Walking Holidays in the UK

Lighting Up Hadrian�s Wall. What For?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:03:00 +0000

Our friends at Hadrian�s Wall Heritage may struggle to publish their annual bus timetable before June, but still find the time for the really important activities, like placing gas burners at 250m intervals along the entire length of the wall and lighting them. Really. It�s going to take place on 18 March.

Apparently this will create �something really quite extraordinary to bring to life Britain�s longest and greatest piece of heritage, and celebrate the landscape of Hadrian�s Wall Country� or so thinks Linda Tuttiete, Hadrian�s Wall Heritage�s Chief Exec.

Did someone say global warming?

HWH claim the event will generate �1m for the local economy. It�s difficult to see how. Optimistically we could expect maybe 1000 non local people to visit the area because of the event, and maybe half of those will stay the night, and a quarter the weekend. Allowing for �50 a night average B&B, �50 a person for eating out, and �30 spend each in local shops, we�re struggling to get to �150,000.

Locals turning out to see the spectacle could amount to a few thousands, but how much extra will they spend ? Maybe �10 each on average � so no more than another �50,0000, most of which would be spent in the local economy anyway.

So where�s the rest? Well I guess they would argue the awareness of the �Hadrian�s Wall Brand� has been raised. Maybe so � but by how much? Luckily for HWH, we can�t measure this, but to get anywhere near the �1m we�d need well over 2000 extra overnight visitors � just because they have seen the Wall with lights on it? Mmm.

The job in maintaining the Wall, maintaining and improving the National Trail is an important one the HWH the do reasonably well on limited resources . Without that, the tourism industry in the region would be dead. This is what HWH should be spending it�s �1m plus budget on.

Ensure the historic fabric of the wall and forts is maintained in first class order. Make sure the national trail is really well managed and maintained, through sensitive historical and environmental area. Improve the footpaths and bridleways linking the wall to the towns and villages along the way, (so often overlooked at the moment ). Develop facilities along the wall are fit for purpose, and really add to the visitor�s experience. That kind of sensitive, long term investment will result in a steady, long term growth in sustainable tourism � much better than a flash in the pan media circus measured in media exposure.

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:55:00 +0000

Somewhat belatedly, a few words and pictures on the floods that hit this part of the country last week. For those in the UK, the story is well know and received national news coverage. For those further afield � the fells received over 100mm over rain in 24 hrs, resulting in widespread flooding in Keswick and downstream in Cockermouth and Workington.

Here at Mickledore we are well above the river and emerged unscathed � although I did manage to kill my camera taking the pictures below � serves me right I suppose. In Keswick, around 100 houses were flooded � unfortunately the same ones which were flooded in January 2005. Downstream in Workington, and especially Cockermouth, the damage has been much worse.

Unfortunately for many if the flooded properties, flood insurance has been difficult to find after the last floods, and many had no cover. The Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund is collecting to help these people, and has raised over �600000 already. IF you wish to donate � sue the link.

In Keswick, the town has suffered from a lack of visitors � some out door businesses reporting a drop of 80% in takings. All the shops are open, and ready for you to shop!
Somewhat belatedly, a few words and pictures on the floods that hit this part of the country last week. For those in the

, the story is well know and received national news coverage. For those further afield � the fells received over 100mm over rain in 24 hrs, resulting in widespread flooding in Keswick and downstream in Cockermouth and Workington.

Here at Mickledore we are well above the river and emerged unscathed � although I did manage to kill my camera taking the pictures below � serves me right I suppose. In Keswick, around 100 houses were flooded � unfortunately the same ones which were flooded in January 2005. Downstream in Workington, and especially Cockermouth, the damage has been much worse.

Unfortunately for many if the flooded properties, flood insurance has been difficult to find after the last floods, and many had no cover. The Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund is collecting to help these people, and has raised over �600000 already. IF you wish to donate � sue the link.

In Keswick, the town has suffered from a lack of visitors � some out door businesses reporting a drop of 80% in takings. All the shops are open, and ready for you to shop!

Hadrian's Wall Walk � Sites Worth Seeing

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:35:00 +0000

For anyone considering a walking holiday on Hadrian�s Wall next year � there are a couple of sites I have come across lately which you might find interesting.

