A Path, a Hedge and Some Steps

 

The Trans Pennine Trail runs beside the River Mersey in Northenden. There's an optional section between the bridge by the sad remains of the Tatton Arms, shown below, and Simon's Bridge on the edge of Didsbury. On the one hand you can get bogged down in sand and joggled by rubble on the wide, lower path by the river, and on the other hand you can take the path on the top of the flood defence embankment, overlooking both the river and a golf course.

 

My route of choice is the upper path (above), which at this time of year is the width of a narrow sheep track. Due to the absence of sheep, it becomes a tight, overgrown passage through high grasses, nettles and brambles, above a steep drop to the golf course, whose denizens would probably not see the funny side of a cyclist tumbling down the bank onto their private fairway.

 

I enjoy the challenge of this narrow path that is in some places completely hidden by vegetation. This is just as well, as it's on my route to Mike (my son) and Sarah's recently acquired new home.

 

The privet hedge surrounding Mike and Sarah's new home was something to behold. The following pictures show just part of it. Gardeners, Chris and Darren, managed to collect four lorry loads of 'trimmings', before declaring "the hedge has had quite a shock, better give it a break and let it recover."

 

This is just part of the hedge. So far, with plenty more to come, I've collected nearly twenty bags of debris from under the hedge, including hub caps, bottles, cans, electrical fittings and the usual packets and take away boxes that tend to find their way into hedges. So a start has been made, and the neighbours are not unhappy. (And it has kept me off the streets!)

 

Meanwhile, much to my delight, work to rectify the loose step at Marsland Bridge in Brooklands has after many months, been completed. It took them a couple of weeks to effect a half hour repair, but I can grudgingly accept that the steps that weren't loose before will now take even longer than before to work loose, thus saving those odd half hour repair jobs for some time to come.

Pyrenees HRP - 2004 - Day 2

Sue and Martin's Big Adventure
 

Day 2 - Tuesday 27 July 2004 -  Stage 1

 

Postcard Summary:

Luxury Hotel to Col de Lizuniaga

Green and pleasant except for tourist hubs – 7.25 hours, 17.5 km, 1100m ascent
Our first longish day’s walk – we did fine and managed ‘guide book time’ despite stops. La Rhune was very busy. It closely resembles Snowdon, having a railway up it, buildings on the top, and lots of people.  But unlike Snowdon it had views from the summit!  We escaped the crowds quickly, as not many folk appear to walk.  Although overpriced, the café’s sandwiches were good.  The rest of today’s walk was largely up and down on quiet paths through hilly and woody countryside.  There was some cloud, but it has cleared to a beautiful evening.  We are the only tent (and maybe the only customers) at this bar which has extensive views.  
 

Diary entry (by Sue)

Up at 7:20 after vivid dreams for both of us, although only Martin ate cheese for dinner. He dreamt that the new stove caught fire and disintegrated, and in a separate dream that another piece of his kit was destroyed (but he can't remember which!). I dreamt that I'd been running along streets in a dodgy area in the rain and lost a sandal. In the few seconds after it left my foot, someone took it, and I had to call in houses to try to get it back. 

Packed up before a sustaining breakfast of orange juice, fromage frais, three types of small croissants and a toasted roll. Good Darjeeling tea. Today's partial cloud was helpful, as it didn't go above 25°C. 

Leaving Biriatou at 8:55, we were soon climbing. (See top picture.) The scenery today has been green hills, covered with bracken or trees. As we contoured round Xoldokocana, the smell of bracken occasionally gave way to the scent of horses. Besides the road here, we could hear the horses' bells. Above, on the skyline, the binoculars gave a closer view of the perched fauve vulture. Several of these flew around the hills today, together with noisy ravens. First rest at Col d'Osin, with a view towards La Rhune, the Basque mountain in the haze. 

 

Onwards, on good paths, next to forest for some of the way. Quite a lot of other folk around. Still views of the coast from here.  

 

The Col d'Ibardin was quite contrast - loads of cars, restaurants, shops and people. The top café provided tea and hot chocolate, away from the melée. At the Venta Elizalde they had 'sandwitches'. A mixture of goods was advertised, as this is the French / Spanish border. 

 

Leaving this behind, we were soon walking in Spain, away from people until the top of La Rhune. Good tracks edged us nearer, then became steeper for the main climb of about 600 metres. There are few buildings here, until you reach the summit! Having the map enabled us to help a family of French, who needed directing to the train. It was not, as we first thought, back the way they'd come, but down to the col Zizkouitz and round the hill on a small path.

