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Andrew's Travels
Andrew's Travels

Andrew's Travels

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  • Andrew's TravelsDerbyshire; Outside of the Peak DistrictMatkaaja
    1View of Bolsover Castle taken from the air (image from the cover of a book in the Visitor Centre)
    1View of Bolsover Castle taken from the air (image from the cover of a book in the Visitor Centre)Outside Bolsover CastleThe red doors leading into the Little Castle after crossing the yardLittle Castle and the Venus FountainVenus FountainThe gardens against the walls of the Fountain GardenView of the Little Castle from the sideEntrance to the Little CastleGrand Hall; Ceiling ArtworkGrand Hall; Ceiling ArtworkPillar RoomStar ChamberStar ChamberHeaven Closet CeilingElysium Closet CeilingElysium ClosetPortraitsView of Terrace Range from the Little CastleView of Terrace Range from the Little CastleView of Terrace Range from the frontTerrace RangeTerrace RangeView of the Vale of Scarsdale from the Terrace RangeRiding SchoolInside the Riding School Building

    Bolsover Castle

    17. elokuuta, Englanti ☁️ 17 °C

    We visit Bolsover Castle on our journey back from Wirksworth to home.  Bolsover Castle and Hardwick Hall (see earlier post) are closely linked through the powerful Cavendish family; the two are only about 4.5 miles apart. Whereas Hardwick Hall was built by the formidable Bess of Hardwick (Countess of Shrewsbury) in the 1590s, the land at Bolsover was bought by Bess's son, Sir Charles Cavendish, in 1608 and he began transforming the medieval castle ruins into a modern retreat.

    Bolsover Castle is now under the care of English Heritage and famous for being a 17th-century "party palace" built for show rather than defence; it features the following:
    1) the Little Castle - this was built on 12th century medieval ruins and mimics a fortress with towers, but with large windows and luxurious rooms for entertainment,
    2) the Terrace Range - the vast and stately Terrace Range overlooking the Vale of Scarsdale is now a dramatic roofless shell.
    3) the Riding School - this is the oldest surviving complete riding house in England and commissioned by William Cavendish (riding master to King Charles II),

    We start by visiting the Little Castle via the Fountain Garden and walking around the various rooms on several levels; after that we explore the Terrace Range before looking at the Riding School; see captions of photos for details.

    It has been an interesting visit.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsThe Peak DistrictMatkaaja
    The Hope and Anchor
    The Hope and AnchorBeef BrisketSt Mary's Gate and the Wirksworth Heritage CentreSt Mary's ChurchThe Old Grammar School (Georgian Gothic, 1827), now two private dwellingsSymonds HouseThe Town HallCast Iron Milepost by the Town HallThe Red Lion Hotel, originally the town's principal coaching and posting innThe Feather Star Ale House is now in the main bar of the Red Lion HotelThe Moot Hall on Chaoel LaneThe Old Chapel at Chapel Row, now rentable modern cottages (where we stayed)

    Wirksworth

    16. elokuuta, Englanti ☁️ 21 °C

    Wirksworth is a historic market town located on the southern edge of the Peak District National Park; the area has been mined since Roman times and developed as a centre for lead mining and stone quarrying.

    After the Wirksworth Circular Walk, we rest for a while before going to the Hope and Anchor for an early Sunday evening meal. After this (still before 6 pm), we have a walk around the town using an architectural trail map from the accommodation; see captions on photos for details of this attractive town.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsThe Peak DistrictMatkaaja
    Wirksworth Station: This is the end of the Ecclesbourne Valley Heritage Railway Line from Duffield
    Wirksworth Station: This is the end of the Ecclesbourne Valley Heritage Railway Line from DuffieldView towards the disused Dale Quarry near WirksworthBolehill; a cottage on our way up to Cromford MoorView towards another disused quarry near WirksworthThe trail through the woods near Black Rock, on Cromford MoorThe trig point, 323m, near the Bolehill telecommunication and TV relay mastBlack Rock, formed of weathered Ashover gritView of disused quarry close to Black RockOn the High Peak Trail (not dissimilar to the Monsal Trail)Steeple Grange Light Railway, an 18 inch gauge Heritage Railway staffed by volunteersView down the Middleton Incline, walking up to Middleton TopMiddleton Top Engine House; this used to haul trains up the 1 in 8 InclineInside the Middleton Top Engine HouseInside the Middleton Top Engine HouseMiddleton Top Intake Quarry (disused)The StarDisc Stone Circle is located in Stoney Wood, above WirksworthDetail of my birth signStoney Wood informationView towards BolehillWalking down into WirksworthRoute Map for the Wirksworth Circular Walk

    Wirksworth Circular via part of High Peak Trail

    16. elokuuta, Englanti ☁️ 20 °C

    We leave the accommodation and walk up past the cemetery and then up to Bolehill; from here, it is a climb up to the woods on Cromford Moor and across to Black Rock.

    We then join the High Peak Trail; this is a 17.5-mile trail that runs from Dowlow near Buxton to High Peak Junction near Cromford, following the historic route of the 1831 Cromford and High Peak Railway. We see the station at Steeple Grange and carry on up the Middleton Incline to Middleton Top; fortunately for us, the restored Engine House is open on Sundays.

    Soon after this, we turn off and walk down towards Wirksworth, passing more disused quarries, eventually reaching the StarDisc Stone Circle on the edge of Stoney Wood; it is an interesting 21st century illuminated stone circle and celestial amphitheatre that spans 12m and is carved into black granite. We walk along the edge of Stoney Wood and join the road down into Wirksworth.

