Journeys by hiking, running, cycling and touring
I've now reached Talybont which marks approximately 2/3 of the walk for this southern section of the Cambrian Way. Replanning this stage as a 4 day rather than 3 day walk was the right thing to do, with the result that I arrived at the youth hostel in much better shape than I arrived in … Continue reading Cambrian Way #2: Abergavenny to Talybont (Days 5 – 8)
I'm writing this at the end of a chilled out day whilst waiting for my curry to arrive. I've only walked around Abergavenny town today, certainly not set foot on a hill. And that's actually a good thing... If I hadn't taken a day out I reckon I could have jeopardised the rest of the … Continue reading Cambrian Way #1: Cardiff to Abergavenny (Days 1 – 4)
It was just as well I delayed setting off for the walk by a day, caused by a final flurry of work issues, as it took most of yesterday to get it all together. This was going to be a post on the final preparations for the walk, but in truth apart from booking the … Continue reading Kitting up for the Cambrian Way
Those who had the stamina to endure my recent succession of Cambrian Way planning posts may have been wondering why it suddenly seemed to go a bit quiet. Â The truth is I've had to alter my plans. But unlike several other people recently who've had to change their walking or running plans, it's thankfully not … Continue reading A Cambrian Way Rethink
Hopefully you can see where I'm going with the title of this one... As early as the first day of this trip I started having thoughts about its success or failure and the learnings that could be taken from it. And if I'm honest with myself, the seeds of that conversation with myself were sown … Continue reading Snowy Learnings of Cumbria for Make Benefit Glorious Walk of Cambrian Way
I lay in my sleeping bag nervously watching the tent flexing and straining under the force of the icy wind blowing down from the head of Eskdale, hoping it would hold as it was now too dark to shift camp to somewhere more sheltered. Memories of a past windy camp came back to both haunt … Continue reading A Snowy Saunter around the Southern Fells
I'm heading off to the Lakes for a week-long backpack at the weekend as a key part of my preparation for walking the Cambrian Way in April. Here are a few notes on the process of preparing for the preparation trip. The Concept The concept of this trip was simple: a multi-day route that mimicked … Continue reading Planning a Saunter in the Southern Fells
It's been a whole month since my last local walk, (not counting  walks involving the portage home of comestibles) and it really was time to get out again. I'm ashamed to say that I've lived in this area for 16 years, and never done any exploring of the walking that is to be had along … Continue reading A Toddle Around Tilbury Marshes
Thin tendrils of mist swirled around my feet in a vain attempt to escape the strengthening rays of the sun. Coupled with the alarming growth in the size of my feet as I trudged up the muddy field, it felt as though the forces of nature were trying hard to stop me. Add to that … Continue reading Mist and Mistakes
Andy came over and delivered the news that would tip any cider connoisseur over the edge into a full breakdown: "They've run out of draft Addlestons, there's only bottled Magners left." This was on the very first evening of the meet, which therefore put in jeopardy the whole "social" aspect - or at least it … Continue reading Frozen Apple Juice
Beddgelert disappears behind me as I tackle the steepest part of the walk and head for the climax of this trip. This is a time to enjoy the finest mountains in Wales, but also to get used to seeing people again, for soon I have to re-enter civilisation. This is also familiar territory and very … Continue reading Planning the Cambrian Way – Part 9: Beddgelert to Conwy
And now things get serious with the most controversial section of the Cambrian Way. Rough walking over demanding terrain, nowhere to stay overnight, but in the eyes of Tony Drake the most rewarding part of the whole route. Except in my case, I don't have the accommodation issue... I know from reading George Tod's accounts … Continue reading Planning the Cambrian Way – Part 8: Barmouth to Beddgelert
Yes, you heard it here first. Despite appearances to the contrary, there is culture to be found in Thurrock, which may I remind you was recently determined as the most miserable place in the country, according to Cameron's new-fangled happiness index. And I can reveal that it is more than a bit shit here. So … Continue reading Warning: Unexpected Culture in Thurrock
Ah, a short one but a good one. Two of the best 100 (according to Trail) mountains in the country, and depending on where my main training trip before the Cambrian Way takes me, this stretch could see me pass through the halfway mark in the Trail 100. But then if it doesn't, it will … Continue reading Planning the Cambrian Way – Part 7: Dinas Mawddwy to Barmouth
A quick section to plan this one. On paper of a similar length to the previous section, I knew I could knock this one out quickly, so that's what I've done. It may be longer and hillier (slightly) than stage 3, but it's not caught my imagination in the same way. In part this is … Continue reading Planning the Cambrian Way – Part 6: Devil’s Bridge to Dinas Mawddwy