Thursday 21st June – to the woods and 320 Steps!!

Tuesday 19th June – Hathersage and Stanage Edge – 6 miles (3 Hrs)

With Bernard – another very enjoyable walk in the Peak District - an uphill pull with a fresh breeze at the top a short break to enjoy the spectacular views and then a testing descent back to Hathersage past North Lees Hall built in the last decade of the 16th century, an imposing 16th century tower house which is believed to have been the inspiration for Thornfield Hall, Mr Rochester's house in Charlotte Brontë's famous novel, Jane Eyre.

Sunday 10th June Malham to Malham Cove and Malham Tarn 8 miles (4 Hrs)

With James,Hannah & Bear. A beautiful day starting off with a great viewing (courtesy of the RSPB) of the young Perrigrine Falcons flying from their nest at Malham Cove. A regular sight now as they have been nesting there since 1993. There were 400 steps to be climbed at the beginning of the walk which nicely warmed us up and we then had to negotiate a massive limestone pavement with criss cross indentations before joining the footpath, which is part of the Pennine Way and making our way to Malham Tarn, where Bear enjoyed a bit of a paddle before we wound our way back. Another lovely sunny day with fantastic scenery.

Sunday 3rd June Barkisland and Greetland from Stainland – 6 miles (3 Hrs)

With James, Hannah and Bear – A walk through the beautiful countryside of Calderdale. We had an unexpected extension to the walk of approx a mile when we encountered some cows in a field with very young calves and as we didn’t dare risk passing them with the dog we had to make a detour. On the last part of the stretch we walked through an absolutely beautiful buttercup meadow.

Wednesday 30th May - 160 Steps today

Whenever I meet anyone who has any knowledge of the Great Wall of China they comment on the STEPS and when I receive updates from the trek organisers they remind me that there are ‘steps, steps and more steps’. I have just found 32 steps in our local woods and am walking up and down them to Bear’s bemusement, as you can see in the picture! It is my intention to increase the number of reps to strengthen my poor old knees.

Thursday 24th May – Shatton Moor, Hope Valley – 6 miles (3 Hrs)

With Bernard – ‘Find me a hilly walk’ was my request and the beginning of this walk was certainly that with a long gradual ascent, which was not easy in the searing heat. The first part of the walk is through limestone country before reaching the Hope Valley and gritstone country but we were rewarded for our efforts with magnificent views over the Hope Valley and Win Hill and Ladybower in the distance before descending over Bradwell Edge to Bradwell.

May 1st - 15th La Gomera

3 separate walks with on the second smallest of the 7 main Canarian Islands with Derek. Walks included the central plateau area with its dramatic gorges spectacular scenery, a trip through the luxuriant forest and a cliff top walk where sadly the promised  spectacular views of the island of La Palma were spoiled by a mist created  by a Calima, a fog associated with hot and humid weather. This is an ideal location for relaxing and hiking – but shush don’t tell anyone else about this beautiful unspoiled island. 

View of Valle Gran Rey from Cesar Manrique's restaraunt

Mount Tidi