Monthly Archives: February 2013

Walks And Walking – Spring Walks In Snowdrop Gardens

Walks And Walking – Spring Walks In Snowdrop Gardens

Whilst we await the splendour of the bluebell there is the pure white of the snowdrop to keep us entertained as the winter weather clears and spring arrives. When I was looking for places to visit over the next few weeks in the pursuit of the snowdrop I found this really interesting article on the Saga Magazine facebook page.

Walks And Walking - Spring Walks In Snowdrop Gardens

Walks And Walking – Spring Walks In Snowdrop Gardens

Snowdrops are a seasonal show that grows more spectacular by the year, witnessed by an ever-growing fan club of Galanthophiles – after the flower’s scientific name Galanthus – won over by wonderful displays in gardens and woodlands across the UK. Wherever you live, there’s certain to be an open garden or place to visit nearby, which has its own snowdrop spectacular to offer – and you’ll be dazzled by the displays.

East Lambrook Manor, in Somerset, has been the site of a new snowdrop discovery, galanthus ‘Sir Henry B-C’. The snowdrop was named ‘Sir Henry B-C’ after Sir Henry Boyd-Carpenter who was Margery Fish’s nephew and who spent much of his childhood growing up at East Lambrook Manor. The gardens were created by the British garden icon, Margery Fish in the 1950s, who popularised snowdrops and made the general public aware of their immense beauty and variety. Since then, East Lambrook Manor has become a site of pilgrimage for snowdrop enthusiasts from all over the world.

Find the full article in Saga Gardening here.

For more days out in the UK to find snowdrops you can also visit and join the National Trust.

Essex Walks – Epping Forest Fallow Deer Upshire Video

Essex Walks – Epping Forest Fallow Deer Upshire Video

This was more of a gentle stroll rather than a proper walking route. We made the quick drive up to Epping Forest and parked the car in Upshire walking through the woods in to the fields that surround the area known as The Selvage near to Copped Hall. We then followed the deer tracks through the woodland until Copped Hall came in to view and then found a group of about twenty of the Epping Forest Fallow Deers.

Essex Walks – Epping Forest Fallow Deer Upshire Video - Copped Hall

Essex Walks – Epping Forest Fallow Deer Upshire Video – Copped Hall

Essex Walks – Epping Forest Fallow Deer Upshire Video - Fallow Deers

Essex Walks – Epping Forest Fallow Deer Upshire Video – Fallow Deers

I just managed to get a short video of the deer before they wandered off, mainly due to Tedi shouting at them but we did manage to get fairly close. I have done quite a few walks in the Upshire and Copped Hall area but today was more about seeing how far Tedi could walk so I can start planning more adventures for him in Epping Forest again soon. He was able to walk for at least an hour before I had to pick him up and carry him the rest of the way and he really enjoyed it, especially the muddy puddles and streams.

Essex Walks – Epping Forest Fallow Deer Upshire Video

Essex Walks – Epping Forest Fallow Deer Upshire Video

Walks And Walking – The Great South West Walk 2013

Walks And Walking – The Great South West Walk 2013.

I absolutely love the walks along the South West Coast Path and this year the South West Coast Path Association is welcoming people to take part in a special event to celebrate their 40th anniversary this Spring -“The Great South West Walk 2013 – putting 40 years of love back into the Coast Path!”  The aim is to raise funds for small but significant improvement projects, over and above general maintenance of the path, throughout the route of the South West Coast Path in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

Walks And Walking - The Great South West Walk 2013 - Durdle Door Dorset

Walks And Walking – The Great South West Walk 2013 – Durdle Door Dorset

The Great South West Walk 2013 event in April/May aims to encourage walkers to take part in a series of sponsored walks which have been broken down into 56 legs and will be done in relay to cover the entire 630 mile path. Meeting with a birthday party at Land’s End on 7th May 2013, the South coast series starts at Poole on 3rd April, with the North coast series starting at Minehead on 16th April. Each leg will be guided by local experts, rangers and path wardens, who are all assisting the SWCPA with this event.

