Malham Cove, North Yorkshire. Me and the wife went a couple of weeks ago. Got there at 6am and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Didn’t see another person until nearly 8am when we were coming to the end of the route 🤣

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Start in Bollington, Cheshire and walk up to Pott Shrigley. From there over the tops past the Bowstones and down into Lyme Park. Tea and cake in the cafe, then down to the Macclesfield Canal and follow the canal back to Bollington. A well earned pint at the Vale Inn.

I love hiking in the Ochil Hills. So many options from the glen walks which are steep but short or a full traverse across the whole range which is approximately 20 miles from Glendevon to Stirling University. 

We love to walk in the Peak District. In particular the walk up to Win Hill starting from the southern end of Ladybower reservoir. We zig zag through the woods up to the trig point on Win Hill and take a breather looking at the 360 degree views of Derwent, Stanage and Bamford edges, Lose hill and Mam Tor. We then walk down to Hope Cross, have a sandwich before walking back along the forest edge then back down the Hope pilgrimage path to the start. Time taken 3.5 hours and 7.66 miles of pure joy.

My favourite walk or hike happens every Saturday morning at 9am. I join hundreds of other like minded people of all ages and abilities to walk 5 kilometres. Of course, I am referring to the global phenomena known as Parkrun. Over 2000 Parkrun events take place in 23 countries every Saturday.  The UK alone has over 1000 different locations where people are encouraged to walk, jog or run like the wind. My home Parkrun is also my favourite. It is held in the 2000 acre Newborough Forest on the lovely island of Anglesey.  The first kilometre runs parallel with the seashore with magnificent views of the romantic Ynys Llanddwyn, an island at high tide. Across the waters of the bay the mountains, Yr Eifl, stand majestic in the morning sun. A sharp right turn takes you up a steep but short sand dune commonly referred to as the Dune of Doom. But it is the only sand dune as it leads to forest trails and gravel paths. The 2 kilometre mark is part way up a long but not steep incline running through the trees. At the top this opens up onto a wider track, sometimes muddy after rains, but on a good, sunny day, allows a much quicker pace. A downhill section takes you past the 3 kilometre mark and an even faster pace for the sprinters who rarely have time to look for squirrels in the high trees above. A hundred metres before the 4 kilometre mark the path levels out to a grassy trail and becomes narrower with encroaching trees on either side. Watch out for tree roots that are determined to trip up the unwary. A similar forest trail is found after the 4k mark but eventually open up to a wide lane and an opportunity for a fast sprint to the finish line and a welcome with encouragement from the volunteers who give up their Saturday mornings for your enjoyment. I have done other Parkruns in other countries but Newborough Forest Parkrun is the best. 

Fav hike: Seven Sisters in East Sussex. Lovely part of the world!

Buttermere in the Lake District. Beautiful scenery and a wonderful choice of walks. My favourite though has to be Red Pike a steep scrambled hike with amazing panoramic views at the top of Buttermere and Crummock water. 

Walking the South West Coast Path. Best route is Hartland point to Bude - ping and very challenging, but incredible variety of terrain. 

Everywhere is amazing but one stunning walk is Moel Hebog, Ogof and Lefn in Snowdonia. Walking though Beddgelert forest, the mountain tops above have far reaching views of North wales, Snowdonia and its many beautiful peaks and the sea. Passing though a range of tracks and small caves, rivers and forest land , its a perfect day out whatever the weather ( with the exception of strong winds!)