The last three days of walking have taken us from the hot, dry and remote region of the Extremadura into the cooler and mountainous parts of Castile y Leon. Walking along grassy paths with a view towards snow on the mountains was a pleasing change. We continued to see Roman miliarios, creeks and streams of water, more wildflowers and large numbers of fine looking cattle … Continue reading Walking to San Pedro de Rozados along Via de la Plata
I have now walked three days along the Camino called Via de la Plata, a distance of 68 kilometres. The weather has been dry but hot in the afternoons without shade. I have now adapted to that sensation of being a Pellegrino when you carry everything you have in your pack, your most important job for the day is to find and follow the arrows … Continue reading Walking from Cañaveral to Jarilla along Via de la Plata
Arriving in Caceres (my starting point for walking part of the Via de la Plata Camino) was a bit different. As I hopped off the train from Madrid in the evening I faced cold and rain. Time for a taxi to my hotel only meters from Plaza Mayor. As I arrive I hear the bands and music and see that some kind of festival is … Continue reading Caceres – one of Spain’s splendid small cities
Arriving late in the day in Brussels what better thing to do than head to the Grand Place with its palaces, old guild halls and town hall illuminated against the night sky. Crowds of people were enjoying the open air cafes in this square voted Europe’s most beautiful in 2010. The Town Hall was built in stages beginning in 1401. Subsequent bombardments and fires led … Continue reading A Taste of Belgium
Leiden is a relaxed and charming university town a half hour train ride from Amsterdam. The old town is filled with canals lined with distinctive tall and narrow houses and the odd building or church of historical significance. It features 88 bridges, a few windmills, a significant number of pleasure boats, an array of cafes and restaurants fronting the water and an army of happy … Continue reading The Dutch City of Leiden
I have always loved bright coloured flowers and as a child I dreamed of visiting the tulips in Holland. So on a 5 week trip to Europe I have taken myself for a taste of Holland while my other half is busy walking another Camino Based in the charming city of Leiden I walked to one of the bike rentals in town this morning and … Continue reading A bike tour through tulip country
The 71 kilometre Queen Charlotte Walk in the Marlborough Sounds is a versatile walk ideal for those who enjoy the comforts of lodge accommodation at the end of a day’s walk. It also offers options for those who only wish to walk part of the way because a boat will pick up and drop you off at various places along the track. Thankfully the boat … Continue reading Walking New Zealand’s Queen Charlotte Track
The Stenhouse Bay Lookout walk starts at the Stenhouse Bay jetty just a few kilometres past the smart newish holiday town of Marion Bay, a 3 hour drive from Adelaide on Yorke Peninsula. It is part of of Innes National Park and is the place to go if you like rugged coastal scenery without car loads of tourists. You can stay in the Park (camping … Continue reading A Taste of Innes National Park
If you like natural beauty and limited tourists then Fitzroy Island could be your perfect North Queensland escape. It only takes 45 minutes by fast ferry from the Cairns wharf. No roads, buses or cars. Go for the day, camp or stay overnight in the resort and be sure to feel relaxed in this pristine environment. Six of the BEST on Fitzroy Island 1. Go … Continue reading Six of the best experiences on Fitzroy Island
Food and Footsteps 