Walkers joining the anniversary event will be asked to try to raise sponsorship, with every pound making a difference, so that further funding can be levered from relevant organisations via matched giving. Brian Panton, Chairman of the South West Coast Path Association explains:

“We want as many people as possible to take part. People can take part in a half day or full day walk, through to a number of legs over several days, building a walking holiday. Whether people are walking long or short distances, coming from near or far, we hope that thousands of people will take part to support this spectacular coast line. More information about each leg of the walk, the dates and the corresponding improvement project is on our website.”

Walks And Walking - The Great South West Walk 2013 - Lantivet

Walks And Walking – The Great South West Walk 2013 – Lantivet

Through individual sponsorship, grants, corporate sponsorship and matched giving, the target is to raise £250,000. This will enable over 50 improvement projects spread along the route of the entire path to be completed during 2013. These projects have all been selected to enhance the experience and enjoyment of walkers using the path. From locals to visitors, dog walkers to family outings, hill climbers to gentle strollers – the South West Coast Path is enjoyed by many. It is used for recreation and business, is vital for the economy, whilst providing a tool for a range of charities to raise funds.

It is a unique part of our heritage and it needs help. So please get involved with the Great South West Walk and help put some love back into the Coast Path! A large number of countryside organisations are supporting the event including the South West Coast Path Team, the National Trust, County Councils and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Teams, along with local walking groups and numerous tourism businesses.

Walks And Walking - The Great South West Walk 2013

Walks And Walking – The Great South West Walk 2013

Walkers need to register by 4th March for The Great South West Walk 2013

For more information, or to sign up to take part, please visit here, or contact the SWCPA on 01752 896237.

You can also find more stunning photographs of the South West Coast Path Team’s photostream here and follow them on twitter here.

 

Walks And Walking – National Trust Spring Walks

Walks And Walking – National Trust Spring Walks

It will soon be the time when most walkers will be out hunting for the hyacinthoides non-scripta, or as it is known in English the bluebell. The bluebell is traditionally found in the more ancient woodlands where it produces a delightful carpet of violet–blue flowers in “bluebell woods”, which are actually protected under UK law.

I normally visit Epping Forest when it is bluebell time of year, traditionally in the Spring between late March to May, and my favourite place to go for a bluebell walk is Gilwell Park. Here is a list of the best National Trust Spring Walks in Bluebell Woods and places to visit that I found on their website, with some useful links to their visitor information pages  or social media accounts.

Walks And Walking - National Trust Spring Walks

Walks And Walking – National Trust Spring Walks

Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood – Essex

This National Trust commonland consists of heathland, gorse and coppice that adjoins the ancient Epping Forest woodlands, where the bluebells are left to flourish in the Springtime. Blakes Wood includes streams, valleys, mature oak and chestnut and coppiced hornbeam. Danbury Common is a well maintained nature reserve leased to the Essex Wildlife trust. You can find out more about them here.

Ashridge Estate – Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire

This National Trust countryside estate is on the Chiltern Hills on the borders of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. There are several thousand hectares of woodlands, commons and chalk downs to explore with plenty of wildlife available to spot when walking. There’s a great video on their website here and you can follow the Ashridge Estate on twitter here.

Leigh Woods – Bristol

This National Trust bluebell wood can be found on a plateau just above the Avon Gorge in Bristol with designated pathways that lead you right to the spot. There are many other walking routes available with fabulous views out across the city and famous suspension bridge. You can find Leigh Woods on facebook here.

Lanhydrock – Cornwall

This National Trust estate is found in one of my favourite places to walk, Bodmin in Cornwall, and covers a thousand acres of parkland, woods and riverside pathways. There are various walking routes available with walking guides available from Lanyydrock’s reception area. For more visitor information and pictures go here.

