WALKIE TORQUAY: 4 DAYS HIKING ALONG THE ENGLISH RIVIERA

Tags

Adventure, Britain, Coast, Devon, England, English Riviera, Hiking, Torquay, Travel, United Kingdom

Recently, I had a hiking holiday along the Devon coast in England. The area around Torquay is known as the English Riviera, and it boasts some of the most stunning and tranquil coastline in the UK. I’d been fortunate enough to visit about fifteen years ago, so this was a long overdue return.

I stayed in Torquay for the duration of the trip, staying in a very reasonably priced B&B that offered a limitless breakfast. After a massive plate of food each morning, I set off from the nearby train station to the destinations that follow.

DAY 1: DAWLISH

This scenic little town is quite unique in that it has a stream running down the middle of the main street. I traced the path alongside it and hiked more inland for a time before turning back to walk along the cliffs.

If somebody asked me for a romanticised view of England, I’d tell them to visit here.

A Stream Runs Through It

Gorgeous Terracotta Cliffs

After knocking ten miles, I sat on the beach with a can of fizz before heading back.

Wish I Was Still Here

DAY 2: BRIXHAM

A day in this fishing village is worthy of anybody time. I got lost wandering the mazy streets before treapsing along the seemingly endless pier. Then, I treated myself to cockles and mussels, my favourite seaside snack!

Boat-iful

The Long Pier To Freedom

Day 3: PAIGNTON

Here, on yet another decent October day, I marched back and forth along the seafront before winding my way along the clifftop into the next bay. To finish, I had a fresh crab sandwich, another seaside favourite.

Lush!

Seaweed Island

DAY 4: TORQUAY

I started the day by marching two miles up a hill to Kents Cavern neolithic caves. But then I was told by the receptionist that there were no tours until the afternoon. Dejected, I walked to the marina, then I remembered that the eleventh century Torre Abbey was nearby.

The standout feature was the botanic garden which is home to a poison garden filled with all the plants that Torquay’s famous daughter, Agatha Christie, used in her novels. Then, it was one final blitz along the beach before I headed back home.

Whodunit, Agatha?

The Secret Garden

One Final Look At Torquay

If you’re thinking of new places to visit in England, this area is well worth a visit. It’s definitely a place to which I’ll return.

📚📚📚 GIFTED BOOK REVIEW: ‘Sherlock Bones and the Curse’ of the Pharaoh’s Mask by Tim Collins and illustrated by John Bigwood

Tags

Book Review, Buster Books, children's books, Egypt, puzzle books, Sherlock Bones

Big thanks to @lovebookstours and @busterbooks for my gifted copy of the book. I wish the author all the success in the world with the book.

Please see photos for the blurb.


📚📚📚 MY REVIEW 📚📚📚

This second offering in the Sherlock Bones series doesn’t disappoint. Sherlock and Dr Catson are taking in the sights of Egypt, but things take a turn when they have to solve a case of a missing mask.

The variety of puzzles make this story really come alive, and make the reader feel they really are a part of the story. Just like with the first book, my nephew loved solving the case.

A brilliant read with plenty of brainteasers. Super learning and super fun – Sherlock Bones is a book series that offers any parent and child loads of fun!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Adventure Revolution’ by Belinda Kirk – Purchased Book Review

Tags

Adventure, Adventure Revolution, anxiety, Author, Belinds Kirk, book blog, Book Review, Books, Fear, Forest Therapy, Hiking, Inspiration, Mountain, Mountains, Walking

Please see photos for the blurb.

This book needed to be written, and I’m so glad it was. Belinda Kirk writes in such a clear way and presents her findings with such clarity. This is an absorbing read, and I’ve re-read several chapters a number of times to let the wisdom sink in.

The chapters build on each other helping the reader to gain a real grasp of what the author has to say. I especially appreciated how Kirk shows how spending time outside can help us overcome challenges, develop resilience, learn new life skills and strengthen relationships. Moreover, having an adventurous spirit can give us the skills and wisdom to enhance our own daily lives.

As a keen hiker with a fear of heights and poor sense of direction, I know how spending time in the wilderness and up mountains has helped me become more confident and value perseverance. As such, reading this book has aided me in developing more of an understanding of myself, keen to try new experiences.

This book is more than a guide to the awesome power of adventure – it’s a joyous understanding of life!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🐻🐻🐻 GIFTED BOOK REVIEW: ‘The Best Bear Tracker’ by John Condon 🐻🐻🐻

Tags

Author, Best Bear Tracker, book blog, book marketing, Book Review, children's books, new author

With big thanks to @loveboostours and the author, @john_condon_author, for the gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I wish the author all success with this book!

