Capal Curig, Moel Siabod, Snowdonia, Wales

It’s been a busy weekend which saw the end of British Summer Time. Saturday saw us out and about in Warwickshire and a drive to Chesterton Windmill and Burton Dasset Hills where I started my blog way back in the early spring of this year. Nothing could prepare us for the piste de la resistance of what we had prepared for Sunday.

Sunday saw us heading of to the Welsh Mountains and the beautiful Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd, Wales. We headed out of the West Midlands at about 10am and off up the M6 toll to make up sometime. After about an hour and a half we were soon at the boarder, crossing the bridge just west of Chirk where The Welsh Red Dragon flag welcomed us English foreigners to Wales and you really do get a sense of being in another country with strange sounding place names such as Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwll-llantysiliogogogoch (couldn't resist that one) and the road furniture signs in both English and Welsh.

Once in Wales the country side starts to gain height with deep cut valleys and grand hills which looked splendid today in the late autumn sunshine. The scenery was a kaleidoscope of colour today. We soon passed the inland resort of Betws y Coed with its famous Swallow Falls… just a little further and at about 12.45pm we arrived at our half days walk starting point at Capal Curig. We started our ascent shortly after passing fast flowing rivers and water falls. The sounds and force of water was especially intense today as it had rained the day before. We passed through a pretty mixed pine and deciduous wood today with a pungent pine and autumn leaf smell. It wasn't long until we came out of the wood and started to climb the open mountain with its spectacular views of Mount Snowdon and a lake below us. We got to about 2,600ft just short of the summit where we had a little crisis with Spritzer running off and with the day so short thought it would be wise after reclaiming the dog to have our dinner of hot chili and rice before we descended. So we picked a fine spot with a nice view of the majestic Mount Snowdon and enjoyed our dinner and a hot cup of tea. It had been dry and warm most of the day but at this point the wind had picked up and the weather became cool and it can feel a little cold when you stop. The light began to change at this point and the mist started to form below in the valleys the mountains then took on a striking blue looking hue which I especially enjoyed the view of..

We met lots of interesting people on our way up that we stopped and talked to and passed the time of day, which was nice. We asked a few people how far to the top where they had walked and come from that sort of thing, they always reply when you ask “is it far to the top” with a “not really” and a sweet smile. If they told us the truth I guessed we would have stopped. It was a very hard walk with steep inclines, boggy marsh and streams but my new mountain boots served me well. I say walk it was more of a scramble in parts and you needed to scramble up on all fours at times to traverse some of the terrain. It was a hard walk but the rewards where worth it.

It was way gone dusk when we got back near to our base and the bats where out flying around our heads in large numbers and the path became a little tricky with our limited torch light. We lived and survived another day to plan our next adventure. Only seven weeks now before the days start to lengthen again.

Moel Siabod Photos

Moel Siabod Slide Show

At The End Of The Rainbow.

First of all my apologies for not updating blog but last few weeks hiking and the move of our friends as kept us busy and I have been rather tired and a little run down last few days.

Today we made the last van load of the house move of our friends from Stratford to their new home near Ross on Wye, Heredfordshire. Looking forward to exploring this area as there are some beautiful walks through The Wye forest and the Wye Valley Way passes through our friends new property. Especially looking forward to visiting Symonds Yat one of England's finest beauty spots. Today's journey from Stratford was very interesting passing the Mendips and The Malverns in the autumn sunshine eventually reaching Ross On Wye late afternoon.

Our friends new house is on a hill with its own wood (lucky them). Spritz and I took a small walk at dusk along part of The Wye Valley Way path which stretches for fifty miles in all... and soaked up the ambiance of the gentle rolling hills, woods and scenic views of Ross below and beyond. We were rewarded with a fine view of a rainbow passing above the house and over the hill. Hope this will be a good sign of a promising new start to their venture.

For all those who read the blog and know our friends Michelle and Dave and who I haven't got round to telling yet I am glad to announce that Michelle gave birth to a beautiful baby girl Hanna 6lb 40z on Sunday October 22nd. So congratulations am really happy for all.

Photo's

Slide Show

The Long Walk On The Long Mynd Carding Mill Valley

REVIEW TO FOLLOW SOON PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON.
Long Mynd Photos

Long Mynd Slide Show

Sent To Coventry

Being sent to Coventry doesn't bode well in the minds of some people and our City as had its fair share of negative comments. I wonder how many of these people who write these guides actually manage to get outside of the ring road.

