What Did the Romans Ever Do For Us?

They built a very nice wall that goes for 84 miles from Wallsend (near Newcastle) to Bowness on Solway (just past Carlisle). I am sure that Hadrian did not realise when he started the job in AD122 that people would be marvelling at the great feat of engineering built by hand that is still visible nearly 2000 years later.

I expected the distance but did not expect the steep up and down section in the middle and did not expect the real bonus that was the human aspect of walking the wall. Over the six days we met many people (and re-met them at other points including the pub at the end) from two ladies over 70 years old who were walking for charity to a group from Holland and a group from Stoke on Trent. The one thing we all had in common was sore feet!

A Return to Norfolk

A second trip to North Norfolk to finish off the coastal path. Good weather again and a walk that included a trudge for 4 miles across shingle and a finish up the steep cliff at Sherringham. We had the added bonus of staying at a campsite right on the path with views across the salt marshes which are a haven for huge colonies of different birds - deafening dawn chorus!

Always Wear a Hat on the Moor

The Yorkshire Moors and Dales were the next stage of our tour. It is hard to believe that we have never visited either before having always been seduced by the Lake and Peak Districts.
Definately worth the visit which included a stay at Masham which is the home of two independant breweries - Theakston and Black Sheep. A visit to Robin Hood's Bay and fish and chips at Whitby (but watch out for the hungry seagulls) should also be obligatory for all visitors.

Go West Young Man (and Lady)

A tale of three moors! Exmoor, Bodmin and Dartmoor all in a week and with not a drop of rain. And with the bonus of no Icelandic fall out and flight delays. Fitted in Glastonbury on the way there and Theobalds Park, Enfield on the way back (note the JCB on the campsite as it prepares for the 2012 Olympics rush). Also had some time for the North Devon coast which whilst not as famous as its Cornwall counterpart is just as impressive. If you ever find yourself on Exmoor then try out the Royal Oak Inn at Winsford - lovely village location, great beer and food - and you can stay (but we did not try that bit). Lunch at the Tarr Farm Inn is a good trip but if you cycle it is uphill all the way back to Winsford!

Norfolk Firewater

Happy Birthday Andy!

The World Tour of Britain Begins

Is it North America? Is it Holland? No it is the North Norfolk coast path between Cromer and Hunstanton. A gentle start to the next stage of our world tour and breaking in the camper van. Although not far from our doorstep it is part of the Norfolk coast we had never visited and is quite impressive in early spring when there are not many people around and the huge beaches are empty.

Back to Earth

Home again!
Back safely in Ipswich and it is spring - it feels like we have missed winter.
The last leg of our flights was British Airways from New York to Heathrow and we were sad to say that Qantas put BA to shame for quality and service - no wonder they are losing money and their industrial relations are at a low ebb.
Now to plan the British leg of our world tour.