    It has been a really interesting and varied 5.4-mile walk. We walk back for a shower before heading out to Wirksworth for dinner and a look around.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsThe Peak DistrictMatkaaja
    Cromford; View over Cromford Pond, built in 1785 as the pound for Cromford Mill
    Cromford; View over Cromford Pond, built in 1785 as the pound for Cromford MillCromford; A mid-19th century water wheel for a mill grinding locally mined barytesCromford; Willersley Castle dominates the hill on the east side of the River DerwentCromford; St Mary's Church, built between 1792 and 1797 by Richard ArkwrightCromford; Inside the ChurchCromford Mill; the world's first water-powered cotton spinning millCromford Mill yard; the sluice on the mill yardCromford Mill: The water wheel has been refurbished and provides energy for the site nowCromford Mill; Cotton spinning machineCromford Wharf on the Cromford Canal; The Gothic WarehouseMasson Mill: This is on the River Derwent, and was more powerful than Cromford MillMasson Mill; home to a working textile museum, unfortunately closed todayMasson Mill; Inside the Visitor Centre

    Cromford

    15. elokuuta, Englanti ☁️ 22 °C

    We leave our cottage in Eyam and head off for 2 nights in Wirksworth via Cromford, where we stop off.

    Cromford is a picturesque, historic village, and part of the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site Derwent Valley Mills; the village is famous as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and features one of Sir Richard Arkwright’s pioneering water-powered cotton mills, We have a walk around the village before visiting Cromford Mill (1771), followed by Masson Mill (1783), also an Arkwright Mill, on the northern fringe of the village. Whereas Cromford Mill was powered by water from the Bonsall Brook and the Cromford Sough, Masson Mill was powered from the River Derwent and therefore had more power. Masson Mill and its Textile Museum were unfortunately closed due to staff illness. See captions on photos for details.

    From here, we drive on to Wirksworth.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsThe Peak DistrictMatkaaja
    Eyam; St Lawrence's Church
    Eyam; St Lawrence's ChurchView down to Eyam ascending Eyam EdgeSir William Hill Radio MastLadywash Mine; a historic mixed-ore and fluorspar mineEntering Eyam MoorEyam MoorView down to Bretton CloughView over to Abneylow BarnStoke FordWalking along Bretton CloughView over to Abneylow2Bretton; The Barrel InnView down to FoolowDisused mineAn old well?Old Farm building on the walk down to FoolowFoolow; St Hugh's Church (formerly an old smithy)Foolow; inside St Hugh's ChurchFoolow; the village pondFoolow; the village cross is a Grade II listed medieval stone crossFoolow; The Bull's HeadEn route to Eyam; you can just see the Barrel Inn at Bretton at the topEn route to Eyam; Black Hole Mine with Eyam Edge behind itEn route to EyamEyam Circular Walk via Stoke Ford, Bretton, and Foolow

    Eyam Circular via Stoke Ford, Bretton, Foolow

    14. elokuuta, Englanti ☁️ 26 °C

    Our last walk in the Eyam area on this trip is a circular walk, based on one we have in our book. We leave Eyam and walk up Eyam Edge to cross Eyam Moor to Stoke Ford (via a different path to last time).

    From Stoke Ford, we walk along Bretton Clough to Bretton; despite being a tiny hamlet, Bretton has a well-known and popular pub, The Barrel Inn, and a youth hostel because of its location on a ridge with a panoramic view. It is also the border between the so-called White Peak District area (limestone) and the Dark Peak District area (gritstone). Then we walk down to the picturesque village of Foolow; from here, we take the footpath directly across to Eyam. There have been good views during the walk; see captions on photos for details.

    It has been a lovely walk of approx. 8.5 miles in good weather, a bit cooler than yesterday. Later on, it's back to The Miner's Arms for beer and food; the end of our week based in Eyam.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsThe Peak DistrictMatkaaja
    Baslow; Methodist Church, originally a Sunday School
    Baslow; Methodist Church, originally a Sunday SchoolBaslow; Bar Brook, a tributary of the River Derwent that flows down from the moorlandsChatsworth Park Estate; soon after the entranceChatsworth Park Estate; small building near the caravan parkChatsworth Park Estate; view of Chatsworth HouseChatsworth Park Estate; Queen Mary's Bower, a raised stone garden featureChatsworth Park Estate; view of Chatsworth House from the bridgeChatsworth Park Estate; sheepChatsworth Park Estate; sheep keeping coolChatsworth Park Estate; view back to Chatsworth House across the River DerwentChatsworth Park Estate; approaching Calton LeesApproaching Rowsley after Calton LeesApproaching Rowsley after Bank WoodRowsley; St Katherine's ChurchRowsley; the Viaduct is now disusedRowsley Bridge; view back / view aheadThe route from Baslow to Rowsley

    Derwent Valley Heritage Way; Baslow to Rowsley

    13. elokuuta, Englanti ☀️ 30 °C

    Today, we walk section 3 of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way from Baslow to Rowsley. We take the bus to Baslow Church and follow the route up and down to Nether End before joining the path through the Chatsworth Park Estate and passing by Chatsworth House. We walk on to Calton Lees, where Chatsworth Garden Centre is situated. From here, we walk on towards Rowsley; this village is located at the point where the River Wye flows into the River Derwent and prospered from mills on both rivers. It has been a lovely 5.5-mile walk that was very hot towards the end (hence an early start); see captions on photos for details.

