Starting from Grasmere Church (resting place of poet William Wordsworth) take the small road opposite, past the car park and garden centre. You follow this road past a hotel and out of the village, getting your first views of Grasmere lake on your left. You then approach close to the lake, passing a small boathouse and cafe. The road then climbs up and slightly away from the lake, giving fine views across to Grasmere with the village lying underneath the bulk of Great Rigg.

Having past a couple of housing (including one with a gothic looking dark garden) you will see a kissing gate on your left next to a bend in the road. Go through the gate and descend down the steps to the lake edge. You can then follow the southern edge of Grasmere lake right around to the small weir at the end – avoiding the temptation to take one of the paths up to higher ground. Here you will see a footbright crossing the river, which many people take to return to Grasmere. However, our route carries straight on along the riverbank. Here the path meanders through a native woodland which rises up on both sides of the valley, the confined feeling in contrast to the openness of the early part of the walk near the lake.

View over towards Rydal Water

Carry on past the car park until you reach the quaint stone pelter bridge, with the main road opposite. Instead of crossing the bridge, turn right just before and follow the road that crosses the open grassland before passing some houses on the right. Opposite the houses you will see some stepping stones across the river, although when I was there these were all underwater. Continue along the road, which winds its way along the edge of the valley floor. After about one mile you will see a footbridge on your left, which you cross over to enter Rothay Park on the outskirts of Ambleside. Cross through the park an you will then pass a school and enter the town proper.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Ambleside, before getting the regular bus back to Grasmere. The route is all on OS map OL7 The English Lakes: Sout-eastern area.

When you hear the town of Whitby mentioned you immediately think of fish. Not only is it one of the biggest fishing harbours in the UK, it also is the spiritual home to fish and chips. Wander down into the town on any evening and your nose will be assaulted by the smell of fish and chips drifting out of the numerous cafes that line the streets. You know you shouldn’t, but how can you resist?

Whitby Abbey

Sea Cliffs towards Whitby

The views out to sea and along the coast are great. It’s no surprise therefore that this is part of the Cleveland Way long distance trail, and also the final stage of Alfred Wainwright’s famous Coast-to-Coast walk. Many of the cliffs are packed with seagulls and other birds nesting, and their calls are a steady background soundtrack as you progress along the route.

The next landmark on the route is Whitby Fog Signal, two great loudspeakers sat on top of what looks like a converted concrete bunker. Alongside the fog signal is a rather stunted lighthouse, that makes use of it’s position high on the cliffs to negate the need to tower up as we expect our lighthouses to behave. The path goes round the back of the lighthouse and continues along the clifftops.

The route then progresses across a small valley that cut across, giving you a short steep drop down some steps to cross a stream then up the other side. You then pass a curious uphill waterfall, where the decending water is caught by the wind and ends up being blown back up the hill. A second similar valley a bit further along was covered in Spring flowers when we went though, taking advantage of the shelter and the sun on it’s South-facing edge.

As the route progresses you gradually turn from facing east as you leave Whitby until you round the headland above Robin Hood’s bay. The path turns around the headland until you are facing SouthWest as you approach the outskirts of the village. A couple of kissing-gates later you start to pass the guest houses as you descend towards the village centre.

Gorse bushes add to the views

The old part of Robin Hood’s Bay at the bottom of the hill is a picture-postcard coastal village, with the usual supply of small tourist shops and cafes to replenish you. There are regular buses back to Whitby, with even a roughly hourly service on Sundays. Whilst it’s not easy to get lost, you should really get the OS map OL27 (North Yorks Moors Eastern Area) or download a map from Anquet Maps.

Lleyn Coastal Path

Porthdinllaen

Cross over the slipway and then climb up the steep steps to join the golfers on the course above. You can rest in the shelters here and watch the golfers before following the track down the middle of the course. Then pick up the path to the right which goes down the side of the fairway to rejoin the clifftop.

Walk across Nefyn Golf Course

Keep going until you reach the path cutting inland next to a small caravan site. Take this path then follow a small path across the fields to Tudweiliog village, where you can get some refreshments in the shop and wait for the bus back to Nefyn (click for timetable).

To do this walk you will need OS Landranger Map number 123 (Lleyn Peninsula). Alternatively you can download the map from Anquet Maps.

Red Deer in Richmond Park

Once you’ve found them, you will be surprised how close you can get. The deer are very used to people in the park so they don’t run off at the sight of you. But don’t mistake them for pets – they are wild animals and you should not approach them too closely or try to touch them. For photographers they are a delight – you can spend hours with a camera getting up close and personal for that perfect shot.

You can find out more about the park, including directions, from the Richmond Park web site.

Bath has been renowned as a Spa town since Roman times, and the old Roman Baths have been a visitor attraction for years. But after the old Spa closed in 1978 there was no way for you to enjoy the hot spring waters. That was until the Thermae Spa opened in 2006, with the centrepiece being the futuristic New Royal Bath building.

Bath Thermae Spa rooftop pool

One of the great things about the Spa is it is open to all, and you can visit for just a couple of hours. The highlight for me was definitely the open-air rooftop pool. Even though it was an overcast day it felt great to wallow in the warm waters and look over the historic buildings that surround the Spa.

The Minerva Bath inside is equally impressive, with the grand columns towering up from the waters to support the structure above. You really do feel a sense of indulgence as you move between the whirlpools and neck-massage jets. There are also steam rooms “gently infused with essential oils, such as camomile, jasmine and eucalyptus”, although I have to admit their benefits were lost on me.

For those looking for an extra touch you can treat yourself (or your loved one) to a spa treatment such as a relaxing massage or body wrap. Or you could combine two pampering treats in one pampering package – a session for two at the Thermae Bath Spa and an indulgent afternoon tea for two at Homewood Park Country House Hotel. And with just a little bit of imagination you could drift back 2000 years and be bathing with the Romans.

