Cadgwith to Lizard Point and back (8.7 miles).

Holiday really starts today, the first day when we would normally be at work, didn’t get up till 830. After had some breakfast and coffee, was soon diying to get out and away from day time TV.
The aim was to walk towards Lizard Point and see how far we could get.
The coastal path is quite hard walking but the rewards, in terms of views and wildlife are well worth the effort. Some highlights included, Linnet, Stonechat, Sedge Warbler, and Whitethroat. By about 12 we had got to Housel Bay Hotel the cappucino is highly recommended, don’t forget to dip your biscotti for the sugar rush. Next stop was to be the light house.
We found a quiet space before Lizard Point to have our sandwiches and to test out the Moomins flash. Sandwiches were lovely and the coffee was still hot enough. At Lizard Point there was the usual tourist shops and tea establishments, the RSPB were doing a Chough watch, apparently there were three young, we hung around for a bit and saw the parents return to feed them.
From the most southerly point we headed in to Lizard village where there are more shops and we manged to pick up some rolls and bread for sandwiches later in the week. On the way past a farm we spotted a bird of prey sat on a hedgerow we could not decide what it was, eventually it took off and it was obviously a Buzzard we had tried to turn it into all sorts of other exotic things!
Eventually we turned and headed back to the coast, and when we took a rest to eat our last roll, we spotted another Chough, it is always far more rewarding to find them yourself that to have them pointed out.
We were then soon back at the hut, for a well earned rest, it was blissful to get the boots off. We plan to go to the pub for some food later, watch this space for a restaurant review.

Rain on The Lizard

After an early night we were up relatively early, the rain the weatherman promised had descended. You could see sheets of rain rushing past the house up the valley. There was a bit of a swell and the waves were crashing on to the rocks off the beach.

After some breakfast we decided to do a drive about day and headed to Falmouth to have a look at the National Maritime Museum, which we had visited some years ago and remember being worth a look round. We took a detour to have a look at The Lizard, as we suspected it is a bit of a kiss me quick place, but it will be a welcome stop when we walk from the house when the weather is better.

Once parked up in the museum car park (£3.30 for 3 hours, but plenty of spaces!) we headed over to the museum entrance, we passed though the shops which included deli’s and a Rick Stein fish and chip shop. The museum was how we remembered it it was well worth a visit plenty of stuff for everyone you and old.

By the time we had had a good look round and some coffee and cakes, it had stopped raining, so we headed for a quick look round the town. The car park was now full and people were queuing for spaces! Much of the town was shut as it was Sunday, so we headed back to the hut taking in a detour to look at Gweek to recee the place in case we wanted to use it as a walking base later in the week.

The temperature was much higher as the rain had passed though, and we were on the tail end of the low pressure front. We went for a quick walk along the coastal path but it started to rain again. We saw plently of sea birds passing through some we recognised as gannets, others perhaps shearwaters. I also noticed that some opf the birds round here are rather trusting, in the village there are lots of jackdaw who let you get within two metres of them, then there was a couple dunnocks who were very trusting. Best of all there were some swallows gliding about 6 inches off the road surface up and down the hollow that the road made at the bottom of the village. The would glide towards you at about ankle height then steer away at the last moment.

We were back in time to watch the Canadian grand prix which looks like it will be wet, bring it on.

Two go mad in Bridgewater

Two weeks holiday bliss, were off to Cornwall and then North Devon. We were both up fairly early, the anticipation of a trip to Cornwall on our minds.
Eventually left the house at 0800 round the M25 and off down the M4, things were going swimmingly. We got past Bristol no traffic jams then we heard that a horse box had turned over round J24 and soon we were in a jam. We were near the Bridgewater junction so we thought a detour was the best option. We’ll never know if it was the best option, we ended up joining all the other people who had the same idea. Bridgewater was locked solid and by the time we got back to the motor way we have witnessed some road rage and the sat nav said we had lost 50 minutes.

Back on the motorway at junction 25 we were soon back up to speed and made good progress and were soon nearing our destination. Surprisingly we had not had to stop for a comfort break, although if we had hit another traffic jam I think I would have been tempted to stop for a coffee and a pee.

