The walk comes to an end........

O8 May 2010.

          I have made a decision to call a halt to my walk around the coastline in Aberareon, mid-Wales. Since my departure on 16^th. February from Bournemouth, I have covered more than 2000 kms.----- about 400 kms greater than the grand-daddy of UK long distance walks, the Land’s End to John o’ Groats, or LEJOG, in walker parlance. Although healthy and in good condition, I feel this is an appropriate time for me to call it a day for now. I made considerably faster progress than I envisaged, not only because the daily walking sections have been of greater distance, but because I mostly refrained from taking weekly rest days.

        Long in the planning, I have greatly enjoyed this endeavour and appreciated the opportunity that it gave to me to re-connect with this beautiful island and its cultured, friendly citizens. Every little town and village that I have walked through, where I have been greeted with a smile and friendly directions and assistance---thanks. Thanks to those folks who offered me a cheerful ‘cuppa’ tea as I passed their cottages and to those B& B owners who discounted my over night fee, or supplied a drink and sandwich ‘for the road’.

         I have travelled the world, but I do not recall another country where the people display such an elevated sense of common politeness and decency to strangers…..where people, greet, smile or wave as you pass. Even the sheep, bovines and equines in the fields, with whom I frequently shared my opinions on world events, thanks for your comments and encouragement.

        In the future, I may wish to complete the walk at my leisure and will do so with the fore knowledge that it will be an enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

       It was my privilege to have been associated in this venture with Trillium Health Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and I trust that my walk may have been helpful to their cause of encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle for all.

        Many thanks to the readers of this blog for their interest.

Day # 82 Aberystwyth to Aberaeron

Pic: The wild coastline leading to Aberaeron.      

Into the quiet streets of Saturday morning Aberystwth, Grey clouds threatening a rainy day. I sallied forth at an early 6.30am. Did not sleep well last night as my fellow gusts at the Sea Front Guest house were unable to adhere to civilized rules requiring one & all to wind down the noise after 11.00pm. Mostly these guest houses are converted homes with wall board partitions to create additional rental units and as such not exactly sound proofed. Many is the night I have had to share the dark hours with a heavy duty snorer in the next room! Such are the joys of budget travel.
        My walking route southwards along the Cardigan Bay coastline on the A487 highway to Aberaeron was a series of long climbs and descents--perhaps half a dozen in total, across the tops of the headlands as they met the coastline in high cliffs. The wind on the hill summits was almost gale force and even the hardy Welsh sheep were cowing in the corners of the fields for protection from the elements. Cold also, hard to believe that this is May. Not the morning to dally for long on a stile and enjoy a sustaining cup of hot coffee from my thermos. Kept as fast a pace as I was able through this windswept sector, descending into the small town of Aberaeron just after 1.00pm.
       I was immediately aware that my arrival coincided with the descent on the town of several hundred motorbike riders. All on, large bikes, Harleys, Hondas and BMW's, the riders mostly looked like very respectable middle aged accountants and small store owners. The did not augur well for securing a room for the night. Employing my tested and usually successful strategy of room hunting on the more obscure side streets as opposed to the central locations of town, I was lucky to secure the 'last room' at a small guest house; immediately afterwards the heavens opened and it poured. Oh! the satisfaction of knowing that I could have still been on those high hills with the sheep. So waking up early does have its advantages.
        After resting and lunching, I walked down to the sea-front of Aberaeron. The town's main shopping area is several blocks back from the beach and was impressed with the newly rebuilt and fortified sea wall that has been constructed. At least in this town, they are taking the threat of rising sea levels seriously.


 26.3 kms. walked today per pedometer.            Cumulative Kms. covered: 2032.5
Hours of walking today including rest stops: 6.5
Type of accommodation: B & B guest house
 Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 30.00, excl. breakfast.
 Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

Trillium serves over one million+ residents annually…the future of healthcare is here!  I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you? Please donate to Trillium Health Centre www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org

Day # 81 Machynlleth to Aberyswyth.

Pic: Tile map of Aberystwyth.        

            Fortified by a most generous package of snack treats kindly donated by the very pleasant owners at the ‘Furnace’ B & B, my day began in heavy overcast that quickly generated into heavy and prolonged rain as I wound my way southwards, along the densely wooded and winding main road following the banks of the River Dyffi.

