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Andrew's Travels
Andrew's Travels

Andrew's Travels

traveled in 67 countries Read more🌍Cambridge
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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    Last night's bush camp site / Mirador Laguna Verde
    Last night's bush camp site / Mirador Laguna VerdeLago Buenos AiresScrubland becomes steppe as we head southPassing through Parque Patagonia, a former sheep ranchRio Pinturas GorgeCueva de las Manos; paintings on the alerosCueva de las Manos; paintings on the alerosCueva de las Manos; the cave entrance / paintings on the aleros1Cueva de las Manos; paintings on the alerosRio Pinturas Gorge; end of the walkway / view of the other side

    Lago Buenos Aires / Cueva de las Manos

    November 20, 2023 in Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 4 °C

    At 1 am, the wind was phenomenal, and I was scared the tent would blow away! It held firm, but it was quite an experience. Then it poured down!

    Tents down at 6 am, and by 7:15, we are off. We stop to enjoy the view of Laguna Verde and then drive through the small town of Chile Chico and arrive at the first of the border crossings by 8:30; we are in the Santa Cruz region of Argentina at 11 am.

    There is flat scrubland by Lago Buenos Aires - as it is known this side of the border - and beyond as we travel east on good roadls, eventually turning south; it's extremely windy, but the sun is shining. The truck lunch was by a sheltered culvert underneath the road to get out of the wind. It's back to scrubland after and then steppe passing through part of the Parque Patagonia.

    We divert to drive to the gorge of the Pinturas River, to visit the Cueva de las Manos Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; hunter gatherers lived in the caves here over 9,000 years ago, and the guanaco that lived on the steppes were their main source of food.

    We take an obligatory guided tour along a walkway to see the aleros, rocky overhangs en route to the cave itself; there are pre-Colombian paintings of hands (mainly left), guanacos, other animals and hunting scenes formed by chewing and spraying a mixture of gypsum, minerals, etc. from the mouth using hands, etc, as stencils on these aleros. The colours varied over the millenia; a very interesting place.

    Then it's back to the main road and south to find a bush camp site. It's steppe land all the way, and I see two small groups of guanaco as well as a rhea on the journey.

     In the event, we stayed in a hostel / hotel in Bajo Caracoles; bed, shower, food, beer - not in that order.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    Views leaving Coyhaique
    Views leaving CoyhaiqueCarretera AustralRio IbanezEl ProgressoVilla Cerro Castillo areaLago General CarreraPuerto Rio TranquiloLeaving Puerto Rio TranquiloThe south shore of Lago General Carrera towards Chile ChicoBush camp; food prep / fireside

    Carretera Austral / Lago General Carrera

    November 19, 2023 in Chile ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    We leave Coyhaique for Carretera Austral south again; ideally, we'll cross the border and bush camp in Argentina; if not, it will be in Chile. The flat area gives way to valleys along the mountains.

    It is beautiful as we drive along the Rio Ibanez and El Progresso areas to the Villa Cerrro Castillo area, where there are many mountain peaks, and then it's back down to the valley bottom and due south.

    The Carretra Austral crosses over the Lago General Carrera at the town of Puerto Rio Tranquilo; it is a stunning area, popular with hikers.

    We then travel along the southern shore of Lago General Carrera to head east towards Chile Chico. At times, it's like driving along the side of a coastal cliff.

    This journey today has been exceptional, showing the beauty of Patagonia; my photos can't do it justice.

    After a couple of reccies, Kevin and Claire opt to bush camp by the road west of Chile Chico. It's raining, but tents are put up, and a meal of frankfurters, instant mash, and a vegetarian concoction are prepared; it was all really good. An early night follows...    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    Heading south from Futaleufu
    Heading south from FutaleufuHeading south from FutaleufuHeading south on the Carretra AustralQuelat National ParkQuelat National ParkLunch stop on the Carretera AustralGetting close to CoyhaiqueA famous Coyhaique landmarkCoyhaiqueCoyhaique, Plaza de Armas

    Carretera Austral; Coyhaique

    November 18, 2023 in Chile ⋅ ☁️ 2 °C

    After two nights in the log cabin on the campsite at Futaleufu, we leave just after 6 am. for the long journey south to El Chalten and Los Glaciares NP, back in Argentina. The roads are slow and bumpy as we journey south through the Chilean part of Patagonia. There are good views, despite the rain. Then the road improves as we join Carretera Austral, a major Chilean road, and we can make some progress.