Our approach to Cadgwith was not the recommended route but we wanted to get a paper at Ruan Minor, so we ended up going down a very narrow road, (the sign said 2.2m) there was not enough room for the cart and a walker! As we got towards the village we had to go down a hill that was 25%, I heard a few muted squeaks from Helen! We were parked up at the cottage at 14:30 the trip had taken us almost six and a half hours without a stop.

We soon had everything unloaded and decided as the weather was so glorious we would head down to the center of the village for a quick look round and a cheeky pint at the pub. On the way there I took some pictures including 2 sets of shots to make up panoramas.

After a pint we headed back to the hut for some tea and an early night. The weather Sunday looks to be a washout.

Check out the panoramas here http://neilbaldwin.net/panoramas/index.html

Glorious Sunday round Minsmere

We woke up to a sunny but fresh morning, Helena d Nik were up for a walk from Minsmere so after breakfast, and settling the bill (food and drink as usual came to more than the accomodation) we parked up at the reserve temporary car park, and headed out towards the Bittern hide which we soon followed by the Island Mere hide from where we got great view of Marsh Harrier and Smew.

We then headed out towards to Scotts Hall and on to the footpath that leads over to Dunwich Heath. We did not stop at the NT tea room but headed round the heath an straight back to the reserve and into the South Hide where the north wind was blowing straight into the open windows. Now that the sun was out the hides and footpaths were packed, unlike yesterday when we saw no one. We must be real hardcore!

Helen and Nik needed to head off home so we went back to the reserve tea room for some lunch. Unfortunately they had run out of parsnip back and baked potatoes, I think that had been surprised by the influx of visitors pent up by the poor weather the day before. We got some bird food from the shop, 20% off, then headed back to the car and said goodby to Helen and Nik.

We also headed back and made good progress door to door the journey was 2:30, with one stop for some bread and some salad for tea. The M25 was busy but was always moving.

Walk in the rain

We were up for breakfast at 09:00, but lingered because the weather did not look promising. We left the pub at about 10:00 and dumped my car at Warblerswick the plan was to walk back to the pub, via Dunwich, the heath and Minsmere. After a short beach section we headed in land across the marshes and reed beds, toward the disused windmill. It was grey, not too cold, and not raining we were out in the fresh air so we were happy.

When we got to the windmill we found that the footpath was closed and fenced off, we decided we would do what other people had done and carry on regardless, we had walked all that way and we had not had any warnings that might have made us take an alternative route. The half made p[ath was very muddy as it had been laid with grey clay from the marsh, then there was a section with gravel which was like walking on a beach, but it soon passed and we were heading past Dingle Great Hill (all of 12 feet in elevation!). We walked throught the woods overlooking Dingle Marsh and saw seom lovely isolated houses and soon entered the village of Dunwich a lot of which is now under the sea.

The planned stop at the fish and chip place was cancelled because it was closed, from November to March, it was also raining and there was no shelter. We ended up in the The Ship Inn for lunch rather that having the Heidi Pies we had bought in Southwold the day before. I had some shell on prawns, and the others had goat cheese toasties which looked really nice. We had to eventually drag our selves out of the pub and into the rain.

We headed up the hill then eventually over and onto Dunwich Heath where we were hoping to see Dartford Warblers, but there were to remain elusive. It had started to rain so we stopped off at the NT Coastgaurd Cottages for tea and cakes. Whilst we were in the cafe it stopped raining but it soon started again as we headed down off the heath to Minsmere, and the south hide.

During the whole walk we had not really seen a soul and the south hide was no exception, we had the place to oursleves it was a welcome break from the rain. There was not much to see as it was a bit early in the year, but we managed to identify a Med Gull and a Little gull. We woke Helen up and set off back to the pub via the sluices, just as we turned in land at the sluices it started to really rain, so mush so that I had to get the poncho out. We walked the last mile or so in the pouring rain, but still managed to add Barnacle goose to the weekend list. As we go back to the pub the rain stopped, Nik and I went off to pick up the car and the Helen’s went off to see if they could see the barns owls.