        My readers may sense an excessive preoccupation with weather conditions. The reason for this aversion to rain is that the precipitation greatly detracts from the enjoyability of the days walk. Apart from getting soaked,—even the best quality rain gear offers only partial protection, house heating in the UK has now been virtually turned off as mean daily temperatures rise. As a result, there is no-where to dry soggy clothes before next morning, when they must be donned again. Just a word here on footware. My Canadian Tire 69.00 dollar walking boots have been a resounding success. While every part of me frequently gets soaked, my feet have always stayed dry & comfortable. The heels, especially the right boot, are looking quite worn down now. 2000+ kms walked on concrete have not yet totally defeated the carbon rubber compound.

        Just after noon, with spirits at a low point, I treated myself to a very pleasant pub lunch at the unusually named (for Wales) village of Bow Street, about 8 kms north of Aberyswyth. During the past 20-30 years there has been a change-over of posted place names from English to Welsh spelling versions, with apparent acceptance by all that the Welsh version is most appropriate.

       Arrived about 3.00pm in an Aberyswyth bathed in bright, albeit cold, sunshine. A mid-size town Aberyswyth is situated at the estuary of the small River Affon Rheidol. Attractively ranged along the sea front the most prominent feature is the university and its buildings plus the presence in town of a large and diverse student population.

 28.3 kms. walked today per pedometer.                Cumulative kms. covered:2006.2

Hours of walking today including rest stops: 8.1/2

Type of accommodation: Sea Shore B & B

Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 27.00

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

I’m ‘Giving 110%’ to Trillium through my “4 Million Step Walk” because I can. Donate Now:  www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org

Day # 80 Barmouth to Machynlleth.

   Pic: some road-side friends. Many interesting conversations I have held with these hardy animals! 
    

        With the knowledge that the day would be mostly of the rainy type, it was with difficulty that I aroused before 7.15am, especially as yesterday’s stage was rather extreme (for me at 30kms+) and the muscles were certainly protesting. The first stage out of Barmouth was to cross the Mawddach estuary railway bridge using the recently added pedestrian footway. This facility effectively saved me more than a 30 kms. round trip hike to the first up river crossing point. Magnificent scenery along the coast-line, made dramatically ominous by the low clouds that had descended almost to road level in places. My route today, mostly winding, on what is denominated as a major road, is so narrow in places that difficult and time-consuming reversing procedures are called for whenever two wide vehicles meet.

         Inland from the coast, my destination town of Machynlleth’s claim to fame is as an important rail junction for the lines that meet in order to follow the River Dyffi valley through the mountains.

        Today, May 6^th., is general election day in the UK. Apart from very occasional lawn poster boards for Plaid Cyrmri, the Welsh independence party, I have seen few signs of voter excitement for what the media are billing as the ‘election of the century’.

 27.0 kms. walked today per pedometer.                Cumulative kms. covered: 1977.9

Hours of walking today including rest stops:  7.5

Type of accommodation: B & B

Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 25.00 no breakfast.

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

4 million steps in support of the all our young and old who rely on Trillium Health Centre. I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you? Donate now www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org  

Day # 79 Portmadog to Barmouth.

Pic: Harlech castle UNESCO World Heritage site.        

Finally, that month long run of favourable Spring weather has come to an end.

Leaving Portmadog at 7.00 am, I was welcomed by heavy overcast and light drizzle. It is necessary to understand that liquid known as ‘Welsh drizzle’…. very fine rain, almost impossible to see in the air—quite like a heavy mist, but it has the great ability to soak through to the skin.  5 kms. from Portmadog, my route took me across a narrow private toll bridge thus avoiding a long walk inland to achieve an alternative river crossing. Surrounded by major Snowdonia peaks, my coastal route was mostly reasonably flat with only occasional sharp inclines to ascend. I arrived early, 10.30am, at Harlech (famous for the nationalist ode-Men of H------) and also for the magnificent Norman castle--- a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Decided to carry on southward along the Cardigan Bay coast through a series quintessential, small traditional Welsh villages, surrounded by the large and luxurious homes of affluent retirees and successful individuals from (England?).

         Due to the prevalence and popularity of DIY accommodation (caravans, mobile homes, camping) etc., the availability of traditional bed and breakfast offerings seems to be significantly reduced in these parts. I realized this as I continued walking for the rest of the day, eventually reaching the larger town of Barmouth. The distance and time on the road was more than my routine allotment and I was significantly fatigued when I eventually found my room for the night in Barmouth, luckily without much difficulty.