🔍🧸🔎🧸

MY REVIEW

If I’d have read this book as a child, I’d have wanted to go grab a pair of binoculars and head to the woods right away to do my own bear hunt!

The concept of the story is so engaging: the girl starts by listing all the kit needed for a bear hunt, then instructs us on the ten golden rules as she goes about her search. The fun artwork makes the story come alive.

As such, this book is an ideal companion for indoor and outdoor play to help both parent and child create their own bear hunt.

Plus, the story teaches a child the values of perseverance and courage.

And, there’s a lovely surprise twist at the end too!

MY RATING

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Driftworld Atlas’ by L. Bell – Book Review

Tags

book blog, Book Review, Books, Fantasy, fiction, Humour, Indie Author

 GIFTED BOOK REVIEW 

‘Driftworld Atlas’ by L Bell.

Big thanks to @lovebookstours and L.Bell (author) for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Please see the photos for the blurb.

MY REVIEW

As an avid reader of fantasy, there are some books that blow my mind when they introduce you to a whole new world that you’ve never experienced before. And then there’s ‘Driftworld Atlas’!

How the author has vividly described the settlements among the high cliffs and vines at the edges of civilisation intrigued me. Reading this book was like nothing I’d read before. I could place myself beside the Lost Traveler as he journeyed through the places described in this book.

There’s a number of familiar fantasy creatures, and plenty of new ones – such as a shape-shifting lady made of paper – that make  this read all the more enthralling. I even found myself having empathy for the main demon character – which is a complete first for me.

This book offers us a snapshot into such a wonderfully created world and characters. I can’t wait to read more as this universe expands in future books.

RATING

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

PURCHASED BOOK REVIEW: THE COURT OF MIRACLES BY KESTER GRANT

Tags

book blog, Book Review, Fantasy, fiction, France, French Revolution, historical fiction, Kester Grant, new author

 PURCHASED BOOK REVIEW 

‘The Court Of Miracles’ by Kester Grant.

***Please see the photos for the blurb ***



MY REVIEW

The first thing that grabbed me about this book was the cover – it oozed intrigue to me. Then, I read the blurb and became curious. I wasn’t disappointed: this book was a joy to read.

This is a work of alternative historical fiction set around forty years or so after the 1789 revolution failed. With the royals still in power, the poor and immigrants of the city have formed guilds to survive. In order to protect Nina, her older sister has to make the ultimate sacrifice for her safety. As Nina takes refuge with the Guild Of Thieves, she begins her long journey of revenge against the Tiger, the Lord of the Guild of Flesh.

This book deals with sensitive themes in a very considered way that drives the plot well. The list of secondary characters gives enormous depth to the plot; the lives of each is well worth a separate novel of its own. This book has sacrifice, revenge, friendship, shifting allies and betrayal. The author writes with such imagination that I couldn’t help but believe I was on the murky streets of this alternative Paris each time I picked the book up.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Heatwave Hiking

Tags

Adventure, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Forests, Hiking, River Thames, Rivers, Walking

During the recent UK heatwave, my mate and I trekked along the Thames Path with Marlow in Berkshire as our start and end points. The usual advice to take three layers with us – t-shirt, jumper and jacket – was ditched as temperatures soared above thirty degrees.

After treapsing through the park in the centre of the town, we reached the start of the trail. We decided to amble along next to the river rather than go along at our usual speed due the barmy conditions. We had enough water, but even with the short distance we’d covered to that point, I could feel myself getting parched.

Marlow was still in Jubilee mode

The river rolled gently along as boats, paddleboarders and the occasional swimmer passed us by. Groups of families and friends settled along the river bank with deckchairs, tents and picnic rugs. I didn’t realise that my home county of Berkshire had its own beach!

We passed a commanding Norman church that stood calm and timeless in front of the gentle water. It just seemed to add an even more serene quality to the day.

The Norman Church

Soon, we took a pit-stop at a cafe. Even though we’d only walked about three miles, it felt like we’d done ten because of the heat. We guzzled back cold drinks in record time; however,I was necking liquid from my water bottle a few minutes after leaving the cafe – the rising temperatures were draining us of vital resources fast.

Further down, we crossed over a steep bridge, and found ourselves mesmerised by the views of the river either way. To one side, a leafy forest offered cool respite; on the other, chalky banks rose up to eventually reveal endless farm fields with the Chiltern Hills sat behind them.

We opted for the shady path in front of the trees, but they soon gave way to open fields, and we were baking in the sun once more. We found a leafy tree next to the water’s edge, and dipped our feet in the river. But even in the shade, we found ourselves frying. Reluctantly, we turned back.