    We take the bus back to Bakewell and change there for Eyam to get back to the cottage.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsThe Peak DistrictMatkaaja
    En route to Stoney Middleton; old farm building
    En route to Stoney Middleton; old farm buildingView back to the Sir William Hill Mast after steep ascent from Stoney MiddletonView en route to Coombs DaleWalking along Coombs Dale; view backView from close to the top of Coombs DaleView back after leaving Coombs DaleDisused quarry; opencast workingsDisused quarry; opencast workingsRowland; a herd of cowsPile of logs close to Long Rake PlantationCrossing the Monsal TrailEn route to BakewellEn route to BakewellEn route to BakewellAnother herd of cows"I am not a number, I am a free cow"Close to Bakewell; Holme Hall, a Grade I listed Jacobean Manor, privately ownedBakewell Bridge; a Grade I listed arch bridge over the River WyeBakewell; War Memorial and the Rutland Arms HotelBakewell; Bath GardensThe walking route for Eyam to BakewellThe partial eclipse of the sun viewed using a colander; note the movement from one side to the other

    Eyam to Bakewell Walk

    12. elokuuta, Englanti ☁️ 17 °C

    We leave our accommodation early for our walk to Bakewell to avoid the forecasted afternoon heat. We set off before 8:30 am. towards Stoney Middleton (using a different path to last time) and from there walk up and south towards Coombs Dale, a steep-sided, dry limestone valley; we see some of the old mines and quarries that were used in the past. From Bleaklow, we walk to and through Rowland, a small hamlet close to Great Longstone.

    We walk outside Long Rake Plantation before crossing the Monsal Trail on our way to Bakewell (see Monsal Trail separate trip in FP). After a quick look around Bakewell (see Bakewell post earlier in this trip in FP), we take the bus back to Eyam. See captions on photos for more details of the walk and the screen capture of the route; it has been a lovely walk of about 7 miles.

    Later on, we watched the partial eclipse of the sun using a colander and a piece of paper.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsThe Peak DistrictMatkaaja
    The River Derwent near the start of the walk
    The River Derwent near the start of the walkCoppice Wood; Almost a stepping stone bridge...View after leaving the woodGrindleford; St Helen's ChurchGrindleford; the butterfly meadow close to the churchHorse Hay CoppiceThe path back in Horse Hay CoppiceView from Spooner Lane after leaving the woodFroggatt; view across the River Derwent to Stoke Hall, a Georgian Palladian mansionFroggatt; the Wesleyan Reform ChapelThe River Derwent after crossing Froggatt BridgeCalver Mill Goit; water was channelled from the Derwent to power the cotton-spinning machineryCalver; The Old School House at Stocking Farm was a day school for Calver Mill worker"s childrenCalver; The old cotton mill is now an apartment blockApproaching Baslow; view backBaslow Bridge; view back / view aheadBaslow BridgeBaslow; St Anne's ChurchThe route from Leadmill Bridge, Hathersage to Baslow

    Derwent Valley Heritage Way; Hathersage - Baslow

    11. elokuuta, Englanti ☁️ 19 °C

    Today, we walk section 2 of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way from Hathersage to Baslow; the 55-mile long-distance footpath follows the River Derwent from Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District National Park down to Derwent Mouth, where it joins the River Trent near Shardlow.

    We start from Leadmill Bridge near Hathersage and follow the path along the path via Grindleford, Froggatt, and Calver to Baslow; see captions on photos for details of the walk and the final photo for the route. It was a lovely walk of 6.8 miles (my OS app says 7.3 miles, but it is usually 10% high....)

    Later on, we enjoyed a meal and good ale at The Miner's Arms in Eyam.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsThe Peak DistrictMatkaaja
    Walking to Mount Pleasant Farm from Hathersage
    Walking to Mount Pleasant Farm from HathersageWalking to Mount Pleasant Farm from HathersageView from Mount Pleasant FarmHighlow Hall; a grade II listed historic Elizabethan manor houseCrossing Highlow Brook en route to Stoke FordCrossing Highlow Brook en route to Stoke FordView back to AbneyEn route down to Bretton BrookThe other side; almost there!View backThe walk

    Hathersage to Eyam Walk via Stoke Ford and Abney

    10. elokuuta, Englanti ⛅ 17 °C

    We take the 9:20 bus to Hathersage and from there walk down to Leadmill Bridge and cross the River Derwent. We walk via Mount Pleasant Farm and Callow Wood to Highlow Hall, a grade II listed historic Elizabethan manor house dating back to the 16th century. We walk down to Highlow Wood and then turn west towards Stoke Ford.

    From here, we walk along Abney Clough, a secluded wooden valley towards the tiny gritstone village of Abney. We then walk south towards Bretton, crossing Bretton Brook after walking through a heavy fern growth on the way down. Despite being a tiny hamlet, Bretton has a well-known and popular pub, The Barrel Inn, and a youth hostel because of its location on a ridge with a panoramic view.

