem to have a clear path through but eventually emerged near to the church in Nailstone. It was very warm when we got back to the car and we had walked 13.8km - although it had seemed like more.
It was still warm with showers threatened but we decided to do the last stage of our Ivanhoe Way walk. We drove to Nailstone and parked outside the Black Bull. We walked along the very narrow lane out of the village and crossed the A447 into fields with very clear footpaths through oilseed rape, broad beans and barley. We emerged onto the road leading to Odstone and followed the road round to Odstone Hall where we came across a sign saying “road closed due to flooding”. We debated a bit but decided the footpath was still open so continued through. As it was, the path was a bit wet in places but we have walked in much worse and you wouldn't have got a vehicle through even without the flooding!
As we were walking along here a group of horse riders passed us, then another, and then another. We decided we were in the middle of an organised trek. We stopped and watched the riders for a while and then battled our way along the footpath which went through oil seed rape which had collapsed over the path, it was a struggle to get through and when we got to the end we met the riders again who had diverted round the farm.
We emerged into Shackerstone and thus ended the Ivanhoe Way which we had started in November last year. We had a celebratory lunch in the Rising Sun and then set off for the return journey.
We followed the path beside the canal for a little while, and then headed across meadows towards Tivey's farm. This was where things began to get difficult. We had trouble finding the footpath and then when we did the stile was obstructed by a large pile of building rubble which we had to climb over, we then could not find where the path went but when we found the sign the farmer had conveniently dumped a very large, fresh pile of cow slurry just I front of the stile (or it was a very large cow)! We managed to negotiate this safely and then again found there was no indication of where the path went, so we walked around the side of the field - the wrong side I suspect and eventually found a way out onto the lane.
We managed to follow the path clearly for a while, still meeting horse trekkers, their route left ours a bit further along this path.
We crossed the road at Odstone and followed the path, but here we had problems as the farmer had divided his fields up with electric fencing and wire barriers, completely obstructing the access to the footpath. We managed to get over one fence and walked up the track to the farm where we were able to rejoin the footpath, but at various intervals he had placed electric fences across the path. We met two walkers coming from the other direction that were lost and said they had been unable to find the path as the signs were hidden and the path blocked with fences. We managed to eventually get through to the A447 at Ibstock, but not without having to climb over two more wire fences and cross a field with cows and a very large bull.
We crossed the road and walked behind the church yard to emerge on a lane at Belchers bar. We were unsure of our way here, but a man in his garden pointed out the path. We crossed into the fields and were a bit nervous to see cows at the bottom of the field near the stile. After all the reports of stampeding cows over the last few weeks we were a bit worried, especially when we saw that one cow had some very young calves. We walked around the cows and although they seemed interested they did not move. We crossed into an area of National Forest plantation which also did not seem to have a clear path through but eventually emerged near to the church in Nailstone. It was very warm when we got back to the car and we had walked 13.8km - although it had seemed like more.
Tuesday 7 July 2009
Flamborough Head, 23rd June to 30th June 2009
After a hectic few weeks we decided a break was called for. We hitched up the caravan and left home at about 11 and had a steady journey to Flamborough. Just before we arrived a stone was thrown at the car window which caused a big chip - a good start to the holiday. We finally arrived at about 2.30. The temporary holiday site is a nice flat field beside a farm and is run by South Lincs da (£7 per night). It was lovely and sunny and we sat out and read before having an early tea. After washing up we went for a walk and headed towards the cliffs. There was a footpath beside the farm and we walked beside fields of broad beans to the cliffs and turned left towards South landing. We walked along the top and then down the steep steps towards the beach and then followed the path inland finding the clues for a multi-cache. We found the cache spot but could not find the cache after an extensive search, it had been a nice walk though. We walked back along the cliff top and got back at about 9.
The weather was mixed over the next few days so we relaxed and did a few small walks exploring the local area.
