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Andrew's Travels
Andrew's Travels

Andrew's Travels

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  • Andrew's TravelsVietnamTraveler
    The cycle group at the start
    Cau Cam Kim BridgeCrossing the bridgeCam Nam Isalnd; FieldsHaystackBoats on the riverOne of the processes in rice wine makingSome of the resultsOur cycle tour guide, Hanna, and our rice wine host, Mr DauMat weaving houseMat weavingMat weavingThe result 🙂Cam Kim Island; View of temple en routeFemale BuddhaRice paper making and noodle houseMaking rice paperMaking rice noodlesThe cycle group prior to taking the boat back to Hoi AnBlog prepared by our cycle guide

    Hoi An; Cam Nam and Cam Kim Islands

    November 18, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Most of the group are going on an optional guided cycling tour of the local area to see how the local Hoi An people (Hoianese) live in rural areas.

    We cross Cau Cam Kim (Cam Kim Bridge) over the Thu Bon River to Cam Nam Island. Our first stop is near a farm, where we enjoy the views. Next, we cycle on to the traditional rice wine making house of Mr Dau; here, we learn about the process and have the opportunity to sample guava, banana, and mulberry rice wines.

    A short walk to a house nearby, where mats are weaved by a lady and her son; incredible to see, and we all had a quick go - apparently, a small mat sells for the equivalent of 8 USD in the local market.

    We cycle on, crossing another bridge to Cam Kim Island. There are some interesting views as we make our final local culture visit to a local rice paper and noodle making workshop; we learn about the process and have a go a making rice paper before having lunch - freshly made noodles.

    We then cycle to get a local prearranged boat back to Hoi An; our guide Hanna prepared a vlog summary of the morning out (see photos). It's been a fantastic morning and early afternoon with some exercise thrown in (19 km of cycling).    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsVietnamTraveler
    Characteristic dark-yellow house in Hoi An's Old Quarter / Market area
    Phuc Kien Assembly HallHouse covered with lanternsBi Bo Caphe Restaurant / FoodTan Ky Old HouseBoats on the Thu Bon River frontSong Hoai Square BridgeSong Hoai Square BridgeI Love Hoi AnJapanese Covered BridgeInside the Japanese Covered BridgeMonument to KazimierzA wet group of people

    Hoi An; Old Quarter (aka Ancient Town)

    November 17, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    We set off for Saigon Domestic Airport for our flight to Da Nang; unfortunately, the flight ends up being delayed for a total of 3 hours due to operational issues. Once in Da Nang, we transfer by minibus to our hotel in Hoi An. Hoi An is located on the Thu Bon River and was an important trading port in the 16th to 18th centuries with traders from China, Japan, and Europe; it has a rich cultural heritage and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it reflects a blend of both indigenous and foreign influence.

    We visit the small Old Quarter with its cobbled, lantern strewn streets (see captions on photos for details). The Phuc Kien Assembly Hall was built by Chinese merchants who fled China after the fall of the Ming Dynasty. After an excellent home-style group dinner at the Bi Bo Caphe Restaurant, we walk around the river frontage and see the famous Japanese Covered Bridge.

    It poured down after a relaxing beer!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsVietnamTraveler
    Fish farm on the Mekong Delta
    Garden at the coffee stop en route to Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh City; view of the Saigon River from the minibusCentral Post Office; originally built as a train station but never used as suchCentral Post OfficeCentral Post Office; insideCentral Post Office; insideCentral Post Office; old map of the Mekong Delta regionCentral Post Office; old map of the original Saigon CityThe Fall of Saigon in April 1975; the building where the last evacuees left by helicopterThe same building as it is s todayNotre Dame Cathedral; mid renovationEn route to the Home Saigon RestaurantHome Saigon Restaurant; fish curry / restaurant decor3Home Saigon Restaurant; Vietnamese craft beersBui Vien Walking StreetBui Vien Walking StreetBui Vien Walking StreetBui Vien Walking Street; view with the Britexco Financial Tower in the distance

    Ho Chi Minh City; Central iii

    November 16, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    After a leisurely start, we leave Ba Danh homestay by tuk tuk to get to our minibus for the journey back to Ho Chi Minh City.

    Once there, we visit the Central Post Office area and gain more insight into local history from our guide. The Central Post Office was originally built as a railway station (hence its size!) bt the French but it was never used as such due to its proximity to the newly built Notre Dame Cathedral and concerns about disturbing the services! There are two interesting maps on the wall inside, one showing the Mekong Delta, the other the extent of the original Saigon; Saigon is still used by local people to describe the District 1 (Central) area of Ho Chi Minh City.

    Very close to the Central Post Office is the building where the last evacuees left Saigon by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon (30 April 1975); the same building looks very different today! The city's name was changed from Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate the memory of Ho Chi Minh, who died in 1969.

    Back at the hotel, we enjoy a swim and relax after a busy couple of days.