         As a young child I spent several family holidays in the Barmouth area and have to report that compared to 50+ years ago, it looks in 2010 to be noticeably ‘down at heel’, as it awaits this seasons quota of tourists. Another UK sea-side resort where the city fathers have apparently failed to come up with any cohesive business plan to market its significant natural attributes.

 34.7  kms. walked today per pedometer.                Cumulative kms. covered: 1950.9

Hours of walking today including rest stops: 10.0

Type of accommodation: Guest house.

Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 27.00 no breakfast.

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

4 million steps in support of over one million+ patients that rely on Trillium Health Centre. I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you? Donate Now www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org

Day # 78 Pwllhelli-to Portmadog.

Pic: Traditional Welsh cottage in Portmadog.         

With great reluctance extracted myself from the comfort of my sister’s holiday home in Pwllheli at 7.00am and back onto the road. Retraced my footsteps back (1 1/2miles) to the centre of Pwllhelli on a bright sunny morning, along deserted streets to resume the A497 along a spectacular coast line. A flat coastal plain, with the sea about a mile to my right side and mountains to my left. Great walking conditions that don’t get any better. A visual treat, especially in the bright spring sunshine was the view of Criccieth castle perched on a rocky cliff to the sea-ward side of the town. With little excuse to dawdle, I put the hammer down and was able to hang together 5 consequtive 4 kilometre hours, arriving at my destination of Portmadog at just after noon.

        Portmadog’s claim to importance is as a major route intersection for both the road along the coast and the main railway line that continues south along Cardigan Bay. Being located on the narrow strip between sea and the Snowdonia mountain range, the river bridge at the east end of town effectively saves considerable extra distance when travelling along the coast.

  21.5 kms. walked today per pedometer.                Cumulative kms. covered: 1916.2

Hours of walking today including rest stops: 5.0

Type of accommodation: Bed & breakfast.

Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 18.00, excl. breakfast.

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

In 2008 Trillium had over 700,000 patient visits. Trillium’s doctors and nurses are ‘Giving 110%’ to patients….will you? Go to www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org and donate now!

Day # 75 Trefor to Pwllheli, North Wales.

        Awake to view heavy mist rolling down from the nearby Snowdon mountain range as I departed my overnight B & B and headed for the final 12 kms. into Pwllhelli, an attractive small marketing & tourism centre situated on the northern coast of Cardigan Bay. Much favoured by the sailing fraternity. Winding narrow roads without footpaths are the norm in North Wales where local drivers understand the etiquette of passing at spots where there is frequently road width for a single vehicle. The routing today was mainly down hill and in dry but overcast weather, as I descended to the coast and arrived in the town just before 11.00am. Already the streets of  Pwllheli throng with the vanguard of tourists that will surge in as the weather improves. It has been 10 years since my last visit here and the signs of recent gentrification are evident. New construction has occurred along the seafront and the sailing club appears to be a dynamic operation.

         It is my good fortune that my sister and her family own a beautiful sea-front apartment at Pwllheli and I have the opportunity to make use of the accommodation for three days, over the long UK Spring Bank holiday weekend. Unfortunately my sister is unable to meet me at the apartment, so I have deigned this a quiet & relaxing rest (and laundry) walk break and will recommence my mileage early on Tuesday when my objective will be Portmadog (birth place of Lawrence of Arabia).

   

   12 kms. walked today per pedometer.                Cumulative Kms. covered:

 Hours of walking today including rest stops: 3.00

Type of accommodation: Staying with family for 3 days.

Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. N/A

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

 Trillium Health Centre has always been there for me and my family, I want to do my part and be there to support them. I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you?  www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org

Day # 75 Trefor to Pwllheli, North Wales.

              Awake to view heavy mist rolling down from the nearby Snowdon mountain range as I departed my overnight B & B and headed for the final 12 kms. into Pwllhelli, an attractive small marketing & tourism centre situated on the northern coast of Cardigan Bay. Much favoured by the sailing fraternity. Winding narrow roads without footpaths are the norm in North Wales where local drivers understand the etiquette of passing at spots where there is frequently road width for a single vehicle. The routing today was mainly down hill and in dry but overcast weather, as I descended to the coast and arrived in the town just before 11.00am. Already the streets of  Pwllheli throng with the vanguard of tourists that will surge in as the weather improves. It has been 10 years since my last visit here and the signs of recent gentrification are evident. New construction has occurred along the seafront and the sailing club appears to be a dynamic operation.