Thursday 25th June
We drove to Bempton, only a few miles away and parked near the church. We walked to the duck pond where there were lots of ducks- one mallard had 16 ducklings. We found Bempton ducks cache and then walked across a field to Bempton sheep cache. It was a bit thistley and John had shorts and sandals on so after finding the cache we walked back round the road. We then drove to Bempton cliffs RSPB nature reserve and parked. We had a very nice organic roll for lunch and then walked along the cliffs towards the gannet colony where it was fascinating to see the birds, with thier chicks clinging to the cliffs.
We also saw a few puffins here, which I had always wanted to see. We walked back and along the cliffs in the other direction where we saw lots more puffins, kittiwakes with young, razorbills and guillimots. It was a lovely day. We then found the clues for Bempton seabird colony cache and found the cache just before we left for home.
Sunday 28th June
After our chores we set off for a walk. It was warm and not too cloudy but we carried fleeces and waterproofs, just in case. We walked towards Flamborough, passing through the churchyard, where we had to wait for members of the congregation to clear the path. The vicar waved at us in a friendly way as we went past. We followed the road all the way to North landing, enjoying all the pretty gardens. At North landing we had good views of the caves which had been used by smugglers to store their contraband.
We collected a clue for a cache we were going to do later and then started to walk round the cliffs. We stopped several times to watch the birds on the cliffs. We saw more puffins and guillimots, and further round kittiwakes with their fluffy chicks. We continued heading toward the Head and passed a heathland area with lots of pyramidal orchids in flower. When we got to Flamborough Head we stopped to look for a cache but the area was very overgrown so we did not find it, but we continued to find the clues for another cache. I did spot a frog though. We had lunch at the uninspiring pub near the lighthouse, a sausage baguette and very greasy chips and then went to find the cache that we had collected the clues for.
There were some people sitting on the bench that we needed to search so we admired the view for a while. We saw a kestrel dive and catch a small mammal, and then chased by a kittiwake which caused the kestrel to drop his lunch. After the men moved from the bench we went and searched for the cache but were unsuccessful, again. We continued our walk round the head, passing the lighthouse and the radio transmitter station. The tramsmitter station sounds a fog horn every 90 seconds, which we can hear from our caravan site, but which is quite deafening when standing under it. The South side of the head was not as interesting as the north. The cliffs were not so visible so we could not see the birds, but there were lots of butterflies along the route. There were also several inlets which meant descending steep flights of steps only to climb back up again on the other side. We got back to the caravan at about 5.30, having walked 12km
Monday 29th June
We got up early and as it was our last day we didn't want to have a long walk so decided on a a geocachey day.
We drove along Woldgate parked along the road, and walked along the bridleway to Carnaby temple which was a folly built in the 18th century.
We hunted for a cache for a while but were unsuccessful as everywhere was so overgrown. We then drove on to see Rodston monolith. This was an impressive stone in the churchyard, at 8 metres tall it is the tallest standing stone in the country. 
We followed the clues and had a walk around the area finding 2 caches and then after lunch in the pub we drove onto Burton Agnes. This cache had us fighting our way across a field of oil-seed rape. The flowers had gone but the seed pods were developing and the plants had collapsed across the footpath so it was quite a struggle, we searched for a while and eventually found the cache. We realized that this was part of a series of caches so we took the co-ordinates and went back to the car. When we got there a 1954 Ferguson tractor was parked in front.
It had been beautifully renovated and the owner chatted to us for a while. Our next nearest cache was at Harpham about 2 km away so we drove and parked in the village and after finding the footpath walked across the field and quickly found the cache. It was another part of the series so after taking the co-ordinates we decided we had to do the next two. We drove a short distance to Bracey bridge, a picnic area off the main road and set off to find the next cache, this took quite a while as the satellite reception was very poor in the woods but we eventually found the cache and the last set of clues, which led us to the village of Kilham. We parked near the school and set off across another footpath over a field of oil seed rape. It was really hard work across this field and as we approached the cache area we noticed men on a crane working in sight of the cache. Luckily we were on the other side of the hedge and after quite a hunt in all the nettles and thistles, and scrambling under the hedge, I found the cache. We found a much nicer path back to the car, which went past the village pond, complete with ducks. We drove through to Bridlington after this and had a nice walk along the prom and had fish and chips sitting watching the waves. Considering most of our day had been spent in the car, we were surprised to find that we had walked over 12 km.