    Later on, it's high, slow roads along the valley, and rather misty. Then we see snow on the trees around us as we pass through the Quelat National Park. We enjoy a quick truck lunch (bread, cheese, ham, tomato, cucumber) at a stop on the Carretra Austral and continue south. It starts to get flatter around the Andes foothills. It's all about the scenery in Patagonia; rivers, cliffs, mountains, waterfalls - it's very beautiful.

    We arrive in Coyhaique, and the sun is shining as we arrive at our campsite. Then, a quick exploration of the town as we seek out food and beer.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    En route: view of the Andes
    En route: view of the AndesEn route; views of scrublandEn route; more viewsBar MaderoFutaleufu; the river next to our campsiteFutaleufu; Plazade Armas, the town centre / Local churchFutaleufu; small lake on edge of town / Walk; Lago La PazWalk; viewsWe made a friend....Futaleufu at 5:30pm

    Futaleufu; en route, town and walk

    November 16, 2023 in Chile ⋅ 🌧 7 °C

    We set off from the campsite soon after 8 am. for the 360km journey south through Argentina to Futaleufu; this is in Chile, and the border crossing is close to it.

    There are views of the Andes and flatter scrubland as we drive. After a while, we divert through part of the so-called Welsh area, where there are small flags in some gardens. The border crossing was slowish, but we were back in Chile at about 6 pm.

    It's pouring with rain, and rather than camp, the group can have a sleepover in the quinta, the log cabin on the site, but several people choose a hostel alternative. Then it's into the small town of Futaleufu; we get a lift to Bar Madero - beers and a Mechada Madero sandwich beckon. Back later , and it rains hard all night. Apparently, the weather in this area is unusual for this time of year, as it's going to rain for the next 5 days....

    The river is too high for white water rafting (this is one of the top 3 places in the world for this). Ant and I wander into the small town of Futaleufu to see it and then set off on a local walk. According to Ant's digital watch, we walked 10.5 miles today (most of it in the rain).    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    Llao Llao Hotel
    Llao Llao HotelBosque de Arrayanes or Myrtle ForestMoreno Lake viewing pointLago Escondido or Hidden LakePuente Romano or Roman BridgeViews from Cerrito Llao LlaoViews from Cerrito Llao LlaoView on the way down1Orveja Negra; Chris, Andrew, Mark, AnthonyOur hosts

    Llao Llao Municipal Park

    November 15, 2023 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    We take the bus to the Llao Llao Hotel, a resort, golf, and spa centre where the very helpful receptionist provided us with a hiking map. The hotel is set at the edge of the Llao Llao Municipal Park, a protected natural area that includes a recreational conservation forest as part of the Circuito Chico area.

    We set off and see the various points of interest along the short walking trails; we do most of them in sequence (see picture captions). We walk 10 miles in total, with the ascent to the peak of the Cerrito Llao Llao being particularly arduous; it was well worth it, though.

    Layer on, it's back to Oveja Negra for empanadas and beers wirh Mark and Chris.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    1Arrival in the chairlift
    1Arrival in the chairliftView from the top of the chairliftView from the top of the chairliftView from the top of the chairliftView from the top of the chairliftView from the top of the chairliftView from the top of the chairliftViews from the top of the chairliftCervezreia WesleyOveja Negra; Andrew, Heather, Mark, Anthony

    Cerro Campanario Aerosilla

    November 14, 2023 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    A few km from our campsite, the Cerro Campanario Aerosilla (chairlift) takes you to the top of a cerro (hill) that offers amazing views of the area on a good, clear afternoon from 1,052m above sea level - and it was a good, clear afternoon!

