Happy New Year

Bude [Enlarge & More]

Happy New Year

Circular Walk at Barbury Castle

Frost on Boots [Enlarge & More]

It was a crisp morning with frost on the ground and up at Barbury Castle along the Ridgeway it was cold. The circular walk takes in 5 miles of which some is along the Ridgeway. On the drive up there we spotted a bird of pray which looked like an Eagle of all things. It was a big magestic bird and looked a lot like the eagles I'd seen on the Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos Eagle [Enlarge & More]

There were not many people about; a cyclist and a couple of hardy runners. Other than that it was peaceful and a great way to start the day. We used a walk we had found on the National Trail site.

Winters Day

Coate Water [Enlarge & More]

It's pretty cold today about 2C. We went for a walk in the Town Gardens and it was pretty barren. There are a few signs of life like the squirrels but other than that  not much going on. 2008 is nearly over and I'm looking forward to what the New Year brings. I'll be turning 40 and there are lots of exciting things happening too.

Happy Xmas

Swindon,Town Gardens [Enlarge & More]

Dr Who Exhibition

Daleks [Enlarge & More]

It's Xmas eve and I've had a busy old month with fancy dress parties and the like. Spent a lot of time catching up with friends which has been good as I don't get to see them as often as I'd like. Yesterday was fun we headed down to Cardiff to visit the Dr Who exhibition! Saw all the costumes and sets from the last few series as well as some of the aliens. The Dalek set was the best. The exhibition is near the Millenium Centre so we went for a wonder afterwards and oddly spotted Russell T Davies the writer and producer having a coffee. Funny old world.

Charlbury [Enlarge & More]

We met up with some friends for a walk at the weekend in Oxfordshire. The walk started and ended in Charlbury and took in the very muddy Wychford Forest. The day was foggy but the walk was a great way to clear the head.

Scouting for Girls

Swindon Oasis [Enlarge & More]

Fantastic concert, one of the best I've seen in a long, long time. The band especially the lead singer was really up for a good evening. He fed off the crowd and crowd fed off him. The last time I felt like that at a concert was watching someone like INXS at the Brixton Academy. Just brilliant.

Cornwall- Coastal Walks and more

Windy Day [Enlarge & More]

The final morning of the trip was spent in Tintagel. It was a blowy day on Tintagel castle in North Cornwall. Stunning views from the Island looking out over the Atlantic, it's a ruin but still very dramatic.

Moo! [Enlarge & More]

Overall we spent all week in Tintagel at a lovely cottage. We did two walks, one from Port Isaac to Tintagel which is about 8.5 miles and the other from High Cliff to Tintagel, which was about 9.5 Miles. It's easy to get to Port Isaac from Tintagel, you can take the local bus in the morning and then walk back along the coast. To High Cliff we took a taxi. If you do either walk you'll be struck by the amazing vistas and if you are lucky to get clear days like us really enjoyable coastal walks.

Close to the Edge [Enlarge & More]

Along the way you need to keep your nerve as some of the walk is very close to the edge. I guess on a windy day it would be scary! If you can look down you will see some interesting wildlife, one that surprised me was a slow worm. I haven't seen one since sharing a room with my Brother as a kid. He used to keep one in a fish tank, my overriding memory was it stank.

Hippies Use Back Door [Enlarge & More]

Odd signs fascinate me and one of the strangest signs I saw was in Tintagel, "Hippies use back door"! Don't know what that is all about but it amused me.

Cheesewring[Enlarge & More]

As well as the coastal walks we drove out to Bodmin Moor and found the Cheesewrings. I believe it is a natural formation and interestingly it had to be protected from the approaching Quarry. Good job too as it's pretty dramatic.

Cheesewring[Enlarge & More]

From Tintagel The Eden Project is about an hour a way and it was my second visit. The main attraction is the two domes that house a Mediterranean and rainforest climates. The rainforest one is pretty hot so take some water with you.

Avebury Stone Circle - HDR

Avebury [Enlarge & More]

This is my first attempt at an HDR picture. To find out more about HDR Click Here. It gives the picture a great feel but I recognise it's not to everyone's taste. I'm personally not sure about it yet but I'll keep playing with it to see what I can produce.

Hug a Rock!

Hug a Rock! [Enlarge & More]

Friends were down this weekend to visit and to clear our heads we went for a drive to Avebury today. We went for a meal at La Casa the night before which was ok, my starter of mussels was lovely but the main, rellenos stuffed with cheese and prawns, was ordinary. The others liked theirs so I just made a bad choice. The evening was full of surprises, we saw a live band with some interesting people in the crowd.