The weather was mixed over the next few days so we relaxed and did a few small walks exploring the local area.
Thursday 25th June
We drove to Bempton, only a few miles away and parked near the church. We walked to the duck pond where there were lots of ducks- one mallard had 16 ducklings. We found Bempton ducks cache and then walked across a field to Bempton sheep cache. It was a bit thistley and John had shorts and sandals on so after finding the cache we walked back round the road. We then drove to Bempton cliffs RSPB nature reserve and parked. We had a very nice organic roll for lunch and then walked along the cliffs towards the gannet colony where it was fascinating to see the birds, with thier chicks clinging to the cliffs.
We also saw a few puffins here, which I had always wanted to see. We walked back and along the cliffs in the other direction where we saw lots more puffins, kittiwakes with young, razorbills and guillimots. It was a lovely day. We then found the clues for Bempton seabird colony cache and found the cache just before we left for home.Sunday 28th June
After our chores we set off for a walk. It was warm and not too cloudy but we carried fleeces and waterproofs, just in case. We walked towards Flamborough, passing through the churchyard, where we had to wait for members of the congregation to clear the path. The vicar waved at us in a friendly way as we went past. We followed the road all the way to North landing, enjoying all the pretty gardens. At North landing we had good views of the caves which had been used by smugglers to store their contraband.
We collected a clue for a cache we were going to do later and then started to walk round the cliffs. We stopped several times to watch the birds on the cliffs. We saw more puffins and guillimots, and further round kittiwakes with their fluffy chicks. We continued heading toward the Head and passed a heathland area with lots of pyramidal orchids in flower. When we got to Flamborough Head we stopped to look for a cache but the area was very overgrown so we did not find it, but we continued to find the clues for another cache. I did spot a frog though. We had lunch at the uninspiring pub near the lighthouse, a sausage baguette and very greasy chips and then went to find the cache that we had collected the clues for.
There were some people sitting on the bench that we needed to search so we admired the view for a while. We saw a kestrel dive and catch a small mammal, and then chased by a kittiwake which caused the kestrel to drop his lunch. After the men moved from the bench we went and searched for the cache but were unsuccessful, again. We continued our walk round the head, passing the lighthouse and the radio transmitter station. The tramsmitter station sounds a fog horn every 90 seconds, which we can hear from our caravan site, but which is quite deafening when standing under it. The South side of the head was not as interesting as the north. The cliffs were not so visible so we could not see the birds, but there were lots of butterflies along the route. There were also several inlets which meant descending steep flights of steps only to climb back up again on the other side. We got back to the caravan at about 5.30, having walked 12kmMonday 29th June
We got up early and as it was our last day we didn't want to have a long walk so decided on a a geocachey day.
We drove along Woldgate parked along the road, and walked along the bridleway to Carnaby temple which was a folly built in the 18th century.
We hunted for a cache for a while but were unsuccessful as everywhere was so overgrown. We then drove on to see Rodston monolith. This was an impressive stone in the churchyard, at 8 metres tall it is the tallest standing stone in the country. 
We followed the clues and had a walk around the area finding 2 caches and then after lunch in the pub we drove onto Burton Agnes. This cache had us fighting our way across a field of oil-seed rape. The flowers had gone but the seed pods were developing and the plants had collapsed across the footpath so it was quite a struggle, we searched for a while and eventually found the cache. We realized that this was part of a series of caches so we took the co-ordinates and went back to the car. When we got there a 1954 Ferguson tractor was parked in front.