    We walked down from the top. After some downtime, a few of us walked up the road (3km) to the Cervezeria Wesley for beers, bus back, and then stopped off at the bar Oveja Negra, just outside the campsite, for more beers. It was a great night out, and the new sleeping bag enabled me to sleep!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    View from Promenade
    View from PromenadeView from PromenadeRecreation area along PromenadeBariloche CathedralCentro CivicoCentro CivicoView of Lake from Centro CivicoInteresting chairLunch

    Bariloche

    Nov 14–15, 2023 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    San Carlos de Bariloche, to give it its full name, is an attractive town in the Nahuel Huapi National Park in the foothills of the Andes; in the Rio Negro province; it has an alpine feel to it.. We get the 20 bus there, thanks to help from locals as we didn't have a SUBA card, and they paid oir fares using theirs!

    We walk along the promenade facing Puerto San Carlos, past a recreation area to see the large cathedral. Then it's back via the main roads to the Centro Civico.

    We have a money exchange, SUBA bus card, and shopping for warmer sleeping bags, gloves, etc, to do. It all happens, and then we have lunch and take the 20 back again, past the camping site, to Cerro Campanario.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    View of the Andes as we cross into Argentina
    View of the Andes as we cross into ArgentinaLife on the busLago CorrentosoNearing BarilocheThe camp site; home for 3 nightsView of Lago Nahuel Huapi by campsite

    Bariloche; en route and campsite

    Nov 13–14, 2023 in Argentina ⋅ 🌧 6 °C

    We leave the hostel in Pucon at about 8:30am for the border crossing into Argentina; this is over the Andes, and it is rather cold up there. It's a slow process, taking several hours, but we make it entering Argentina via the national park Lanin and away from the mountains. We make rwo stops, one for lunch and the other for a cooking group shop at a supermarket.

    We are driving through an area known as the Argentine Lakes District; there are good views, despite the steamed up bus windows - it is raining outside, but it stops eventually as near Bariloche.

    We arrive at the Camping Petunia campsite, 13 km west of Bariloche, at 8 pm! The food group does a great job, and it's late to bed; it's very cold tonight.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    Kutralko viewpoint
    Kutralko viewpointMamull viewpointRefugio Aserradero1Laguna Las TotorasPewenLaguna NegraLaguna NegraChis, Phil, Andrew, Anthony, MarkVillarrica volcano

    Santuario El Cani

    November 12, 2023 in Chile ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C

    A walk in the park; in this case, a private park to see the area where the Mapuche lived; this privately forested area, the Cani Sanctuary, was saved from logging and entrusted to local residents in 2004.

    We set off on the 7:50 am minibus to the area, we being me, Ant, Mark & Chris, and Phil. It's a long walk uphill from the administration entrance, and we stop at the various observation points (see captions). The actual park entrance is at The Sawmill Hut. There was a lot of snow yesterday from here upwards, although it is lovely today, and it is hard work walking up the steep slopes. We see the ancient Pewen trees held sacred by the Mapuche people; these are considered living fossils as they were around with the dinosaurs. We finish at the Laguna Negra and double back; it is considered too dangerous to go on to the Melidekin viewpoint (views of volcanoes), and there are warning signs not to go further. However, back in Pucon, we are lucky with the light and have an amazing view of the Villarrica volcano from the town.

    A great day out; 13 miles, half hard uphill with the return downhill difficult due to the snow and the trees thawing.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    PuconDown by the lakeLocal beers / Pastel del Choclo

    En route to, and, Pucon

    November 11, 2023 in Chile

    We set off at 9:30 am in the 800km, 2 day journey south to Pucon. It's raining all day in Santiago today, so it's a good time to be leaving. There are 21 on the bus today, excluding Claire (our leader) and Kevin (our driver), and the layout is very different from those I have been on before, as the seats face inward with the bags stored underneath them in deep lockers.

