Blogs from United Kingdom, Europe - page 14

Today we didn’t set and alarm! We had nothing in particular planned for the day and we could make our own breakfast whenever we wanted it so … no need to be woken by an alarm. Lovely! After a sleep-in and a late breakfast, we had a very lazy day. A VERY lazy day. After lunch we drove Kath and Albert over to Morrison’s (supermarket) in Dukinfield. They don’t drive over there much these days finding it easier to shop at the Tesco or the Aldi in Stalybridge. They were able to buy a few supplies that they prefer to get from Morrison’s and we purchased some ingredients to make dinner tonight. I spotted the Festival Gateaux and picked one up and placed it in the trolley. Kath and Albert couldn’t believe it, they say they ... read more

Had a shocking sleep and up early 6am … Down to breakfast in the Hotel, a comprehensive spread and ate far too much (but it did see me right through to dinner !!!). Got our day packs and TUBE Map and set off … found the Underground and tried to get the hang of it … everybody so helpful here and just come up to see if you need help … you don’t have to ask !!! We got through to the station near Buckingham Palace and lined up along the gates to watch the changing of the guard lots of marching shouting and a brass band demo of James Bond tunes… the incoming troops complete with horses and music too … will have to do some research on what we were witnessing exactly ….wandered around ... read more

Today Renata and I set out on a Best of the Highlands tour with Expedia Cruises. Beauly Priory The First stop was Beauly Priory. Beauly Priory was an interesting historical ruin and was used as a filming location for the hit TV show Outlander in which Renata and I are fans. The main character, Claire, meets the seer Maisri here. Urquhart Castle The next stop after the Priory was Urquhart Castle. Urquhart Castle is a ruined castle that sits beside Loch Ness. It was an interesting place with various hidden areas to explore. I would have liked more time exploring the castle but alas we needed to go searching for the Loch Ness monster on our cruise around Loch Ness. We were unfortunately unable to find the Loch Ness Monster. I think he was shy from ... read more

Today we decided that we would spend some time having a look around Cirencester. It was probably good that we had already made this decision as the weather was a bit gloomy when we woke this morning. We had to break out our umbrellas to walk into the centre of town to arrive at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in time for the 10.30am tour. St John’s is often mistaken for a cathedral because it is a particularly large and beautiful parish church. In fact, it is one of the largest parish churches in the country, built, repaired, renovated and extended with wool money as Cirencester was renowned for its successful and lucrative wool trade. There has been a church on this site since the earliest years of the Christian era, with the ... read more

The BeginningStarted in Glasgow- caught up with my sister, brother in law and nephew then a sunny day of exploring and food shopping for the hike.Day 0What’s in store?According to the blurb…“The Hebridean Way walking offers keen hikers a unique opportunity to walk the length of this spectacular archipelago. Over the course of 156 miles (252km) the route goes through 10 islands, crosses 6 causeways and includes two stunning ferry journeys. It is a route of astonishing variety – one day you may be walking on an exquisite deserted beach, with silver shell sand stretching far into the distance.The next you may find yourself amongst wild mountains, wandering past remote freshwater lochs as eagles soar overhead”.To begin the Hebridean Way you first need to get to the island of Barra, which is actually the second island ... read more