Life Along The River

We hit the five mile mark, and our water bottles had run dry. We knew the cafe we’d stopped at was only about a mile and a half away, yet our throats were demanding we dropped to our knees and drink from the river. Before we crossed over the bridge, though, we espied a footpath that led to the village of Hurley. After seeking direction, we were raiding the chilled drinks in a local convenience store.

Then we stopped off at the cafe for another drink.

After that, we went to the pub.

And we were as calm as this swan:

GIFTED BOOK REVIEW: ‘Where Is My Smile’ by Natalie Reeves Billing & Hannah Jesse’Where Is My Smile’ by Natalie Reeves Billing & Hannah Jesse @BillingReeves@byhannahjesse@tinytreebooks@lovebookstours

Tags

Author, Book, book blog, Book Review, Books, children's books, emotions, Poetry

Big thanks to lovebookstours, the authors and the publisher for my gifted copy of this book.

Please see the photos for the blurb.

📚📚📚 MY REVIEW 📚📚📚

This story is written as a poem with wonderfully matching illustrations. I read this book with my eight year-old nephew. After reading it he said, “I don’t like the rain. Mum and Dad make me happy.”

This book shows children that it’s okay to be sad, that it’ll pass, and that the people we love will help us through. Plus, a dose of sunshine helps make things better.

This book is excellent in the way that it helps children to express their emotions.

It’s a very thoughtful read.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Walk Write In Where The River Flows

Tags

Adventure, Alone, anxiety, Hiking, hobbies, Life, Mental health, Nature, Rivers

It’s been a good while since I added anything to my blog. 2022 has been an difficult year on a personal front – much has been going on with family and my own health – and I’ve really missed writing here as much as I did before. In fact, I’ve struggled to get much writing done at all in the last few months. Consequently, it’s been a struggle to get back into the habit. Still, I’m reaching old heights slowly, and I’ve enjoyed being back in the writing seat once more.

Hiking has been one hobby that’s kept me going. Walking in nature is the gateway to understanding our own thoughts and feelings. But, at times, I found even the idea of putting my trainers on and heading outdoors for five minutes difficult to comprehend. But, again, I’m slowly getting back into the swing of it.

RIVER THERAPY

I’ve spent plenty of time near the River Thames over the past few months. Staying grounded in the present moment and using my senses to appreciate what nature offers me has been rewarding: whether it’s observing fish flowing underneath the water, hearing the call of birds or smelling the sweet aroma of summer flowers, being by the water’s edge has engulfed me in a sense of calm.

River Adventure

Also, I think the need for walking along the Thames is also born out of a need to remain in the flow of life. When things get too much, we need to find a way to escape and ground ourselves again.

I Need More Moments Like These

NEW COMMITMENTS

So, as life carries on flowing by, I intend to grab more moments of calm. Even amidst the full-on pace of life and what it throws at us, taking even a brief amount of time out is so important.

And I’m looking forward to catching up with you all on WordPress.

Sorry it’s been so long!

Just Be Like The Swan!

Forest Therapy

Tags

Adventure, Adventure Revolution, Belinds Kirk, Bluebells, Buckinghamshire, Forest Therapy, Forests, Hiking, Mental health, Well-being

This weekend my cousin and I trekked through Church Woods and Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire, England. We were blessed with endless sunshine, making it the kind of day that we wished our legs wouldn’t tire so that we could keep on exploring.

The start of the walk opened us up to a day of possibilities

The clear blue skies, the ripe green fields and trees in full bloom provided us with all the necessary resources for our minds to be filled with peace and calm.

In full bloom

The most spectacular part of the day, however, was being witness to the floral tapestry made up by the bluebells that covered the forest floor.

Spring in action

The day was completed with a few moments of calm by a serene lake before the final walk back to the car.

Bonus water therapy

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A FOREST STROLL?

In her book ‘Adventure Revolution’, Belinda Kirk advocates that there are a number of physical and mental health advantages that spending time in a woodland setting can provide. These benefits include a healthier cardiovascular system and reduced stress levels. However, the author points out that the effects are much deeper as the trees and soil are actively helping us.

Kirk points out that studies have shown that trees let out phytoncides which benefit our immune systems to fight communicable disease and tumour development. There’s also evidence to suggest that a certain soil bacteria can bolster us against stress.

Knowing such things gives me a deeper connection with our planet, and makes me want to spend more time in the open.

Nature is the gift that keeps on giving

I hope that you all have a chance to take a hike and embrace the healing properties of nature soon.