The Yellow Bus’ door closed and it accelerated off before I could figure out if that was the stop I needed. I looked at the brochure and my map amid high-speed twists and turns. Yeah, I probably should have got off at that stop, I realised. Oh well, final stop it was then – the … Continue reading Volcano number 16: The sublime crater lake volcano
Travel
Volcano number 15: The not-what-it-was-supposed-to-be volcano
“I guess I should be grateful that I’m actually on my way to see a volcano,” I thought as the ‘Yellow Bus’ hurtled through the Azorean countryside, passing fields of maize and languid dairy cows. It had almost been a no-volcano day after a caffeine-deficient, panic-fuelled morning. I’d arrived in the Azores – the volcanic … Continue reading Volcano number 15: The not-what-it-was-supposed-to-be volcano
Adventure alert: I’m going to solo walk the length of New Zealand
I’m saying it, it’s out there – starting in November, I’m going to solo walk the 3,000km Te Araroa trail down the length of New Zealand. Yip, you heard right. New Zealand, Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud. Lots of walking. The thru-hike (or through-tramp as it’s known in kiwi land) will take around … Continue reading Adventure alert: I’m going to solo walk the length of New Zealand
Volcanoes number 13 and 14: The train strike volcanoes
It had been an awesome three days in the Auvergne region in France walking a section of the GR400 route and climbing volcanoes. In three days we had hoped to climb four volcanic peaks as part of my #40by40 quest to climb 40 volcanoes by the age of 40 but we’d only been able to … Continue reading Volcanoes number 13 and 14: The train strike volcanoes
Volcano number 12: The last-minute volcano
After a wet day with thoroughly uninviting views, we awoke in the little French town of Mandailles to what promised to be better weather. There were pockets of blue in the sky (hurrah!) and while the tops of the higher mountains were still shrouded in cloud it looked like it was only lingering like a … Continue reading Volcano number 12: The last-minute volcano
Volcanoes number 10 and 11: The thunderstorm volcanoes
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – what a difference a day makes. We’d started out on our trek along a section of the GR400 in the Auvergne region in France in the presence of azure skies and a scorching heat. The mission: three days to climb four volcanic peaks of Europe’s … Continue reading Volcanoes number 10 and 11: The thunderstorm volcanoes
Volcano update
Yes, I know, I’ve been a bit quiet on the volcano front. That’s mainly because it’s been, shall we say – slow. Last year’s grand adventure plans were put to the side after I decided it was in my best interests to apply for British citizenship, meaning I technically couldn’t travel – or book travel … Continue reading Volcano update
The search for Devil’s Kitchen
This path looked different in the daylight. It looked different going up instead of down too. For starters, it seemed much steeper. My heavy breathing and visible sweating despite the cold temperatures was testament to that. Also, there seemed to be a jolly lot of boulders, cold and slippery, that we were having to clamber … Continue reading The search for Devil’s Kitchen
4 reasons I love Snowdonia
There is nothing like getting out of the big city and into the countryside – goodbye car exhausts and concrete jungle, hello fresh air, mountains and adventure. Getting away from the noise and bright lights and reconnecting with nature is one of my favourite ways to de-stress and reboot. And what better place to do … Continue reading 4 reasons I love Snowdonia
Ultimate beginner’s guide to walking the Cheviot Hills
Things to know for walking newbies venturing into Northumberland National Park The Cheviot Hills of England’s Northumberland National Park are a dramatically desolate landscape, born out of ancient volcanic activity some 350-400 million years ago when two continents (what is now Scotland and what is now England) collided. Melancholy yet romantic, these slopes, summits and … Continue reading Ultimate beginner’s guide to walking the Cheviot Hills