A rather fraught journey from Yorkshire down to Gatwick Airport (flat car battery in Motorway Service Area) and an overnight at a Terminal hotel for our Winter Sunshine Trip.
Last year we sat on the beach in Nice thinking about where to go the following year. Prof I suggested Malta and after a bit of research it seemed like a really interesting place, lots of history and some fine scenery. Flights and accommodation were booked.
It was dark when we finally arrived at the apartment – wonderful place it was too. Large, spacious and beautifully furnished and with a lovely balcony with a view across the harbour.
In the local village of Marsaskala just a few miles from the capital, Valletta and with very few tourists. Well everywhere is a few miles away in Malta as its tiny, just 21 miles by 15 miles, one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
We unpacked and headed out for our first walk around the harbour, grabbed a meal in a local bar and turned in ready to start proper exploration the next day.
Christmas Eve early morning view out to sea from our balcony.
And back to the harbour. I was liking Malta already.
We had to head out for supplies at the local (and very excellent) supermarket. TBF was very excited to find this oversized carrot!
As the morning progressed the sun came out properly.
We headed down into town to catch the bus into Valletta for our first look around.
The Triton Fountain near the entrance to the old walled section of the city.
The fortifications of the city are immense as you can see from the walls guarding the western entrance to the city. Malta has been a strategically important place for centuries as I’ll allude to in later posts
After a superb lunch in an Italian/Maltese place we headed out to explore.
We went up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens from where….
There is a fantastic view across the Grand Harbour to the “Three Cities” of Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), Senglea and Cospicua.
And out towards the narrow entrance to the Grand Harbour.
The streets in Valletta are all narrow with 3-4 storey town houses and its a grand place to wander about.
A really good mix of the historical charm while still feeling like a lively, lived in city. It reminded in many ways of Athens in that regard.
I loved this street with its colourful enclosed balconies which is a common feature in Malta. I’d have loved to stay in a place where I could sit in one of those and watch the world go by.
Looking back to the same street from the Lower Barrakka Gardens.
Fort St Angelo in Birgu across the water
The Grand Harbour is renowned as one of the finest harbours in the world and the many views we had of it from several places certainly had me supporting that assertion.
The Siege Bell War Memorial to the islands resistance during WWII.
Fort Rinella.
Another stunning city street.
It was Xmas Eve and the place was really busy but not oppressively so.
St Johns Co-Cathedral (odd name I thought), more of which in a later post.
We headed back to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a another look at the view as the Sun went down.
A massive cruise ship just leaving and heading for Barcelona (taking its many thousands of irritating tour groups with it)
The fountains look especially fine in the evening with its lights.
A great first day and I was falling in love with the island and its capital already. Much more to come.
The half decent weather from the Saturday had been replaced with a rather grey and dreary day on Sunday.
No point in heading for the higher summits so me, ED and UF decided on a wander around the upper reaches of the Wharfe valley from Buckden.
I don’t get to meet up with friends as often as I’d like so an easy wander along by the river provides a much better chance to chat and catch up and generally talk a bunch of nonsense on a variety of topics.
We passed the lovely church at Hubberholme but there was a service going on so we decided not to take a look inside.
The section between Hubberholme and Yockenthwaite was lovely.
A succession of grassy riverside meadows interspersed with small waterfalls and pools.
For a time the weather had actually brightened up a bit and it was quite pleasant.
More gnarly winter trees to photograph.
The pretty little bridge at Yockenthwaite.
For our return journey we picked up a traversing path above the river. It would have been (and indeed would be) a beautiful stroll on a sunnier day as the views would be superb. Sadly a spell of incessant drizzle came in for most of this stretch so no photos. At least it stayed dry while we had our lunch.
The stepping stones at Cray. We had planned to visit the waterfalls further up Cray Gill but we left ED to that. Me and UF preferred the hospitality of the Buck Inn in Buckden for a pint or two. Some of the younger members of the group had driven up to the waterfalls for a swim (well a sit more like) in the waterfalls. Fools! 🙂
It had been a great weekend with everyone and we’ve already booked a return trip for Xmas next year.
On our way to our next destination on the Monday me and TBF stopped off in Grassington for a short walk.
It was another grey day but the cloud base was a bit higher. Linton Falls were particularly impressive.
The walk along the Wharfe to Hebden was very easy and relaxing and the perfect way to break up a long day of driving.
As per the walk the previous day, it would be a lovely stretch on a warm spring or summers day with plenty of places where you could take a swim.
And a very nice suspension bridge into the bargain.
From here we took a walk over the low hills above Grassington.
Firstly nthrough the very lovely little valley of Hebden Beck.