It had been beautifully renovated and the owner chatted to us for a while. Our next nearest cache was at Harpham about 2 km away so we drove and parked in the village and after finding the footpath walked across the field and quickly found the cache. It was another part of the series so after taking the co-ordinates we decided we had to do the next two. We drove a short distance to Bracey bridge, a picnic area off the main road and set off to find the next cache, this took quite a while as the satellite reception was very poor in the woods but we eventually found the cache and the last set of clues, which led us to the village of Kilham. We parked near the school and set off across another footpath over a field of oil seed rape. It was really hard work across this field and as we approached the cache area we noticed men on a crane working in sight of the cache. Luckily we were on the other side of the hedge and after quite a hunt in all the nettles and thistles, and scrambling under the hedge, I found the cache. We found a much nicer path back to the car, which went past the village pond, complete with ducks. We drove through to Bridlington after this and had a nice walk along the prom and had fish and chips sitting watching the waves. Considering most of our day had been spent in the car, we were surprised to find that we had walked over 12 km.
Monday 22 June 2009
Japanese lady
This is a slight change from the usual walking related blogs, but I had to display my recently completed embroidery.
The Japanese lady cross-stitch was started by my mum shortly before she died in 2005.
I have been working on it since then and finally completed it in March 2009 - mum would have been a lot quicker than me!
I hope you enjoy the picture.
Ivanhoe Way; Bagworth to Nailstone
Saturday May 23rd
We had had several attempts at doing this section of the walk but for vaious reasons we had not succeeded getting beyuond the parking spot. There are no photos today as I couldn't find the camera.
It was a nice day so we decided on another attempt. We drove to Bagworth and parked opposite the very uninspiring church - it is just a concrete box with a concrete tower!
We left Bagworth along the bridal way and followed a field hedge with a view of Nailstone church spire in the distance. We descended a shallow valley and crossed a stream at the bottom and then approached Nailstone village. We walked round to see if the Nut and Squirrel pub was open. When we did this section when doing the Leicestershire Round the pub was closed but we were pleased to see that it was open today. We spoke to the landlady and she said that she had taken over and opened the pub on Bank Holiday Monday -just two weeks ago. She didn't do meals but did do cobs, so we had these for lunch. It was very hot by now.
after lunch we left Nailstone by walking through the churchyard and heading across fields towards Barlestone. We had to divert round the village as the footpath took a strange route and whilst crossing the fields we were surrounded by about 6 horses - We have since found that the collective noun for a horses is a harrass and we were certainly harrassed by them. We persuaded them to let us pass and headed around the fishing lake in the next field.
We walked beside the stream for a while and then walked across Bagworth Heath, through all the new forest plantations back to the car in Bagworth.
When I got home the camera was on the breakfast table!
We had had several attempts at doing this section of the walk but for vaious reasons we had not succeeded getting beyuond the parking spot. There are no photos today as I couldn't find the camera.
It was a nice day so we decided on another attempt. We drove to Bagworth and parked opposite the very uninspiring church - it is just a concrete box with a concrete tower!
We left Bagworth along the bridal way and followed a field hedge with a view of Nailstone church spire in the distance. We descended a shallow valley and crossed a stream at the bottom and then approached Nailstone village. We walked round to see if the Nut and Squirrel pub was open. When we did this section when doing the Leicestershire Round the pub was closed but we were pleased to see that it was open today. We spoke to the landlady and she said that she had taken over and opened the pub on Bank Holiday Monday -just two weeks ago. She didn't do meals but did do cobs, so we had these for lunch. It was very hot by now.
after lunch we left Nailstone by walking through the churchyard and heading across fields towards Barlestone. We had to divert round the village as the footpath took a strange route and whilst crossing the fields we were surrounded by about 6 horses - We have since found that the collective noun for a horses is a harrass and we were certainly harrassed by them. We persuaded them to let us pass and headed around the fishing lake in the next field.
We walked beside the stream for a while and then walked across Bagworth Heath, through all the new forest plantations back to the car in Bagworth.
When I got home the camera was on the breakfast table!
Monday 11 May 2009
Gotham, Nottinghamshire
Saturday 9th May
In the afternoon we drove to Gotham for a geocaching walk.
