Blogs from Powys, Wales, United Kingdom, Europe - page 8

It seemed like the first wintry day today, but we'd decided to drive round these dams and reservoirs which supply the water for Birmingham, so we set off early and arrived in time for coffee in the very nice café. Alex and I left Dad to finish his drink while we took Bella for a stroll by the river, then we met up for a look round the visitor centre before lunch and a leisurely drive round the six reservoirs. We ended up over a mountain road which reached 1600feet, the views were splendid but the wind was chilly. AND we found 11 geocaches along the way.... read more

It was only a long weekend, but we fitted in lots of activities. On Friday we picked Martha up from nursery and went for a picnic in the woods. On Saturday, after the Ballet lesson, we went to Paisley for a Halloween event, where there were all sorts of children's activities ( and for which Sophie had a days paid work helping with the organising) and yesterday, since it was a particularly beautiful autumn day, we climbed a steep hill (Beinn Dubh, at Luss) beside Loch Lomond, again with a picnic, to admire the views. Martha hurtled her way both up and down, with adventures in bracken on the way: whilst Jack preferred daddy's shoulders on the way up and walking down, exploring tree stumps and rocks. Bella and I tried to keep up with Martha, ... read more

We woke to fog again. Not so thick, but still there and making the world a bit grey again. The weather forecast for today was grey in the morning, but rain in the afternoon. We decided that if we wanted to do some walking in the Berecon Beacons, it would need to be this morning. The Llanthony Priory was our choice. The Priory is on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National park, and you can access a few walks from there. Zara had suggested walking up behind the Priory to Offra's Dyke, so we thought we would give it a try. The road into the Priory was one of the typical country lanes we have driven in over the last few days. You need to keep watching all the time so you don't hit a ... read more

Alex and I have just spent three days in North Wales, at sunny Rhyl by the sea. We decided to approach from the Dee estuary direction, and by chance followed a pilgrim way from Holywell down to Green field dock. Yesterday we had a look at the lighthouse at Point of Ayr, and found out a bit the old coal mine nearby. And today we made our way home via Rhuddlan, which has a walk along the tidal river where we spotted lots of birds, and a castle. Lovely.... read more

Sophie and the children have been staying for almost two weeks as Tom was busy with the Edinburgh festival. We've had a great time, visiting castles, a ride on a train, trip to the seaside, seeing various friends and exploring the "secret passages" on my field. They left this morning, and the house feels empty and so quiet. Though I realise suddenly how tired I feel! Here are some photos.... read more