Stanton Park - Walks near Swindon

Strewn Apples [Enlarge & More]

What a beautiful place Stanton Park is. It is located just outside Swindon and if you are looking for a walk in the woods near Swindon this is a great one. Other walks near Swindon can be found on this Site I found searching the net. I'm not a great dog lover but the walks are described well even if you don't have a dog with you. Autumn is definately here but this weekend was so warm you could have mistaken it for a nice summers day. Lovely!

Rainy Day in Oxford

Bike in Oxford [Enlarge & More]

Another one of those rainy days where it's not raining too hard to go outside but enough to be annoying when you are out. I've not been to Oxford since I was living in Wycombe with my Parents. I used to go now and again to Ice Skate with friends and I really can't remember it. Today would have been a chance to have a meander round, however the weather put us off. We did manage to have a look round the Castle, there was an exhibition in the grounds of photographs from the air, great shots from around the world with a environmental theme. Something to eat at Nandos and a Coffee later we were home.It's only 50 minutes away so we'll have another try soon.

Eid Mubarak

Mendhi(Henna) [Enlarge & More]

It was Eid this week, I took the day off and spent it with the immediate family. For me it's all about spending time with family. It's great as I get to eat lots of lovely food too! It was also my Mum's birthday, she's looking lovely in this picture with her hand painted with henna.

Taking photos along swindon canal

Swindon Canal

Swindon Canal [Enlarge & More]

I've been in Swindon for over 2 years now and I have never ventured down to the canal because it has a bad reputation and every time I have walked past it it's been uninviting. Yesterday however it was a glorious evening and the canal was buzzing with walkers, cyclists and families fishing. Now I wish I'd ventured down there more!

Coate Water in Autumn

Coate Water [Enlarge & More]

I caught the last rays of summer today as Autumn is starting to set in.

My New High Score

I've been trying for a while to beat my high score and I did tonight. Great!

Centerparcs Longleat

Centerparcs [Enlarge & More]

Spent a weekend with the immediate family in Longleat Ceterparcs. It was like going skiing without the skiing! Let me explain; It had all the queues for the restaurants, all the hassle of loads of people in a resort but replacing the skiing with biking. We didn't bike but did do some of the activities. All of which you have to pay for! So not only do you get charged a fortune for the basic accommodation but activities like Badminton are charged extra. We did Badminton, Tree Trekking and Crazy Golf. I wanted to get a Kayaking lesson but the instructor did not turn up! The tropical swimming pool thing was fun and as a bonus you did not have to pay any extra. I think if you have a young family then this is a very safe option, if you have not then I don't think there is any reason why you would go here. Also with the captive market the food is very poor quality and hugely overpriced. Ultimately I enjoyed my time away but you can do this cheaper and better independently. I won't be going back.

Scarborough

Scarborough [Enlarge & More]

We drove to Scarborough about 10 miles away and spent a few hours there. We parked at North Beach and walked over to the main town along the seafront. I had overheard an old couple talking in Whitby that Scarborough had “held it’s own and Whitby had taken a downward turn”. I’m not sure there was much in it, I liked Whitby as it is small and had a charm of it’s own and you can see the modernisation in Scarborough. I think they are both worth a visit.

Ravenscar [Enlarge & More]

On our return to Whitby we took a detour to Ravenscar to have a look, it had a stunning view of Robin Hood’s Bay so if you are not going to walk any of the costal path then this is a great “cheat” to get a stunning view of the bay.

Morris Dancers [Enlarge & More]

It was a glorious evening it felt like someone had brushed everything with a pink wash as the sun was setting. On our way to get something to eat we randomly came across some Morris Dancers! Not sure if it is a regular thing but it had most people intrigued. We ate at the Bramblewick, gorgeous food so a definite recommendation if you make it to the bay.


Great trip and a good source of information about Robin Hood's Bay is the Local Community Site.

York Minster [Enlarge & More]

On the way back to Swindon we went via York. We only spent a couple of hours wandering around and I felt like I wanted to spend more time there. I’ve been before when I was at Uni and it felt like it had changed. Mainly it’s got bigger, I think there are more shops and I don’t remember the York Minster
being so imposing.