    There are many vineyards as we head south through the heavy rain, eventually stopping at a large campsite near Chillan at about 6 pm; we are the only people here. We put up our tents; these are sturdier and roomier than expected as they were recently acquired from the now defunct tour company Toucan). The cook group for tonight serves up a lovely rice dish with vegetables. There is a disco / nightclub next to the campsite; it's Friday night, and they close at 5 am.....

    The next morning, we continued on to Pucon - through the rain initially, but the weather improved as we got closer to Pucon, arriving at 1:30 pm. It has a very European feel to it, with the scenery, buildings, and trekking shops.

    We have a quick explore of the town, seeing the lake with its black volcanic sand, and enjoy beers and food, as you do!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    Posada del Corregidor
    Posada del CorregidorMercado La Vega ChicaMercado Vega GrandeSantiago north of the riverSantiago General Cemetery

    Santiago 3; Offbeat Santiago Tour

    November 9, 2023 in Chile ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Today, it's the Tours4Tips Offbeat Santiago tour that shows "normal" life for city dwellers. Before we cross the river, canalised in this part of the city, we see old embassies and the Posado del Corregidor (now a museum). After the flea market, we pass through various sections of the Mercado Centrale, before emerging into an area that is now popular with the various migrant communities that have settled here (Koreans, Venezuelans, Peruvians, etc.)

    We then visit the Santiago General Cemetery, which is much like a small town with "blocks of flats" and "mansions," depending on the wealth of the departed. It is actually very interesting and considered a "must see" in Santiago.

    Later this evening, we meet the rest of the Oasis Overland group. 24 travellers on the bus; what could possibly go wrong? Seriously, they look to be a good group, and we look forward to a great trip!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    Plaza Sotomayor
    Plaza SotomayorFunicularPasei Yugoslavo / Interesting houseValparaiso street art

    Valparaiso

    November 8, 2023 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We take the metro and bus to Valparaíso, a city on the coast. It is well known for its colourful buildings covered in street art, steep streets, etc, but it is also a major port. We start our exploration from the centre, Palace Sotomayor, and visit Cerro Alegre and Cerro Conception via the funicular and lots of walking. It's a fascinating place to visit.Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    Lastarria; Church of the Vera Cruz
    Lastarria; Church of the Vera CruzSanta Lucia HillView of Cerro San CristobalView of the mountainsChipe Libre - The Republic of Pisco1Cheers!

    Santiago 2; More places of interest

    November 7, 2023 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    After the Trips4Tips tour finishes in the Lastarria area, we wander through to the Santa Lucia Hill. There are some interesting buildings here, including an old Fort. When the part of the Mapocho River that flows through Santiago was canalised, some of the detritus was put here to make the hill larger. There are great views of the city and the Anne's from here

    Back in Lastarria, pisco sour awaits at the amazing Chipe Libre. Is it better from Chile or Peru? It's hard to say, as they were both excellent!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresTraveler
    Cerro San Cristobal
    Cerro San CristobalCerro San Cristobal; Sanctuary of Immaculate ConceotionStatue of the Blessed MaryBelles Artes MuseumBelles Artes Street artPlaza de ArmesPlaza de Armes; CathedralLa Moneda; The seat of the President / The President of Chile!The Financial DistrictGAM; Centre Gabriela Mistral cultural centre

    Santiago 1; Highlights Tour

    November 7, 2023 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Anthony and I arrived in Santiago after the long flight from Heathrow. After checking in at the hostel and planning at reception, we take the funicular to the top of Cerro San Cristobal and have an explore before returning for lunch.