We started off walking along the main road and then diverted off along a footpath beside the British Legion club and then taking a stiff climb onto Gotham hill through a field full of cows. It was here that we had to stop to read the information board giving us the answer to the clue for the geocache. Unfortunately a cow was feeding her calf next to the board. John managed to get the information while I kept a safe distance. We calculated the co-ordinates and the cache was some way off our route so we decided to just collect the information needed and come back for the caches another time.
We walked across the top of Cottagers hill where we did find Rockers 2 cache and then descended the hill, stopping to look at the information board about wartime Gotham, and viewing the pill box. A hare ran across in front of us here. We crossed the road and headed towards Cuckoo bush farm, where we diverted off towards Crowden wood where we found the West Leake Hills cache. It was lovely and sunny as we descended off another hill and walked towards West Leake. We took a footpath beside fields and found a cache beside an old Dew pond and then had a pleasant walk up another hill in forestry land. We then walked along a pleasant wooded lane to get to the Cuckoo Bush tumulus where the Wise Fools of Gotham tried to fence in a cuckoo so that it would sing all year. We finally emerged onto the road at Gotham having walked 11km.
In the afternoon we drove to Gotham for a geocaching walk.
We started off walking along the main road and then diverted off along a footpath beside the British Legion club and then taking a stiff climb onto Gotham hill through a field full of cows. It was here that we had to stop to read the information board giving us the answer to the clue for the geocache. Unfortunately a cow was feeding her calf next to the board. John managed to get the information while I kept a safe distance. We calculated the co-ordinates and the cache was some way off our route so we decided to just collect the information needed and come back for the caches another time.
We walked across the top of Cottagers hill where we did find Rockers 2 cache and then descended the hill, stopping to look at the information board about wartime Gotham, and viewing the pill box. A hare ran across in front of us here. We crossed the road and headed towards Cuckoo bush farm, where we diverted off towards Crowden wood where we found the West Leake Hills cache. It was lovely and sunny as we descended off another hill and walked towards West Leake. We took a footpath beside fields and found a cache beside an old Dew pond and then had a pleasant walk up another hill in forestry land. We then walked along a pleasant wooded lane to get to the Cuckoo Bush tumulus where the Wise Fools of Gotham tried to fence in a cuckoo so that it would sing all year. We finally emerged onto the road at Gotham having walked 11km.
Wednesday 6 May 2009
Shap to Wet Sleddale
Wednesday 29th April
After two days of heavy rain it was sunny so we decided on a local walk. We walked down the lane near the farm and past Brackenber lodge the interesting house that we can see from the caravan. We followed the path until we got to a stream which we had to cross with stepping stones, and then on to Steps Hall where we went off to find a cache in a shake hole.
We retraced our steps to the hall and then followed on the path beside a wall. It was very boggy and we had trouble navigating, but got through in the end without getting too wet. We then walked beside the River Lowther to reach the bridge leading to the road to the reservoir. We stopped and found a cache in a small disused quarry, and then crossed the bridge and followed the road to the reservoir dam.
We walked beside the reservoir, Wet Sleddale, (that is what it is really called) for a while and then stopped to find a cache in a tree. After a brief pause for a biscuit we crossed a new bridge and then followed a wet and boggy path to a large outcrop of rocks where another cache was found under a large table of rock. We crossed another bridge and then proceeded to zig-zag our way up the steep hill past abandoned Sleddale Hall. As we crossed a stile we saw lots of tadpoles in a puddle in the path. We found another cache near the top, but then headed the wrong way. We climbed a very steep bank only to discover we needed to be on the other side of the wall, so had to descend the bank again and follow the path in the opposite direction. It was a lovely grassy path and we had very good views across the reservoir and towards Ralfland forest (it has no trees).
We walked around some large outcrops of rock looking for a cache. The gps was erratic and had us going round, over and back, but eventually, just as we were about to give up we found it.
We continued along a wide path for a while and then turned off the path onto what should have been a footpath but was just a slight track through the grass, which needed a lot of imagination to follow. It was very boggy in places and we eventually arrived at a river and outflow to the reservoir. Luckily there was a small concrete slab for us to cross by. We folowed the path onto a lane and eventually arrived at Keld. We were lucky to find the chapel open so went in for a look. We then took a divertion off the path to find a cache at The Contemplation tree. We followed the road through Keld and then paths past the Goggleby stone and back to Shap. It had been 16.6 km.
