Active Adventures in the Shropshire ‘Black Hole’

A weekend of fell running and walking in Shropshire and one of discoveries: Bridges Youth Hostel in Ratlinghope was a great place to stay, cosy and warm, with power showers, hearty vegan/vegetarian breakfasts, lots of advice on the best routes and a lovely pub a stone’s throw away. Shropshire exceeded all expectations, with stunning views, deserted routes and the wonderful sound of silence. I will be back!

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Celebrating the Year of the Rat at Clink 78

January has been an interesting month for me. The first day was spent in an Ecuadorian embassy and the last weekend in a London courthouse. Luckily for me I was free to leave at any time. Here’s how London celebrated Chinese New Year, as seen from our visit to the Clink Hostel.

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year of the rat celebrations in London

Adelina Patti, History Tours at Craig Y Nos Castle

Adelina Patti made Craig Y Nos Castle into her lavish home. Although nearly forgotten now, in her time Adelina was the worlds first celebrity. Latter the castle became a TB hospital. It is now an idyllic wedding venue and has a great value bunkhouse in the old nurses accommodation. A history tour of the castle is run every morning and if you are staying in the bunkhouse you can join the tour for free.

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Theatre built by Adelina Patti

A Few Days in Kettlewell

For Sandy and I, our goal was simple. To complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. We had last made the round of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough back in the summer of 1984 soon after we had first met. Now, 35 years later, it was time for another go!

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Kettlewell Hostel

A Welsh weekend getaway

Read about Judes birthday get-away to the North Wales Coast. Traveling by public transport, camping lite with the aid of Platts Farm and with multiple sightings of a strangely familiar seagull. Jude gives the low down on great places to visit around Conway and Llandudno.

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Scottish Gardens of the Far North

We were on a four day expedition to visit the Scottish gardens of the North. The hostel accommodation provided by Helmsdale Hostel was comfortable and fun and the gardens were aglow with colour.

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busy bee in Scottish Gardens

Another Bob Graham attempt?

This time it was Mary’s fault. She wanted a training weekend in preparation for the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa, a stunning multi day run in Switzerland and Italy. I was keen to join her as last time I didn’t see the views,

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Bob Graham Round from The White Horse Inn Bunkhouse