    We then walk to the Home Saigon Restaurant for an excellent meal and beer before our group leader takes us to the Bui Vien Walking Street; this is a loud, bustling area filled with bars, eateries, clubs, girlie bars, live music and dance - late at night, it becomes a bit of a "red-light" area.

    It's been a day of contrast!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsVietnamTraveler
    Paddy fields en route to the Mekong Delta
    Mekong rest stopLeaving My ThoArrival on Dragon IslandMonkey BridgeOur tour guide, Quang / BeesLeaving Dragon IslandBen Tre, Coconut IslandThe famous Ben Tre coconut candyPreparation areaSnake LiquorBoat transfer along the canalViewsOur boatLunch; Elephant Ear Fish2The Intrepid tour groupArrival at Ba Danh homestay by tuk tukBa Danh homestay; side view / aerial viewViews around the homestayHomestay meal

    Mekong Delta; Ben Tre (Coconut Island)

    November 15, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    The minibus leaves Ho Chi Minh City, and we drive to My Tho, stopping at the My Tho Rest Stop for a coconut milk coffee; there are interesting walkways to the various coffee houses here. Onwards to My Tho, where we take a boat to Dragon Island, one of four sacred islets in the main Mekong River; it is a short walk across it via one of the famous "monkey bridges" before stopping for honey flavoured tea. The Mekong Delta area in southern Vietnam is a vast maze of rivers, swamps, and islands.

    Our boat then takes on to Coconut Island (Ben Tre) in the delta, which is famous for its coconut candy; coconut milk and flesh are boiled down to a sticky mess, allowed to harden, cut into small pipes and wrapped in edible rice paper - fascinating to watch and delicious to eat. We then transfer by tuk tuk to take another type of boat, this one resembling a punt, to go up the delta a little to a restaurant. We enjoy Elephant Ear fish as part of a large spread of food!

    We then transfer by our minibus to and beyond Ben Tre town, where we transfer by tuk tuk to Ba Danh Homestay in the Mekong Delta; it's an interesting place to stay (see photos). In the evening, we have another large meal.

    It's been a full-on day with lots of modes of transport and lots of food; things could be worse!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsVietnamTraveler
    Pho, a classic Vietnamese dish, served at the Avanti Boutique Hotel Restaurant
    Typical traffic in Ho Chi Minh CityWar Remnants MuseumOutside the War Remnants MuseumOutside the War Remnants MuseumOutside the War Remnants MuseumIndependence PalaceBen Nghe Street Food MarketBanh Xeo, a traditional Vietnamese pancakeView from the top of our hotel

    Ho Chi Minh City; Central ii

    November 14, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    We drive back to central Ho Chi Minh City in the minibus for lunch at the Avanti Boutique Hotel for the traditional Vietnamese dish of Pho in the restaurant there (Bill Clinton dined here in 2004).

    After that, we continue the war theme and visit the War Remnants Museum; this documents the war atrocities against the Vietnamese made by the US, Chinese, and French soldiers in detail (from a Vietnamese perspective), and relates to the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War - displays are in themed rooms. The photographs and exhibits there are too disturbing for me to photograph for personal use (particularly those relating to the Agent Orange defoliant). Outside the museum are displays of artillery and armour, and an aircraft collection.

    After that, we pass the Independence Palace on our way back to the hotel. Later, we walk to the Ben Nghe Street Market for dinner; there are various themed stalls, and delicious food is enjoyed (see captions on photos).

    Another great day!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsVietnamTraveler
    Secret tunnel entrance
    Tunnel entrance showing the original tunnel sizeMannequins of Viet Cong soldiersAmerican M40 tank1Viet Cong booby trapViet Cong booby trapBamboo treesUnderground tunnelChamber (actual size and height, but represented on the surface)Weapons on display

    Ho Chi Minh City; Cu Chi Tunnels

    November 14, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    The Cu Chi Tunnels are a historical monument located in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City; although 60 km from the centre, they are still part of the city.

    Underground tunnel systems have been used by the Vietnamese for centuries and are on three levels, with connections between various chambers. The Cu Chi system comprises a large network of connecting tunnels and was the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, including being the Viet Cong Base in the 1968 Tet Offensive. There are two tunnel display sites, the Ben Duoc site and the Ben Dinh site - we visit the Ben Dinh site.

    We see a secret tunnel entrance and pass an American M40 tank, which was taken out by a mine, as well as examples of Viet Cong booby traps. We then went into one of the tunnels (widened slightly for tourist access to enable very stooped walking).

    It is an excellent visit that provides an insight into local history and a better understanding of the resourcefulness of the Viet Cong and of the war itself (see captions on photos for more details).    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsVietnamTraveler
    Ben Thanh Market; main entrance
    Ben Thanh MarketBen Thanh MarketBen Thanh MarketBen Thanh MarketSaigon Centre entrance, done up for ChristmasInside the Saigon CentreHo Chi Minh City Hall (aka The People's Committee Building) viewed from Nguyen Hue BoulevardBritexco Financial Tower along Nguyen Hue BoulevardSaigon River; looking backSaigon River; the other sideSaigon River viewStatue of Tran Hung DaoMunicipal TheatreStreet LifeTypical Street View

    Ho Chi Minh City; Central i

    November 13, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Helen and I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City after flying overnight via Doha on Qatar Airways for our Intrepid Travel Classic Vietnam trip. The transfer to the hotel is good, but it is striking how many motorbikes are on the roads. We are too early to check in, getting there before 9 am.