In summary:

770 Miles by car
£186 Accomodation in Robin Hood's Bay
£100 Petrol
£200 Food


The Route:

View Larger Map

Cleveland Way

6.5 Miles to go[Enlarge & More]

Up relatively early this morning and took an Arriva bus (Bus Timetable)to Whitby. We had a wander around there first, quaint enough, it was still early and the place had the feel it was still waking up. We’d decided to walk back to Robin’s Hood Bay along the coast so we headed up the 199 ( I counted 201) steps to the Abbey at the top of the hill and started the 6.5 miles back. The day got better and better, the sun was out and the sea was a lovely deep blue. The views were spectacular and the walk wasn’t too strenuous, we made it back in about three hours with a half hour stop for lunch along the way.

Robin Hoods Bay

High Tide [Enlarge & More]

Made our way from the west to the east coast today. It took us just under three hours to get to North Yorkshire coast and Robin Hoods Bay. I came here as a student when I was based in Hull and wanted to come back and spend some time here. We are staying at the Lee-Side B&B about five minutes from the bay. We left the rain behind in the Lakes to some more clement weather.

Low Tide [Enlarge]

Later on in the day the tide went out and changed the bay dramatically. It is a beautiful bay and was well worth another visit.

The Fairfield Horseshoe

On the Way [Enlarge]

What a beautiful day, had a fantastic walk in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Lake District. The Fairfield Horseshoe is a 10.5 mile, 6.5 hours walk that at its highest point is 2863 feet with an ascent of 3150 feet. The start and finish is from Ambleside which is near Windermere and also Rydal water. We found the walk in the “Fifteen Walks from Ambleside and Grasmere” by Paul Buttle.

At the Top [Enlarge & More]

The Brewery arts centre in Kendal had a band on during the day called the Picasso Brothers. It was another lovely day so they drew a big crowd to hear the usual fare of covers, the best of which was Hotel California by the Eagles. Today the Olympic athletes are home from Beijing to another dreary day at Heathrow and it’s no better here in Kendal. Went for a drive to Coniston lake to take some pictures but it was raining and unspectacular today. We ended up having something to eat in Coniston and then coming back.

Lydiard Park

Lydiard Park [Enlarge]

I’ve been in Swindon just over two years now and moved into my Flat two years and one day ago. In all that time I’ve never been round Lydiard Park. It’s lovely, not the best of days today but a lovely green space just off junction 16 of the M4. From me it’s only 10 minute drive.

Swindon Pride

I found Elvis! [Enlarge]

Swindon held it’s first Pride festival this year and it was just down the road from me in the Town Gardens. We popped in for a look earlier in the day and then went back later to see some of the acts. The highlight for me was seeing Elvis and when he started singing Moody Blue, it reminded me of pestering my parents to buy me a couple of Elvis singles when I was a kid. Elvis was dead by then but one of the brothers of a friend was a big fan. His passion for Elvis made me want them and they ended up being my first ever single purchases. My Dad had to help me order them from WH Smiths, it’s strange how some memories are so vivid, I can even remember where I was standing in the store asking the assistant for the records. It must have been odd for the assistant being asked for Elvis by a 10 year old or so.

Pizza Making

Pizza Ingredients [Enlarge]

While making pizza tonight I thought I’d take a snapshot of the ingredients as they were laid out in such a nice arrangement. I use a bread making machine to make the dough and then add whatever I fancy, usually what ever is left over from cooking in the week.

Bishopstone Circular Walk

The Start [Enlarge]

Today we braved the weather and went for a 6 mile circular walk to from Bishopstone taking in some of The Ridgeway. We got the walk from “Pub Walks Along The Ridgeway” by Charles Whynee Hammond. The book goes into a lot of detail but we managed to follow the directions without getting lost. We parked in The Royal Oak car park. Bishopstone itself is a lovely Village set around a village ponds. The walk started along the road before heading up to the Ridgeway, it was pretty straight forward with nothing too strenuous.


On The Way Up [Enlarge]
The worst of the walk was wading through waste high stinging nettles only to realise at the other end that we could have taken the easier bridle way which was just the other side of the barbed wire keeping us in. The view from the Ridgeway was very dramatic today as there was loads of clouds cover with the sun peaking through every so often. Apart form the smelly pig farms the walk was nice and relaxing. I’m not a big fan of pigs and their sties stink .



