When I started out on this journey, I wasn’t sure what the end result would be. The original plan was to post every couple of days, documenting each visit, each site, each town/village. The idea of a YouTube channel was developing as I prepared to set off.
However, this was not to be……..
The beginning of an idea
How about writing a book? It’s not as if I haven’t been writing for the last seven years! Picture books are expensive to produce. I am paying for everything myself. What about posting pictures and videos of my journey just before, or around the release date?
Brilliant!
Hay-On-Wye
The weather was so lovely in May last year. What a bonus to be away during this time. No worries about wondering what to do all day. The weather allowed me to see as much of Hay as possible.
The Wirral
One of the best parts of The Wirral was West Kirby. This was taken on a beautiful day, when the tide was out, and yes, you can walk across. However, I followed a family who had checked the tide times, just in case.
On the King Charles III Walkway from Thurstaston to West Kirby.
The view across the water at West Kirby.
Glasson Dock, Lancashire
This was my opportunity to do my first pub stopover. The Dalton Arms in Glasson Dock is lovely, the area quite scenic if you take a stroll just beyond the village.
Lots of history here and a real sense of community. It felt welcoming from the arrival until my departure.
Meathop, Grange Over Sands
A pretty place, although mostly occupied by older people wishing for a slower pace……
This is the view from The Hampsfell Hospice.
Scafell Pike
An amazing feat, for me. Never climbed a mountain before. Felt so proud of myself for doing it, even though I’d messed up the day before…….
Wast Water Lake
Such a stunning place. Follow my journey in my book ‘How Did I Get Here‘ to find out more about my encounter with England’s deepest lake……
Ritson’s Force
A stunning backdrop. My first waterfall.
Annan
Scenic and quiet, with a lot of history.
Stranraer
New England Bay at Port Logan was beautiful. Not a lot to do apart from walking but a stunning coastline nevertheless.
Ayr
It was amazing weather. The town itself did not have much appeal for me but the coastline is beautiful.
North Ledaig, Nr. Oban
You can understand why I chose this picture for my book cover. Ardmucknish Bay took my breath away.
Isle of Mull
Before embarking the ferry, my purchase from the Oban Seafood Hut satisfied my hunger pangs before the crossing over to Mull.
The Mishnish at the harbour front In Tobermory.
Linnhe Lochside, Fort William
The holiday park is not somewhere for me to return to, an opinion supported by someone else on my travels. But one cannot dismiss the amazing view.
Isle Of Skye
Glenbrittle Loch
The campsite and café are situated just behind the beach.
My first walk on Skye which took me above the beach at Glenbrittle. The ‘streams’ were impassible in places.
The Fairy Pools Skye
The pools were so beautiful, people jumping in further up. An iconic landmark not to be missed.
Applecross Campsite
It was a blustery walk over the beach. Not somewhere to imagine swimming, yet it blew the cobwebs away!
The Lost Path behind Applecross beach with the stag staring down at me.
My birthday starting at Applecross and ending at Sands Bay.
Sango Sands, Durness
Dunnet Bay
By far (and I’m not referring to the distance) this must be one of my favourite spots.
I passed this small harbour on my way to Dunnet Head. A little too steep for me to descend what with the ten mile walk.
The most northerly point on the UK mainland – Dunnet Head lighthouse stands proud.
Brora
Brora beach provided a lovely walk and the weather improved on the second day.
Culloden Moor
So many lives lost at the Battle of Culloden, 16th April 1746.
Peterhead
Just because the campsite was a little rowdy, the area still interested me.
Stonehaven Beach
The view from above the harbour at Stonehaven.
Balbirnie
Such a big country park. I made the most of the beautiful surroundings, walking or running each day of my stay.
Falkland Palace
Edinburgh
My tour almost at the end. Edinburgh was great. I saw much more of it than I did thirty years ago!
Southerness
Wast Water Lake (again)
You cannot dismiss this stunning location. I have so many pictures, here is another one to share with you……
Final Thoughts
If someone had told me that removing myself from my current situation, packing up, and travelling, was the best way forward, then I would have done it a long time ago.
I’m not completely there, and may never be, but I’m in a much better place than when I first started out.
Please remember that what is written is based ONLY on my own personal experience and should not be used as sole research if you are planning to visit any of these destinations. Be particularly mindful that climbing a mountain requires preparation and official guides (National Trust) should be consulted before considering such a venture. Please also DO NOT think that just because I managed to navigate the lake, that it was safe to do that. It wasn’t!
See my disclaimer on my homepage for more information.