    Originally part of Cambodia, the city became part of Vietnam in the 18th century and was renamed Saigon; it fell into French hands in the late 19th century, becoming the capital of French Indochina. The war between the US and communist North Vietnam (Vietnam War) ended in 1975, and North Vietnam took over Saigon and renamed it Ho Chi Minh City; it now has a population of over 10 million people (out of the total 100 million) and is a hub of manufacturing and entertainment in Vietnam.

    We set off to explore the area around the hotel using a local map highlighted by reception. Our first port of call is Ben Thanh Market, a huge covered market built by the French in 1924; the rain was incredibly heavy for over an hour whilst we were inside, looping round and round to keep dry! Then it was the rather more upmarket Saigon Centre Shopping Mall before walking down the Nguyen Hue Boulevard, a famous pedestrian street; we had great views of the People's Committee Building and of other stunning modern architecture. We reach the Saigon River, where there are more great views and a visual reminder of when we were in Shanghai 6 years ago. We cross the roundabout where the Tran Hung Dao Statue is situated before weaving our way up past the Mosque, Municipal Theatre. Then it's lunch at the Ben Nghe Street Food Market before heading back to the hotel for a rest.

    Later on, we met with our tour leader and the other 9 people on the tour for a group meeting followed by an excellent "homestay" style group meal at the Pandan Restaurant.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCentral/Southern Lake DistrictTraveler
    View near start of walk, from Easedale Road
    Easedale BeckEasedale BeckEasedale BeckSourmilk Gill WaterfallView down the valley near the waterfallNearing the top of the ascent1Easedale TarnEasedale TarnEasedale TarnDownhill all the way!Brimmer Head FarmStepping stones over Easedale Beck, near Goodly BridgeStepping stones over Easedale Beck, near Goodly BridgeView of Helm Crag

    Grasmere to Easedale Tarn

    October 4, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    This is a popular walk from one of our Walks books that is also on the OS app.

    After taking the bus to Grasmere (see earlier post), our route takes us via some woods along the River Rothay to Easedale Road, which we follow past Goody Bridge to take the track along Easedale Beck. We carry straight on towards the Sourmilk Gill Waterfalls and have a steep ascent here towards Brimhowe Crag; gill or ghyll is the local term for a small, open stream, usually with steep sides. There are good views back down into the valley, and we soon reach Easedale Tarn.

    We descend via the other side of Sourmilk Gill, some of it via big stones for the footpath, as it is damp underfoot. We eventually reach Easedale Beck and follow this, passing large farm buildings to reach a footbridge over the Beck (New Bridge) to rejoin the path back to Easedale Road. At Goody Bridge, we turn off and recross Easedale Beck via a beautiful stepping stone crossing; the Beck is a lot wider here, as it soon runs into the River Rothay. We walk past Allan Bank House, a two storey villa occupied by William Wordsworth 1808-11, as we reach Grasmere.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCentral/Southern Lake DistrictTraveler
    View towards Fletcher's Wood
    Near Dale EndLittle Langdale TarnSlater's BridgeLoughrigg FellGreat HowThe DubsView over Hodge Close Quarry (disused)Loughrigg Fell en route to Oxen FellIn the Tongue Intake PlantationSkelwith ForceAlong the Cumbria Way back to ElterwaterBelted Galloway Cows on Elterwater

    Elterwater and Skelwith Force

    October 3, 2024 in England ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    Today, we follow a route from Elterwater found on the OS app. We take the 9:25 bus from Ambleside to Elterwater, not far away in the Valley of Great Langdale.

    Our route takes us past the Eltermere Hotel towards Dale End and on past Little Langdale Tarn and over Slater's Bridge; this is a traditional packhorse bridge made from slate that was a favourite of Alfred Wainwright. We turn towards Slang End and then head south over the muddy Little Fell, past Great How and over The Dub. We pass Hodge Close Farm and the large abandoned quarry near to it before doubling back and over towards the High and Low Oxen Fells; there are great views of Loughrigg Fell en-route. We walk through the Tongue Intake Plantation and then pass Park Farm to Skelwith Force; this is a well-known waterfall on the River Brathay. We then double back to Elterwater following the Cumbria Way along the banks of the River Brathay. Unfortunately, much of Elter Water itself is obscured by trees.