    We then walk down Eyam Edge, a high gritstone and shale ridge with a lot of gorse, to join a small road back to Eyam. It's been an almost 9-mile walk with a lot of different scenery.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsThe Peak DistrictMatkaaja
    Eyam; Cucklet Church, a limestone outcrop - Rev Mompesson stood here to preach during the plague
    Eyam; Cucklet Church, a limestone outcrop - Rev Mompesson stood here to preach during the plagueInside Cucklet ChurchView into Cucklet ChurchEyam; The stocksEyam HallEyam roasting jackOutside a plague cottageOne of the plague cottagesEyam Church (dedicated to St Lawrence)The Celtic CrossInside Eyam ChurchThe plague windowThe names of people who died during the plague (260, one-third of the villagers)The former Eyam Mechanics InstituteThe Lydgate GravesThe Boundary Stone, halfway between Eyam and Stoney Middleton; food and supplies would be left hereStoney Middleton Church (dedicated to St Martin)The unusual octagonal nave is one of only two to be found in the UKStoney Middleton Roman BathsThe Riley Graves; Mrs Hancok, from Riley Farm, buried her husband and six children hereView en route back to EyamMompesson's Well; a natural spring, and during the plague, a safe place to leave food and suppliesEyam MoorWalking down to EyamEyam; Humphrey Merrill's Tomb - he was the village herbalist during the plagueThe route

    Eyam Historic Places Walk and Eyam Moor

    9. elokuuta, Englanti ☀️ 19 °C

    We are back in Derbyshire and drive to Eyam; our cottage is nice and well situated in the historic village of Eyam. Eyam is famous for the bravery of the villagers when the plague devastated the village in 1665-1666; they isolated themselves and prevented the plague from spreading to nearby villages and towns. We use a pamphlet detailing the many places of interest concerning the plague and see some of the other interesting things here.

    The plague started here in 1665 when George Viccars, a journeyman tailor, was lodging in one of the cottages and received a box of damp cloth from London, where the plague was raging; he hung it to dry in the cottage and died shortly after; there were fleas on the cloth and these passed on the plague. A new young Rector, the Rev. William Mompesson, asked the villagers to shut themselves off to avoid contaminating the whole area. The captions on the photos describe a bit more detail about the plague then.

    It was a very good and interesting day, with 8.8 miles walking.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsCambridge Hidden WalksMatkaaja
    West Cambridge Campus; Schlumberger Building
    West Cambridge Campus; Schlumberger BuildingView from the footpathDept of Chemical Engineering and BiotechnologyWrst Cambridge LakeCavendish Laboratories siteCavendish Laboratories siteView of EddingtonStorey's Field CentreBrook Leys Lake; Fata Morgana TeahouseFata Morgana TeahouseView of Eddington across Brook Leys LakeView of Eddington across Brook Leys LakeBrook Leys LakeBrook Leys Lake

    Future Cambridge; Eddington and West Cambridge

    27. heinäkuuta, Englanti ☁️ 25 °C

    This is Walk 11 from the Cambridge Hidden Walks book and is called Future Cambridge; Eddington and West Cambridge.  These are both modern University developments 2 miles north-west of the city centre, and border countryside that provides community amenity; whereas Eddington is a residential area, West Cambridge Campus is a development of university buildings, mainly for science-related faculties.

    From Madingley Road park and ride, I cross Madingley Road and walk south via West Cambridge Campus passing the tent-like Schlumberger Building first before walking along a footpath before doubling towards the Dept of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology and then walking around West Cambridge Lake.  I then walk down Charles Babbage Road for a short while to reach the Cavendish Laboratories site.  Then it's up past the Dept of Computer Science and Technology and the Whittle Laboratory; next, it's back across Madingley Road to walk up past the Univeristy Obervatory Buildings and the walk across towards Eddington.

    Eddington is centred around Market Square and designed with a high level of sustainibility; an energy centre provides a district heating system, while a sustainable urban drainage system channels rainwater via bioswales to the artificial Brook Leys Lake between the site and the M11 motorway - the water is pumped back into homes for washing through a non-potable network.

    I walk through the development and then down to walk around Brook Leys Lake to see the Fata Morgana Teahouse installation, designed by the German artists Wolfgang Winter and Berthold Hörbelt; except for the roof, almost the entire two-storey pavilion - including built-in benches - was made from undulating stainless steel welded grating, and depending on light conditions, its polished surfaces can appear shiny or see-through.  There are good views of Eddington from here.

    Then it is a short walk back to the park and ride; it has been a very interesting 5.5-mile walk through "Future Cambridge."    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandMatkaaja
    The former French consulate and British embassy; the site of the 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev Peace Summit
    The former French consulate and British embassy; the site of the 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev Peace SummitReykjavik Harbour AreaHarpa BuildingTjornin (The Pond); View across to Hallgrimshirkje and Frikirkjan ChurchesTjornin (The Pond); View of City HallStatue on the walk around The Pond1Two Poets seated by The PondGnome by Gorse flowersStatue on the walk around The PondFrikirkjan Church, also known as the Free ChurchView across to City Hall from the other side of The PondStreet viewGovernment BuildingLaugarvigur; Iceland Punk Museum entranceIt's worth reading.....1Rainbow Street, leading off LaugarvigurLaugarvigur; Rainbow House?Street Art

    Reykjavik 3; City Centre

    14. kesäkuuta, Islanti ☀️ 12 °C

    We are flying back to the UK late this afternoon and have time to see some of the views and sights in Reykjavik that we missed at the start of the trip.

    We walk towards the Harpa Concert Hall via the Saebraut seaside walk and back to the hotel via a walk around Tjornin (The Pond), and then along Laugarvigur (see captions on photos for details).