Soon we rounded the last bend before the summit and mingled with the crowds from the train to look at the orientation map, then the surrounding view. The coast was sunny, and hazy mountains could be seen far into the distance. Ate pate and cheese and ham sandwiches inside, away from the cool breeze on damp clothes, then walked the steep and sunny descent, using border stones as markers.

 

A last stop at a barn before reaching Col de Lizuniaga. Here, the bar-restaurant is closed, although windows are open and there are two people inside. From 4.15 pm, we sit at their tables, in the hope that someone will come out, so that we can ask to camp in the garden, as the book suggests this is possible. Finally, after 5.30, a young man left in a car. Before he did so I waved him to stop, and in my newly learnt Spanish asked "Can we camp here?" At his "Si", we found a sunny spot on the lawn, with views in both directions, and pitched the tent. A brew soon followed.  

At about 7.30, we went into the bar and ordered beers and a meal. The restaurant was quiet as we ate calamari, garlic chicken and chips, and cold rice pudding, with a bottle of rosé. After 9, the restaurant livened up, with a party of 18, a family celebrating a child's 8th birthday - they had walked here, and a foursome of English people. A pleasant evening. The sun set here at about 9.15 pm. An English rendition of Happy Birthday and some 'stay alight' candles at 9.45 pm, was the signal for bed.  

Bearne Rosé - comes in a magnificent tall bottle, and is quite nice.
 

Pottocks on La Rhune, with the Atlantic in the distance

Stats and route (Viewranger):

18 km, 1300 metres ascent, 7.25 hours

 

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Wythenshawe parkrun number 398, and Hobson's Choice

 

"So you didn't do a parkrun yesterday?" announced Dot when we visited her today.

 

"Yes we did!"

 

"But it's not on the 'blog'...."

 

So here it is, Dot, rather a repetition of what has gone before, but an ongoing record of this parkrun on a day when the rain stopped before we started running, and the young Run Director, pictured above with the blue tabard, successfully got Tris onto the bollard from which instructions and all matters parkrun emanate.

 

344 participants enjoyed the good conditions - they were pleased that it wasn't as hot as last week - and only one ambulance was needed. We hope the runner with chest pains has made a full recovery.

 

Judging by the pictures of 'the usual suspects' below, everyone may have been suffering from chest pains!

 

Note that Owen, above, appears to have sprouted an extra arm and an extra leg! No wonder he looks in even more pain than usual as he sprints down the finishing straight.

 

Full results are here.

 

The previous night, Sue and I enjoyed a rare visit to the theatre to see 'Hobson's Choice. Harold Brighouse's 1916 comedy about a Salford bootmaker and his three daughters has been updated to Ancoats in the 1980s, and an immigrant family from Uganda's activities in the rag trade.

 

We enjoyed it. Glenn Meads' review is here.  

 

Friday 5 July 2019 - A 10km Styal Circuit

An impromptu Friday morning walk saw five of us assembling at Earlams Community Café in Styal. Run by volunteers, this is an excellent venue from which to start a walk, with easy parking on the road nearby, but no gluten free cake ('bring your own!').

 

We started an evening walk from here on 5 June, and today's outing was simply an extension of that excellent 7km route.

 

 

After a good value top-up of coffee, etc, we set off on familiar paths (there's a selection of routes, but basically you find your way to the River Bollin and follow it downstream), eventually, after a few ups and downs, reaching Giant's Castle Bridge.

 

 

I can't find the reason for the 'Giant's Castle' name, but it's a nice bridge over a fast flowing river followed by a steep set of steps.

 

After crossing the A538 Altrincham Road, lovely paths lead through fields towards Morley and Morley Green. The grass has grown since we passed through this field on 5 June.

 

My 3km extension heads past Mossbrow to the outskirts of Wilmslow, where by-ways lead down to re-join the Bollin near Twinnies Bridge. From there it's an easy stroll by the river to the fleshpots of the National Trust property at Styal Mill, where refreshments of any sort are available.

 

However, as the ice cream had been temporarily relocated to a freezer to maintain its integrity on the hot day, we chose to return to Earlams for drinks and luscious cake, which I was remiss in failing to record by way of a snapshot.

 

Here's the 10km route. There's about 100 metres of ascent. It took us rather less than two and a half hours.

 

I really do commend this route, or the earlier 7km version. It's a lovely place to walk (albeit a bit noisy next to the airport) and Styal is very accessible from Greater Manchester.

 

I'll be planning more Friday morning walks, from 19 July to 16 August. Let me know if you want to be added to the circulation list.