    It's been a varied 10-mile walk with great views and recommended.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCentral/Southern Lake DistrictTraveler
    Ambleside Waterhead
    View of Wray CastleEn route along Claife HeightsMoored boats on Lake WindermereAnglers looking towards Belle IslandView from Caitlap PointView back from Caitlap PointEntrance to Claife Viewing StationClaife Viewing StationOn Claife Viewing StationView from Claife Viewing StationView from Claife Viewing StationClaife Viewing StationClaife Viewing Station from the boat to BownessBowness-on-WindermereHen Holme and Lady HolmeView en route to BrockholeView of WansfellAnother view of WansfellView close to Ambleside Waterhead

    Lake Windermere; boat / west shore walk

    October 2, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Today, we get Walker's tickets for a circular boat/walking route of the northern half of Lake Windermere.

    We walk down to the Ambleside Pier at Waterhead and take the boat to Low Wray Bay; from here, we walk around Watbarrow Point, past Wray Castle (see earlier post) and down the western shore of Lake Windermere, with Claife Heights Country Park on our right. We pass various small quays and bays, eventually reaching Caitlap Point and Claife Viewing Station; this is a viewing platform built in 1790 for the first tourists to the Lake District - there are beautiful panoramic views, including some which can be framed by coloured glass to recreate different seasons.

    From here, it is a short walk to Ash Landing, where we catch a boat to Bowness-on-Windermere and then another to go back to Ambleside Waterhead.

    It's been a super day out, with excellent views all the way.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCentral/Southern Lake DistrictTraveler
    View towards the Fairfield Horseshoe
    View of AmblesideEn routeView of Lake WindermereLily TarnLoughrigg TarnView of Elter WaterAt the top of Loughrigg FellView down to Lake WindermereView down to Lake GrasmereLake GrasmereRydal Water from Loughrigg Terrace

    Loughrigg Fell

    October 1, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    We meet up with Laura, an old friend of Helen's, and set off on a "proper" Lake District walk around Loughrigg Fell from Ambleside.

    We leave the town via St Mary's Church and Rothay Park and cross the river Rothay at Miller Bridge; we then walk up and across to Lily Tarn, enjoying good views en route. We cross Loughrigg Fell, having enjoying views down to Loughrigg Tarn and Elter Water, before a steep ascent to the top of Loughrigg Fell (335 m / 1,099 ft above sea level). It is starting to get very windy here, and we can see both Lake Windermere and Lake Grasmere. It is a steep descent to reach Loughrigg Terrace, where we turn east and walk along the southern edge of Rydal Water. We then cross the A591 to Rydal Mount and walk back to Scandale Bridge via Rydal Hall (see earlier post); it's the bus back to Ambleside.

    It's been a 7.3-mile hike involving 1,562 ft of ascent, and it's great to see Laura again.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCentral/Southern Lake DistrictTraveler
    Hill Top; pathway to the house
    Hill TopHill Top; insideHill Top; insideHill Top; view of the gardenWray CastleWray CastleWray Castle; view from the entranceWray Castle; insideWray Castle; walking along the edge of Lake WindermereWray Castle; walking along the edge of Lake WindermereWray Castle; a boat shed on the lakesideWray Castle; St Margaret's ChurchWray Castle

    Hill Top and Wray Castle

    September 30, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    It's a wet day today (not uncommon in the Lake District), so no big walks! We visit two sites with association to Beatrix Potter, a famous English writer and illustrator best known for her children's books (eg, The Tales of Peter Rabbit).

    The first is Hill Top in a village called Near Sawrey; this is a 17th century house, which Beatrix Potter moved into in 1896, aged 30. It is now managed by the National Trust and open as a writer's house museum as she would have known it - an interesting visit.

    Afterwards, we headed to Wray Castle, near Lower Wray, on the edge of Lake Windermere; Beatrix Potter stayed here on a family holiday to the Lake District when she was a teenager. Wray Castle began to be built in 1840 in the neo-Gothic style by James Dawson as a Lakeland Villa but intended to look older. It was acquired by the National Trust in 1929. Only the ground floor is open at present, and we visit The exhibition there; "Everests - One Mountain, Many Worlds," which tells the story of the almost forgotten Sherpas. We then follow the map guided walks around the grounds, seeing the lakeside and St Margaret's Church.

    Another interesting visit and a good day out.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCentral/Southern Lake DistrictTraveler
    View after joining the footpath at Scandale Bridge
    View of Rydal WaterRydal Hall; Grot and waterfallRydal Hall; waterfallRydal HallRydal Hall; two angelsRydal Hall; giant spiderRydal; St Mary's ChurchRydal Mount; William Wordsworth family homeRydal WaterGrasmere; Dove Cottage - William Wordsworth lived hereGrasmere; St Oswald's ChurchGrasmere; inside St Oswald's ChurchGrasmere; St Oswald's Church - William Wordsworth gravestoneGrasmere; St Oswald's Church - in the Wordsworth Daffodil GardenGrasmere: Bridge over the River RothayGrasmere; the famous gingerbread shop next to the churchGrasmere; view of the surrounding countryside

    Ambleside to Grasmere Walk via Rydal

    September 29, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    We set off on a very popular linear walk from Ambleside to Grasmere, planning to return by bus.