         It is my good fortune that my sister and her family own a beautiful sea-front apartment at Pwllheli and I have the opportunity to make use of the accommodation for three days, over the long UK Spring Bank holiday weekend. Unfortunately my sister is unable to meet me at the apartment, so I have deigned this a quiet & relaxing rest (and laundry) walk break and will recommence my mileage early on Tuesday when my objective will be Portmadog (birth place of Lawrence of Arabia).

   

   12 kms. walked today per pedometer.                Cumulative Kms. covered:

 Hours of walking today including rest stops: 3.00

Type of accommodation: Staying with family for 3 days.

Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. N/A

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

 Trillium Health Centre has always been there for me and my family, I want to do my part and be there to support them. I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you?  www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org

Day # 74 Caernarfon to Trevor.

Caernarfon castle

      Breakfasted on fruit, bran & tea was ready at 8.00am to hit the road and commence the push out of Caernarfon towards the south. Readers may have noticed that where possible I try & negotiate B & B sans breakfast. The B & B standard offering of bacon & eggs is a little too heavy for me and apart from that, mostly find that I can negotiate a ‘fiver’ off the room rate.

       Weather today looking seriously like rain, heavy clouds covering the Snowdonia range of mountains to the south. According to my records, I have not had to walk in the rain since 31^st. March when I was in Hornsea on the east coast of England ie: a full month ago. Even the Welsh are discussing the lack of rain in the lush principality.

          In light drizzle, I make good progress along the northern coast of the Lleyn Peninsula through a coast plain dotted with small stone farm holdings and fields of sheep. Towns and even villages in this area are becoming increasingly infrequent and at noon I make a decision to cut the leg to the south side of the peninsula at Pwllheli into two parts and take advantage of accommodation availability in the small town of Trefor. Extremely Welsh in character, one hears mostly Welsh spoken on the Trefor street by locals; also note that almost everyone seems to be 60+---where have all the young people gone? The town seems to be geared up to shortly receive a massive influx of population that will holiday at the nearby caravan parks. This weekend is a national ‘Spring Holiday’ in the UK, although with cold, wet weather, I suspect most will stay at home this weekend.

 22.1 kms. walked today per pedometer.                Cumulative kms. covered: 1772.7

Hours of walking today including rest stops: 5.25

Type of accommodation: B & B.

Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 20.00

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

Help me every step of the way by supporting Trillium Health Centre. I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you? Donate Now:  www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org

Day #74 Bangor to Caernarfon

           Emerged from the 'Harbour Inn' a little later than is my habit (8.00am) to find a very light drizzle. Today's walking section will be shorter than usual and perhaps even more visually satisfying than most. Leaving Bangor along the main road to the west, I passed the university just as students were arriving. Could not help notice the high proportion of Chinese and other overseas students in the crowds.
         My route today took me along a course that followed the Menai Straights that separates mainland Wales from Anglesey. At Menai, I halted to observe and admire the famous suspension bridge constructed in 1826 by Thomas Telford, being one of the world's first suspension bridges. Still used as a major crossing point it, road traffic functions on the tidal flow principal, ie: south bound in the morning, north in the evening.
         Gradually the drizzle ceased, turning into a pleasant day, albeit with falling temperatures, not unwelcome for a road walker. Climbing and at last falling, the A487 road entered that gem called Caernarfon. The castle, right in the centre of town, is the site for crowning the Princes of Wales for 700 years. Caernarfon is a walled town, dominated by the massive castle, built by the English king Edward 1 in about 1250AD; as such, it has in the past been seen by some Welsh people, as a symbol of English domination.

         Noticeable in this part of wales is the use of the Welsh language in everyday life--not just the old, but by many, including children that I overheard in the town on the way home from school. There is an active program to protect Welsh--all street signage and government information are presented in both languages, Welsh first, plus Welsh language TV and radio stations. Certainly not an easy language for the untrained ear to comprehend.

17.3 kms. walked today per pedometer. Cumulative Kms. covered: 1750.6
Hours of walking today including rest stops: 4.5
Type of accommodation:  Tourist guest house.
Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 40.00 excl. breakfast.
Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

4 million steps in support of the all our young and old who rely on Trillium Health Centre. I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you? Donate now www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org  

Day #72 Llandudno to Bangor.