If we’d had a little more time I’d have followed the valley further upstream. An information Board indicated that there was lots of interesting stuff further up. Next year hopefully.
We completed the walk by heading up from Hebden village to Edge Top and back into Grassington via one of the muddiest and wettest green fields its ever been my misfortune to walk across.
We recovered from this trial by settling down for a fine Roast Dinner in one of the pubs in Grassington. Crepuscular rays to sign us off from a great weekend and onto the next long drive to our overnight before the next adventure.
With work finished, laptop closed, we jumped into the car and began our two weeks away from home for Xmas and New Year.
First stop, Kettlewell in the Wharfe Valley, Yorkshire Dales. The annual meet up with our old university friends and families, staying in the excellent Wharfeside House Hostel in the village.
Long time since I visited this part of the world but it its an excellent base with some great and varied walking and very fine pubs.
On the first morning, everyone headed off for their various objectives and it was just me, UF (and canine pal), and TBF.
We set off under grey and gloomy skies but as we passed the hostel of Hag Dyke (a great place to stay if you could find a way to drive up there!) there were glimpses of blue sky and sun.
Our target was the area’s highest summit of Great Whernside.
Even though we never quite came out of the cloud on the summit ridge, the thin clouds and faint glimpses of the sun made for an atmospheric walk.
We strode out along the ridge and it was fine easy walking with the strong wind at our backs.
As we continued the clouds continued to thin and seemed to be promising a chance of more sunshine.
As we descended Black Dike, the sun came out in full force.
Although behind us Great Whernside was still smothered in cloud.
For the next couple of hours the weather was absolutely stunning.
Clear blue skies and abundant sunshine overhead.
With clouds rolling across the high summits.
It looked like we’d timed our walk across the lower slopes, clear of the clouds perfectly.
Looking down the valley of Park Gill Beck to Wharfedale.
It was cold and windy and we spent a while trying to find a calm sunny spot for lunch.
Eventually we settled on a couple of rocks by the roadside at the top of the lonely road between Wharfedale and Coverdale.
As we set off from lunch there was still blue sky, sunshine and swirling clouds.
It was so much better than we could have hoped for based on the forecast and the weather when we set off.
Looking back to Great Whernside still maintaining its cloud cover but looking all the more impressive for it.
The cloud then rolled in and sadly that was it for sunny spells for the day. We compensated by heading down to Starbotton for a couple of pints in the excellent, cosy Fox and Hounds Inn where we sat next to a roaring log fire.
It was tough to leave the comfort of the pub behind but we still had a couple of miles to walk back along the fine riverside path to Kettlewell. We made it just as darkness fell to end an excellent day out with unexpected sunshine thrown in.
After our Clent Hills stroll, the following day looked ok enough for a short walk.
When the weather looks a bit uncertain you need a short easy day and Blorenge is another regular favorite.
A high start, little ascent and good paths makes a compelling case.
The previous day had been chilly with a keen wind. 24 hours later and the wind had picked up the pace and in one or two places it was hard to stand up and very cold.
Not really a day for a sit and a leisurely cuppa so it was a very brisk wander around the 4 mile circuit.
There were lots of interesting cloud formations but at least the rain. stayed away.
Looking over Abergavenny to Ysgyryd Fawr.
TBF on one of the more sheltered stretches.
This little hut houses a Mountain Rescue Radio Transmitter.
This stretch with the narrow path perched above a considerable drop down to the Usk Valley is a gem.
The wild ponies were a little less skittish than usual and allowed us to take some close up photos.
This stretch over the top used to be a desperate boggy trudge but they have done some fine path work and now its a stress free stroll.
The light effects with the swirling clouds on the summit were superb.
Heading back down to Keepers Pond and the car. Despite the very cold weather there were still many people swimming in the small lake although there was one of those trailer Sauna’s in the car park to warm up. TBF has swum in Keepers Pond before it never looks particularly inviting to me as its often muddy and murky.
A week or so before Xmas and our annual winter sun holiday we took a day out to go see my folks up in my Black Country homeland.
We made a day of it with a breakfast in a very fine garden centre cafe and a walk in the Clent Hills.
It looked like the fog clinging to the hills was clearing but we were completely enveloped in the fog on the walk over Walton Hill. The church in Clent village did look particularly fetching though.
A steep climb back up to the main section of the Clent Hills.
This, along with Kinver Edges was a family favourite summer walk when I was a kid. Often combined with a drink and crisps at a local pub.
I think the last time I was up here was in 1984 when I took TBF home to meet my parents for the first time and we had a day out up here on a hot summers day.
It was great to re-kindle some memories.
The imaginatively named Four Stones.