    We have had a great trip to Iceland!    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandMatkaaja
    En route to Gudafoss; Pseudo-crater formed from lava pushing up from the ground
    En route to Gudafoss; Pseudo-crater formed from lava pushing up from the groundWalking to Godafoss WaterfallGodafoss WaterfallGodafoss WaterfallGodafoss WaterfallGodafoss WaterfallEn route to AkureyriAkureyriAkureyri Lutheran ChurchTown centreTown centreTown centreAkureyri Botanical GardensAkureyri Botanical GardensAkureyri Botanical GardensViewViewHof Cultural Centre; outside/ insideAkureyri HarbourViews en route to Grabrok CraterViews en route to Grabrok CraterGrabrok Crater; there is a path to the rimLittle Grabrok Crater / Raudbrok CraterGrabrok Crater from the rimGrabrok CraterViews from Grabrok Crater; General view / Down to an old sheep pen

    Godafoss, Akureyri, and Grabrok Crater

    13. kesäkuuta, Islanti ⛅ 11 °C

    We are heading back to Reykjavik for our final evening today; our first stop en route is Godafoss, a 30m wide by 12m drop waterfall - if Dettifoss is the Beast, this is the Beauty.

    The next stop is Akureyri; it is the capital of North Iceland and is located at the southern end of Eyjafjordur, the largest fjord in Iceland. We stop here for a walk around the attractive town and to visit the Botanical Gardens.

    We then drive south towards Grabrok Crater; this was formed from a volcanic fissure eruption over 3,000 years ago and is the largest of three craters along a 600m fissure. We walk up the wooden staircase and enjoy the sweeping views ofmosscovered kava fields.

    Then it's back to Reykjavik; it's not a big farewell dinner tonight as it's fairly late, so we go to Borg 29 food hall for a pizza.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandMatkaaja
    Stop off en route to Asbyrgi
    Stop off en route to AsbyrgiPuffinMap of AsbyrgiThe towering vertical cliffs of AsbyrgiBotnstjörn Lake: A tranquil pond at the closed end of the horseshoeThree birdsEyjan (The Island),a massive 25-meter-high rock formation that divides the centre of the canyonLake Myvatn area; Hverir - fumaroles and mud potsLake Myvatn area; Dimmuborgir - lava parkLake Myvatn; a bird watching area thereView of Lake MyvaynGeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths

    Asbyrgi Canyon and Lake Myvatn

    12. kesäkuuta, Islanti ☁️ 6 °C

    After a brief stop at a viewpoint over Shaky Bay, we proceed to Asbyrgi Canyon, a crescent-shaped glacial gorge formed from an old dried out river bed when the Glacier changed course; or, it could be formed from the hoof print of Sleipnir, the eight legged horse of the God Odin.... We enjoy a short walk at the end by towering vertical cliffs and the water.

    Next, we drive to the Lake Myvayn area; our first visit is to the fumaroles and mud pots of Hverir at the foot of Mount Namafjall, the Sulphur mountain; Lake Myvatn is on the other side of the mountain, and is the fourth largest lake in Iceland, 275m above sea level, and formed 3,800 years ago. It is a short drive to Dimmuborgir, where we have lunch and then walk around the lava park here, seeing the interesting shapes of various volcanic caves and rock formations, reminiscent of an ancient collapsed citadel. We then follow the so-called Silica Road for a while to get back to Husavik.

    Then, it's off to GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths close to Husavik; there are several oudoor pools of naturally heated seawater at different temperatures, a steam room, and a bar - perfect. It was a wonderful experience.

    We finish the day with an excellent meal at the Salka restaurant in Husavik, a short walk from the hotel.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandMatkaaja
    View en route; the glacial valley
    View en route; the glacial valleyOld farm remainsGlacial witness; the name given to glacial erosionViews south to Vatnajokull Glacier from a vantage point stopFjalladyrd; old farm buildingsFjalladyrd; the ChurchWalking to Selfoss and Dettifoss Falls from the car parkSelfoss WaterfallViewback to SelfossDettifoss WaterfallDettifoss WaterfallDettifoss WaterfallAt Dettifoss WaterfallJokulsa a Fjollum River (the source of Dettifoss Waterfall)View en routeHusavik; Husavik Church, built in 1907Inside the churchMonumentThe oldest building in Husavik, now part of a restaurant on the harbourHusavik harbourHusavik harbourView from the harbour back to the churchHusavik public gardensHusavik public gardensHusavik public gardensIn the Husavik Ol microbrewery; Iain, a very active CAMRA member (left) with the owner (right)

    Fjalladyrd, Dettifoss Waterfall, Husavik

    11. kesäkuuta, Islanti ☁️ 8 °C

    We leave the Eastern Fjords region and cross up to the north of Iceland. There are great views en route, and we stop for coffee at Fjalladyrd; this is the highest inhabited farm in Iceland and now offers a range of facilities.

    We drive on through Northern Iceland towards Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls; whereas Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe (44,000 litres of water pre second!), Selfoss is more humble and beautifully shaped.

    We then drive on to Husavik; this is Iceland's oldest settlement and very picturesque. It is the whale watching centre of Iceland, but we decline the optional whale watching tour, having been on several already. We enjoy a walk around the town, seeing the main sights (see captions on photos for details). A particular highlight was the Husavik Ol microbrewery, where the beer was only 1000 Krona during World Cup games! It was an excellent evening...    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandMatkaaja
    Eastern Fjords region: The lower blue dot is Djupivogur, and the upper blue dot is Faskrudsfjordur
    Eastern Fjords region: The lower blue dot is Djupivogur, and the upper blue dot is FaskrudsfjordurDjupivogur harbourA decorated wallThe old church (deconsecrated)SculpturesReindeer en routeView across a fjordView across a fjordFaskrudsfjordurFaskrudsfjordur harbourJoe's Favourite; Seafoods in garlic sauce, served on a flaguette bread with saladView from our hotel window next morningOur hotel (Fosshotel Eastfjords); formerly a French HospitalThe French Connection....View of ReydarfjordurView en route

    Eastern Fjords Region

    10.–11. kesäk., Islanti 🌧 8 °C

    Our first stop in the Eastern Fjords region is Djupivogur, a historic trading village dating back to 1589.