Menai Suspension bridge looking towards Angelsey.

        

       A frustrating start to the day. Left the B & B promptly at my usual early starting time. My efforts to make miles early were thwarted however by the difficult lay-out of Llandudno town which is located on a peninsula and any travel back to the mainland requires one to locate a specific road, which on this day was chosen for closing and major construction work to be undertaken. Bottom line—I walked the empty, early morning streets of Llandudno for over an hour before finding my escape route. Trust that Her Majesty had better luck with the traffic yesterday!

        Picked up the road to Menai, famous for its impressive suspension bridge, being the only land link with the island of Anglesey. As mentioned in my log yesterday, this coastal section of North Wales is challenging for the long distance road walker as it is wedged between mountains and sea and in places the two meet. The road builder’s solution on today’s route was to construct tunnels under the coastal cliffs large enough to accommodate heavy traffic (main route to the ferries for the trucks from all over that go to Ireland). These long tunnels are pedestrian restricted ie: progress blocked. Action plan ‘B’, return to the previous village, seek advice, take local bus for about 5 miles to my target town, the attractive university city of Bangor. In fact, I am told, there is a way to Bangor avoiding said tunnels, but it would have necessitated a 35 mile hike over the mountains. Not an option for these aging legs!

        Located the most attractive water-front Harbour Inn. The view from my room was more impressive than the service. Kept waiting a full 3 hours for the room to be cleaned & released to me. TV did not work, and internet connectivity had inexplicable problems.

 16.0 kms. walked today per pedometer.                       Cumulative Kms. covered: 1733.3

Hours of walking today including rest stops:  4.50

Type of accommodation: Harbour View Pub.

Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 30.00, excl. breakfast.

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

4 million steps in support of the all our young and old who rely on Trillium Health Centre. I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you? Donate now www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org  

Day # 71 Rhyl to Llandudno

I stayed in this Rhyl hotel in 1950!

           Departed my Rhyl B & B at 7.15am after having consumed a ‘fortifying’ full English breakfast at the insistence of the proprietor (no charge). Weather, perfect, sunny and mild. Spring is truly showing itself in this Northern Welsh neck of the woods. Followed the main road westward along the coast, sea to my right and the magnificent peaks of Snowdonia to my left. Traces of snow are still showing on some of the higher elevations.

           Historically the roads of Wales have been twisty and slow, taking hours to get between points, especially in the summer when the population is multiplied several times in this tourist Mecca. Instead of widening the major roads for more and faster traffic, the authorities have constructed parallel freeway quality roads, leaving the original roads that connect the small towns & villages, only lightly travelled—excellent walking routes.

         Passed through several very attractive towns like Abergele, Old Colwyn and Colwyn Bay that appear to have rejected the rush to install caravan parks, bingo halls and McDonalds on every square metre of available farmland, instead opting to create parks and pleasant recreational facilities for a discerning population that reside locally year-round.

        The tranquillity of my walk today was only marred by the effort to scale two significant hills en route, although I was rewarded with inspiring sea views on a day with almost perfect visibility.

         Llandudno appears to have lost none of its charm with the hundreds of seafront hotels appearing in fresh paint ready for the season. As I made my way across the town, along ‘The Promenade’ I was aware of a high level of police activity, flashing lights and closed roads. Apparently Queen Elizabeth was in town and making her rounds of Llandudno---our paths did not cross and I trust HM enjoyed her visit as much I did.   

          Located adequate B & B accommodation without difficulty, after which I treated myself to a most satisfying 3course meal and a stroll along the main shopping streets.

  

26.6 kms. walked today per pedometer.                             Cumulative Kms. covered: 1717.3

Hours of walking today including rest stops: 6.25

Type of accommodation: Astonwood Guest House

Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 22.00 excl. breakfast.

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

4 million steps in support of over one million+ patients that rely on Trillium Health Centre. I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you? Donate Now www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org  

Day #70 Flint to Rhyl, Denbighshire.

       Woke up 6.00am to the distinct feeling that I was the only inmate of the Ship Inn. Satisfied myself with my usual light breakfast and proceeded to exit....not so easy! All doors locked and I am on the inside. At least I could  have drowned my sorrows at the open bar! Eventually located a key and was able to make my escape just after 7.00am. The walking today was good for the navigationally challenged, comme-moi. A straight line up along the Welsh side of the River Dee turning west-wards along the Irish Sea  coast.