    There are great views en route to the Rydal Hall Estate; Rydal Hall is a large detached house on the outskirts of the village of Rydal and Grade II listed. We then visit the small village of Rydal, known for its association with William Wordsworth, an English Romantic poet who lived here with his family.

    More great views as we carry on to Grasmere and pass Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth lived with his sister (both the cottage and the Wordsworth Museum near to it were unfortunately closed today). Wordsworth is buried in St. Oswald's Church in Grasmere, which we visit. Next to the church is Grasmere's famous Gingerbread Shop (it's delicious).

    The plan worked, and we caught the bus back to Ambleside after what was a 5.6-mile walk and an interesting visit to Grasmere.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCentral/Southern Lake DistrictTraveler
    Bridge House (Stock Ghyll passes underneath it)
    Market HallMarket PlaceMarket CrossSt Mary's Church; it is noted for its stone spireLocal walk 1; on the riverside footpathLocal walk 1; at the junction of the River Rothay and the River BrathayLocal walk 1; at the junction of the River Rothay and the River BrathayAmbleside Roman FortAmbleside Roman FortLocal walk 2; Stock GhyllLocal walk 2; Stock Ghyll Force (waterfall)Local walk 2; en route back from Stock GhyllAmblefest; Meetwood FlacAmblefest; The Tap Tavern beer festival

    Ambleside; town and local walks

    September 29, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    We're spending a week in Ambleside in the Lake District, an area we've both visited many times in the past; it is a mountainous region and national park in Cumbria, North West England and famous for its landscape and literary associations.

    Ambleside is a market town that sits at the head of Windermere, England's largest natural lake. We have a brief walk in the town and then set off on the riverside walk to the Ambleside Roman Fort; this was built in the 1st or 2nd century under Hadrian's rule to guard the Roman Road from Brougham to Ravenglass, and to act as a supply base. We then set off on the short 2.5-mile circular local walk along Stock Ghyll, a tributary of the River Rothay, that runs through it (see captions on photos).

    Later in the afternoon, we catch the last part of Amblefest, an annual beer and music festival held here at the end of September; Meetwood Flac is a tribute / covers band for Fleetwood Mac and were amazing!

    A good first day!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsRHS GardensTraveler
    The entrance to RHS Bridgewater
    The Welcome BuildingChinese Streamside Garden; the Music PavilionChinese Streamside GardenChinese Streamside Garden; the Water GardenEllesmere LakeThe Bridgewater EntWoodland play areaBothy House and the chimney and boiler house used to heat the original glass housesThe chimney and boiler houseThe gothic style Garden Cottage; it was the residence of head gardeners and their familiesWeston Walled Garden; Paradise GardenWeston Walled Garden; Paradise GardenWeston Walled Garden; Paradise Garden

    RHS Bridgewater, Worsley, Salford

    September 28, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Helen and I are on our way to the Lake District for a week and stop off en route to visit RHS Bridgewater, in Salford, Greater Manchester.

    RHS Bridgewater is the RHS's most recent site and only opened in May 2021; it is a modern revival of the historic Worsley Hall New Estate. This former grand estate covered 154 acres and was visited by Queen Victoria. It had many fine gardens but was requisitioned during WWII and used as training grounds. It fell onto disrepair and was eventually demolished, although the Bothy House, chimney, and Garden Cottage survived. The RHS stated their work in 2017, and RHS Bridgewater is still developing and has many projects coming through.

    After entering, we walk towards the Chinese Streamside Garden (being developed in collaboration with the local Chinese community) to its Music Pavilion (the first of four pavilions, apparently). We then walked around Ellesmere Lake and through Upper Middle Wood to the Weston Walled Garden area;  this is one of the largest Victorian walled gardens in the UK and in its original incarnation contained a series of kitchen gardens built to service Worsley New Hall. It is divided into two halves, the Paradise Garden (comprising lily pond, Asian and Mediterranean planting) and the Kitchen Garden (inspired by the local history). We then walk through the Community Grow and the Community Wellbeing Gardens.

    It has been a good visit, but RHS Bridgewater is a work in progress and needs to be revisited again by us in the future.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsLondon - across by canal pathsTraveler
    Johnson's Lock
    Mile End Sewer Vent ChimneySalmon Lane Lock and BridgeLimehouse BasinLimehouse BasinLimehouse BasinLimehouse BasinLimehouse Basin; Marina OfficeThe River ThamesThe River Thames

    Regent's Canal 3; to Limehouse Basin

    September 24, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    From Mile End Lock, it is a short walk to Johnson's Lock and then a little further to pass the Mile End Sewer Vent Chimney (used to ventilate the sewer systems underneath).  I then reach the Limehouse Basin, a body of water that provided a navigable link between the River Thames and the Regent's Canal; it was first dug in 1820 to act as the eastern terminus for the Regent's Canal - throughout its "working life" Limehouse Basin was better known as the Regent's Canal Dock, and used to trans-ship goods between the old Port of London and the English canal system.

