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Jumat, 04 Juni 2010

Isle of Skye trip

We had a brilliant time in Skye. The weather was pretty awful the first couple of days (we stayed in our tent for almost the whole of the first full day due to persistent rain), though it did improve much later on (I've even got a nice tan now - many thought we went to some old people's resort in Spain instead). We did one walk - a 15 miler from our campsite in Sligachan to Sgurr Na Stri, where we witnessed, what we think anyway, is the most brilliant view in the British Isles. The sky was clearing, allowing us to appreciate the majectic wonders of the Black Cuillin ridge.

The rest of the time was devoted to exploring the island (we did walk about 5 miles around the Storr, though not to the summit).

Also would like to take the opportunity to say thanks to Gus of Highland Experience Tours for giving us a lift from Kilt Rock to Portree when it became clear that our bus was late. Also a quick hi to Dirk Werges, whom we had a long chat (about camping, walking, cycling and German ales) in the laundry room of Sligachan campsite. Dirk is from Germany and is touring the whole of Scotland for three months on a bicycle. Good luck and enjoy!

Finally, a big thank you to Nationa Rail/London Underground for suggesting us to take the St. Albans to St. Pancras International First Capital Connect railway service, get off at Kentish Town and taking the Tube to London Euston. Thank you for wasting our time and causing us to panic slightly as we found out that the Kentish Town Tube station was closed and would only open at 5:30pm, 9 minutes before our train service to Glasgow departs. We had to pay extra to take the bus (despite having valid Tube tickets) because we didn't want to be late.

What a moronic way to start a trip. Fortunately no such stupidity with Virgin Trains and the Citylink coach we took from Glasgow to Sligachan, Skye.

Pictures available here.

Isle of Skye trip

What a moronic way to start a trip. Fortunately no such stupidity with Virgin Trains and the Citylink coach we took from Glasgow to Sligachan, Skye.

Pictures available here.

Kamis, 22 April 2010

Off to the Isle of Skye... next month

Will be going on a walking camping break in the Isle of Skye next month for about a week. Very excited. Bought a new Vango Tempest 300 tent, which we just couldn't wait to use. The extra space would certainly come in handy.

We are planning to summit one or two Munros/Corbetts on the Cuillin, do the Storr and maybe one or two circuits. Obviously it will depend on how the weather goes, though I am not going to count on it. It isn't called the Misty Isle for nothing! Planning on camping at Sligachan for a couple of nights before moving on to Portree. Any tips or suggestions would certainly be helpful! You can e-mail me direct using the e-mail address posted on the right ->

Now look what I did there, a post that isn't a review or a rant!

Off to the Isle of Skye... next month

Minggu, 21 Maret 2010

Snowdonia trip

We were at Snowdonia for a couple of days. Walked up Moel Siabod on the first day and were rewarded with (almost) clear view of the Snowdon massif, the Glyderau and the Carneddau range. The walk was a quiet one (we only met one other walker later on) and we had the summit to ourself the whole half an hour we were up there (having lunch). The weather otherwise was pretty awful (60mph winds, 70mph gusts), which made it a pretty nerving experience when descending the mountain. The rain didn't help either.

Also did a couple of small walks around Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert and Porthmadog the next day, where we had to hitch two separate rides (thanks!) in order to return to our hostel in Capel Curig. We were planning to head up Tryfan on the final day, but due to the weather we decided to just leave it until the next time we return.

The trip did expose how unfit I've allowed myself to get into since my Lewes to Eastbourne via the South Downs Way walk back in September. As spring is here, am really looking forward to more hillwalking excursions.

Snowdonia trip

Minggu, 06 September 2009

Lewes to Eastbourne via South Downs Way

Did a walk yesterday from Lewes to Eastbourne via the South Downs Way. The weather was brilliant for most of the day - warm with light breeze and clear sky, until later in the afternoon.

Normally most people who start at Eastbourne, but I was planning on ending there to catch the sunset at Beachy Head (plus there are more trains from Eastbourne back to London). Alas, I arrived at Beachy Head at 4.30 pm. Not really looking forward to waiting a couple of hours for the sunset, I decided to leg it to Eastbourne to catch the earlier train. Just as well as it was getting colder and the clouds were kinda ruining the view...

The route itself is straight forward and well marked. The hills can get windy at times and there are no trees to shelter from rain or the sun. You can begin at Southease (saving you a couple of miles as the railway station is right on the South Downs Way) or Glynde. I chose to start at Lewes because I didn't want to wait half and hour for the train to either stations.

At Alfriston, the South Downs Way divides with one taking you to Exceat (and Seven Sisters) via the Vanguard Way and another through Jevington and the Long Man of Wilmington. Both routes will end at Eastbourne, with the coastal route (Seven Sisters and Beachy Head) a couple of miles longer. This route is actually more scenic and worth the extra couple of miles on your precious knees.

Distance: 23.5 miles (37.8 km)
Height gain: 3862 feet