First up, an interview with David Glade, the Hadrian�s Wall National Trail Officer on Country Walking Magazine�s site, Live for the Outdoors. A bit of history on Hadrian�s Wall walk, and a few conservation tips for people on walking holidays along the wall. The quality�s a bit amateurish (could they not find a microphone holder?) but some useful information.

The second 2 sites are anything but amateurish � 2 websites of local photographers both worth great Hadrian�s Wall portfolios:

Roger Clegg, from Hexham, has recently won the Northumberland National Park Authority�s prize in the Landscape Photographer of the Year Competition, with a number of fine Hadrian�s Wall pho�s showcased on the Journal Live site . I particularly like Walltown Crags in the sunrise.

The second site is Joan Thirlaway�s After the Rain site , with a whole host of Hadrian�s Wall pictures, in a number themed galleries. Checkout the sunset at Crag Lough. It�s not often you get such glassy calm water in the evening.

St Oswald�s Way Walking Holidays on Radio 4

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:15:00 +0000

Clare Balding is currently reporting on her walking holiday along St Oswald�s Way, on Radio 4�s Rambling programme. (The episodes are availble online). St Oswald�s Way stretches Holy Island on the Lindisfarne Coast, down the Northumberland Coast Path as far as Warkworth, before heading inland the Rothbury, before skirting Simonside and heading South to finish along the Hadrian�s Wall Path.

It�s an interesting route , combining the spectacular, castle strewn Northumberland coast with the remote moorlands of inland Northumberland. We are keen to add this to the walking holidays we offer at Mickledore Travel � watch this space!

Walking Holiday Gift Vouchers

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:24:00 +0000

We are now offering gift vouchers for walking holidays and cycling trips for 2010. The gift vouchers have proved popular in previous years and, given how many of our walking holidays have already been booked for next year, we expect them to sell well again this year.

You can either buy a gift voucher for a specific walking holiday, such as the West Highland Way or the Coast to Coast, of buy a voucher for, say �100.00 to put towards any of our holidays.

We can post them directly to the recipient or the purchaser for hand delivery. Any questions � get in touch.

Haltwhistle Walking Festival Underway

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Haltwhistle 14th Walking Festival is running from 9th � 14th October. There are still some places left some of the walks this weekend � including 2 sections of the Hadrian�s Wall Path � from Housesteads on Sunday, and from Birdoswald to Haltwhistle on Saturday. Have a look at the website http://www.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org/ .

It�s a great way to get a taste for Hadrian�s Wall for those not wanting to commit to a full walking holiday.

The Cumberland News website also has more details:
�The autumn festival runs from October 9 to 18, and begins with a three-day Reiver walk through the wild �Debatable Lands� around the current border between England and Scotland.
The biennial festival began when a group of local walkers decided they wanted to share their favourite walking routes with others.
The walks leaders know the area well and are able to pass on local knowledge during the hikes.
Those who take part also learn about the history of the area, the geology, the folklore, the flora and fauna.
This year, 24 events have been organised as well as a social evening.
Organisers say there are walks to suit all ages and fitness levels along with special interest walks including; a fungal foray, night navigation and a weaving workshop.
The festival will also host three walks for children and families including a family treasure hunt.
A spokeswoman for Haltwhistle Walking Festival said: �Not everyone can go on the long distance routes like Hadrian�s Wall Trail, or the Coast to Coast Walk.
�Haltwhistle Festival gives people the chance to walk with a leader, and to see spectacular scenery.��

2010 Walking Holidays: Book Early for Coast to Coast, West Highland Way, and Hadrian's Wall.

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:37:00 +0000

We normally have a few well organised groups booking next year�s walking holidays at this time of year, but this year the trickle has turned into a stream. Coast to Coast Walking Holidays, Hadrian�s Wall Walks, and West Highland Way Walking Holidays , in particular are proving popular.

I think the strength of the Euro (and Australian Dollar!) are playing a part, but all the publicity the routes have received this year, like Julia Bradbury�s Coast to Coast series, and Radio 2 DJs Marc Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie Walking Hadrian's Wall, have also increased interest.

If you are considering doing any of the above, especially during the early part of the season up to the end of May, or if you are a large group, it�s worth starting your planning early. If you know your dates � it�s worth considering booking now. If you need an additional incentive, bookings made with Mickledore Travel before December can be made at 2009 prices.

West Highland Way Luggage Service Extended

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:41:00 +0000

This year we are offering luggage transfers on our West Highland Way Walking Holidays right up to 24 October � a couple of weeks later than usual. We still have some availability, so if you are looking for a last minute walking holiday in Scotland this autumn � get in touch.