    Limehouse Basin now provides waterside living and a marina located in the Canary Wharf area of London and is a gateway to over 2,000 miles of navigable canals and rivers; it is connected to the Regent's Canal, the River Lee (via the Limehouse Cut), and the River Thames (via a tidal lock).

    I walk around Limehouse Basin and then down to see "Old Father Thames." A short walk today, but very interesting; this area is a great place to visit.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsThe River CamTraveler
    St John's College; Bridge of Sighs
    St John's College; Kitchen BridgeTrinity BridgeKing's College BridgeQueen's College; Mathematical BridgeHodson's Folly, Coe FenGrantchester MeadowsByron's Pool

    Cambridge to Hauxton Junction

    September 19, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    From Magdalene Bridge, several colleges of the University of Cambridge back on to the River Cam with their grounds covering both banks of the river; some colleges have buildings on both banks, others not, and several have bridges linking the College with the area known as The Backs.  This is a very beautiful area and most tourists visit The Backs and take in the views of the bridges, the most notable of which are The Bridge of Sighs (St John's College) and The Mathematical Bridge (Queen's College).

    From here, the River Cam runs through Coe Fen and under the Fen Causeway to Sheep's Green towards Newnham and Grantchester.  There is an interesting folly on Coe Fen at the junction with Vicar's Brook (which leads to Hobson's Conduit - see post in Cambridge City); Hodson's Folly is a summerhouse built in 1887 by John Hodson, butler at Pembroke College, in order to keep an eye on his daughter as she swam in the river (making it Town, not Gown!).  From here, I double back towards Newnham and cross the river to walk through Paradise Nature Reserve, re-joining at Skaters' Meadow to continue via Grantchester Meadows towards Granchester

    Onwards and further upstream I divert to Byron's Pool, now part of a small nature reserve; it is named after Lord Byron, who is said (by Brooke, at least) to have swum there.  The River Cam now passes through the Trumpington Nature Reserve and under the M11 to Hauxton Junction; this is the confluence of the two branches of the River Cam - the eastern branch, the Granta, and the western arm, the Rhee.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolkTraveler
    White Fallow Deer
    St Martin's ChurchWater TowerModel Soldier MuseumModel Soldier MuseumSculpture Park; Jeppe Hein "Waterflame"Sculpture Park; Richard Long "Houghton Cross"Sculpture Park; Ryan Gander "More really shiny things that don't mean a thing"Sculpture Park; Tony Cragg "Tommy"Exhibition; Dame Magdalene Odundo, "Metamorphosis and Transformation"Exhibition; Anthony Gormley "Time Horizon" -this "datum" work sets the height for all the sculpturesExhibition; Anthony Gormley "Time Horizon"Exhibition; Anthony Gormley "Time Horizon"Exhibition; Anthony Gormley "Time Horizon"Exhibition; Anthony Gormley "Time Horizon"Exhibition; Anthony Gormley "Time Horizon"Exhibition; Anthony Gormley "Time Horizon"Exhibition; Anthony Gormley "Time Horizon"1Exhibition; Anthony Gormley "Time Horizon"Exhibition; Anthony Gormley "Time Horizon"

    Houghton Hall 2; Grounds and Exhibitions

    September 18, 2024 in England ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    After visiting the Hall, we explore the parkland around it; this is known for its iconic white fallow deer and the grounds which feature the local church and a water tower with the appearance of an architectural folly - it was constructed by Sir Robert Walpole and restored in 1982 (it is now a Grade I listed building).  Closer to the Hall, the Stables contain the world's largest private collection of model soldiers in the Model Soldier Museum located in one of the stable buildings.

    There is a large Sculpture Park in the grounds around the Hall, which contains an impressive permanent collection of contemporary sculptures.  The Hall often has exhibitions, and 2024 has major solo exhibitions by:

    1)  Dame Magdalene Odundo; her main feature is a glass installation called "Metamorphosis and Transformation," a tribute to ancient Egyptian artefacts and narratives of migration, and

    2) Antony Gormley; this features 100 life-size sculptures distributed across the 300 acres of the park.  They are cast-iron sculptures, each weighing 620kg and standing at an average of 191cm, and installed at the same datum level to create a single horizontal plane across the landscape.  Thus, some works are buried, allowing only a part of the head to be visible, while others are buried to the chest or knees according to the topography; only occasionally do they stand on the existing surface and some of the works are placed on concrete columns that vary from a few centimetres high to rising four meters off the ground.

    We see as many things as we reasonably can; it has been a truly excellent day out!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolkTraveler
    Visitor access to Houghton Hall is via the Stables
    Side view of the Stables and Houghton HallRear view of Houghton HallThe SaloonThe Embroidered Bed ChamberThe Marble ParlourThe State RoomThe State RoomIn the Walled GardenIn the Walled GardenIn the Walled GardenIn the Walled GardenIn the Walled GardenIn the Walled Garden

    Houghton Hall 1; House and Walled Garden

    September 18, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Helen and I are off on a day trip to Norfolk to visit Houghton Hall. 