Interested in joining the National Trust and finding more National Trust Spring Walks? For membership and the latest shop offers please visit this page.

Do you know a great place to visit blubells? Why not add a comment below and let everyone know.

General Walking Tips

General Walking Tips And Advice

For those of us that spend a lot of time in the outdoors we understand the importance of having the right walking clothes at the right time.

Keep to light, loose fitting trousers, or shorts if it’s warm enough. This will allow you much more space to move, whether it be clambering through a forest or woodland walk trying to tackles those tricky stiles or big farmyard gates that are too heavy to open, requiring you to climb over. After an embracing and invigorating walk it is also important to keep your muscles warm so having a good fleece to hand is highly recommendable with many of the new microfleeces are all about warmth without the weight.

Not only is walking an activity that is good for your health but it also gives you a fantastic opportunity get closer with nature, breathe in fresh air and take in the stunning scenery of the outdoors. While a few hours walk takes minimum effort and planning, if you’re serious about walking you’ll want to take longer and more exhilarating explorations. For these more demanding walking routes you’ll need some preparation, training and to be fit.

Cotton clothing for walking should be avoided. Quick drying, breathable nylon walking clothing that wicks moisture away from your body is ideal in the spring and summer with layers of fleece for layers of warmth in the autumn and winter. Always carry a waterproof jacket that is also windproof to help you cope with the interchangeable weather in the UK.

Always enjoy your walks and if you would like to find out where to go walking then visit Walks And Walking.

Walks And Walking – Jane Tomlinson Peak District Walk April 2013

Walks And Walking – Jane Tomlinson’s Peak District Walk 28th April 2013

With less than three months to go, walkers of all abilities are preparing to tackle this year’s picture perfect Jane Tomlinson’s Peak District Walk which is on course to raise much-needed cash for deserving causes. The event on Sunday 28th April includes three different routes – the 25-mile Dambuster, the 14-mile Hope and Glory and 5-mile Mini Trekker.

Organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Walk For All, the event is back for a second year after a hugely-successful 2012 debut in which around 1,000 people took part.

Walks And Walking - Jane Tomlinson Peak District Walk April 2013 - Peaks 1

Walks And Walking – Jane Tomlinson Peak District Walk April 2013 – Peaks 1

Hundreds have already signed up for this Spring’s event which is one of the centrepieces of Walk for All’s new Wake Up To Walking campaign – a new drive to encourage people to discover the wonderful walking routes of the great outdoors in a fun and safe environment.

The scenic courses will take walkers past spectacular sights including the Ladybower Reservoir, the Edale Valley, Jacobs Ladder, The Lord’s Seat and Mam Tor, and will again take place during the popular Peak District Walking & Outdoor Festival.

Sara Birkinshaw, Walk For All’s events director, said: “We were delighted with the success of last year’s Peak District Walk and lots of people are already looking forward to this year’s event – we’ve had entries from couples and individuals right up to whole families and teams of work colleagues.

“With walks ranging from 5 miles to 25 miles, there is a route to suit all abilities and everyone can enjoy the stunning scenery of this wonderful national park. It is really encouraging that so many people are showing such enthusiasm for this year’s walk and it should be a fantastic day.”

Walks And Walking - Jane Tomlinson Peak District Walk April 2013 - Peaks 2

Walks And Walking – Jane Tomlinson Peak District Walk April 2013 – Peaks 2

Proceeds walk entry fees will go to Jane Tomlinson Appeal – the legacy set up in the name of the inspirational fundraiser and campaigner of the same name. Walkers are encouraged, however, to choose to raise money for one of the Walk’s partner charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Edale Mountain Rescue, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, the Breast Cancer Campaign, Diabetes UK, Heart Research UK, the RSPCA,
Sheffield Hospitals, Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

The Peak District Walk is once again being staged with the support of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, and is supported by Northern Rail, the Yorkshire Post, the Peak District National Park Authority and Magic FM.