We now had some watery sunshine through the clearing mist.
Surprisingly quiet as I guess most people were out Xmas shopping.
Funny how you can still spot new sights (or at least forgotten you ever remembered them). This folly tower sits in the grounds of Hagley Hall but I have absolutely no recollection of it – surprising when I I was very castle-obsessed as a kid.
View across the fields towards the alien land of Birmingham. Considered enemy territory by anyone from the Black Country.
And a close up of the Birmingham city skyline.
A final view over the sunlit lands of the Balck Country on the right side of the M5 Motorway. Happy memories!
TBF was out singing with her choir and I was footloose and fancy free.
Time for another favourite walk, what I refer to as the “Churchstoke Round”
An excellent route across some lovely smaller hills with expansive views across mid-Wales and as far afield as the Snowdonia mountains.
Easy parking in Churchstoke and a route that sees very few people, just add to the favourite tag.
First up, the numerous grassy hills and hollows of Todleth Hill
Its a splendid little hill and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a single person up there after several visits.
From the top you get the first view of what I think is my third favourite small hill, Roundton Hill.
A steep drop down to the deep green valley that separates it from Todleth Hill.
Followed by a brutally steep climb up to the small summit.
Its a magnificent viewpoint and on a clear winter day the views stretch for miles.
The forecast had been for dry sunny weather but there were clearly plentiful showers around.
Summit panorama.
I even managed to tick off the bonus hill in this photo, sadly un-named.
My next target of Corndon Hill.
I was hit by a rain shower on the way up but it didn’t last long.
Sun was soon out again as I ascended the gentle grassy path up to the summit plateau.
Where I found a great spot for lunch overlooking the Stiperstones ridge.
A detour over access land takes you onto another small collection of grassy lumps called Lan Fawr. It rained a bit here as well but its another section where I’ve never seen another soul.
The grassy path back down towards Churchstoke is delightful with superb views and collection features to give some interesting foreground to your photos.
Who doesn’t like a winter photo with a gnarly tree.
Or a setting sun.
Roundton Hill comes back into view.
Always worth the extra effort to return over Todleth Hill for evening golden images back to Roundton Hill.
And a quick final cuppa and snacks to finish off before dropping back to the car park.
Happy New Year! 2026 has rolled in but it’s still November 2025 on the blog.
Despite my best efforts to catch up before we went away for our winter holiday I never quite managed it so I’m still playing catch up and will likely be doing so for another couple of months now I’m back with lots of stuff to write up.
So, end of November and a day of sunshine and showers.
A short classic walk was needed and Ysgyryd Fawr always fits that bill.
Our now preferred route over the fields from Llanvihangel Crucorney.
It had turned into a sunny afternoon albeit with a very cold wind. Luckily the climb is steep enough to keep you warm!
Looking out across the fields to our way down.
The long rising travrese that takes you up to the summit ridge.
Always a pleasure to find a new little path. This one took us just below the ridge to emerge directly on the summit.
Looking back along the summit ridge from the top.
Looking out to the west gave a completely different view of the weather. There were some big showers over the Black Mountain and they appeared to heading our way.
We lingered briefly on the summit before making our way down.
We normally walk the full length of the summit ridge before following the path along the eastern flank. With the showers moving in we made a more hasty retreat and headed back to the car.
Another weekend where we arranged to meet up with TYG while she was down in the Cotswolds looking after her Mum
We had a plan to take a walk on May Hill and then meet up for a wander around and a cuppa/cake in Tewkesbury.
The previous day was grey, gloomy and wet but It did stop raining just in time for a short walk around the local fields.
It turned out to be a decent walk with a low mist hanging over the fields
And lots sunset shadowed naked winter trees.
These local walks often serve a merely functional purpose to get me away from my laptop for fresh air and exercise. Sometimes they deliver so much more.
The Sunday was wild and windy with lots of showers around but also abundant blue sky.
We were very lucky and missed all of the showers.
May Hill is very prominent with its cap of trees visible from most of SE Wales and the Midlands.
Wild ponies guarding the summit Trig Pillar.
Looking out over the lower Severn Valley.
We were killing time so just wandered about down one side of the hill, a short dip into the forest and then back over the top again.
Its a great spot for a short walk when time is limited and the weather is less than predictable.
Looking back to the summit woods.
Malverns visible through the trees.
Crepuscular rays.
Onwards to Tewkesbury. The Xmas Market was in full swing and the town was packed. The car park was free though. We took a short detour to the River Avon. The path was an inch deep in silty mud after recent floods!
I’ve not visited Tewkesbury since I was a kid and had forgotten how magnificent the Abbey is.
