Walking, photographing and enjoying the outdoor life. Most walks are along the Wales Coastal Path but some are on Nature Reserves, around Country House estates and others are just walks in the countryside. During this time of uncertainty in lockdown due to the Coronavirus, I am unable to walk away from home. Therefore, walking the Welsh Coastal Path will be on hold. I have, however, a stock of outings to houses and gardens that I visited last year.

See the Lockdown walks for for further information

The fourth of these is Castle Howard

At the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors sits Castle Howard the ancestral home of the Howard family since it was built in early 18^th century. It has been lovingly renovated and restored so that visitors can enjoy its beauty. The manor house is set in extensive grounds with grass terraces, woodland trails and waterside paths meandering around it. The estate is studded with statues, temples, lakes and fountains with a backdrop of sweeping countryside views. It will take you some time to visit all the areas, but the Walled Garden and House tours are not to be missed. In 1940 during WWII the house was devasted by fire and the iconic dome, unique among country homes, was destroyed. The restoration was true to Vanbrugh’s original designs. Castle Howard is also the setting for “Brideshead Revisited” an epic story by Evelyn Waugh of the fictional Flyte family, with a series and a film being made there. If you have time, The Temple of the Four Winds, The Mausoleum and Ray Wood are also of interest.

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There are plenty of walks available. Check them out on “This is My Travelogue” and read the ones you are interested in. All walks can be found under the drop-down heading WALKS. Photographs of all walks can be found under the drop-down heading PHOTO GALLERY. Mainly the flora and fauna. If you want to find out more about me and summaries of all the walks can be found under the drop-down heading THIS IS MY TRAVELOGUE Look for the three lines to access the dropdown headings, then click.

Walking, photographing and enjoying the outdoor life. Most walks are along the Wales Coastal Path but some are on Nature Reserves, around Country House estates and others are just walks in the countryside.

During this time of uncertainty in lockdown due to the Coronavirus, I am unable to walk away from home. Therefore, walking the Welsh Coastal Path will be on hold. I have, however, a stock of outings to houses and gardens that I visited last year.

See the Lockdown walks for for further information

The third of these is Newby Hall and Gardens.

Near Ripon is a lovely Queen Anne style house with extensive gardens. The hall has been in the Compton family since 1748 and faithfully restored to the neo-classical design of Robert Adam. The rooms are adorned with Axminster carpets, Chippendale furniture, Japanese lacquered cabinets, Wedgewood and Minton china,  “souvenirs” from their Grand Tours of the 18^th and 19^th centuries, together with many portraits of their ancestors, painted by prominent painters of the day. The gardens are laid out in compartments with various themes and complementary plantings. Trees and shrubs together with fountains, streams, ponds, sculptures and other ephemera form the backbone of the garden. Colour and scent are supplied by the flowering plants, some rare, some architectural and others down right stunning. The herbaceous borders running between the house and the river are a wonderful riot of colour, from one season to another, while Sylvia’s Garden is planted with soft and subtle shades of plants to provide peace and relaxation. Throughout the garden are planted the National Collection of Cornus, over 100 Flowering Dogwoods. You will need a full day to discover the whole garden or a number of visits if you don’t want to rush, but savour each aspect to its maximum.

Click and Hover over photo for caption.

There are plenty of walks available. Check them out on “This is My Travelogue” and read the ones you are interested in.

All walks can be found under the drop-down heading WALKS.

Photographs of all walks can be found under the drop-down heading PHOTO GALLERY. Mainly the flora and fauna.

If you want to find out more about me and summaries of all the walks can be found under the drop-down heading THIS IS MY TRAVELOGUE

Look for the three lines to access the dropdown headings, then click.

Walking, photographing and enjoying the outdoor life. Most walks are along the Wales Coastal Path but some are on Nature Reserves, around Country House estates and others are just walks in the countryside.

During this time of uncertainty in lockdown due to the Coronavirus, I am unable to walk away from home. Therefore, walking the Welsh Coastal Path will be on hold. I have, however, a stock of outings to houses and gardens that I visited last year.

See the Lockdown walks for for further information

The second of these is Scampston Hall, the Park and Gardens.

This Garden is again set in rural North Yorkshire. It is the family home of the Legards. The house has been lovingly restored to its Regency period and displays many of its art treasures collected by the family. There are 80 acres of parkland / lakes designed by Capability Brown. Also, a Walled Garden designed by Piet Oudolf in 1999. It is a delight to see the house interior and to walk in the park and gardens. The experience provided many thought provoking vistas.

There are plenty of walks available. Check them out on “This is My Travelogue” and read the ones you are interested in.

All walks can be found under the drop-down heading WALKS.

