A circular walk starting from Sparsholt a quiet village in Oxfordshire. I have to say on first impressions it's not an inviting place, mostly due to the feeling like being a foreigner in your own country. The suspicious looks by the 'locals' made me feel uncomfortable. Not everyone was the same however, enough looks to make me feel unwelcome. On the way up I saw our first blooms of the year, some snow drops peeking out from the strewn leaves.
The walk goes through the sleepy village of Kingston Lisle which is full of quaint cottages. At this point the path becomes a steep climb onto The Ridgeway. It was not the most inspiring of days , very overcast and cold.
The path most of the way round was very muddy and I have to say the least interesting of all the Ridgeway walks we have done. It's about six mikes and I'd recommend it if you live close by but don't bother if you have to come any distance. One of the main reasons for getting out today was to take some pictures and practice what I've been learning on my photography course. It's the first time I've taken any pictures on the manual setting on my camera. I've resigned myself that the pictures are going to get worse before they get better again!
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Monday, 26 January 2009
Walk at Lunchtime
I've started a photography course to help improve my skills. I always get frustrated that I can't capture what I see and always do it justice. The ten week course on a Wednesday evening will help. I've already learned about composition and hyperfocal distances. I went on a recce today to find something to photograph that would practice both these and found some interesting shots near work.
Lets hope it does not rain tomorrow and I'll have a proper go at taking the pictures and not just with my mobile.
Today I also managed to do this puzzle. I've been trying for a few weeks now at work, usually as a little break to take my mind off things- today it all came together. It looked easy but that was deceptive as once the wooden pieces are out of the frame it's not
Lets hope it does not rain tomorrow and I'll have a proper go at taking the pictures and not just with my mobile.
Today I also managed to do this puzzle. I've been trying for a few weeks now at work, usually as a little break to take my mind off things- today it all came together. It looked easy but that was deceptive as once the wooden pieces are out of the frame it's not
Saturday, 10 January 2009
On the drive home from Bath
What a frosty morning today was, the fields and trees along the roadside looked like they were covered in snow as it was so thick. As the sun started peeking through the fog, the frost started to fall off the trees making it feel like it was snowing in pockets.
Today was an exciting day as we had a chat with the people at STA in Bath to plan the next trip.
Today was an exciting day as we had a chat with the people at STA in Bath to plan the next trip.
Saturday, 3 January 2009
Cirular Walk Avebury to West Kennett
Another frosty morning with clear skies, ideal for a circular walk just 10 miles outside Swindon at Avebury. The walk itself is only 5 miles and is pretty easy going. It's one we've done before and I enjoyed it as much the second time round.
The walk starts at the Avebury Stone Circle and heads out towards Silbury Hill. This is one of the several ancient attractions that this walk gives. Others include The Sanctuary and West Kennett Long Barrow which is a burial mound dating back 5500 years.
I'd definitely recommend the walk, it takes 2 hours at the most at a comfortable pace and has some great history and views to take in. You'll find this particular walk at WalkWeb. If you follow this you won't need another map as the one provided with instructions is clear and easy to follow.
The walk starts at the Avebury Stone Circle and heads out towards Silbury Hill. This is one of the several ancient attractions that this walk gives. Others include The Sanctuary and West Kennett Long Barrow which is a burial mound dating back 5500 years.
I'd definitely recommend the walk, it takes 2 hours at the most at a comfortable pace and has some great history and views to take in. You'll find this particular walk at WalkWeb. If you follow this you won't need another map as the one provided with instructions is clear and easy to follow.
Thursday, 1 January 2009
New Years Day
It was the coldest day of the year I'm sure at 0 degrees. Weston-Super-Mare was pretty quiet with a few hardy souls braving the cold to go for a walk along the beach. I'm never sure if the tide is out or not as it seems the same the few times I've been but it looked bleak. It was so cold that we did not spend that much time walking but found a traditional British cafe to have something hot to drink and eat.
When you're at the seaside it always seems right to have fish and chips, which is exactly what I had with buttered bread and a cup of tea. Very unhealthy but lovely. I always like doing something on New Years Day, it makes me feel that the rest of the year will be shaped by it.
Last year we spent it in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan in India on a camel safari. Oddly enough in the evenings it was as cold as it felt today, the saving grace was being huddled around a camp fire. I wonder what next New Year will bring?
When you're at the seaside it always seems right to have fish and chips, which is exactly what I had with buttered bread and a cup of tea. Very unhealthy but lovely. I always like doing something on New Years Day, it makes me feel that the rest of the year will be shaped by it.
Last year we spent it in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan in India on a camel safari. Oddly enough in the evenings it was as cold as it felt today, the saving grace was being huddled around a camp fire. I wonder what next New Year will bring?
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