    It's a bit of a rush to join the Tours4Tips tour of the Highlights of Santiago, but we make it. We see many interesting buildings before finishing at the Centre Gabriela Mistral cultural centre in the Lastarria area (see picture captions).    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsLondon - across by canal pathsTraveler
    The Islington Tunnel; Western portal / Eastern portal
    The Islington Tunnel; Western portal / Eastern portalViews along Regent's CanalSturt's LockKingsland BasinThe Haggerston SharkContainerville Gasometer, Bethnal GreenStreet art along the canal towpathApproaching Victoria ParkVictoria Park; The Dogs of Alcibiades / The Chinese PagodaMile End Lock

    Regent's Canal 2; to Mile End

    November 1, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Back to St Pancras Lock and we carry on walking east along the Towpath reaching the Islington Canal Tunnel; this takes the Regent's Canal 960 yards (878 m) under Angel, Islington, the longest such tunnel in London.  We access the Eastern portal after a diversion via Islington High Street, and enjoy great views before passing Sturt's Lock and on to Haggerston Bridge - where there are sharks!  The Haggerston Sharks are a controversial art installation that has been changed several times to suit local council demands.

    Then we reach another installation; this time, the conversion of the Bethnal Green gasometer to very nice and expensive residential apartments (much like those at the Kings Cross Gasholder Park).  We soon reach Victoria Park, a large park in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (formerly the traditional East End); we visit the southern part of the park and see the Dogs of Alcibiades (guardians since 1912) and the Chinese Pagoda (a folly on an island in the Western Boating Lake).  We leave Victoria Park and follow the Towpath to reach the Mile End Lock to end this leg of the walk and have lunch.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsLondon - across by canal pathsTraveler
    Feng Shang Princess restaurant
    Feng Shang Princess restaurantPirate CastleCamden Lock MarketCamden Lock MarketCamden Lock; The Interchange BuildingCamden Lock; The Interchange Building from the Iron Footbridge over the canalCamden Lock; view of the Hampstead Road Locks from the Iron Footbridge over the canalCamden Lock; The T E Dingwall BuildingKings Cross; Gasholder Park - residential apartments built into old gasholder framesSt Pancras Lock

    Regent's Canal 1; to St Pancras Lock

    October 13, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Ant and I reach Cumberland Basin, where there is a large Chinese restaurant boat, and reach the Camden Lock area in the heart of Camden (it is actually Hampstead Road Lock). Camden Market is here, and there are many interesting buildings, shops, and stalls.

    It is a pleasant walk as we reach Gasholder Park, a redeveloped area of King's Cross, where the wrought iron columns from the Old Pancras Gasworks were used as frameworks for apartment blocks. A little further on is St Pancras Lock, with a traditional canal lock cottage sitting on a small island; behind this is an ornate Victorian water tower and the Camley Street Nature Park. We leave via Canal Drops Yard,    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsLondon - across by canal pathsTraveler
    Little Venice; View down the Paddington Arm from Formosa Bridge
    Little Venice; View down the Paddington Arm from Formosa BridgeLittle Venice; View up to Formosa BridgeLittle Venice; View across towards the entrance to Paddington BasinLittle Venice and junction with Regent's CanalCrocker's FollyRegent's Canal; Maida Hill TunnelRegent's Canal; residential narrowboatsRegenr's Canal; view across to Regent's ParkRegent's Canal; Macclesfield BridgeRegent's Canal; Snowdon Aviary, a disused part of London Zoo

    Little Venice and part of Regent's Canal

    October 13, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Little Venice, a prime residential area of London, is centred around Browning's Pool, a triangular shaped basin around the junction of the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal, the Regent's Canal, and the entrance to Paddington Basin; there is a small island in the middle.  We walk along the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal, along an edge of Little Venice enjoying the views, and then join the Regent's Canal, but have to walk above it for a short while as the canal passes through the Maida Hill Tunnel; we re-join the canal tow path at Crocker's Folly, formerly an opulent Victorian pub but now a Lebanese restaurant.  

