Today’s Pictures: 31 Dec 20, New Year’s Eve

A quiet reflection on a fishing pond in the Forest of Dean Perhaps I should wax lyrical about the ending of a year so full of personal tragedy for so many. But today is traditionally a celebratory occasion and, though I question the value of many traditions, this is one to which I subscribe. Tomorrow, …

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A Visit to Ashby de la Zouch Castle.

The Castle and grounds. The castle at Ashby de la Zouch is maintained and curated by English Heritage. You’ll find a location map if you click here. The town is about 8 miles (14km) from the M1 in England, where the A42 meets the A511. Part of the ruins. We’d been on a visit to …

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A Ramble Around a Faux Druid Temple

Entrance to the Druid Temple. This is a short introduction to a hidden curiosity, with information and some pictures to help anyone intending a visit and to inform those who’ll never make it to this charming spot. The quirky folly known as the Druid’s Temple sits on the Swinton Estate, which lies just over 11 …

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A Short Walk at Round Howe.

This short post is about a set of nature trails, providing factual information and accompanied by photographs to give a flavour of the place for those wanting to visit, and a vicarious experience for those who’ll never make it. Round Howe is a small hill on the south bank of the River Swale, near Richmond …

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A Rainy Day at Bolton Castle: Part 2

View from the high tower of the castle. Continuing the account of our recent visit to Bolton Castle, a privately owned ancient monument in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England. You’ll find the first part here. We returned to the Courtyard to visit the Guest Tower, most of which is no longer standing. Looking up the north-west …

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A Rainy Day at Bolton Castle: Part 1

The exterior of Bolton Castle We spent a few days with my brother, Steve, and his wife, Alison, in the Yorkshire Dales. On one of the days, we ventured out in the rain to visit Bolton Castle, a place we’d never visited even though Valerie and I lived in the area for some years. The …

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Walking at Symonds Yat.

River Wye seen from the viewpoint. This illustrated post is here to help those who want to visit this spot and inform those who’ll never get there. I hope it serves those purposes and entertains along the way. The smaller car park. Where is Symonds Yat, and why is it so called? This local beauty …

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Lyme Regis No 5: Surrounding Countryside.

Gull on the sea wall at Lyme Regis. This final post about our time in this part of England is a short one. (You’ll find the start of the series of five posts here.) Part 2 here. Part 3 here. Part 4 here. Lyme is full of narrow, and sometimes quite steep, and attractive streets. …

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Lyme Regis No 4: The Town and Beach

Lyme, seen from the east sea wall. The fourth post about our week in the town. (You’ll find the start of the series of five posts here.) Post 2 here, post 3 here. Overlooking the bay from Lister Gardens. Tuesday followed a night of heavy rain, so we decided against our planned walk into the …

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Lyme Regis No 3: To Golden Cap, Part 2

Lyme Bay, with Golden Cap showing as the peak on the right. This is the third post in this series, and continues the account of the walk from Charmouth to Golden Cap. For Part 1 of this account click here. (You’ll find the start of the series of five posts here.) And Part 1 of …

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Lyme Regis No.2: To Golden Cap, Part 1

The new sea wall in east Lyme, with Golden Cap visible immediately above the central lamppost in this picture (taken the day before our walk) Here is the second post about our stay in the resort famous for its fossils (that might include us!). (You’ll find the start of the series of five posts here.) …

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Lyme Regis: The Riverside Walk.

Lyme Beach. This is the first part of a short series on the famous town featured by John Fowles in ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’, and by Jane Austin in ‘Persuasion’. Lyme Regis, balanced on the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast at the very edge of West Dorset, is the seaside town where Mary Anning, the …

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