Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?
Do I prefer the beach or the mountains? Do I? I do. On balance I find the mountains more satisfying, more fulfilling than the beaches. But I like beaches too.
Each is atmospheric in its own way, wide open expanses in common. Both are windy. One is rugged, the other flat.
Continue reading “Mountains soar, Beach extends”Despite a lifetime of outdoor walking and climbing activities I’m not a natural backpacker. Making a journey on foot with my home on my back is almost alien to me. That’s not to say I’ve never done it but the occasions have been few, far between and of short duration.
Thus, it was with trepidation that I embarked upon my Pennine Way adventure in May 2022. What would this 255 mile 17 day journey bring? Would I be capable? Would I cope? Would I finish it? I set out with the intention of doing so.
Continue reading “Exploring the Pennine Way: A Hiker’s Experience”Wandering hills across England and Wales, I often come across man-made stone structures like this old shepherd’s shelter on Arnsbarrow Hill, Cumbria.
In various states of disrepair and decay, they’re usually not that interesting after you’ve seen a few. I moved on and around to reach my intended hill summit just behind. Turning to look at the view on all sides, my eye was drawn unexpectedly again to the shelter.
Continue reading “Vandalism or thoughtful touch?”A first visit for me. Margam Country Park has been on my ‘to visit’ list for years and years. Finally got around to it. Didn’t disappoint as we saw the remains of the old monastery (12th century), its more modern parish church on the same site, the 19th century castle ‘pile’ with the longest orangery in Britain (apparently and deer. The views were to die for – Port Talbot Steelworks and across to Somerset – but we couldn’t see them because of the low cloud.
I spent last week in Torridon, a wild and remote mountainous area on the west coast of Scotland where high, difficult mountains are separated from one another by lonely, windswept glens. With unusually fair weather for the time of year, everything went well. Long days in the hills passed by with members of the party completing Munros of Slioch, Liathach, and Ben Eighe, as well as a host of lesser peaks. Evenings in the pub, drinking a beer or two together were convivial. Continue reading “Self-rescue in wild Scotland (or “Crying is not silly”)”
Each year, for as long as I can remember Gwent Mountaineering Club has run an annual photographic competition for its members. There are 3 categories of entry: mountain landscapes, mountaineering action and mountain flora and fauna. Club members can submit up to 3 entries in each category. This year I submitted the photos below and received the judge’s comments on each one. I was lucky enough to win 1st prize — an Up and Under voucher — in the flora and fauna category. Continue reading “My success or otherwise in the GMC 2014 photo competition”
Alex Hardisty 