    We rejoin the Regent's Canal; there are many moored narrowboats along this stretch of the canal, until we pass along the edge of Regent's Park and see some very fine buildings on the other bank, in the Park.  We reach Macclesfield Bridge, also known as Blow Up Bridge; this is because in 1874 a barge exploded right underneath it, destroying both itself and the bridge - the bridge was rebuilt like for like, but with the pillars swivelled meaning that rope grooves are visible on both sides.  London Zoo is in Regent's Park, and we see some of the outskirts of the zoo as we carry on towards Camden Town.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsWest YorkshireTraveler
    Bingley Five Rise Locks; view down
    Bingley Five Rise Locks; view downBingley Five Rise Locks; view upBingley Five Rise Locks; views upBingley Three Rise LocksDamart factory on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, just after (or before) the Bingley Rise LocksEast Riddlesden Hall; entrance - actually the rear of the houseEast Riddlesden Hall; the rear / The Great BarnEast Riddlesden Hall; a Yorkshire Rose Window over the original main entrance to the houseEast Riddlesden Hall; the front, note the ruined Starkie Wing

    Bingley Rise Locks /East Riddlesden Hall

    August 19, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌬 18 °C

    We stop at Bingley Rise Locks along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal; these comprise two sets of locks to manage the hill here.

    Bingley Five Rise Locks are now Grade I listed and are the steepest staircase locks on the longest canal in the UK. They were opened in 1774 and were a major feat of engineering at the time; the five locks are still managed by six gates. Bingley Rise Three Locks are a little further down the towpath.

    Nearby is East Riddlesden Hall, a historic 17th century Manor House now managed by the National Trust. It was rebuilt by James Murgatroyd, a wealthy clothier from Halifax, in 1642 and overlooks a bend on the River Aire as it wends its way to Keighley

    We explore the house and small gardens to complete two pleasant excursions at the end of our Yorkshire holiday.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorth YorkshireTraveler
    Skipton Town Hall; now a local hub and housing the Craven Museum / Skipton Library
    Skipton Town Hall; now a local hub and housing the Craven Museum / Skipton LibraryOtley StreetStreet viewHoly Trinity ChurchThe High Corn Mill; now refurbished for independent shops and businessesSprings Branch Canal; The Royal Shepherd on Canal StreetFreddie Truman StatueBelmont Bridge; Views of the Leeds and Liverpool CanalChimney along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in SkiptonThe Castle Inn

    Skipton; Town

    August 18, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌬 18 °C

    Skipton is a market town and the southern gateway to the Yorkshire Dales; it is also known as Skipton-in-Craven, Craven being the old name for this district of Yorkshire.

    The owners of Skipton Castle acquired a market charter in 1204, and the town grew wealthy as a trading centre for wool and sheep. Further growth happened with the building of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal (130 miles long) during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century.

    We explore the town, seeing the main buildings and sites.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorth YorkshireTraveler
    Grassington; Market Square
    Grassington; Market SquareGrassington; The Devonshire pub was used as The Drover's Arms in "All Creatures Great and Small"Leaving Grassington / The site of Lea Green, an ancient settlementThe River WharfeGhastrill's StridGhastrill's Strid

    Wharfedale; Grassington Circular

    August 18, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    This is Walk 5 in our booklet of "Yorkshire Dales Outstanding Circular Walks," and we start at the village of Grassington.

    The village is noted for its cobbled market square and many old houses. It was originally a farming centre that expanded due to mining and quarrying locally; it now thrives on tourism - it was used as the setting for the TV series "All Creatues Great and Small".

    We leave from the north end of the village and walk past Lea Green, an ancient Neolithic / Bronze Age settlement on the outskirts of Barstow Wood. We then cross the Grass Wood Nature Reserve before heading down to the River Wharfe. We follow the riverside to reach Ghastrill's Strid, a narrow and rocky stretch of the River, before continuing along it further and back into Grassington.