A word of warning thought � the nights are drawing in and the highlands had there first snow of the year last night � so make sure you set off in good time, are happy with your maps and compass, and carry sufficient warm clothing and a full set of waterproofs. But with sensible precautions, this can be a rewarding time to walk the West Highland Way.

Hadrians Wall Walking Holidays - An American Perpective

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:01:00 +0000

For an entertaining and informative account of a walking holiday on Hadrian�s Wall, its worth looking at this account in the Smithsonian Magazine. It provides plenty of history and gives a good flavour of a walk along Hadrian�s Wall, without getting bogged down in too much detail.

There is good section on Vindolanda � the Roman fort near Twice Brewed, just off Hadrian�s Wall itself. We were at Vindolanda a couple of weeks ago. Digging is still very much ongoing and we were able to watch as the archaeologists unearthed a wall and fragments of a roman bottle.

Vindolanda is the most extensive site along Hadrian�s Wall with its own museum and a recreated mile house and section of the wall. For clients on our Hadrian�s Wall Walking Holidays we recommend a rest day at Twice Brewed to give you time to explore properly.

Walking Holidays on Hadrian's Wall : COnservation Work Complete

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:26:00 +0000

Clients on our Hadrian's wall walking holidays have over the past months had a chance to view conservation in action, as a section of Hadrian�s Wall stretching for half a mile westwards from great Chesters Farm near Haltwhistle has been rebuilt. This work has recently been completed. The work improves access for walking holidays, as well as improving nature conservation by stopping sheep straying into important grasslands, and repairing the structure of the wall.
The project, which started in April 2008 has cost over �250,000 and included urgent restoration work to Hadrian�s Wall to protect the Roman remains from wandering farm animals and the harsh effects of the weather. Work involved rebuilding a dry stone wall that was built on top of and alongside parts of the ancient monument in the1890s to enclose animals in the adjacent fields. The collapse of this wall over the years had left the fragile core of the Roman remains unprotected.
Carol Pyrah, English Heritage Planning and Development Director for the North East added: "This section of Hadrian�s Wall is a fantastic survival from our Roman past, and one which allows us to see the detail of the original Roman construction work on the Wall, parts of which have often been lost during early consolidation work elsewhere. Its condition has long been of concern, leading to its inclusion on our Heritage at Risk Register. We are delighted to have worked with Natural England, the owner and their contractors to complete these repairs and remove the site from the Register."
More details here.

Coastal Walking Holidays to receive a boost?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:58:00 +0000

The Marine and Coastal Access Bill is back in the House of Commons this week, an important step on the way to new legislation to free up access to the coast of Britain, which could in the longer term provide a major boost to walking holidays on Britain's coast.

At present much of the coastline lies in private hands, restricting access and making the development of new long distance walking routes more difficult. This legislation is the first step in the government�s vision of a coast path around Britain.

OF course there are already sections covered by long distance paths, most famously the South West Coat Path, but also the sublime Pembrokeshire Coast and Lleyn Peninsula paths in Wales, and the Northumberland Coast Path in the NE- one of Mickledore�s established walking holidays growing in popularity every year. The Coast section of the Cleveland Way is another popular Mickledore Walking Holiday.

Bu there are many other sections of our coast are worthy of a coast path � most of Scotland for a start � and also the Gower and Cardigan Bay in Wales, and parts of the Kent and East Anglican coastlines.

This is just the kind of initiative the government should pursue � especially in times of economic hardship. Walking Holidays are growing ever more popular, get people fit, and attract foreign tourism into the UK.

Coast to Coast Walking Holidays: 2010 bookings flowing in!

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Following the success of Julia Bradbury's TV series on the Coast to Coast Walk, Mickledore Travel's Coast to Coast Walking Holidays are being booked not only for this year, but also for 2010. We have had a steady flow of 2010 bookings over the past couple of months, and the feedback we�re getting from the accommodation providers suggest the bookings are coming in from elsewhere, too. So if you�re thinking of walking the Coast to Coast next year, it might be worth booking sooner rather than later.

Whilst we�re on the subject of next year�s bookings, our West Highland Way Walking Holidays are also being booked for next year. The West Highland Way is always popular, especially in May and June, so it� s good to see people thinking ahead.