    We then travel to Faskrudsfjordur, another old trading port; this was home to a hospital founded to serve French fishermen working here until 1935 (the former hospital building dating from 1903 has now been restored as a hotel - the one we are staying in). Later, we enjoy an amazing meal at Cafe Sumarlina.

    Next morning, we set off through the Eastern Fjords and on to Husavik in the north of Iceland.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandMatkaaja
    View back to the Glacier
    View back to the GlacierViews back and forward from the hay cartOn the cape / The tractor pulled hay cartWalking upMonumentPuffinPuffinThe lighthouse on the cape headlandMore puffinsSkuaSheepOn the way backOn the way backViiew en route to the Eastern Fjords regionViiew en route to the Eastern Fjords regionViiew en route to the Eastern Fjords regionViiew en route to the Eastern Fjords regionViiew en route to the Eastern Fjords regionReindeerHorseThe other side of the Fjord is officially in the Eastern Fjords region of Iceland

    Ingolfshofoi Nature Reserve / To Eastern Fjords

    10. kesäkuuta, Islanti 🌬 9 °C

    After breakfast, we drive to the start point for the "Puffin Tour" in the Ingolfshofoi Nature Reserve; this is run by a small family business that offers authentic tours on the family's farm Hofsnes. We take a tractor pulled hay cart to cross over to the Ingolfshofoi Nature Reserve on a remote headland on the black sand coast of southeast Iceland. The whole experience was truly amazing and is described on the photo captions.

    We then drive towards the Eastern Fjords region of Iceland.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandMatkaaja
    Skaftafell Walk 1; Lambhagi, one of the oldest visible ancient monuments in Skaftafell
    Skaftafell Walk 1; Lambhagi, one of the oldest visible ancient monuments in SkaftafellView of SvartifossSvartifoss"Power" station for Sel farmsteadSel FarmInsideViewSvartifoss1SvartifossBasalt columnsSvartifoss1Jokulsarlon Glacier LagoonAmphibious Vehicle for the boat ride1Harbour SealThe Glacier that feeds the LagoonView from the beachOn the beachSkaftafell Walk 2; sites of geological interestAt Skaftafell GlacierSkaftafell Glacier

    Skaftafell Reserve and Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

    9. kesäkuuta, Islanti 🌧 5 °C

    We visit Skaftafell Nature Reserve, an area of wilderness inside the larger Vatnajokull National Park, and go on the walk towards Sel, an old, original farm in the area, and then on to Svartifoss Waterfall before returning to the visitor centre

    After lunch, we drive to Jokulsarlon, a glacial lagoon, with waters dotted with icebergs from the surrounding Breioamerkurjokull Glacier, part of the larger Vatnajokull Glacier; we go a amphibious vehicle boat ride to see more. The lagoon flows through a short waterway into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving chunks of ice on a black sand beach.

    Then it's back to Skaftafell Nature Reserve for a walk along the geology trail to Skaftafell Glacier.

    A full day.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandMatkaaja
    View en route
    View en routeSeljalandsfoss Waterfall1View en routeSmall farm buildingsSkogafoss Waterfall,11Vik I Myrdal beachBasalt cliffsVik; churchVik; view from beachLava fieldThe glaciers at Skaftafell

    Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Vik I Myrdal

    8. kesäkuuta, Islanti 🌧 9 °C

    We leave Gullfoss Waterfall and drive to Skaftafell, stopping at various sites wn route.

    First, we visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which is noted for its height and the possibility to walk behind the curtain of water from one side to the other. We do this and get a little wet due to the wind blowing as we emerge!

    Our next stop is Skogafoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, standing at 62 m / 203 ft.

    We also stop at Vik I Myrdal, a black sanded and rocky beach with basalt cliffs and their columns. We then stop off at the village of Vik to see the beach there.

    As we drive on to Skaftafell, we stop off and have a short walk on a large lava field and see the moss growths on the boulders.

    It's been a long day, by the time we arrive at Hotel Skaftafell!    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandMatkaaja
    View en route to Thingvellir
    View en route to ThingvellirThingvellir National ParkBooths; ruins of excavated temporary shelters built by chieftainsThis flat area is where the tectonic plates meet or met, apparentlyOxatafoss Waterfall, ThingvellirGeysir Geothermal Area; mud poolStrokkur Geyser (the "Butter Churn")Another geyserView en route to Gullfoss1Gullfoss WaterfallSigridur from Brattholt, the "protector of Gullfoss"View back form from further along

    The Golden Circle highlights

    7.–8. kesäk., Islanti ☁️ 10 °C

    The Golden Circle of Iceland is a famous 190-mile looped tourist route from Reykjavik that is often done as a day trip. There are three primary must-see stops, and we visit two this afternoon and one tomorrow morning on our route to Skaftafell.