Duke of Lancaster.

Mid-morning rounded a bend in the road at Mostyn and came face to face with a rather dilapidated & beached cruise liner---the "Duke of Lancaster". Apparently, it has rested high and dry at Mostyn since 1975 with plans for an after-life as a 'pleasure centre', that never came to fruition.
      The caravan parks reappeared with a vengeance along this stretch of coast and read recently that caravan parks are the preferred holiday destination of 17% of the UK population ie: 10 million people! Which might explained the run down state of hotels & guest houses in many of the resorts that I have visited. Certainly Holiday Inn, Marriot, Hilton, Sheraton etc., don't see much opportunity.
      Arrived in my target destination of Rhyl at about 1.00pm---like to start early and finish early, finding ample vacancies at the B & B's from which to choose and to rest a pair of weary legs. Last visited Rhyl circa 1954 on family holiday and was able vaguely to remember the approximate hotel where we stayed on the sea-front. The environs of Rhyl appear to be quite affluent, populated by the retired and as one would expect, well maintained. The town core is another story & seems, like many other British resort towns, to be devoid of long-term development/growth plans and appears content to be on a race to the bottom.
         Quick note on walking distances and time. I find after 70 days 'on the road' that I can estimate almost to the minute the time that I will arrive a certain point on the day's walk. My walking cadence on flat land is a regular 6000 steps per hour, 100 per minute, 75 cms. per step. The long distance walker has many hours to consider such important calculations!

 28.5 kms. walked today per pedometer.             Cumulative Kms. covered: 1690.7
Hours of walking today including rest stops: 6.75
Type of accommodation: Arnside Guest House.
Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 20.00 incl. breakfast.
 Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

I’m ‘Giving 110%’ to Trillium through my “4 Million Step Walk” because I can. Donate Now:  www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org

Day # 69 Chester, England to Flint, Wales

Remains of Flint Castle.

Departed the Ormond Guest House with a complimentary breakfast and a detailed set of routing instructions to navigate Chester’s rather complicated circular road arrangement. With several helpful re-confirmations picked up en route, I successfully picked up the most walker friendly road to Queen’s Ferry avoiding the dangerous dual carriage major roads. A couple of miles outside of Chester, I crossed the national border and entered Wales. Nothing too formal, just a simple sign at the road-side saying bilingually “welcome”.

          The heavy rain shower of early this morning had completely abated by the time I was on the road at 7.30am and the strong sunshine made it feel quite warm, forcing me to peel layers as I strode forth. Perhaps it was a lazy spring Sunday morning, but I decided to limit my walking distance today to just 20kms/12 miles and enjoy the charms of the industrial town of Flint/Fflint that lies along the banks of the Welsh side of the River Dee. Located an economical room, with self- catering included, for the night, in a local pub on the main street.

        Visited the ruins of Flint castle, built in the 13^th century as part of the defensive chain constructed by the English King Edward, to isolate and contain the Welsh threat---that threat still exists, of course---big time. On the rugby field of course!

20.0 kms. walked today per pedometer.                Cumulative kms. covered: 1662.2

Hours of walking today including rest stops: 5.0

Type of accommodation: Ship Inn Pub

Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 20.00, self-catering kitchen.

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

Trillium Health Centre has always been there for me, and my family, I want to do my part and be there to support them. I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you?  www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org

Day # 68 Crosby, Lancs. to Chester.

Top ad. One of a series. Very memorable.

 Pic: Election silly season in the UK. Conservative party ad.         

       Breakfasted well courtesy of my Augustine nun hostesses, I left the Park Guest House, Crosby and turned left (south) at the end of the block heading towards Liverpool. Passed through the deserted Saturday morning streets of Bootle and a collection of other gritty, small towns fronting onto the River Mersey. The banks of the river are interspersed with abandoned warehouses and Costco/Toys R Us superstores –an interesting comment on how the texture of the lives of the local habitants have changed from when this was a might sea-port.

          Within two hours I was in central Liverpool seeking the ferry ‘cross the Mersey to be informed that it sadly does not operate at the weekend. Where were you Gerry and the Pacemakers when I needed you? Alternative transport on offer was the 5 minute ride on the electric train under the river to Birkenhead. My wife, who hails from Shanghai, had provided strict instructions to photograph in detail, the famous river front Royal Liver buildings et al, as these majestic Liverpudlian edifice provided the architectural inspiration for the British companies that set-up in business on Shanghai’s famous ‘Bund’ in the 1840’s.