After two days of heavy rain it was sunny so we decided on a local walk. We walked down the lane near the farm and past Brackenber lodge the interesting house that we can see from the caravan. We followed the path until we got to a stream which we had to cross with stepping stones, and then on to Steps Hall where we went off to find a cache in a shake hole.
We retraced our steps to the hall and then followed on the path beside a wall. It was very boggy and we had trouble navigating, but got through in the end without getting too wet. We then walked beside the River Lowther to reach the bridge leading to the road to the reservoir. We stopped and found a cache in a small disused quarry, and then crossed the bridge and followed the road to the reservoir dam.
We walked beside the reservoir, Wet Sleddale, (that is what it is really called) for a while and then stopped to find a cache in a tree. After a brief pause for a biscuit we crossed a new bridge and then followed a wet and boggy path to a large outcrop of rocks where another cache was found under a large table of rock. We crossed another bridge and then proceeded to zig-zag our way up the steep hill past abandoned Sleddale Hall. As we crossed a stile we saw lots of tadpoles in a puddle in the path. We found another cache near the top, but then headed the wrong way. We climbed a very steep bank only to discover we needed to be on the other side of the wall, so had to descend the bank again and follow the path in the opposite direction. It was a lovely grassy path and we had very good views across the reservoir and towards Ralfland forest (it has no trees).
We walked around some large outcrops of rock looking for a cache. The gps was erratic and had us going round, over and back, but eventually, just as we were about to give up we found it.We continued along a wide path for a while and then turned off the path onto what should have been a footpath but was just a slight track through the grass, which needed a lot of imagination to follow. It was very boggy in places and we eventually arrived at a river and outflow to the reservoir. Luckily there was a small concrete slab for us to cross by. We folowed the path onto a lane and eventually arrived at Keld. We were lucky to find the chapel open so went in for a look. We then took a divertion off the path to find a cache at The Contemplation tree. We followed the road through Keld and then paths past the Goggleby stone and back to Shap. It had been 16.6 km.
Sunday 3 May 2009
Coast to Coast- Smardale Bridge to Kirkby Stephen
Sunday 26th April
It was another good morning and we thought we shouldn't waste it, so after doing our chores we set off for Kirkby Stephen. We managed to park along the road and went to the TIC to discuss the disused railways. It turned out we could join the railway at Waitby. We had planned to walk along the road to Crosby Garret, but thought the railway walk would be nicer. We followed the road out of Kirkby Stephen and after about a mile turned off along a byway towards Waitby. We got to the railway and found there was a steep path onto the top. Once there, there was a good path and we followed it, with good views around until it came back down to the road at Smardale. We passed the site of the Kirkby Stephen rail crash which had occured in 1955 and there was a sign saying that the wreckage had finally been removed in 2002!
The wildflowers were wonderful along this section of the route, there were lots of cowslips and bloody cranesbill along the route. At Smardale we walked along the road for a short distance and then entered Smardale gill nature reserve which continued along the railway. This was full of primroses and bluebells.
The railway was high above a valley and we could see lime kilns on the other side. We walked across Smardale Gill viaduct and then continued along the railway until we reached the bridge that we had crossed yesterday.
We left the railway line here and returned to the C2C, walking down the bank to Smardale bridge.
We sat and had our lunch here again, the sun came out and we saw several walkers. After lunch we followed the path up onto Smardale fell. We stopped to see the Giants Graves, (pillow mounds), but could only see one. We did see a heron flying over the beck though.
We continued to climb onto the fell, and then walked across the grassy tracks for about a km until we came to a road, we walked along the road for about 100m and then turned left down a road towards Waitby. We left the road by a stile and headed across the field towards the Settle to Carlisle railway which we walked under and into a field full of cows. They were quite interested in us but not for long. We crossed more hay meadows until we came to Greengriggs farm. The path went through the farm yard but they had posted an alternative route and so we took that. We emerged onto a lane which we followed back to Kirkby Stephen. We had walked 14.8 km. Our original route was 16.7km so the railway route had saved us 2km and was nicer than walking on the road. We have now done 82 miles of the c2c.