Pyrenees HRP - 2004 - Day 1

Sue and Martin's Big Adventure
 

Day 1 - Monday 26 July 2004 -  Stage 0

 

Postcard Summary:

Hendaye-Plage to Biriatou

A short hot walk to a tranquil hamlet – 1.75 hours, 8 km, 200m ascent

This morning, a two hour or so walk - hot with temperature of 29C and big packs, but into the hills already. Luxury of hotel tonight - good for washing already smelly clothes!
It’s lovely here.  We are having a really lazy afternoon in sunny Biriatou before the hard work starts.  The packs were OK today and not too heavy.  Martin wore trainers and kept his new boots in the bag – it was easy terrain.

 

Diary entry (by Martin)
Ignored the 7 ish alarms and slept in until nearly 7.45 before the first brew was made. The MSR Superfly connects well with a Camping Gaz cylinder to speedily produce its first brew.

The night had been warm - only the silk liner was needed until about 2 am. Waking moments enjoyed the distant crash of surf onto the beach, and as night turned to day the cheeping birdsong gradually became louder. Both tent and Sue have been targeted by the local bird population, and there are also a few mosquitoes.

A pack of four yogurts and two bananas provided an ample breakfast, and we slowly packed our belongings away for our short first day's walk. It was still pleasantly quiet at the campsite by the time we left at 10.05. We'd packed in a very leisurely manner - a routine that will speed up as we try to get early starts to avoid serious climbs in the heat of the day.

We strolled down the beach on a lovely sunny morning and took self timed photos (see above) in front of the Residence Croisière, before leaving the vast beach and heading along the HRP/GR10 route. There is a large sign advertising the GR10 and we do follow that route today. Ton Joosten's Cicerone guide book, with Sue at the helm, sees us safely directed all the way to Biriatou - 10.30 to 12.15. This is George Véron's "Prologue" and his time is 2 hours.

Mainly on roads and paths/tracks, we gradually rise to about 100 metres before descending and rising again, to about 120 metres. The guide books fully describe the route. My thermometer showed about 29°C, but we weren't rushing and it didn't seem excessively hot, due to a light sea breeze.

We saw another hiker near the start, and shortly before Biriatou we passed a couple who were laden with tent etc, but were going very casually, walking in sandals. I wore trainers today, which were more than adequate. My late decision to bring boots rather than Saloman shoes was not justified by today's weather or terrain.  

The terrain could be English or Welsh. Fields, woods, a shady track through trees, distant hills up to around 900 metres. Eagles fly overhead at Biriatou as we eat the first few of a kilo of Unicorn's* 'Trail mix' nuts for lunch, there being no source of refreshment here on a Monday until 5 pm. Just one shop in evidence - selling antiques.  
 

Wander down to Hotel Bakea** and enjoy the rare delight of an early room. Nice bath, and equipped with shaving kit and other goodies. Wander up to pleasant Basque church with stencilled wooden roof/ceiling. Cool and quiet. Back out to sit on terrace behind our room, high above a main road, but with pleasant views of Basque countryside dotted with white houses amongst the woodland. 
 

Sending the daily message to Kate (see spreadsheet) we picked up messages: 'Bon Voyage' from Nick in Taiwan, and from Kate, so the phone is working fine (battery permitting). 
 

As the day wore on, we realised this hamlet is shut on Mondays, so we abstained until 7:30 pm by sitting in the courtyard area, reading and chatting. Then Sue noticed we had to 'dress' for dinner, so we put on our best clothes and had another good alfresco meal under plane trees in the smart and full hotel restaurant. Crab bisque / bonite tarte, duck au poivre vert / dorade à l'aile et piment, and cheese / tartin strawberry, and the Bearn 2002 Rosé went down well. Very nice. Bed by 10.30 pm. 
 

* Unicorn is still our esteemed local 'nut' shop. 

Yoga in Biriatou

 

Biriatou

 

Biriatou

Stats and route (Viewranger):

8 km, 220 metres ascent, 1.75 hours

 

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Wednesday 3 July 2019 - Werneth Low with SWOG

 

I enjoyed a morning walk around Werneth Low on 7 June this year, and an evening saunter from Compstall on 21 August 2012. The 2012 report includes  some useful information that I won't repeat here, other than to point out that 'Low' is an ancient North English word for 'hill'.

 

The visit described here was another evening walk with Stockport Walking & Outdoors Group (SWOG), on a lovely summer's evening when 33 people turned up.

 

Setting off from the Grapes, we soon reached the Visitor Centre and entrance to Werneth Low Country Park, and the climb to the War Memorial.

 

The views were much clearer than on 7 June, and Les's route, whilst shorter than mine, kept to higher ground. There were good views to Longdendale, and towards Glossop and the western fringes of the Peak District.

 

In the next picture, you can see our excellent path stretching into the distance.