Returning to 2009, we are still managing to book last minute walking holidays on most of our routes � so if you�ve been thinking about a holiday � gives us ring!

Cleveland Way Walking Holidays: 40th Anniversary a Success

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:49:00 +0000

The Cleveland Way�s 40th Anniversary took place at the end of May, reported earlier in this blog. The idea was to get as many people as possible walking a section of the national trail on the 40th anniversary of its official opening.

The Whitby Gazette reported that more than 200 people walked part of the 110-mile route. There were several Mickledore clients on Cleveland Way walking holidays at the time, so we did our bit to contribute! We have heard for 3 parties of our clients, only one of which came across an �official� anniversary walk. A number of local rambling groups took part , as well as leaders from the North York Moors National Park Authority.

The Gazette again
�The route, which snakes around the North York Moors National Park and passes through Staithes, Whitby and Robin Hood�s Bay, was divided into 10 sections, with a different group walking each section.�

�David Rubenstein, a former chairman of the Ramblers� Association who was at the inauguration of the Cleveland Way 40 years ago, came along to see the first group set off from Helmsley on their walk to Sutton Bank. Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails officer for the Cleveland Way, said: �It�s been fantastic to see so many people out walking the Cleveland Way � even the sun has put in a very welcome appearance.��

New Hadrian's Wall Would cost �400m.

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:01:00 +0000

Hadrian's Wall Heritage has contracted industrial services company Carillion to estimate the cost of building Hadrian's Wall today. They came back with a price of �400m. Cheap compared to the billions spent on the bank bailouts - but then so is everything. It doesn't seem high enough to me - I presume they are quoting for concrete rather than dressed stone.

I don't really see the purpose of this exercise - it gets Hadrian's Wall Heritage a few cheap headlines ( an mentions in blogs...) but I sure hope they didn't spend any money on the wheeze.

Meanwhile the Living History Pageant has taken place over the past couple of weeks. People on our Hadrian's Wall Walking Holidays have reported running into the odd centurion, but have been allowed ton continue on their walk.

Scottish Walking Holidays Update: West Highland Way Lambing Restirctions Lifted.

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Sat, 23 May 2009 18:05:00 +0000

Lambing time is now over on Conic Hill, and the previous restrictions no longer apply. Basically, this means all walkers, including those with dogs, are free to use the route over Conic Hill. We have a fair number of walkers starting walking holidays on the West Highland Way in the next week or so - so the lifting of the lambing restriction is welcome. Unless the weather is dreadful, the ascent of Conic Hill is always worthwhile - giving great views across Loch Lomond.

Walking Holidays in Yorkshire: The Cleveland Way Celebrates it 40th Anniversary.

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:45:00 +0000

The Cleveland Way was opened in May 1969 and was, surprisingly, the second National Trail to be opened. It is a brilliant walk, combining desolate moorlands, dramatic views from the edge of the North York Moors plateau, and the cliffs and beaches of the North Yorks coastline. Despite all this, it has never enjoyed the popularity of other national Trails, such as the Pennine Way and Hadrian�s Wall. At Mickledore Travel we have been organising Cleveland Way Walking Holidays for a number of years, and numbers are steadily growing. It is however, less popular than some of our other walking holidays, such the Coast to Coast Walk.
To celebrate the anniversary people are being encourage to walk their favourite section on 24 May. Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails Officer for the Cleveland Way, said:
�Whether you�re looking to complete the whole 110 miles or just fancy a short afternoon stroll, the Cleveland Way will take you through the very best the North York Moors has to offer. It has changed considerably from the first few years when waymarker signs were few and far between and long distance routes were very much for hardy hikers. Today the trail is managed for everyone to enjoy with a clear path and lots of great places to rest your legs along the way. We�ve also improved accessibility considerably and there is now just one stile on the inland section.�
My favourite section? Possibly the Wainstones, a jumble of Gritstone boulders perched on the very edge of the North York Moors, - great boulders, with great views over the flatter grounds to the North towards Middlesbrough and the North Sea.

Possible National Park Extensions to Effect parts of Dales Way, Coast to Coast Walk & Westmorland Way Walking Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Sat, 09 May 2009 09:02:00 +0000

Three of Mickledore Travel�s Walking Holidays pass through this area:

The Coast to Coast Walk is most affected, with the 21 miles from Shap to Kirkby Stephen falling in the potential new designation.

