North Norfolk Coast 29 30 31 October 2025

 we had a couple of days stay at a nice hotel in old Hunstanton (Le Strange Arms). No actual hikes but some lovely walks along beaches and wildlife reserves.

We walked along the beaches at Hunstanton, Brancaster, and Wells by the Sea. At Titchwell there was a RSPB reserve which we visited with some brilliant hides with views across the wetlands. No pics from here - we just took the binoculars.

On the journey back we stopped at another RSPB site - Snettisham near Kings Lynn. When we got to the coast the mud flats were so expansive that we couldn't see the sea. On many of these walks we came across the Norfolk coastal path which is part of the national coastal path. I quite fancy trying this - 80+ flat miles , quite often through nature reserves.

A brilliant couple of days. We have decided to definitely visit this area again.

Monsall Head Ashford in the water 5th November 2025

 It is a few years since I have done this walk , so it was nice to get out to this part of Derbyshire again. Unfortunately, I got lost in Great Shacklow Wood. Because the floor was covered in leaves I lost the track. By the time I realised this I checked the map and found I was higher up the hill than the track. I thought if I headed downhill I would eventually meet the track. It was very steep and slippery and there was a lot of bramble to fight through. Anyway, I didn't find the track and ended up back down to the A6 where I had about half a mile of road walking before OI hit a footpath sign which got me back onto the trail on the edge of the woods.

view from bridge at Ashford on the water

Wier on the River Wye 

Lovely walk, apart from losing the trail and ending up on the A6 !!. About 6.5 miles. OS OL24.

Shining Cliff Woods Oct 22 2025

 This walk is becoming a favorite one when I don't want to drive to far, but I need a change for the relatively flat local walks from home.

Ambergate - Shining Cliff Woods - A6 bridge over the Derwent - Cromford Canal - Ambergate

Loverly walk with some fine views from the South side of the valley looking over to Crich Stand.

About 7 miles.

Horsley Castle October 11th 2025

I have done this walk quite a few times now but this is the first clockwise circuit,

Smalley - Woodside - Clove Hill - Brackley Gate - Horsley Castle - Coxbench - Horsley - Woodside - Smalley

About 8 miles. A great workout with no car driving involved

Coledale Horseshoe 24th September 2025

 

After a short drive from the campsite I was at the small car park on the Whinlatter road out of Braithwaite by 8:15. By 8:20 my leg muscles were starting to burn!!. The climb to the top of Grisedale pike was relentless all the way to the top. I was rewarded with jaw dropping views all the way up. 

On the way up looking across the valley 

Grisedale Pike summit in site

Final push to the top

View fromthe top

Hopegill Head - next top in sight

Top of Crag Hill

Scar Crags and Causey Pike

Looking down Sail Beck valley from the trail between Crag Hill and Sail

Sail Beck valley with filter on

Looking back to Crag hill from Sail

Sail Pass - track down to Outerside

Grisedale pike from the campsite

The route after Grisedale Pike was Hopegill Head, Sand Hill, Crag Hill, Sail, Outerside, Stile End - Braithwaite.

I stopped for a rest at Coledale Hause with amazing views back down the valley.

I stopped at the village shop in Braithwaite and enjoyed a cold ginger beer before making my way back to the van
This was about a perfect days walking as you could wish for. Sunny but not hot, no wind, clear with superb views all the way around. 5 Wainwrights and two minor peaks. A memorable day.

About 10 miles.

Braithwait in site on the descent from Stile End