    Houghton Hall is a country house in the parish of Houghton and now the residence of the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley; it was originally constructed in the 1720s for Britain's first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.  The Hall is surrounded by extensive parkland and features notable attractions, including an award-winning Walled Garden. 

    We explore the Hall and Walled Garden; they are both very beautiful - see captions on the photos.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsMuseums of CambridgeTraveler
    The Museum of Cambridge, formerly The White Horse Inn
    The serving hatch of the barView of the bar from the snugThe kitchenOne of the guest roomsPortrait of Thomas Hobson in the guest roomCambridge is twinned with Szeged in HungaryIn the yard; the Enid Porter Building is dedicated to a former curatorIn the yard; Church relics

    The Museum of Cambridge

    September 12, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    The building in which the Museum of Cambridge is housed dates from around 1600; it was the White Horse Inn for over 300 years, but became a museum in 1936 to preserve the social and cultural history of Cambridge (the Cambridge and County Folk Museum, before its new name). We visited it as part of the Open Cambridge events.

    We walk through the bar area to the kitchen, the walk up the narrow staircase to the first floor to see the guest room and dining room. There are interesting folklore exhibits concerning the Fens area (former marshland now used for agriculture, northwards of Cambridge) and art and artisans of Cambridge. After visiting the childhood room, we go out into the yard. Here, the small Enid Porter building is dedicated to a former long-standing curator of the museum and is now available for hire.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsThe River Great OuseTraveler
    The Old Ferry Boat Inn, Holywell, viewed from the south side
    Boating on the riverCanoeing on the riverView towards St IvesSt lves MarinaSt lves MarinaView of St Ives from the pathViews from St Ives BridgeSt Ives Bridge and Chapel

    8. Holywell to St Ives

    September 11, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 11 °C

    From Holywell, the Ouse Valley Way cuts down to the River Ouse for a short way and then passes through an industrial area towards the park and ride station to St. Ives.  A far more interesting route is on the south bank of the river, and following the river towards St. Ives Marina and then head into St. Ives via the pedestrian bridge - which is what this post covers.

    From Fen Drayton, I follow the old Holywell Ferry Road via the Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve towards the River Great Ouse; there is a good view of The Old Ferry Boat Inn from here.  There are more good views of river activity on the path to St Ives before reaching the marina; then, it is across the A1096 and into St Ives via the bridge.  St Ives Bridge is a 15th-century bridge and noted for being one of only four bridges in England to incorporate a chapel and is Scheduled Ancient Monument Grade 1 category.  St Ives is described more fully in the Cambridgeshire; Hunts District > St Ives FP post.

    It has been a good and interesting walk.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; South DistrictTraveler
    One of the administrative offices
    The Flagpole; View on entering / View with the Reflecting PoolThe first grave that was laidView of the cemeteryView of the cemetery from the chapelThe Wall of the Missing; representative statues of servicemenThe Memorial Building and the Reflecting PoolThe Memorial BuildingThe altar and the chapel / The Memorial Building ceiling

    Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

    September 8, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Although it is open most days and bank holidays, we visit the Cambridge American Cemetery today as part of the Open Cambridge events in order to have a guided tour.  

    Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War II American military war grave cemetery, lying just outside of north-west Cambridge near Madingley; the cemetery, dedicated in 1956, contains 3,811 American war dead and is administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission.  It is situated on land on the north slope of Madingley Hill given by the University of Cambridge to the American military forces for use as a temporary cemetery during World War II.  After the war, the Cambridge site was chosen as America's permanent World War II cemetery and war memorial in the UK; the cemetery contains 3,809 headstones, with the remains of 3,811 servicemen, and the memorial comprises a museum room and a small chapel.

    We had an excellent tour guide who provided lots of interesting background information, which greatly enhanced the visit to this site (see picture captions for details); a visit when in Cambridge is highly recommended.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridge University CollegesTraveler
    Bredon House, the original base of Wolfson College
    Commemorative panel in one of the buildingsThe main building1Sundial GardenAn original Great St Mary's Church Bell is situated in the groundsThe Lee LibraryLee Library; main entranceLee Library

    Wolfson College

    September 6, 2024 in England ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We are able to visit Wolfson College today as part of the Open Cambridge events; as well as visiting the college, we go on the Tree Trail and Poetry Trail (poems written by people associated with the college) to see the gardens, and also visit a small exhibition of paintings in one of the buildings.

    Wolfson college was founded in 1965 as "University College" to accommodate the increased number of postgraduates who were born both during, and after the end of, WWII, and who started coming to Cambridge University to do research degrees; the college was originally based at Bredon House.  It was re-founded as Wolfson College in 1973 in recognition of the benefaction of the Wolfson Foundation.  As one of the more modern colleges in Cambridge, it does not follow all of the traditions of some of the university's older colleges; for example, there is no High Table for Fellows.  

    Various new buildings were opened by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1977, and the Lee Library was opened in 1994; it was donated to the college by the Singaporean businessman and philanthropist Lee Seng Tee.  