Tonight we took a another local autumn walk in the City and was amazed what beauty and nature actually exists within our Cities boundaries and on our doorstep. I moved to the North side of the City sometime ago now and must say I do enjoy this side of of town.

Nearly everyday we pass along a main route highway crossing the city where hundreds used to pass everyday to work at the famous Jaguar plant. If you are observant enough and we being walkers usually are... You will see lots of little foot paths signposted along route. We had been meaning to park up the car and explore sometime ago but finally got round to it this evening. We where rewarded well with pleasant green pastures, woods, brooks, ponds and quaint little bridges and the feeling of space and open country which is a delight for city folk and all within the city perimeter and on our doorstep. A fair share of to nature too with rabbits hoping around us and gracious horses grazing in the sunset, birds hovering above and ancient trees. There was also a nice view of Allesely Parish Church with its spire poking its head above the skyline.

I wonder how many city folk enjoy these walks as much have we have. The autumn colours were vibrant and our walk this evening was as good as anywhere I would like to be. So next time if your driving along the main Brownshill Green Road through Coventry on your rush home please think about a stop one day or enjoy a little stroll round a city gem and oasis you won't be disappointed.

Allesley Parish Walk Photos

Allesley Parish Walk Slide Show

All Change

Its that time of year again when its all change as summer as come to an end and the smells and colours of autumn are upon us. As the season changes our life and routine changes to. Those outdoor evening events suddenly become indoors, evening walks are now done by torch light and our trips have to be started earlier to make the most of the daylight and unfortunately there are fewer of them they are mainly at weekends only now.

Today we didn't venture far just a walk round the local City park in what was a warm sunny and pleasant afternoon. The roses still retain there sweet smell mixed in with rotting leaves and droped acorns. The male spiders have all but gone now and the females are busy spinning there webs for there new broods. I find the sight of dew drops on the webs a very beautiful sight this time of year. Luckily so far this autumn temperatures are holding up so no need for central heating bills just yet.

We are hoping to get away early this weekend for a trip to the Wyre Forest and Long Mynd in The West Midlands so hopefully we will have some more pictures and something more to write about then.

That's all for now I do hope you enjoy the colours sights and sounds of this changing season and the photos we are able to share with you.

Autumn City Park Photos

Autumn City Park Slide Show

Collage Of Clent Hills

LETS GO CLENT HILLS

Clent Hill Walking Adams Hill to Nimmings Wood To Walton Hill

Today 1st October 2006.

Paul has twisted my arm to provide todays blog.
A quick preamble - If you suffer from an imbalance of body

chemistry like I do, find a hill, climb it and a wonderful

restoration of reason and fulfillment pours into your mind.

We have been visiting the hills of Birmingham over the last

few days, twice now we have frequented Clent Hills on the

South West of Birmingham near Halesowen. There are many

parking areas, the best by Adams Hill as it's free and convenient

for 4 different pubs and eating all next to each other.

We have been lashed, blown (oo err) and blinded by alsorts

of weather, over the two days, this particular group of hills

really is worth while regardless.

Views are incredible. Some of the most beautiful trees I have

ever seen and plentiful seats to sit and absorb the atmosphere,

or in our case lightning, thunder, sun and rainbows.

The sky mood was set to awe us. Ok so we got a little wet, but

not cold or muddy. It was one of those walks, that if we had

known how long it was we probably would have not ventured

so far. No regrets even after 5 miles on steep inclines and

declines of 1 metre up for every 1.5 metre along.

Every moist drop of scenery was absolutely worth while for me,

poor Paul probably needed different shoes he was very slippy

slippy, although could of used the dog to pull him up the slopes,

or was it that I got us both lost and we discovered a track only

suitable for mountain goats.

From the tops you can see the Malverns, Long Mynd, Kinver,

Wenlock Edge and the Black Mountains of Wales.

Well after three hours we needed to find our way back, almost

exhausted but pleasantly buzzing from the experience and
pleased that we had met our challenge.

Please take time to view the photo's as I can't do the experience

justice in words. Also you will find photos of this weeks other

visits to Arbour Low Stone Circle and a rather wet Stratford.

Link To Clent Hills Walk And Photos

Clent Slide Show

Waseley Hills

Waseley Hills Slide Show