    A very pleasant 5-mile walk.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorth YorkshireTraveler
    Fountains Hall / Fountains Mill
    Fountains Hall / Fountains MillFountains Abbey; view of the ruins / the naveFountains Abbey; cellarium / viewFountains Abbey; Huby's Tower / The crossing / The Green ManFountains Abbey; view from the westStudley Royal Water Garden; View from Anne Boleyn's seat / Temple of FameStudley Royal Water Garden; Octagon Tower / View from towerStudley Royal Water Garden; Temple of Piety and Moon Pond / Statue in the pondStudley Royal Water Garden; Fishing Tabernacle and cascadeStudley Royal Deer Park; St Mary's Church

    Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

    August 17, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Fountains Abbey is now part of the Studley Royal Estate; the Aislabie family created the water gardens here. The estate is now owned by the National Trust and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    We follow the National Trust map guide and visit Fountains Hall, late Elizabethan, and Fountains Mill, originally built in the 12th century for the monastery.

    We now visit the ruins of Fountains Abbey itself; this is the largest and best preserved Cistercian monastery in England and was founded in 1132 when a group of monks were expelled from St Mary's Abbey in York. They were brought to this site in the River Skell valley, and the natural features enabled the creation of a monastery ; it was named after the six springs that watered the site.

    We then walk across to the Studley Royal Water Garden, where there are several follies and statues. Fom here, we walk to the deer park - seeing no deer - and exit the park next to St Mary's Church.

    Another great day out.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorth YorkshireTraveler
    The Dancing BearThe Druid's Writing DeskThe Idol

    Brimham Rocks

    August 17, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Brimham Rocks is made of millstone grit, created in a river system 320 million years ago; this layer lifted up when the Pennines, a range of uplands in the North of England, formed. Today, Brimham Rocks is a natural landscape created from the weathering that has split the rocks along natural joints and horizontal weaknesses; the last Ice Age, 10-18,000 years ago, wore away the softer rock leaving the shapes we see today. Natural erosion still continues.

    Brimham Rocks is now managed by the National Trust; we followed the trail map for the site to see the rock formations. It was very interesting.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorth YorkshireTraveler
    Barden Bridge / River Wharfe
    Barden Bridge / River WharfeTurreted aqueduct bridge / View from the bridgeThe StridThe Strid / Close to Cavendish PavilionThe ruins of Bolton Priory / Cavendish Memorial FountainPriory Church of St Mary and St CuthbertThe ruins of Bolton PrioryThe ruins of Bolton PrioryViews from the Moor en route up to Middle Hare HeadBarden Tower; front / rear

    Wharfedale; The Strid and Bolton Priory

    August 16, 2023 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    This is Walk 21 in our booklet of "Yorkshire Dales Outstanding Circular Walks," and we start at Barden Bridge (free parking).

    We follow the footpath to a turreted bridge, a Victorian aqueduct, and join the Dales Way through Strid Woods, renowned for its flora and fauna. We reach a narrowing section of the River Wharfe where the fast flowing water is both deep and dangerous - The Strid. We carry on along the path past the Cavendish Pavilion and the Cavendish Memorial Fountain. We head down to Bolton Priory, which is part of the village and parish of Bolton Abbey on the Bolton Estate.

    Bolton Priory was founded in 1154 and dissolved in 1539, one of the last to fall in Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries; altough most of the Priory buildings are now ruins, part still survives and is used as the local church. We then join the road and double back a short way past the Victorian Bolton and walk up the hill through fields and a small forest to reach Moorland. There are good views as we reach Middle Hare Head. From here, it is down through the heather to reach a road, which we follow downhill to Barden Tower; this was used as a hunting lodge by the Clifford family (the original owners of Skipton Castle), but was extended in the 15th century. The ruins survive and are also part of the Bolton Estate.

    It has been another excellent day out, covering over 10 miles in great walking conditions.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorth YorkshireTraveler
    Burnsall Bridge / River Wharfe
    Burnsall Bridge / River WharfeLoup Scar / Cows drinking in the River WharfeHebden Suspension Bridge / On the other side of the River WharfeLinton FallsLittle Emily's Bridge over the the Linton BeckLinton Church; View from the other side of the River Wharfe / InsideLinton village green / Fountaine Hospital, an almshouseViews of Wharfedale on the way back to Burnsall1Crossing a stile

    Wharfedale; Burnsall and Linton walk

    August 15, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    This is Walk 13 in our booklet of "Yorkshire Dales Outstanding Circular Walks," and we start at the pretty village of Burnsall.