    We follow the trails and see the various buildings of interest, as well as some of the gardens; it has been very interesting to visit one of less "traditional" Colleges of Cambridge University.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; South DistrictTraveler
    Dry Drayton; St Peter and St Paul's Church
    Dry Drayton; St Peter and St Paul's ChurchChilderley HallChilderley Hall; the Mill building / car used for weddingsKnapwell; All Saints ChurchElsworth; Church of the Holy TrinityElsworth; the Rev. W. Awdry lived hereApproaching BoxworthBoxworth: Church of St Peter

    Villages around Bar Hill

    September 4, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Bar Hill is a large purpose-built accommodation village outside Cambridge and along the A14; it grew rapidly in the 1970's and now has about 4,000 people living there. It is a good place to start circular walks in the surrounding countryside - this post is a combination of photos taken on several walks in the locality, but the whole circular walk can be done in one.

    We walk south down a pedestrian path known as "The Drift" towards Dry Drayton; this is a small village with a nice church that has a brass rubbing on the floor.  From here, we follow the path and then turn west towards the small rural village of Childerley; this is an isolated place dominated by Childerley Hall, now used for wedding venues, etc.  The path now takes us to Knapwell Woods, where we divert off to see the All Saints Church in the hamlet of Knapwell.  From here, we head northwest to Elsworth; this village is noted for its former resident the Rev W Awdry, a former vicar of Elsworth church, who is best known for writing the Railway Series of children's books, of which Thomas the Tank Engine is the best known.  Then it back east to pass through the village of Boxworth, notable for its church - an ancient edifice of flint and stone in the decorated style.  Then it is back to Bar Hill.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsThe River Great OuseTraveler
    Earith; New Bedford River / Old Bedford River - both are diversion channels of the River Great Ouse
    Earith; WWII aeroplane collision and crash memorial (1942)Earith; Village Sign / Earith Marina (viewed from the other side of the river on the way backBerry Fen, with Bluntisham Church spire, just visible / View of the riverBrownshill Staunch and Sluice; the tidal limit of the River Great OuseBrownhill Sluice Gate / Greenwich Meridian markerThe Pike & Eel Marina (aka Cambridge Marina) on the outskirts of NeedingworthHolywell; The Old Ferry Boat Inn - front / rear (viewed from the other side of the river)Holywell; The holy water well (actually a natural spring) is located next to the church)Holywell: St John the Baptist Church

    7. Earith to Holywell

    August 31, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Starting from Hermitage Marina, situated close to Earith Bridge, the Ouse Valley Way goes into the village of Earith after crossing two artificial diversion channels of the River Great Ouse, the Old Bedford River and the New Bedford River; these leave the river on a course to Denver Sluice near Downham Market, where they re-join the Great Ouse in its tidal part (see earlier post in this trip).  After walking through the village, the path re-joins the Ouse and passes along the edge of Berry Fen before reaching Brownshill Staunch and Sluice.

    The Ouse Valley Way continues past the Pike and Eel at Needingworth and then cuts across, away from the river, to Holywell; Needingworth and Holywell villages are actually one mile apart (by road) and are known collectively as Holywell-cum-Needingworth.  Holywell is a Saxon ring village, one of only three in Cambridgeshire, and is well known locally for its beautifully located pub, The Old Ferry Boat Inn. The holy water well from which the village takes its name is located in front of St John the Baptist Church, and has been refurbished and repaired many times over the years; the "well" is in fact a stone structure built over a natural spring which emerges here.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsThe River Great OuseTraveler
    River View / Chear Fen Pumping Station
    Twenty Pence Marina / Twenty Pence CottageViews en routeThe future of farming? / River viewSmithy Fen EngineView along the river / High Bridge, AldrethRiver Great Ouse / Rich, loamy soilViews of cows along the riverbanksViews close to Hermitage Marina, EarithHermitage Marina

    6. Stretham Ferry Bridge to Earith

    August 19, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    This post covers two walks along the River Great Ouse; the first is from Stretham Ferry Bridge to Aldreth High Bridge (and back), the other a circular walk from Willingham via Aldreth High Bridge and close to Earith (Hermitage Marina).

    Starting from Stretham Ferry Bridge and crossing the A10, the Ouse Valley Way is along the north bank of the river; Chear Fen and its pumping station are on the south bank.  There are good views along the river and I soon reach the attractive Twenty Pence Marina; on the other side of the road here is Twenty Pence Cottage, formerly the Twenty Pence Inn that could be reached via a floating bridge.  There is a large solar farm en route before I see Smithey Fen Engine on the other side; this was originally built in 1842 as an engine and boiler house, scoop wheel, and chimney pumping station.  Further on is Aldreth High Bridge; the crossing here is part of the Aldreth Causeway, one of the ancient routes across the fens, running from Aldreth (a hamlet south of the village of Haddenham) to Belsar's Hill (the site of an Iron Age fort).  It is then a 3 mile attractive walk to Hermitage Marina, which is on the outskirts of the village of Earith.    Read more

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