On The Ridgeway [Enlarge]


Crayfish Lunch [Enlarge]
Two hours later we were back at the start and I enjoyed a lunch of whole Crayfish at the pub. It was a little messy cracking into them but worth it as they tasted divine.

Go Ape

Go Ape Zip line
Originally uploaded by Homdaum

We went to GoApe yesterday, what a great few hours mucking around in the tree tops. I had a blast going from tree to tree. This video was taken with the camera dangling by my side while I was holding on for dear life

Walk to The Lawns

The Lawns [Enlarge]

We’ve moved offices at work this week so I can no longer walk in. Subsequently I’ve been missing my walk to and from work so I dragged myself out to The Lawns in Swindon Old Town. Wondering around I came across these swans and some water rats! I wasn’t going to get too close to the rats but did not mind the swans.

Kylie in London

Changing of the Guard[Enlarge]

A trip to London to see Kylie Minogue in Concert at the O2. We had fantastic weather - the hottest of the year so far. We stayed at the Victoria Park Plaza, a 4 * hotel just outside Victoria Station. Apart from a fire alarm, the stay was hassle free. The hotel is a stone throw away from Buckingham Palace, we went to have a look and came across the changing of the guards. The place was packed with tourists, I've not seen it that busy since Princess Diana died. Walking around took me back to my childhood when we went as a family with my Mum and Dad. It reminded me that my parents made a big sacrifice to take us to London as it must have cost a fortune when there was not much money around.

Main Hall[Enlarge]

Kylie was back on form, the last time I saw her she was a little lack lustre. This time however the whole place was buzzing. The next day we went off to the Natural History Museum, another trip down memory lane. I wanted to see the Dinosaurs again, I wasn't disappointed even though it was really busy.


Check out Tripadvisor for reviews on where we stayed:

Victoria Park Plaza Hotel

Fruit Picking & Old Railway Path

Old Railway Path

Went for a walk tonight along the old railway line that goes from Old Town. Lovely night with a great sky, hopefully it'll stay like this for while now and we'll get some great weather. Earlier in the day went friut picking, the strawberries were rubbish as they had all gone rotten. The Raspberries however were ripe and juicey, ate loads and picked loads. You can also go picking fruit at Lotmead Farm in Swindon.

Legg House

Went on a works party to celebrate the delivery of a project. We'd hired a Irish folk band called Slanche. They were great, shame the weather turned as they were due to play outside in the grounds of Legg House.

Wellington

Went to the Wellington Monument in Wellington today. It was under repair and was surrounded by corragated iron which had been "jazzed" up by the local community. It looked ok, it made a feature of it. It's on top of a hill so the view should have been good but the trees are overgrown and block it. Shame!

Alanis Morrisette Concert

A great night in Brixton Academy on Thursday at the Alanis Morrisette Concert. I love the venue, it's always been one of my favourites. The last time I was there was for the last INXS tour when they were playing small venues.

Bradford-On-Avon to Freshford

Bradford on Avon to Freshford

Another circular walk today from Bradford-On-Avon to Freshford and back. This walk takes you along the River Avon and then past the Kennett and Avon Canal. You get to stop at Iford Manor and take a break surrounded by some serene surroundings. There is even a seat on the bridge opposite the manor to take a rest. The whole walk is about 6 miles so easily completed in a morning which is what we did.

Italy

Duomo, Milan

I went to Italy last weekend for my friend Steve's wedding. It was just north of Milan, just south of Lake Como in a place called Cantú. We flew out on Friday nearly missing the flight because of all the traffic, luckily for us we made it in the nick of time. The check in gate was shutting and we pushed to the front after doing a mad dash from dumping the car off at the capark.

Milan

We spent a couple of nights in Cantú, had a great time at the wedding which was superb and then headed down to Milan for a day. What an expensive city, I have done it on the cheap before but wow just to get an orange juice near the Duomo which was extortionate. Didn't put me off and my previous impression was that of Milan being a grimey industrial city but I chnaged my mind this time. I thought it had a nice charm to it. Nothing like Rome or Florence for instance but it's ok.

Milan

I've seen loads of cathedrals and chruches in my time and the unique thing about the Duomo for me is that you can go wander on the rooftop and see the amazing statues and architecture. It's a monster and well worth spending some on it!

Milan

.......on the roof of the Duomo, just spectacular.

Milan

.....and another, gothic pleasure.
Check out Tripadvisor for reviews on where we stayed:

Cantú - Hotel Canturio
Milan - Hotel Splendido, Starhotels