Depending on where the new boundaries are finally drawn, parts of the first couple of days of the Westmorland Way between Appleby and Crosby Ravensworth could also be covered.

Fionally a short section of the Dales Way where it crosses the Lune Valley could be covered.

There are certainly some great landscapes in this area and it has always been an anomaly that the remote northern Howgills have had no recognition to date.

What difference will it make? New development will be more restricted then at present, and there might be some extra funding available for path maintenance, which would go amiss, especially on the Westmorland Way. On the downside the opportunities for new accommodation would be further restricted. Perhaps most importantly it could save some very pleasant, relatively remote, areas from new wind farm developments � great for the landscape, perhaps marginally less good for global warming...

Dales Way Walking Holidays Getting more Popular

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:52:00 +0000

We've recently had an email from the excellent West Winds teahouse and B&B in Buckden. As part of the Dales Way 40th anniversary celebrations, Look North featured the B&B on 20 April.

To quote West Winds: "Earlier this month, Harry Gration, long-serving presenter of Look North, came to West Winds Yorkshire Tearooms to try our curd tart. The feature, which was broadcast on Monday 20 April, marked the 40th anniversary of the Dales Way long distance path and showed Harry tucking into a loaded cake stand with obvious enthusiasm. He said on the programme: �If you want a lovely overnight and a bit of a feast as well, this is the place for you.� "

There's also a U tube clip at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr3Uf2t-dPQ which is worth a look. During the interview they talk about the popularity of the Walking Holidays on the Dales Way, and the fact that companies such as Mickledore , who arrange baggage transport, have open the route up to many more hikers. I would add that friendly, cosy B&Bs such as West Winds have also played there part!

Lambing Restrictions on West Highland Way

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:12:00 +0000

Somewhat belatedly, I'm passing on some access restriction for people on West Highland Way Walking Holidays. The restriction apply to Conic Hill, the first real hill on the West Highland Way on the way from Dryman to Balmaha. It gives great views over Loch Lomond and its islands. Well worth the climb!

Anyway the restriction apply from 17th April - 15th May and,according to the official site, are as follows: "� DOG WALKERS - there is no through access on the West Highland Way from Garadbhan Wood end onto Conic Hill - a well marked alternative low level route is available, bypassing the restricted area, to Balmaha. Access to the top of Conic Hill can is available from the Balmaha side.

� WALKERS WITHOUT DOGS - the West Highland Way southern approach to Conic Hill is open but users are requested to keep to the path."

So basically - if you haven't got a dog,keep to the path, if you have - go round the bottom. The lower alternative is fine - you just miss the views and have a couple of miles along the side of the road. It's a small section of the route as whole and shouldn't effect your walking holiday too much.

Grown Ups Playing Soldiers on Hadrian�s Wall

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Grown Ups Playing Soldiers on Hadrian�s Wall

For those of you undertaking a Hadrian's Wall walking holiday in late May � you are quite likely to run into Romans, Border Reivers, Vikings, Civil War troopers and modern soldiers.

There appear to be any number of those strange �re-enactment groups� involved, dressing up as solders and fighting each other , or just defending their fortifications. Between 26 and 30th May There will l be soldiers everywhere. It starts with the Living History Pageant in Corbridge, behind one our favourite pubs, the Dyvels Hotel.

Living Frontier promise �The pageant will incorporate Roman chariots, equestrian displays, Viking Long Boats and much more.� Which I have to admit might be fun, especially if you have children.

Other highlights include the repopulation of Birdoswald Roman Fort, and at Vindolanda:

�Comitatus present a full living history interpretations from within an authentic tented encampment based on the craft skills of the legionaries and their families. Rather than 'battle re-enactment', their field displays show authentic training based on manuals of the period, complete with Latin drill, missile competition, sharp weapons demonstration, combat sparring and, whenever possible, an opportunity for young members of the public to experience things first-hand. Comitatus are dedicated enthusiasts who enjoy what they do and have a reputation for passing on this passion to the public.�

There are also event at Houseteads, Chesters , Carlisle Castle, and Maryport. Have at look at http://www.livingfrontier.com/

St Bees Head - the perfect start to the Coast to Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:38:00 +0000

We had great walk round St Bees head yesterday. Following the first few miles of the Coast to Coast Walk we headed down to the beach, busy with families enjoying the sunshine, then headed up the cliffs toward South Head. There were a few paragliders sitting patiently, waiting for the wind to swing to the west, so that they could soar the cliffs.

