Matt Speak
Operations
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Explore the Lakes and Mountains with Matt and Damien
This trip marked my third Mickledore fam trip since I joined, and we decided we were ready for a change of pace. As soon as I saw the list of potential walks available, I knew immediately which route I wanted to do. The Coast to Coast is one of my most popular routes that I book here at Mickledore, and the route is showing no signs of slowing down in popularity, especially with it officially becoming a National Trail in 2026. Having now lived here in Cumbria for nearly three years, and with still so much of the Lakes and Cumbria to explore, the first half of the Coast to Coast, our Lakes and Mountains itinerary, was the perfect option for this year’s walk for me and my partner Damien. We walked the CCL8 itinerary, our longest itinerary on this section of the Coast to Coast. After previously walking the first section of the Thames Path from Kemble to Oxford (TPW6), and the second section of The Ridgeway from Goring to Aldbury (RGC6), both of which were great introductions to daily long-distance walking for two people who hadn’t previously done it before, we felt the CCL8 was the perfect step up. But…
Red Kites are a Ridgeway Delight
Last year, for my first fam trip here at Mickledore, my partner Damien and I enjoyed our first long distance walk together, along the western section of the Thames Path from Kemble to Oxford. We loved every second of it, so we were incredibly excited as to what we might get to do this year. We settled on the second half of The Ridgeway. As part of my role at Mickledore I have been lucky enough to book Ridgeway holidays for our clients since we launched the route in 2023. It has proved incredibly popular, so we thought it would be the perfect choice for us this year, and it is an area that neither of us have ever visited. We chose to walk the five day RGC6 itinerary over the Chiltern Hills from Goring on Thames to Aldbury. Goring to Watlington We had an extra day in Goring before we started our walk. It is a charming village situated on the banks of the River Thames with lots of cafés, pubs and restaurants to try. You are certainly going to be spoilt for choice, which is handy because with this itinerary you have two nights in the same location….
Matt and Damien’s First Long Distance Walking Holiday – The Thames Path West
This is my first Fam Trip since joining Mickledore, and the first long distance walking holiday for both myself and also my partner Damien who joined me on the walk. The Thames Path is one of the routes that I book as part of my role in the Operations Team here at Mickledore. With a variety of itineraries across the trail Kemble to Oxford (TPW6) seemed to be the perfect opportunity to get to walk the opening section of the trail and get to meet some of the accommodation providers that I work with on this section of the Thames Path holiday. We were also excited as it isn’t an area of the country either of us has ever properly explored. It’s safe to say it didn’t disappoint. Day 1: Kemble to Cricklade After a hearty breakfast we set off through the meadows from the accommodation to the official start point of the Thames Path trail. You’re soon winding your way through the fields and hedge lined pathways away from Kemble and into the calm of the countryside, passing through the picturesque Cotswold villages as the Thames slowly starts to develop from a trickle into a stream. We reached Ashton…