Author Archives: Martin

The Dengie Peninsular lies between the rivers Blackwater and Crouch, in Essex. Not far from where I spent my early years. It’s an attractive area, ideal for cycling and walking, with very friendly, helpful people. Not the widely-held view of Essex. … Continue reading →

In Carmarthenshire, on the opposite side of the estuary to the Gower peninsular. We cycled from Gorseinon, past Llanelli to Bury Port and back. Spectacular; weather brilliant.

…probably as it’s been carried out since Brunel’s day – paint is removed from suspension cables by steeplejacks with small hammers and buckets. [android smartphone]

Bugger! I love being part of the European Union; I believe, with all its faults, it’s a force for good, and for peace. The trouble with referenda is that they are rarely only about the subject on the voting form, … Continue reading →

As it was Sally’s birthday we had a few days in Newlyn, near Penzance. A real working, fishing, town with a strong personality. We took our time meandering back, and visited some old haunts in the Devon South Hams.  

Asthall Manor, in Oxfordshire is a magnificent house with even more magnificent gardens. Every couple of years the owners curate an exhibition, currently onForm16: sculptures in stone. More at onformsculpture.co.uk. We met Wendy and Graham there. Most of the following pictures were taken … Continue reading →

A huge cache of ice-age animal bones, found in natural caves in the west of the Mendip Hills. These were discovered in the 19th century by a bishop who decided it was proof  of biblical texts, specifically The Flood.

We cycled from Newport to Goytre Wharf, and back, on the Monmouth and Brecon canal in South Wales. Actually, for a canal, quite steep in parts.

A walk through the Cotswold countryside passing through Horsley Mill Fish Farm.

We’ve been to Bruges about this time of year for three years now, mainly because we refuse to believe that the weather can’t always be worse there than it is at home. It was a draw, more or less, this … Continue reading →