    The first is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it was the birthplace of the Icelandic Parliament in 930 AD, when 30 clan leaders came together to create a unified nation after years of fighting. It is also of geological interest because the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet here, with a portion of Iceland on each, meaning that you can cross between two continents here. We have a lovely walk between our pick-up points via the Oxarafoss Waterfall.

    We stop off at the Solheimer Eco-village for coffee en route to the Geysir Geothermal Area, the second must-see stop. Located in the Haikadalud Valley, this area features bubbling mud pools and the Strokkur Geyser (known as "the butter churn"), which erupts every 5-10 minutes throwing boiling water up to 130 ft in the air.

    We then drive to the Gullfoss Hotel ready for the third must-see stop of the Golden Circle; the Gullfoss Falls. This is fed by the Havita glacial river and is a spectacular two-tiered waterfall that drops 32 m (105 ft) into a rugged canyon. The name translates to "Golden Falls," giving the Golden Circle its name. We see the sculpture of "Sigridur of Brattholt," a farmer's daughter whose activism helped preserve the Gullfoss Falls, preventing them from being industrialised.

    We set off for Skaftafell via Highway 1, the ring road around Iceland.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandMatkaaja
    Greater Reykjavik; En route to Grotta Nature Reserve
    Greater Reykjavik; En route to Grotta Nature ReserveGrotta LighthouseA hot tub on the rocky beachCity Centre; Parliament HouseReykjavik CathedralInside the CathedralStatue of Jon SigurdssonRockTjornin (The Pond)Interesting statueHallgrimskirkja (Church of Hallgrimur)View from frontOutsideThe organThe pulpitThe altarGreater Reykjavik; Perlan MuseumSculpture outsideView of Reykjavik city centre from PerlanViewed other sideNaurholsvik Geothermal Beach

    Reykjavik 2; City Centre and Greater City Area

    7. kesäkuuta, Islanti ⛅ 9 °C

    After breakfast, we drive to Grotta, a natural site and nature reserve on the western side of the Greater Reykjavik area. We see the Grotta lighthouse (built in 1877 and reconstructed in 1947) and the nature reserve.

    We drive back to the city centre and the Harpa Concert Hall and harbour area. We walk to the Parliament Square and then up to Tjornin, a small lake in the centre of Reykjavik. Later, we drive a short distance up to Hallgrimshirkje (Church of Hallgrinur), a protestant Lutheran Church; it is the tallest church in Iceland and the second most tall building in the country. It was completed in 1986 and built to resemble the columnar basalt rock formations that are found in Iceland (eg, at Vika beach, which we will visit later in the trip); it is minimalist inside.

    We drive to the southern part of the Greater Reykjavik area to Perlan, a popular and immersive museum; we do not visit it, but have a short walk and enjoy views from the top of Osjkuhlid Hill, on which it stands - the main building is based around four heating tanks. We then visit the Nautholsvuk Geothermal Beach, near the domestic airport, which is noted for its golden sand, geothermal heated swim lagoon, and hot tubs.

    Then it's off to see some of the Golden Circle highlights....    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandMatkaaja
    School of Visual Arts
    School of Visual Arts1Hlemmur Food HallHlemmur Food Hall; Cod and Chips (excellent)LaugarvigurLaugarvigurLaugarvigur1Laugarvigur; Polar ShopLaugarvigurRainbow Street, with Hallgrímskirkja in the distanceGovernment buildingsArnahol StatueHarpa Concert HallSaebraut seaside walkSaebraut seaside walk; view of modern buildingsSaebraut seaside walk;Saebraut seaside walk; Sun VoyagerSaebraut seaside walk; lava block

    Reykjavik 1; City Centre

    6. kesäkuuta, Islanti ⛅ 10 °C

    We fly from London to Reykjavik with Icelandic Air to start our "Land of the Midnight Sun" trip with Explore Travel. We have time to have a meal at a local food court close to the hotel and to have a walk around some of the city centre before a guided tour tomorrow.

    We walk along Laugarvigur, the mile-long central and commercial artery of Reykjavik, seeing old-style buildings and impressive street art before turning off after Rainbow Street towards the harbour and the promenade (Saebraut seaside walk), offering impressive sights, including the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager, before walking up to the hotel. Sunset isn't until 11:45pm this evening!

    A good start to the trip.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsBedfordshireMatkaaja
    Wyven Statue; a wyvern was the emblem of the de Grey family
    Wyven Statue; a wyvern was the emblem of the de Grey familyFrench Parterre in front of the MansionStatues beyond the fountain, the site of the original houseThe OrangeryThe Bath HouseEvergreen GardenBowling Green HouseDuchess's Square and West Half HouseMithraic AltarStatue of animal nearbyArcher PavilionDog's CemeteryCapability Brown ColumnGreco-Roman AltarsChinese TempleStatue of Diana and her dogLadies PondView down the Long Water back to Archer PavilionPetit Trianon; a playhouse, also known as the Wendy HouseSculpture Gallery inside the Dairy; original statues from the Gardens are housed hereGarden outside the Visitor Centre

    Wrest Park 2; the Gardens and Woodland

    22. toukokuuta, Englanti ☁️ 24 °C

    Wrest Park Gardens are formal gardens surrounding the mansion and include a number of other buildings, monuments, and statues; the park also has woodland on either side. The Gardens are divided by a wide gravel central walk, continued as a long canal that leads to a Baroque pavilion banqueting house designed by Thomas Archer and completed in 1711. 