In the way back to the car we came across quite a few Muntjac in our headlights. We picked up the car went back to the pub, watched the remaining half of England thrashing France at rugby and then headed to the bar for something to eat and drink. Another great day despite the weather.

Minsmere and a Friday off

We are off to The Eels Foot this weekend to meet up with Helen and Nik. The Eels Foot if you don;t follow the blog is a pub in a village called Eastbridge just on the edge of the RSPB reserve at Minsmere, it has a couple of features which attract us back, the beers is excellent (Adnams is my all time favourite), and it is a close as you can get to Minsmere for accomodation.

We set out after the rush hour and the plan was to meet up in the Lord Neslon in Southwold at about 13:00, we headed down the A41 but soon turned off when we heard that the M25 was closed both ways between the A42 and the M1, it turns out there was a 6 car pile up. We wasted a bit of time but ended up taking the shorter but slightly longer cross country route involving amongst other roads, A14, A12, A505.

At about 12 we got a call from N&H, they had been way laid by and antiques shop and would be late, so we went to Minsmere for a quick circuit of the reserve and an excellent lunch at the visitors centre. Then we met up at the pub at 14:00.

The pub was followed by a some shopping, I bought a paper. I also managed to get some pano shots of the main square, but the light was grey and overcast so the results might not be that good. It seems ever since I have been wanting to take panorama shots the weather has been not conducive.

After shopping we headed of to the pub, via the long spiral route, due to my navigation. We just had time to see if the owls were out, and get a shower before eating in the pub in good company. The menu did not have so many veggie options as usual but we made the most of it all the same.

Have dongle will travel

Off to Holmfirth for the weekend. The M1 was unexpectedly kind and it only took us 3 hours, in spite of wild winds and rain. The roadworks near Nottingham are now complete and the extra lane makes a big difference. I tested out my netbook and dongle, and that whiled away the journey very nicely, although I should apologise for the excessive number of Facebook comments. Neil was able to enjoy the news quiz and the Archers in relative peace. Lots of warning signs about the high winds and the Sheffield bridge stretch was restricted to 40mph. Got up Norf at 7.30pm and K cooked some lovely tomato n spinach pasta.
The “interesting” weather continued on Saturday. The smalls went to drama and afterwards the menfolk went hunter gathering in Holmfirth. In the afternoon we braved the weather and went for a walk on the Dearne Valley Way. It rained and rained but it was a lovely spot, with towering beech trees. To reach the woods, we had to traverse a set of what were normally stone steps but the continual rain had turned into a small waterfall. The woods were a popular spot for the birds, we saw several treecreepers and a nuthatch. Many of the sloping paths had temporarily turned into streams. We had hoped to cross the river to get to an impressive rope swing, however the stepping stones had disappeared under the deluge and we could not find a safe place to ford it, although the smalls took some convincing.

Back home to de damp and hot drinks all round. Then we watched Toy Story 3 in front of the fire. K had cannily prepared chilli in the morning and left it slow cook. With wraps, home made salsa and guacamole, grated cheese and sour cream, it made a delicious dinner. Followed by some lovely Co-op yogurt and strawberry ice cream. When the smalls went off to bed, we tried out Rummikub, a number game which seems to be based on cards and enjoyed several rounds. Us wimmin stayed up to put the world to rights, although I am glad I said no to the slow gin.
Still very windy on Sunday although thankfully the rain had stopped. We did some cottage research for Bath, for a rather delayed birthday celebration. It will be lovely to do it in the Spring, with the lighter days and plants waking up again. We have found a fantastic looking house in central Bath, which fulfills our detailed requirements list and even has a couple of parking spaces! We had an early lunch of beans/cheese on toast and then headed off down the M1, which is where I am currently typing this. 16 miles to Northampton so have passed the half way point.

Fog bound

We felt the need to get out for some fresh air. We decided to do one of our favourite walks, not because it is spectacular but mainly because it is fairly local, just about the right length, and ends at a pub. The walk is circular and starts at The Old Swan at Swanbottom.