    From the Burnsall Bridge, we follow the Dales Walk along the River Wharfe paat Loup Scar, a limestone gorge on the river, and cross over the Hebden Suspension Bridge (1895). We follow the riverside path and turn off towards Linton, with a good view of the squat Linton Church of St Michael and All Angels. Reaching Linton, we cross the bridge over the Linton Falls, a natural limestone waterfall. Linton Beck joins the River Wharfe here, and we see Little Emily's Bridge, an old Packhorse bridge. Linton is very pretty, with a village green and a pub; this part of the village is dominated by the Fountaine Hospital, a 1721 almshouse.

    We leave Linton via a footpath across Moorland and then follow a single track lane to the small village of Thorpe and its Manor House and then take another path over undulating fields back to Burnsall.

    It has been a good, not overly challenging, 7.75-mile walk in pleasant weather with some lovely views. Things could be worse!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsRHS GardensTraveler
    The Hotel (Harrogate Arms) / The Old Bath House
    The Hotel (Harrogate Arms) / The Old Bath HouseBramall Learning Centre / Queen Mother's Lake and Thaliana BridgeStreamside walkStreamside / Main BordersAlong the borders of the garden areaAlong the borders of the garden areaSub-Tropicana GardenAlpine HouseWoodland; Doric columns from the Harrogate Cheltenham Pump RoomsWoodland; The Logness Monster

    RHS Garden Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire

    August 14, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    RHS Garden Harlow Carr is located on the Western edge of Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

    Springs of warm sulphur water were discovered here in the 18th century, and a hotel and bath spa house was finally established in 1840. The Northern Horticultural Society acquired the 26-acre site at Harlow Hill and opened the Harlow Carr Botanical Gardens in 1950. The site was acquired by the RHS in 2014 after the hotel, now the Harrogate Arms, closed in 2014; this is now being redeveloped as a cafe area, whereas the Old Bath House is now an exhibition area.

    The weather was inclement today, but we enjoyed exploring the gardens, seeing the various areas (see photo captions for some of them).    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorth YorkshireTraveler
    Skipton Castle; Main Gate / The Castle
    Skipton Castle; Main Gate / The CastleConduit Court; the yew tree was planted as a sapling by Lady Anne Clifford in 1659The Medieval Kitchen; preparing butter curlsThe Medieval Kitchen; preparing food typical of 1635The Banqueting HallThe Withdrawing Room; sewingView of the rear of the Castle en route to Skipton Castle WoodsSkipton Castle WoodsSkipton Castle Woods; the Round Dam area / Eller BeckView of Skipton from the moorland behind it

    Skipton; Castle and Woods

    August 13, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Skipton Castle was originally built as a motte and bailey castle by the Normans in 1091; the cliffs behind drop down to Eller Beck and woodland behind it, making for a good strategic position. It was passed to and renovated by the Clifford family in 1310 and is one of the best preserved and complete medieval castles in England.

    During our visit, there was a 1635 household reenactment going on over the weekend; it was interestto hear how things were done then by chatting to the serving staff, the cook the physcian, and the musicians in some of the places our tour map took us from the main gates. These included Lady Anne's Steps, the Conduit Court, the Kitchen, the Banqueting Hall, the Withdrawing Room, the Lord's Day room , the Watchtower, the muniment room, the curing room. It was a good visit!

    We then walked through Skipton Castle Woods, part of the landscape for 1,000 years, and very much a part of Skipton, industrial heritage. In the 18th century, Eller Brook was dammed so as to provide water for the Mills of the town; it was also fed into the Spings Canal to provide water for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The walk took us past the Round Dam and the Long Dam and then back over Moorland to the town.    Read more

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