        Using my navigational skills to the extreme, I walked the mean streets of Birkenhead, and westwards across the peninsula known as ‘The Wirral’, towards my days objective of Heswall, on the banks of the River Dee. Heswall, a very affluent town of quiet roads, graceful houses and beautiful gardens was unfortunately Heswall was not welcoming to me, as it was impossible to locate accommodation and thus necessary to action plan ‘B’ ie: execute a tactical retreat via bus to the city of Chester. Chester, an historic Roman fortress city famous for its magnificent black & white gabled buildings had plenty of guest-house availabilities and I was comfortably sheltered by 4.30pm. Tomorrow, I execute a sharp right turn that will take me across the border and into North Wales.  

26.1 kms. walked today per pedometer.                           Cumulative Kms. covered: 1642.2

Hours of walking today including rest stops:  9.00

Type of accommodation: The Ormond Guest house. 

Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 25.00 incl. breakfast.

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

4 million steps in support of the all our young and old who rely on Trillium Health Centre. I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you? Donate now www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org

Day #67 Southport to Crosby, Lancs.

Attractive shops in Southport.

       After a friendly 20 minute doorstep chat with the landlord at 'Le Maitre' B & B I too stepped forth  at 7.30am into the deserted streets of Southport, to make an uncomplicated exit on the A565 southwards out of the town. The affluent southern suburbs of Southport are populated with a lots of large houses and private schools secured behind high railings. Likely the well-off, who labour in Liverpool live in Southport. Along the road, I passed the Royal Birkdale golf course, sometime site of the British Open. Found humour in the warning statement on the decorative lawn in front of the entrance, that warned that ball games, including golf, are forbidden. Houses gradually receded and I passed for a couple of miles what appeared to be an RAF airfield that appeared to be totally devoid of human occupation.

        Looming on the horizon, I could already see the dock cranes of the Port of Liverpool on the banks of the Mersey. Rather than enter this major city today, I opted, after 14 miles walking, to find accommodation in Crosby, making my entry into Liverpool tomorrow, when I plan to pass onto the Wirral via the famous 'Ferry 'cross the Mersey'.

        Seeking nearby B & B, I sought advice from a frequent source of local knowledge ---- the local newsagents shop, and was directed to the rather large Convent, off down a side street where the nuns operate a guest house, in a building that was converted some years ago from their maternity hospital. The large back garden, includes a fishing pond leased by the Liverpool police union. Upon arrival, the convent /B & B  seemed to be swarming with police and it was explained to me that the locals continually climb over the wall to caste their hooks for the super-size carp reputed to be in the pond. Explains the police enthusiasm to solve the case of the missing carp!

        As would be expected in a convent, my room is very clean & comfortable, and I only have one minor complaint--the strong smell of disinfectant that fills my room!

        At this point on the walk, I have walked a distance that equals that other popular long walk known as LEJOG---Lands End to John o' Groats, at the northern tip of Scotland. I am feeling somewhat proud of myself that I have completed the same distance in a respectable 67 days.

    
22.2 kms. walked today per pedometer. Cumulative Kms. covered: 1616.1
Hours of walking today including rest stops: 5.25
Type of accommodation: Convent B & B
Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 33.00
 Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

4 million steps in support of the all our young and old who rely on Trillium Health Centre. I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you? Donate now www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org 

Day #66 Preston to Southport, Lancs.

    

           Hit the road at 7.00am and once again into a very cold crisp temperature….certainly scarf and gloves for the first couple of hours. The day started with frustration in that my desired route south bound, out of the city appeared on the map to be straight-forward. I have learned now that the major road signage is for the benefit of motorists, people actually walking between towns are rare commodities and going the way of the dinosaurs. A routing across town designed for automobiles, can be highly circuitous through one way systems etc., whereas a quick pedestrian short-cut through a park, or a housing development can save miles. Trick of course, is to know about these short cuts as a visitor to a city. Preston was no exception and I seemed to be walking for a couple of hours before I could drag myself clear of the city and make real forward progress back to the coast at Southport.

        My route today was through a series of closely linked small towns and villages. This proximity seems to me to make progress feel faster, as I can frequently ‘tick- off’ another point of progress.