As we drover over to Swanbottom we left the bright skies of our side of the hills which were replaced by the fog on the Wendover side! We parked up outside the pub and headed down the path that runs to the left of the pub, and eventually got to the woods were we turned right and then came out at the filed that always seems to have stubble no matter what time of the year. Often you can see yellow hammer here. Once across the feild we headed across the road and along the footpath that eventually crosses Arrewig lane, at the house that has a very only combine harvester in an open out-building which is near the footpath.

Once through the garden we headed down a hill and into a woods where we headed right agin and kept in the woods for quite some time. There are lots of holly trees in the woods but although there were the odd berry on the ground there we almost none in the trees themselves, perhaps the birds have stripped them bare during the cold snap? I suspect not as I think we would have at least seen some in the trees, perhaps they were all males or female trees?

The weather then changed, it started to drizzle, we really had picked the best place to go for a walk today. Out of the woods by taking another right we headed up the hill away from the woods and cam across that lane with a funny name again. You come out at a large barn complex, and have to walk down the road for 100 yards before picking up the foot path the other side of the road. You then head down for a while before picking up a footpath that leads across a horses field that comes out at a road junction (T) on the corner of a woods. Out the other side of the woods, having kept rightish, we hit a field and then a road.

Just along the road the footpath goes through a farmyard, and then enters a wood which must be really close to The Lee. The path through the wood is always very muddy, but today the ground was still just frozen enough to keep us off of the mud. Just before you get to a house there is a footpath junction that heads towards Swanbottom. Another road to cross and then just up the path turn left past the large house with the horses field and you are back at the pub.

They do good food at the pub, father in law and I had fish and chips, Helen had veggie burger(not on the menu, but available to those that ask), and sister in law had proper burger. We had not seen many birds perhaps the weather was to blame, they were all on the other side of the hill in the sun maybe?

Boxing day

This is blog post 400!!

We were up at a reasonable 9:00 on boxing day and quickly had a breakfast and left my folks to head back home. The journey was straight but there were quite a few slow drivers about. You know the ones, those that only drive once a year, and are very cautious. Still we got back in good time.

Then it was off up the hill for Christmas part deux. Helen’s sister and brother in law were over and we had a lovely veggie lasagne for lunch. After lunch we headed out for a walk in the snow, along the canal towpath. We were a bit naughty as we all had a go at standing on the canal’s ice which held very well even if you jumped up and down on it.

After a walk the sisters went and did some sledging on a hill which in my opinion was not steep enough to get any speed up on. I went indoors to read the paper in the warm. Later on we went down the hill to join up with more in laws for more food and celebrations. Fun was had by all and the chase the ace trophy is now on it’s way to Wales.

Festive frolics

Merry Christmas one & all.

We have had a surprisingly busy day. The usual sort of thing this morning; presents & mulled wine followed by much peeling, chopping, basting and boiling. Lovely lunch featuring home made chestnut stuffing and of course, bread sauce followed by…Christmas pudding, accompanied by flaming brandy or in Neil’s case, a bucket of custard.

Then Neil & I went for a walk down to the river for some much needed exercise. We walked around a mile and saw lots of birds, heron, long tailed tit, cormorant, redwing, fieldfare, blue tit, mallard, barnacle goose, red kite, buzzard, moorhen and a flock of geese that we struggled to id. Neil took a few photos and we pottered back as the sun was going down and it was getting chilly. Back to Neil’s folks where Neil realised he had lost his phone on the walk.

Back out, assisted by Jack and down to the river. Some people were walking towards us and by chance Neil asked them if they had seen a mobile on their travels. They had spotted & retrieved it! They had called a number on it, my sis who had then called Neil’s Mum with their details, so Neil’s mum whipped on her wellies (complete with ice grips) to come in pursuit of us. So all was well, the nice folks did their Christmas good deed andwe all got a bit more fresh air & exercise than planned but did us good. Back now looking forward to an evening of Strictly & whist & maybe a tipple.

I think there might even be some bread sauce left too! Happy days 🙂