 

Glossop, and the Snake Pass, are somewhere over here:

 

There were a few stiles along the short route. This made going a bit pedestrian at times, but at least it gave some of the slower folk a chance to catch up.

 

The evening light, looking across towards Harrop Edge, was lovely.

 

We seem to be in a 'Foxglove' period.

 

Les's route briefly coincided with mine, as we passed a familiar hostelry - the Hare and Hounds - very busy on the warm evening.

 

As the sun went down, we descended a pleasant path back to the Grapes, and its Unicorn bitter and comfy beer garden at the back of the pub.

 

Click on any image for a better version and a scrolling slideshow.

 

It was all very convivial outside the pub, whilst the sun slowly disappeared from view, though by this time I was too busy rehydrating to bother with taking any more photos.

 

Here's our route - 6.5 km, with about 150 metres ascent, taking us a very leisurely hour and three quarters. Thanks go to Les for planning an excellent and most appropriate route.

 

Before I close, I should mention that it was a delight to hear swifts in the neighbourhood whilst I was in the garden in Timperley this morning. For many years we have enjoyed their company here, from 8 May, when they arrive, to late July, when they disperse. They have nested under our eaves. That is, until this year. Our regular visitors failed to turn up, and on return from the TGO Challenge there were just a few swifts in the area. Those soon disappeared - presumably to join a larger group elsewhere. So it was lovely to see them here today. We just hope they return in greater numbers next year.

Pyrenees HRP - 2004 - Day 0

 

Sue and Martin's Big Adventure

 

Day 0 - Sunday 25 July 2004

Postcard Summary

Stansted to Hendaye-Plage
Lovely summers day, superb beach. What a lovely start! A taxi from the airport to a campsite only yards from the huge beach. Soon, swimming for me and dipping some toes for Martin. Lots of people trying to surf on tiny waves! Pleasant walk along the beach then shopping for last two maps required. Another meal outside before a night in the tent, where you could hear the waves.
 

Diary Entry (by Sue)
Both awake around 6am. Made a sandwich, ate toast and tea, read Jake a story and left at 7.45. In contrast to yesterday, it was 13°C and raining. It didn't take long to drive round the M25 and M11 to Stansted, and the Astra was left at the Car Hire Returns at 8.30. At least we could shoulder our rucksacks, which we did during our short walk to the terminal building.

The next few hours were spent queuing- first for our flights, then into the departure lounge, then onto the aircraft (Boeing 737-800). The only part out of a queue was drinking the first few sips of a large tea, whilst Bob Geldof strolled past, which saw the last of our English change used up.

The Ryanair flight briefing was entertaining - we were told that the flashing light on the life jacket was in case we landed on a disco, and those caught smoking would be sent outside the aircraft, where the movie showing was 'Gone With The Wind'.

The clouds dispersed and it was a sunny 24°C in Biarritz, where we landed just five minutes behind schedule. The next bus was at 5.30, but because it only went as far as St Jean de Luz, it was no good, so a taxi was the alternative. The Mercedes cruised the twenty or so miles to Hendaye-Plage for €55, and the great bonus was that we were on the Campsite Alturan at 3.30, with the tent pitched by 4pm. The site is on quite a slope, but there are level terraces divided by hedges and lines of trees, providing useful shade on the hot day.

The sea can be seen and heard from our pitch. My bikini was on, and it wasn't long before I was cartwheeling down the beach and plunging into the swell. It was fairly warm, so I was in for a while. The huge beach, with its distinctive rocks at one end, was heaving with people enjoying the hot weather. Surfers were also prominent but the surf wasn't high. We strolled along the edge of the waves all the way to the end of the beach, and back round past the harbour to the centre, locating the Residence Croisière, where the HRP and GR10 long distance trails both start. In these streets, away from the breeze, it felt scorching.

We returned to the site for a shower, then bought camping gas in the site shop, and the two remaining maps, and postcards, in the stationers.

Then had dinner at Chez Kaké. Beers, omelettes, salad, fish with rice, with cheese with cherries for Martin, and tarte tatin for me; all went down well sitting outside. The tide was well in as we returned, but there were still people on the beach at 8.45pm.

Apart from the sea we hear, the roar of aircraft engines occurs occasionally, as there is a local Spanish airport and the planes come in over the beach and near to the campsite. We sit outside, writing this diary and looking at the flower book. Turn in, quite tired, soon after 9.30. (Clocks have gone one hour forward, it's only 8.30 at home.)

Hendaye.
We envisaged this might be a run down sort of place, but were pleased to find a busy seaside and harbour town, with flowers on streets and on the roundabouts, and a definite holiday resort feel.

Sent our first text message to Kate; it seems to work.



Lazing at Alturan campsite

 

Hendaye-Plage town centre

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