We didn’t have time to take a look inside so we took a wander around the surrounding gardens.
We caught the weather just right with the low winter sun lighting up the stone to stunning effect.
We had a nice chat over tea and cake. I think these little meet ups give TYG a bit of break when she’s down every few weeks looking after her Mum. It was a really nice day out with a walk and a revisit to a very fine town that I hope to come back to on a warmer day in summer.
We were back visiting Prof I again in Liverpool although sadly Prof II couldn’t join us.
We had a wander about the beaches and woodlands at Formby Hills on the Saturday. I don’t seem to have taken any photos although it was a pretty grey and dreary day. It was a nice walk though, I think!
The forecast for the Sunday looked much more promising and we arranged to meet up with Mark and UF for a Pendle Hill walk. We were encouraging Prof II to use his car more now that he’s passed his test and drove there and back. It was a massive boost to his confidence and he’s now taking on much longer and challenging drives.
In addition to that it was a stunning morning. We parked up in Downham, a gorgeous little village that deserves further exploration.
On our way to Pendle Hill – seen above – we took in the bonus of Worsaw Hill.
It’s very steep but a cracking viewpoint.
As well as Pendle Hill itself it gives fine views over Clitheroe and along the Ribble Valley to Longridge Fell.
I’m guessing with a much more famous hill alongside it sees few visitors.
Worsaw Hill from the path across the fields.
More hard work ensued with a steep and somewhat soggy path alongside Burst Clough.
It had clouded up a bit by the time we stopped for lunch before the final climb.
Happy, hungry hikers.
I wasn’t sure how good the route would be but other than one rather badly eroded, muddy and overgrown stretch at the bottom it was a great route.
It was also very quiet, being away from the crowds that ascend the popular route from Barley.
Pendle Hill has steeps sides pretty much all the way around but the summit area is a wide expanse of grass heather and bog. And this rather large cairn in the middle of nowhere.
We joined the crowds on the main summit with fine views over the Calder Valley.
I called the area home for a couple of years while I lived in Colne and TBF worked as a Teacher in Nelson.
I climbed Pendle Hill many times (including one occasion on Halloween when the place is insanely busy with all its witches legends) although never from this direction. It felt like a new hill after so long.
By the time we were down at the final stretch over the fields, the light was fading. It did give us some nice light as the skies cleared again.
And who doesn’t like a bare winter gnarly tree with setting sun behind.
A great walk and really good to meet up with friends on a whim (we hadn’t planned the walk till the day before). And an odd photo to finish. The public toilets in Downham have been converted from a Pig Sty which I thought was novel enough to be worth a photo (when it was empty of course!)
We did a Prof Exchange and just after Prof I went homes, Prof II came to stay.
Equally great to have her home but she’s not the outdoor type. TBF was also elsewhere so I headed out for a solo walk even though I was under the weather with a bad cold.
The Sugar Loaf is a favourite when you just have a few hours to spare.
My favoured route is from the east that gives an interesting and varied circuit and very quiet (its a popular summit)
The autumn colours were especially fine and I liked the yellow hues of this tree.
Ysgyryd Fawr across the walls and fields.
Eastern Black Mountains.
And the southern end of the range.
A fine traverse path leads you across the eastern flank where the views over the western ridge of the Black Mountains and the distant Beacons come into view.
The last section is a short little rocky ridge – one of the few sections anywhere in south Wales.
I love a view from here with rocks in the foreground.
The summit was very busy and very windy so I found a sheltered spot on the way down my chosen ridge for a cuppa and some snacks. Spicy Tomato Wheat Crunchies and a Mince Pie if you’re interested.
Sugar Loaf summit from my descent route.
I’ve come to really love the loop back to the way up.
A lovely open grassy meadow.
Followed by dark mossy woodland (a bit dark for decent photos but its lovely)
And another shot of the yellow tree as I headed back to the car.
And as I mentioned the phrase “Outdoor Type” it reminded me of a favourite song of mine by The Lemonheads. Contains one of my favourite lines from a song “what if something’s on TV and its never shown again” as an excuse!
I spend alot of my time surfing the web looking for ideas on places to go, walking routes, travel ideas and tips to plan the perfect holiday or day out. (I'm a project manager I like to plan). I thought it was time to share my own experiences and contribute to the vast amounts in information that's already out there.
I'll also add in some gear and tech reviews and when something irks me I may even use this forum to have a rant - I do that pretty well I'm told.There are a few pages at the top that give a bit of background to what I like to get up to and what you can expect to see in my posts. I'm not exactly a creative writer but I hope some people will find my stuff useful or inpsiring or at least enjoy some of my photos.
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