Photographs of all walks can be found under the drop-down heading PHOTO GALLERY. Mainly the flora and fauna.

If you want to find out more about me and summaries of all the walks can be found under the drop-down heading THIS IS MY TRAVELOGUE

Look for the three lines to access the dropdown headings, then click.

Walking, photographing and enjoying the outdoor life. Most walks are along the Wales Coastal Path but some are on Nature Reserves, around Country House estates and others are just walks in the countryside.

During this time of uncertainty in lockdown due to the Coronavirus, I am unable to walk away from home. Therefore, walking the Welsh Coastal Path will be on hold. I have, however, a stock of outings to houses and gardens that I visited last year.

See the Lockdown walks for for further information

The first of these is RHS Harlow Carr.

This is a Royal Horticultural Society Garden set in rural North Yorkshire about a mile or so from Harrogate. It is a garden to inspire the amateur gardener, the nature lovers, and the plant enthusiasts. The 58-acre site is laid out into several diverse areas of interest, herbaceous borders, wildflower meadows, kitchen and scented gardens, an alpine zone, woodland and streamside walks and a teaching garden.

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There are plenty of walks available. Check them out on “This is My Travelogue” and read the ones you are interested in.

All walks can be found under the drop-down heading WALKS.

Photographs of all walks can be found under the drop-down heading PHOTO GALLERY. Mainly the flora and fauna.

If you want to find out more about me and summaries of all the walks can be found under the drop-down heading THIS IS MY TRAVELOGUE

Look for the three lines to access the dropdown headings, then click.

Walking, photographing and enjoying the outdoor life. Most walks are along the Wales Coastal Path but some are on Nature Reserves, around Country House estates and others are just walks in the countryside.

New Walk Added : 5/12/18

Here is a summary of the new walk:

Kenfig Pool (Circumnavigation)

    Our walk was completed at the end of summer. The changing aspects of the walk were a joy; from dunes to marsh, from dry sand and brightness to damp and darkness. A myriad of flora and fauna both colourful and drab presented itself. Of course the Pool or Lake is natural and despite local legends it is actually very shallow and does not contain any ancient buildings underneath it. It was not always in sight but when it appeared was magnificent with many wildfowl in attendence.

It’s also a great walk to do in winter, especially on a fine and crisp day. There are still plenty of plants to see and the Pool attracts a large number of over-wintering waterfowl.

There are plenty of walks available. Check them out on “This is My Travelogue” and read the ones you are interested in.

All walks can be found under the drop-down heading WALKS.

Photographs of all walks can be found under the drop-down heading PHOTO GALLERY. Mainly the flora and fauna.

If you want to find out more about me and summaries of all the walks can be found under the drop-down heading THIS IS MY TRAVELOGUE

Look for the three lines to access the dropdown headings, then click.

Walking, photographing and enjoying the outdoor life. Most walks are along the Wales Coastal Path but some are on Nature Reserves, around Country House estates and others are just walks in the countryside.

New Walk Added : 28/09/18

Here is a summary of the new walk:

Llanrhidian to Llanmadoc

This walk covers part of the tranquil north Gower coast, which is of a very different character to the busy and spectacular south Gower coast. The walk passes through a quiet and gentle landscape of fields, woodland and saltmarsh, passing an ancient church and a castle, with views across the  Loughor Estuary. On the adjacent marshland you will see  marsh ponies and the salt marsh sheep. The Estuary sometimes is lost from sight and is always a fair distance from the coastal path. The National Trust Nature Reserves at Cwm Ivy, Betty Church and Whiteford are inspirational for nature lovers, with their unique mix of flora and fauna.

There are plenty of walks available. Check them out on “This is My Travelogue” and read the ones you are interested in.

All walks can be found under the drop-down heading WALKS.

Photographs of all walks can be found under the drop-down heading PHOTO GALLERY. Mainly the flora and fauna.

If you want to find out more about me and summaries of all the walks can be found under the drop-down heading THIS IS MY TRAVELOGUE

Look for the three lines to access the dropdown headings, then click.

Walking, photographing and enjoying the outdoor life. Most walks are along the Wales Coastal Path but some are on Nature Reserves, around Country House estates and others are just walks in the countryside.

New Walk Added :11/08/2018

Here is a summary of the new walk:

Burry Port to Pembrey Country Park

 

The purpose-built cycle and walking path meanders parallel to the Lougher Estuary from the harbour in Burry Port to the outskirts of the Pembrey country Park. It is a very popular route and can be quite busy at times during the summer months. Avoiding cyclists is a continued obstacle if you are ogling the view. However, on the whole most cyclist alert you to their presence. It is a pleasant stroll with a number of different habitats and historical industrial sites, which are well publicised. The Country Park offers a good range of activities and facilities, with sites for camping.