To sign up for the Peak District Walk click here. Entry fees range from £8 to £20.

Walks And Walking - Jane Tomlinson Peak District Walk April 2013

Walks And Walking – Jane Tomlinson Peak District Walk April 2013

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route

It has been months since I have been able to make the short trip up to Epping Forest because of all the rain, snow and family commitments but with the weather and my diary finally clear I jumped on the tube and made my way up to Theydon Bois.

Since I received the Epping Forest Focus Spring 2013 newsletter I have been itching to do their new Gifford Wood Appeal walking route. ‘A circular walk crossing both Forest and Buffer Land, including the latest addition to Epping Forest, Gifford Wood.’ As the starting point was in Lodge Road, and with no lift or use of the car, I decided to start the walk at Theydon Bois London Underground Station and turn their 5 mile walking route into a 10 mile one.

From Theydon Bois tube I walked out of the station and turned right all the way up the B172 road to the Sixteen String Jack pub keeping to the right hand side of the road just passed Birch Hall Road where I then cut through the forest on my right hand side to join a path. I then turned left up this main track until I reached a car park on my left hand side where I kept straight ahead to the next car park at Jack’s Hill.

Walks And Walking - Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route - Jacks Hill

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route – Jacks Hill

Where the main track goes right I walked straight ahead following a narrower path that zig-zagged across the rough land until I reached Epping Road where I turned right and walked along for a short while before turning left into Lodge Road and the start of the Gifford Wood Appeal walking route.

Here are the instructions for the walk from the Epping Forest Spring 2013 newsletter, which you can find here.

Walks And Walking - Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route Map

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route Map

Starting from Lodge Road car park, walk down the closed road towards the Lodge Road gates at Copped Hall.

1. At the end of the road, cross Crown Hill Road and enter Copped Hall Estate via the pedestrian gate to the left of the
main vehicular access gates. Continue along the track through Warren Plantation and cross the motorway bridge.

2. On the other side of the motorway there is a small conifer plantation. At the end of it turn left and follow it along to
where it meets a hedge.

3. Bear right from the hedge and follow the wheel marks which lead to the far corner of the hill, providing great views of
Copped Hall.

Walks And Walking - Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route - Copped Hall

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route – Copped Hall

4. In the corner of the field there is a narrow track, only about 50m (55 yds.) long, which leads onto a surfaced road. Turn left and pass through the gate, continue along the track to the left and head up to Long Street.

5. Here turn left and continue to the end of the road, bearing left once again into Fernhall Lane and up to the main road. Then turn right and follow the verge until it opens up – look for a small kissing gate on the right, go through it to enter Warlies Park.

Walks And Walking - Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route - Warlies House

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route – Warlies House

6. Head downhill towards Warlies House and go through the gate past the front of the house. Exit the field through the kissing gate adjacent to the private access road. Turn left for approximately 150m to the Upshire Road, cross over onto Sergeants Green and head left along the unmade track.

7. To the left and right of the track are the three fields recently acquired by the City of London and now added to Epping Forest and where you can find Gifford Wood.

8. Follow the track past the cottages, after around 180m the track joins another bridleway. Turn right and follow the track uphill bearing left at the top, running parallel to the M25, turn right at the end and cross the motorway.9. Follow the track past two bungalows and then at the corner take the left branch. Follow the track past two bungalows and then at the corner take the left branch along the track to the bottom, dog legging left then right. The path then heads up towards the Forest. Where the path reaches the Forest there is a posted ride which continues uphill onto the surfaced ride, turn left and follow the ride back to the car park at Lodge Road.

Walks And Walking - Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route - Fallow Deer

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route – Fallow Deer

I then retraced my steps back to the Sixteen String Jack pub and crossed over the road to the track by Birch Hall Farm where I popped by the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary and took some pictures. After a few great close up shots I walked back down to Theydon Bois tube station after a very enjoyable 10 miles, taking me just just over 3 and a half hours to complete.