Coastal hiking in Scotland is a huge challenge compared to England and Wales. There is no national coast path, which is understandable, given the mainland has 6,000+ miles of, often remote, coastline; 11,000+ miles if you include the islands. In […]
Day 108: Gretna Green to Powfoot Read More »
The attractive sandstone of Penrith and Carlisle rail stations announce the North West. Time to cross the border and begin my coastal walk of Scotland until the midges emerge and drive me back down south. Despite it being 2pm, with
Day 107: Carlisle to Gretna Green Read More »
Public transport is a little tricky today, as I need to complete the 27 miles to Salcott before the last bus leaves for Colchester and the train home. I’m encouraged by the fine weather, donning shorts for the first time
Day 106: Maldon to Salcott Read More »
From the mountains of the West Highland Way to the Essex estuaries, on a balmy spring day, perfect for meandering and exploring. I certainly intend to meander, after meeting up with the blogger Helpful Mammal, aka Julian, for a few
Day 105: Southminster to Maldon Read More »
As predicted, I’m a little sluggish this morning. Peering outside, everyone else has gone. Oh well; it’s a short day, with only 15 miles to Fort William, so who needs to rush? I cross the River Leven, vibrant against the
West Highland Way: Day 5 Read More »
Sitting in my sleeping bag, cradling hot porridge, my breath plumes in the air. It’s minus two, but dry outside. I’m excited; the 18 mile trail to Kinlochleven winds through stunning mountain ranges. I’m clearly enjoying my sleep too much,
West Highland Way: Day 4 Read More »
Today is my longest day; 22 miles to Inveroran. There’s a lull in the rain, so I pack quickly, being the first to break camp, around 7am. I call into the campsite shelter to sort out my gear properly. Several
West Highland Way: Day 3 Read More »
The rain arrived in the night and is still falling as I pack the tent, ready for the 20 mile hike along the east bank of Loch Lomond to Inverarnan. I enter the forest — swallowed by a hushed canopy
West Highland Way: Day 2 Read More »
The very popular West Highland Way runs for 96 miles from Milngavie, on the outskirts of Glasgow, up to Fort William. I’m tackling it in the first week of April to avoid the crowds, the pesky midges, and the worst
West Highland Way: Day 1 Read More »
My first walk since recovering from Covid, albeit with only mild cold symptoms. The weather forecast is not great, but I need to test out my new Meindl Terlan boots on a long hike before risking them on the 96
Day 104: Burnham-on-Crouch to Southminster Read More »