It was another good morning and we thought we shouldn't waste it, so after doing our chores we set off for Kirkby Stephen. We managed to park along the road and went to the TIC to discuss the disused railways. It turned out we could join the railway at Waitby. We had planned to walk along the road to Crosby Garret, but thought the railway walk would be nicer. We followed the road out of Kirkby Stephen and after about a mile turned off along a byway towards Waitby. We got to the railway and found there was a steep path onto the top. Once there, there was a good path and we followed it, with good views around until it came back down to the road at Smardale. We passed the site of the Kirkby Stephen rail crash which had occured in 1955 and there was a sign saying that the wreckage had finally been removed in 2002!
The wildflowers were wonderful along this section of the route, there were lots of cowslips and bloody cranesbill along the route. At Smardale we walked along the road for a short distance and then entered Smardale gill nature reserve which continued along the railway. This was full of primroses and bluebells.
The railway was high above a valley and we could see lime kilns on the other side. We walked across Smardale Gill viaduct and then continued along the railway until we reached the bridge that we had crossed yesterday.We left the railway line here and returned to the C2C, walking down the bank to Smardale bridge.
We sat and had our lunch here again, the sun came out and we saw several walkers. After lunch we followed the path up onto Smardale fell. We stopped to see the Giants Graves, (pillow mounds), but could only see one. We did see a heron flying over the beck though.We continued to climb onto the fell, and then walked across the grassy tracks for about a km until we came to a road, we walked along the road for about 100m and then turned left down a road towards Waitby. We left the road by a stile and headed across the field towards the Settle to Carlisle railway which we walked under and into a field full of cows. They were quite interested in us but not for long. We crossed more hay meadows until we came to Greengriggs farm. The path went through the farm yard but they had posted an alternative route and so we took that. We emerged onto a lane which we followed back to Kirkby Stephen. We had walked 14.8 km. Our original route was 16.7km so the railway route had saved us 2km and was nicer than walking on the road. We have now done 82 miles of the c2c.
Coast to Coast - Tarn Moor to Smardale bridge.
Due to my cancer treatment last year we have not done any more sections of the Coast to Coast walk so decided it was time to remedy this.
On Friday 25th April we set off with the caravan for Green Farm in Shap. We had to wait for the bin men before we could leave bu tonce they had been and the bins brought in, we set off, only for John to not remember whether he had locked the front door, so I had to run back down the road to check it - he had. We had a very good journey with no hold ups and even managed to get into a caravan bay at Charnock Richard for a spot of lunch. Most of the caravan only bays were taken by cars and vans!
We arrived at Shap at about 3 and set up camp. We are staying at Green farm, opposite the Greyhound Inn. We stayed here last time, and although it is close to the road it has good views of the hills and a field of sheep and their lambs to watch. After a cup of tea we went for a walk over the fields to the Gogglby stone, where we found a cache and then walked through the village checking out the shops and pubs.
Saturday 25th April
We were up quite early and after breakfast John went to the butcher to get us some dinner (prize winning cumberland sausage) and I made sandwiches for our walk. We drove to Orton and then along a very narrow lane (a cycle trail really) to Sunbiggin tarn, we went the wrong way first and had to turn round and go back along another very narrow lane - good job we didn't have the caravan behind us! We parked at Sunbiggin tarn and walked back to the point on Tarn moor that we had left on our last Coast to Coast section on July 2007.