Start from the centre of Broadway and follow the old High Street up and out of the village. If several of the buildings look familiar – it’s no surprise. This street is used as a setting for many historical dramas, with it’s chocolate box looks and untouched feel. Carry on up the hill past the car turning circle until you see a gate on your left with a footpath sign next to it. Take this path and go through the low arch under the bypass.

The Green in Broadway

Broadway Tower

Broadway Tower is an original British folly, built as a mock castle in 1799 for Lady Coventry, from which it is said you can view 13 counties from here. I’m not sure if it’s true, but the views of the surrounding countryside do make the climb to the top of the hill worth the effort. We stopped and had a drink whilst looking out over the landscape, watching a group of Red deer which were penned into the field alongside the tower.

Afterwards we went through the big car park and started our fairly steep descent down a track – heading straight towards Broadway. After about 10 minutes the main track appears to come to an end. Carry straight on around the house and you will see the path going across the field to your left.

The route from here is fairly easy to follow as you take a well worn path across several fields back to the village. There are numerous paths criss-crossing as you get nearer to Broadway, but it makes little difference which one you take. All eventually lead back to the High Street, where you can get you bearings and head for the obligatory post-walk tea shop for a well earned cuppa and a slice of cake.

To do this walk you will need to use Ordanance Survey Explorer Map OL45 The Cotswolds. Alternatively you can download the map from Anquet Maps.

Temperate House at Kew

One of my favourite things to do at Kew is to climb up onto the walkways high up in the glass houses. In the Temperate House (the largest Glass house at Kew) you can look down on the world’s largest indoor plant – the Chilean wine-palm (Jubaea chilensis) which rises to over 16 metres tall. Being up in the rafters is a unique experience and gives you a completely different perspective on the plants and trees below.

Orchid in the Glasshouse

So you don’t have to wait for spring to head out for a garden visit – with Kew’s glasshouses you really do have gardens for all seasons.

Lode Mill

From the A14, go through Stow Cum Quy and turn left onto Station Road. Park your car near the small bridge about 1/4 mile along Station Road, and start the walk by standing on the bridge and feeding the swans and ducks.  Cross the bridge and take the path diagonally across the first field on your right (past the inquisitive horses) to join a wide track.  Follow this track for about 15 minutes, crossing the old railway line, until you come to a fork in the path. Take the right fork and you will come to a kissing gate. Go through the gate and follow the signpost along the edge of the fen towards Lode. You will then reach a footbridge on your right – cross this to get to the field opposite.

Follow the path around the field, and then it joins a broad grassy track. Shortly after there is a ruined building on the right, take the right turn here and follow the track behind the building. At a T junction turn sharp left along a track, then the path goes off to the right through a wood. Turn left in the middle of the wood and you come out into a field. Follow the track along the edge of the field (lined with old apple trees) which leads to Lode Mill.

River Bank near Lode

From Lode Mill turn right and follow the riverbank back.  On the opposite side of the river you will see Anglesey Abbey (a National Trust property with a great garden).  As you continue you will have the strange experience of following a river that is higher than the surrounding land.  As the fens were drained the land has sunk, leaving the river flowing above two metres above the fields.  The river gentle winds its way back to the bridge where you started, and you will hopefully find the ducks and swans awaiting your return.

Another version of this walk (starting from Anglesey Abbey car park) and a simple map can be found here.

Oliver

Yes – Oliver the musical is all about the children and their songs about Food Glorious Food. But it is Atkinson in his role as Fagin that steals the show. He does on stage exactly what he has done on the TV screen for years – makes you laugh just by standing still. And when he does move or speak he captivates you and draws you into his (slightly surreal) world. Some of the movement is pure Mr Bean, whilst some of the dialogue bring back images of the Blackadder series. Either way – the performance is uniquely him.

To suggest that he is the only attraction though is unfair. I avoid reality TV like I avoid using public toilets where possible, so I was blissfully unaware of the “stars” that had been created in the selection process for the show last year.  The Theatre Royal is a magnificent setting and some of the songs make full use of the stage – filling it with a glitering kaleidascope of sound and image as the actors perform the highly choreographed sequences.

We just travelled down for the evening.  If you really want to treat yourself you can book an inclusive package with an overnight stay.  But whether you stay for a break or just have a great night out – you’ll leave the theatre singing.

The evening starts with an introduction from the host – who explains the background to the club and the house rules. Then, just to get your juices flowing, he talks everyone through the seven puddings that are going to be consumed.

Display of Puddings ready to be eaten

After a (very) small main course it’s on to the serious business of the night. The puddings are paraded into the room to rapturous applause. Amongst the familiar favourites such as Syrup Sponge, Spotted Dick and Eton Mess were unusual surprises such as Lord Randall’s pudding.  The object of the evening (aside from enjoying eating some fantastic puddings) is to try all seven dishes, and then there is a vote for the favourite pudding of the night.

This means you have to pace yourself.  When you start off, the idea of eating seven deserts seems easy.  But after three or four you realise that it’s not as easy as it sounds.  They were all fantastic, and made me realise how rarely I get to eat proper puddings these days.

House rules dictate you must empty you bowl before you can move on to your next pudding, so portion size control is key.  I managed to try all seven, and after much deliberation Eton Mess got my vote.  However the room was fairly evenly split, and the eventual pudding of the night was the good old Syrup Sponge.

For those who want to take the experience further, you can also stay in one of the hotels themed desert rooms.  Personally, having eaten seven deserts the last thing I wanted was to try to go to sleep in a room that reminds me of more puddings.

I joined the pudding club as part of the Activity Superstore package that included the Pudding Club meeting and overnight accommodation for two people – a perfect romantic treat for pudding lovers everywhere.