Making Tracks Archives - Page 2 of 6

A Springtime Ramble in Suffolk {Photo Post}

March 19, 2014

After the beauty of my autumn ramble in Sussex I looked forward to the chance to explore more parts of the countryside again in spring. England has been bathed in some beautiful sunshine in the last couple of weeks, and it seems that spring is really here, with blossom on the trees and daffodils popping up everywhere. It’s quite a weird feeling – I almost feel that I have been cheated by having a mild winter, but at the same time I’m quite happy about that!

Kate, Gin and I went up to Ipswich to stay with Kate’s uncle and auntie, and watch their theatre company’s brilliant production of The Threepenny Opera which is about to go on tour. The next day her auntie Sarah took us for a lovely ramble along the River Orwell where we encountered loads of happy walkers, even happier dogs, and the occasional lamb – bliss! It was a great reminder of how easy it is to get totally away from London – and the perfect #take12trips escape for March.

Springtime Ramble, Suffolk

Not a cloud in the sky – magic!

Springtime Ramble, Suffolk

What are your plans for the new season?

Dragon Hunting in London

March 17, 2014

It was another beautiful day in the city of London and Nicole and I were going dragon hunting.

We weren’t looking for just any run of the mill, sighted all over town, dragons either. The dragons we sought were the Guardians of the City of London. I had read that statues now stood at the location of all of the original gates to the city, and I was determined to track them all down. With the help of this map we set off on our quest.

Dragon Hunt, London

Our first dragon encounter was at the Victoria Embankment, on the western border of the City of London. Did you know that the City of London is different from London itself? The City, or Square Mile, is the area that was settled from Roman times through to the Medieval Ages, and it is still a self-governing area run by the City of London corporation. The dragons are positioned at major entrances to the City, facing outwards like all good guardians should. The pair at the Victoria Embankment are the originals, first erected in 1849.

Dragon Hunt, London

The next dragon is located next to the beautiful Royal Courts of Justice, and is a wilder-looking beastie than the more traditional Victoria pair.

Dragon Hunt, London

I walk past the small dragons in Holborn most days, as they are located next to the Chancery Lane Underground station, although one is currently quite hidden in scaffolding. Now that I know where they are, I spot them every time!

Dragon Hunt, London

The Farringdon dragon is another one I walk past quite often on my way to work, and it isn’t alone in the area – Holborn Viaduct is positively crawling with dragons!

Dragon Hunt, London

Around the Barbican, we spotted our fifth dragon, and also decided we needed to get a wriggle on if we wanted to make it to all ten before night-fall. What else to do but hop on the modern chariot – Boris Bikes?! I love cycling through the city on the weekend, when it is comparatively quiet and stress-free.

Dragon Hunt, London

It was just as well we’d had that boost when we got to Moorgate and made the devastating discovery that due to roadworks, the dragon was not currently in residence. Please excuse the unexciting nature of this photo and imagine a magnificent specimen instead… Like the Bishopsgate or Aldgate Dragons!

Dragon Hunt, London

Gutting…

Dragon Hunt, London

Cheered up by the Bishopsgate Dragon

Dragon Hunt, London

We came across a bonus dragon by the Tower of London which seems to be in an authentic location… as every good explorer knows, sometimes you need to leave the map behind. We got back on track with the London Bridge dragons.

Dragon Hunt, London

As we reached Blackfriar Bridge and our last dragons, dusk was approaching. We were two very happy London explorers, and I strongly encourage you to take your own quest for a unique way of seeing the City!

Dragon Hunt, London

What’s the most unusual way you’ve chosen to explore a city?

Linking up for Travel Tuesday!

(Almost) Climbing Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

February 12, 2014

Arthur’s Seat towers over Edinburgh, and was one of the features of the city that I’d heard of well before I stepped off the train from London. I was determined to climb it, and when the day dawned bright, Kate, Sarah-Rose and I seized the opportunity. In our boots and wellies, we set off up the hill. Seasoned New Zealand trampers, we figured we’d knock off the 251m peak in no time.

The view of Arthur’s Seat from Edinburgh Castle

The Palace of Holyrood

The views over Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and out to sea were beautiful, and well worth the slightly slippery climb up the grassy muddy paths. We reached a peak and admired the panorama from our craggy seats.

Unfortunately, it was about this point that we realised we had not, in fact, climbed up Arthur’s Seat… but the Salisbury Crags, which are part of the same group of hills, but unfortunately a bit separate. To climb up to the Seat would require a descent almost down to sea level, and then a steeper hike up. With the chilly wind buffeting us and the sun rapidly dropping, we decided to save something for our next visit. Arthur’s Seat – we’ll be back!

For more on our time in Edinburgh, check out these posts. Helpful information on how to actually climb Arthur’s Seat is here on the Walk Highlands website.

Have you ever climbed Arthur’s Seat – or Salisbury Crags instead!?

Footprints on An Autumn Ramble {Photo Post}

January 15, 2014

To ramble – to take a walk for pleasure in the countryside

Balcombe, England

Letterbox, Balcombe, England

Holly, Balcombe, England

Japanese Garden, Balcombe, England

Letterbox, Balcombe, England

Rambling, Balcombe, England

Balcombe, England

We rambled (or tramped if you’re Kiwi, or hiked if you’re American!) on the public paths in West Sussex in mid-November. The route we took was one from the Walking Club website here, although there were a few ‘variations’ along the way!

Have you taken a ramble in England?

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