We walked down the road following the c2c and turned off onto Ravonstonedale moor. We had a bit of additional exercise here as the wind grabbed the map from my hand and we had to chase it for 50m or so. We walked across the moor and through lots of heather until we came to a bridge over a very wet area. The heather gave way to grass and we enjoyed an easy stroll along a very soft surface -it felt just like carpet. After about a mile we crossed a narrow track and carried on past a reservoir and beside a stone wall until we got to Bents farm. We had good views of the Pennines ahead of us and through the binoculars got our first view of Nine Standards Rigg. As we stopped for a biscuit a walker came towards us. She was from Maine and doing bits of the c2c. We crossed the wall at the stile and contined along past Severals village settlement - an ancient monument where now only lumps in the ground can be seen.
Once past here we walked down a steep bank, round railway cottages and over the disused railway line to work our way down to Smardale bridge.
We sat on some stones here to eat our lunch. Two herons flew past as we sat and a wagtail bobbed on the wall.
We enjoyed our break and then set off along the valley bottom towards Friars Bottom farm, playing chicken with the lambs. They always gave in first! We crossed the disused railway and continued to Brownber where we crossed some fields to a lane. We followed the lane to Rig End and then followed a path across Ravonstondale moor. This was not signposted and we went through a rickety gate tied up with string. The path was shown on the map but was not visible on the ground so we followed the gps to keep us on the right path. It started raining here so we stopped to put our coats on. We finally made our way back to the bridge that we crossed on the moor earlier and then retraced our steps back to the car, soaking wet after 14.8km and having done another 4 miles of the c2c.
On Friday 25th April we set off with the caravan for Green Farm in Shap. We had to wait for the bin men before we could leave bu tonce they had been and the bins brought in, we set off, only for John to not remember whether he had locked the front door, so I had to run back down the road to check it - he had. We had a very good journey with no hold ups and even managed to get into a caravan bay at Charnock Richard for a spot of lunch. Most of the caravan only bays were taken by cars and vans!
We arrived at Shap at about 3 and set up camp. We are staying at Green farm, opposite the Greyhound Inn. We stayed here last time, and although it is close to the road it has good views of the hills and a field of sheep and their lambs to watch. After a cup of tea we went for a walk over the fields to the Gogglby stone, where we found a cache and then walked through the village checking out the shops and pubs.
Saturday 25th April
We were up quite early and after breakfast John went to the butcher to get us some dinner (prize winning cumberland sausage) and I made sandwiches for our walk. We drove to Orton and then along a very narrow lane (a cycle trail really) to Sunbiggin tarn, we went the wrong way first and had to turn round and go back along another very narrow lane - good job we didn't have the caravan behind us! We parked at Sunbiggin tarn and walked back to the point on Tarn moor that we had left on our last Coast to Coast section on July 2007.
We walked down the road following the c2c and turned off onto Ravonstonedale moor. We had a bit of additional exercise here as the wind grabbed the map from my hand and we had to chase it for 50m or so. We walked across the moor and through lots of heather until we came to a bridge over a very wet area. The heather gave way to grass and we enjoyed an easy stroll along a very soft surface -it felt just like carpet. After about a mile we crossed a narrow track and carried on past a reservoir and beside a stone wall until we got to Bents farm. We had good views of the Pennines ahead of us and through the binoculars got our first view of Nine Standards Rigg. As we stopped for a biscuit a walker came towards us. She was from Maine and doing bits of the c2c. We crossed the wall at the stile and contined along past Severals village settlement - an ancient monument where now only lumps in the ground can be seen.
Once past here we walked down a steep bank, round railway cottages and over the disused railway line to work our way down to Smardale bridge.
We sat on some stones here to eat our lunch. Two herons flew past as we sat and a wagtail bobbed on the wall.We enjoyed our break and then set off along the valley bottom towards Friars Bottom farm, playing chicken with the lambs. They always gave in first! We crossed the disused railway and continued to Brownber where we crossed some fields to a lane. We followed the lane to Rig End and then followed a path across Ravonstondale moor. This was not signposted and we went through a rickety gate tied up with string. The path was shown on the map but was not visible on the ground so we followed the gps to keep us on the right path. It started raining here so we stopped to put our coats on. We finally made our way back to the bridge that we crossed on the moor earlier and then retraced our steps back to the car, soaking wet after 14.8km and having done another 4 miles of the c2c.
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