We rounded South Head and continued northwards along the cliff tops, watching the diving birds busy building there nests. Across the water the twin Peaks of Snaefell and North Barrule broke the horizon, whilst to the northwest the Mull of Galloway could clearly be seen.

After a mile we dropped down to the stream and turn into the fissure that leads to the fine pebble beach of Fleswick Bay. Sheltered by the impressive sandstone cliffs towering above, we spent a pleasant hour in this secluded suntrap, watching the diving birds as the remains of shipwreck emerged from the ebbing tide.

Onwards and Northwards, a steep climb led back to the cliff tops, then on the squat lighthouse sitting above the North Head. Inland to the pretty village of Sandwith then back to St Bees.

It is difficult to imagine a better start to walking holiday � just a shame I had to come back to the office!

Wainwright's Coast to Coast Path on the TV

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:27:00 +0000

Julia Bradbury's mini series walking the coast to coast path is to be screened starting next Thursday, April 9, at 8pm on BBC 4. I haven't got confirmations of the rest of the series but I would imagine they will be on subsequent Thursdays. The film was made in late summer 2008, and Mickledore was happy to play its part in putting the BBC in touch with several of our clients who were on a Coast to Coast Walking Holiday during filming. I know at least a couple of Mickledore walkers were interviewed on film - so who knows - you might see them on TV in Thursday night.

The BBC has the following to say about episode 1:

"Julia Bradbury follows in the footsteps of legendary guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright by walking across the whole of northern England from the west to the east coast .

This was Wainwright's last great venture and has become his greatest legacy - a beautifully simple proposition, linking three national parks that lie between the Irish and the North Sea.

36 years after its creation, Julia is off, through sunshine, wind and rain to cross the changing landscape, understand the history and meet the people that make up almost 200 miles of northern England.

Enthusiasm and expectation is high as Julia begins her grand adventure at the western extremity of northern England, St Bees Head. The coast of west Cumbria is an oft-forgotten industrial strip lying just outside the Lake District, but as Julia reaches the doorway to Wainwright's favourite playground the weather deteriorates quickly, leaving her no choice but to tackle her first Lakeland valley in appalling conditions."

Improvments to Milngavie, at the start of the West Highland Way

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:28:00 +0000

I reported a while ago on the prospects for improvements to the end of the West Highland Way, with the Nevis Bank Hotel up for sale. Work has now been approved at the other end of the West Highland Way, in Milngavie town centre. The first phase will involve improvements for to the underpass from the station � including new lighting, paving and cladding. I think the council is right to identify the underpass as an important gateway to the town � most people starting a walking holiday along the West Highland Way will arrive by train, and this is their introduction to the town.

Cable Car for Hadrian�s Wall?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:08:00 +0000

The Hexham Courant is today reporting a proposal for an �Alpine Style Gondala Facility� to link the town of Haltwhistle with Hadrian�s Wall. The Haltwhistle Partnership appears to be behind the scheme.

Haltwhistle Partnership project manger is quoted in the Courant: �One of our key objectives is to encourage the economic wellbeing of Haltwhistle and district, and any project that offers this potential benefit should be given consideration.

�Whether or not the cable car concept proves feasible here, it has definitely stimulated a lot of debate and encouraged people to think more broadly about income generating possibilities for the town and surrounding area.�

Whilst the Northumberland National Park Authority described the proposals as �interesting and innovative.� What�s that code for I wonder?

It all looks like a bit of a publicity stunt to me. Undoubtedly a cable car ride covering several miles would be a great tourist attraction � but I just can�t see how the finances would ever stack up � without shedloads of public subsidy. I�d have to be convinced that such a facility could be built without scarring the most dramatic section of landscape Hadrian's Wall passes through.

More Tree Felling Closures - On the West Highland Way

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Cooper) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:34:00 +0000

Tree felling has recently taken place in near Craigallian, just after the start of the West Highland Way. The West Highland Way was breifly diverted through Mugdock County Park for a short section. Harvesting is now complete and the Way is reopend. However there are still stacks of timber along in the forest which are presently being extracted. Walkers are reminded to keep off these - they can be unstable and start rolling. You may also encounter lorries and other vehicles removing the timber. So be careful! The work should be complete shortly before the start of the main walking holiday season.