Today, I've sadly had to go and put the Cambrian Way project on hold until next year. Clearly this isn't an ideal state of affairs, but I've been offered a project at decent money in an environment where there aren't that many things going in my specialist area at any time, let alone now. So … Continue reading Oh Bugger
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Cambrian Way Phase 1
What with work commitments and leaving it late to make the final arrangements, the original intention to do the Cambrian Way in one 3 week (ish) adventure had to be reconsidered, and I planned a shorter trip to do as much of the southern section in a week to 10 days as I could. Here's … Continue reading Cambrian Way Phase 1
Cambrian Way Phase 1 – Post Mortem
It will be clear from the last post that the trip didn't go quite to plan, as I stopped short of my intended end point of Llandovery. But that's not to say it was a failure, and I'm looking at it as simply having altered the plan further as I went. Nevertheless, there were some … Continue reading Cambrian Way Phase 1 – Post Mortem
Cambrian Way #3: Talybont to Storey Arms (Day 9)
Day 9: Monday 6 May The best night's sleep so far, and in a dorm to myself, following a half-rest day and a decent feed should have all meant that I would feel up to today's walk. With today's walk one of the toughest days for a while, I deliberately managed the preceding couple of … Continue reading Cambrian Way #3: Talybont to Storey Arms (Day 9)
Cambrian Way #2: Abergavenny to Talybont (Days 5 – 8)
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)
Cambrian Way #1: Cardiff to Abergavenny (Days 1 – 4)
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)
Kitting up for the Cambrian Way
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
A Cambrian Way Rethink
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
Snowy Learnings of Cumbria for Make Benefit Glorious Walk of Cambrian Way
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
A Snowy Saunter around the Southern Fells
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
Planning a Saunter in 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
A Toddle Around Tilbury Marshes
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
Mist and Mistakes
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
Frozen Apple Juice
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
Planning the Cambrian Way – Part 9: Beddgelert to Conwy
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