    We have a very enjoyable and interesting walk around the gardens; see captions on photos for details - they are presented in an ant-clockwise direction from and back to the house.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsBedfordshireMatkaaja
    View of Wrest Park Mansion from the Garden
    View of Wrest Park Mansion from the GardenInside the mansion; a clever design of door frame size is "reflected" in one mirror at the endThe LibrarySitting RoomA Ceiling1The StairwellThe one furnished roomView of the Mansion from the fountain (close to the site of the original house)View of the Mansion over the Long Water, from the Archer Pavilion

    Wrest Park 1; the Mansion House

    22. toukokuuta, Englanti ⛅ 22 °C

    Wrest Park is a country estate located in Silsoe, Bedfordshire. It comprises Wrest Park Mansion, a grade I listed country house, and Wrest Park Gardens and Woodland (also grade I listed).

    Between the 13th and 20th centuries it was occupied by the de Grey family; the original house was demolished in the 1830's, and the current mansion was built by Thomas de Grey, 2nd Earl de Grey, also in the 1830's, in a Louis XV style that is unique in England. Wrest Park was used as a military hospital during WW I; it was eventually purchased by Sun Insurance (who moved from offices in London to Wrest Park during WW II, building 12 huts and converting stables to house 300 employees. After the war, it became a centre for modern agricultural engineering research. English Heritage took over the house and gardens in 2006 and began a 20-year restoration project.

    We visit the house, seeing what we are able to (see captions on photos for details).    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsHertfordshireMatkaaja
    Front view of the house
    Front view of the houseSide view of the house, from the GardensThe Statue of Charity3Old Father Time with an old fatherThe Wrestlers / Samson and the PhilistinesCopped Hall TempleTirsi's UrnCherub on a SwanDiana (and Helen!)Running FootmanThe Sphinxes and the RotundaOne of the two Sphinxes and the RotundaHerculesOrgan HouseVenus and Adonis (and Helen)Chambers' TempleView of All Saints Church, St. Paul's Walden, cross the LakeBrewer's HouseThe BarnWEFT, a group art exhibition in the Barn

    St Paul's Walden Bury

    15. toukokuuta, Englanti ☁️ 10 °C

    St Paul's Walden Bury is a Grade I listed 18th-century garden and mansion, which was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (the Bowes-Lyon family, her ancestors, has long-standing connections to the area and still live in the stately home).  It is located in St Paul's Walden, a rural village in North Hertfordshire, located between Hitchin and Stevenage in the Chilterns, and has a 50-acre formal woodland garden famed for its notable collection of classical statues and temples, lakes and ponds.

    It is not possible for us to visit the house, although it is used as a wedding venue, but the gardens have been recommended to us and we set off for a visit to walk round them to explore.  The formal woodland garden, covering about 60 acres, was much influenced by French tastes, and is one of the few surviving examples of gardens of this genre, based on a patte d’oie (goose foot) design. Long rides lined with clipped beech hedges lead to temples, statues, lakes, and ponds, and to a terraced outdoor theatre.  It is an excellent place to visit - see captions on photos - and there is an online map of the garden to refer to en route.

    We also visit the restored 18th century barn in the grounds of the house, where the WEFT contemporary art exhibition is on for a week; the exhibition features an installation by a local artist and explores themes of disability, sensory experience, and the built environment; it is "quirky", but interesting.

    A good day out.    Lue lisää

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  • Andrew's TravelsAmalfi Coast WalkingMatkaaja
    Leaving Bomerano
    Leaving BomeranoGrotta del Biscotto; it features small houses and Shepherd huts built into the rockView of the Li Galli islets / Interesting water fountain on the routeNocelleNocelleNocelle; Chiesa Santa Croce (Church of the Holy Cross)NocelleViews of MontepertusoMontepertuso (pierced mountain) takes its name from this natural hole in the rock formation nearbyEn route to Positano, a stunning vertical town on the Amalfi CoastStalactitesPositanoPositano; Chiesa de Santa Maria AssuntaView of Positano and its small beach from the harbour areaPositanoFinal evening; our guide, Pete, receiving his cad and tip / The Explore GroupThe Good Friday Procession through Agerola; a reenactment of the Passion finishes in San Lazzaro

    Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods)

    3. huhtikuuta, Italia ☁️ 11 °C

    The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is a scenic 8-10 km coastal hike linking Bomerano (Agerola Commune) and Nocelle (the upper part of the Positano Commune); name “Path of the Gods” comes from an ancient legend: the Greek deities once walked this trail to rescue Ulysses from the sirens of the Li Galli islets.

    We drive to Bomerano and start the walk; there are breathtaking views all the way (see photos!) as we walk the Path of the Gods to Nocelle, a tranquil, ancient hamlet perched 450 metres above Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast; there is a steep 1,700 stepped pathway which goes down to the town of Positano itself, but we take the longer route via Montepertuso and the northern part of Positano.  Positano is a stunning, vertical town on Italy's Amalfi Coast, known for its pastel-colored houses stacked on steep cliffs, vibrant fashion boutiques, and pebbled beaches.

    After some spare time in Positano, we drive back to San Lazzaro.  We are held up in Bomerano by the Good Friday Procession, a reenactment of the Passion of Christ, but we get back to the Agriturismo for our farewell evening meal of the trip and get out just in time to see the final, nighttime scene featuring the crucifixion of Jesus and the two thieves (Gestas and Dismas) at the Colonia Montana.  What a day!

    It has been a fantastic trip to the Amalfi Coast for both of us.    Lue lisää

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