       Arrived in Southport about 2.30pm to find a sea-side resort that actually looks prosperous. The main drag, Lord Street, was constructed a block back and parallel to the sea front, effectively protecting it from cold sea winds. As a result, the pavement restaurants were full of people sitting enjoying the sunshine. Notable is the fact that the shops on the main street all have attractive Victorian style glass verandas to protect pedestrians, a nice touch that adds ambience to the street scene.

       Located without difficulty an adequate bed & breakfast in the central district. Will see what the other half of Southport looks like early tomorrow morning as I head at least part way to Liverpool.

       Just a quick up-date on feet---mine. So far, after about a thousand miles of walking, I can state that I have not suffered yet from any type of blisters. I wear double (two pairs) wool walking socks and have thick gel pads inside my walking boots. This combination seems to be performing well. The shin splints I suffered from for a couple of weeks early in the walk, seem to have cured themselves. I do notice that the heel of my right boot is significantly more worn down than the left. This is maybe a result of a spinal disc degeneration problem from which I have suffered over the years, resulting in a slight posture misalignment.

  

4 million steps in support of over one million+ patients that rely on Trillium Health Centre. I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you? Donate Now www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org

25.2 kms. walked today per pedometer. Cumulative Kms. covered: 1593.9
Hours of walking today including rest stops: 8.0
Type of accommodation: Bed & breakfast.
Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 25.00, no breakfast.
 Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

Day # 65 Garstang to Preston Lancs.

        Only somewhat rested from the effects of a rather noisy night at the pub B & B in Garstang. Unfortunately my room was directly above the karaoke lounge and now that drinking hours in the UK have been de-restricted, the noisy, off key howling sessions, can go on quite late. An easy days walk planned for today along a major road that carried less than its share of traffic due to the proximity of a parallel motorway. The hills to the east, as viewed from my  walking route, are gradually receding and the coastal plain widening out.

        Enjoy a pleasant lunch on a grassy bank in the warm sunshine, before I enter the built-up area that is the industrial city of Preston.Not being a tourist town, there appears to be, an absence of economical bed & breakfasts--plenty of 100 pound a night Ramadas. Arriving in the central city area, I am glad to utilize the services of the local 'Visitor Information' office to direct me to an over night (run by an Australian couple) in the western suburbs. Preston central seems to confirm the stereo type image I have of dark, stern Victorian architectural styled northern cities, surrounded by streets of small old terrace type houses. 

      Settled in early enough to complete some house keeping chores, food shopping and a visit to the local laundrymat 
22.5 kms. walked today per pedometer. Cumulative Kms. covered: 1568.7
Hours of walking today including rest stops: 4.75.
Type of accommodation: Tourist hotel.
Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 25.00 no breakfast.

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

Trillium serves over one million+ residents annually…the future of healthcare is here!  I’m giving 110% to Trillium, will you? Please donate to Trillium Health Centre www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org

Day # 64 Morecambe to Garstang, Lancs.

      Out of my sea front B & B at 6.45am into a cold clear morning. Circled my way through a maze of minor streets inland to pick up the road to the neighbouring city of Lancaster arriving there about 9.30am. Lancaster ranks as the city passed through so far with the most dire traffic problems. For a couple hours, passing through the area, I walked past cars inching their way down a one-way system of narrow medieval streets.

         A couple of kilometres south of Lancaster, I crossed my old friend the Lancaster canal and decided to forsake the road and again to hike the tow- path towards my target destination. Great to hear just the ducks & birds, to observe perhaps a dozen large blue heron wading on the banks. The canal is totally recreational now, with many longboats and cabin cruisers moored along the banks. This canal, a triumph of Victorian engineering and part of a major network to join towns & cities across England, was obsolete almost as soon as it was constructed due to the advent of the railway system that effectively stole all business potential for the transportation of goods. The tow-path condition is generally good, although the effort to push my luggage carrier/buggy over the grassy areas and soft muddy sections, was significantly harder than on the regular hard road and as a result I feel more fatigued than usual this evening. Arrived at Garstang about 3.00pm and was fortunate to find accommodation in just about the only accommodation available in this small town.

29.7 kms walked today per pedometer. Cumulative Kms. covered:

Hours of walking today including rest stops: 9.0

Type of accommodation: Tourist hotel

Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 28.00 with breakfast.

Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

In 2008 Trillium had over 700,000 patient visits. Trillium’s doctors and nurses are ‘Giving 110%’ to patients….will you? Go to www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org and donate now!