There are plenty of walks available. Check them out on “This is My Travelogue” and read the ones you are interested in.

All walks can be found under the drop-down heading WALKS.

Photographs of all walks can be found under the drop-down heading PHOTO GALLERY. Mainly the flora and fauna.

If you want to find out more about me and summaries of all the walks can be found under the drop-down heading THIS IS MY TRAVELOGUE

Look for the three lines to access the dropdown headings, then click.

Walking, photographing and enjoying the outdoor life. Most walks are along the Wales Coastal Path but some are on Nature Reserves, around Country House estates and others are just walks in the countryside.

New Walk Added :20/7/2018

Here is a summary of the new walk:

Peterston Wentloog to Dyffryn Newport

 

A relatively flat days walking the majority of which is along a seawall. From the top of the seawall you will be faced with stunning views of the Somerset coast line across the channel. In the Channel you will see  Flat Holme and Steep Holme. Looking inland there are views of lowlands overshadowed by distant hills. The whole of the coast here is salt marsh and mud flats. This area is known as the Wentloog Levels, it is an outstanding site for bird watching. Nearing the end of the walk, which is no longer upon the seawall, the path follows the Ebbw River inland. Views of Newport docks, industrial complexes and the famous Tranporter Bridge can be seen.

There are some historical features, such as Peterston Gout and the West Usk Lighthouse along the track. A convenient watering hole, the Lighthouse Inn at St. Brides, would supply refreshment if required.

There are plenty of walks available. Check them out on “This is My Travelogue” and read the ones you are interested in.

All walks can be found under the drop-down heading WALKS.

Photographs of all walks can be found under the drop-down heading PHOTO GALLERY. Mainly the flora and fauna.

If you want to find out more about me and summaries of all the walks can be found under the drop-down heading THIS IS MY TRAVELOGUE

Look for the three lines to access the dropdown headings, then click.

 

Walking, photographing and enjoying the outdoor life. Most walks are along the Wales Coastal Path but some are on Nature Reserves, around Country House estates and others are just walks in the countryside.

New Walk Added : 6/12/2017

Here is a summary of the new walk:

Loughor Estuary Part 4:  Pwll to Burry Port

 

The Millennium Coastal Path (MCP), part of the Welsh Coastal Path (WPC), is a walk from Loughor to Burry Port and then on to Pembrey. This is the last section of my estuary walk, Pwll to Burry Port. Cutting the 15 miles walk, from Loughor to Burry Port, into sections has allowed more time for observations and reflections. It is a very walker friendly path attested to by the number of people using it.

A major section takes in the estuary with a varied display of sea birds. However, the meandering path also has woodland, small lakes and dunes, all with their own distinctive flora and fauna. At the end of the walk is a small marina and the dumpy Burry Port Lighthouse.

There are plenty of walks available. Check them out on “This is My Travelogue” and read the ones you are interested in.

All walks can be found under the drop-down heading WALKS.

Photographs of all walks can be found under the drop-down heading PHOTO GALLERY. Mainly the flora and fauna.

If you want to find out more about me and summaries of all the walks can be found under the drop-down heading THIS IS MY TRAVELOGUE

Look for the three lines to access the dropdown headings, then click.

 

Walking, photographing and enjoying the outdoor life. Most walks are along the Wales Coastal Path but some are on Nature Reserves, around Country House estates and others are just walks in the countryside.

New Walk Added : 23/11/2017

Here is a summary of the new walk:

Loughor Estuary Part 3: Machynys to Pwll – Llanelli by the Sea

Continuing along the Millenium Coastal Path through the Millenium Coastal Park. The path is still a delight to walk with its purpose built cycle and walk way. However, one needs to be always aware of speeding cyclists. This section was once a site of heavy industry but has been developed into a landscape of leisure and nature. Mud flats, both on the estuary and the rivers, leading towards it, were  dotted with birds. The whole walk was peppered with lakes, streams, sculptures and odd features. The Discovery Centre and the Pavilion Cafe offered sanctuary from the winds with opportunities for a comfort stop and sustenance. Alternative walks to the Sandy Water Park, Cefn Coed Padrig a wooded area and Llanelli Beach are accessible, although we just walked upon the Coastal Path with the occasional  forays up hills or mounds to look at the scenery which was sometimes obscured from view on the path.

There are plenty of walks available. Check them out on “This is My Travelogue” and read the ones you are interested in.

All walks can be found under the drop-down heading WALKS.

Photographs of all walks can be found under the drop-down heading PHOTO GALLERY.

If you want to find out more about me and summaries of all the walks can be found under the drop-down heading THIS IS MY TRAVELOGUE

Look for the three lines to access the dropdown headings, then click.