Sunday, July 21, 2013
A Double Whammy In The Heat
Last Saturday saw the running (well, walking) of the White Peak Challenge, which I promise I will write up soon... I will just sum it up in one word for now... HOT!!!
The weekend before I had a rare weekend with nothing planned and no demands on my time, so I decided to go out Saturday and Sunday... it was well and truly into the heatwave, so scorching temperatures. I packed plenty of water and slathered on the sun block.
For Saturday's route I intended to follow the 10 mile Big Track route, along the banks of the River Trent, to Beeston Canal and back along the canal to the Trent. It's 10 miles, plus another three to walk to the start at County Hall and back. I could feel the sun beating down on my back as I set off, and realised I was sweating already- we don't often get weather like this in the UK!
I set off over the Suspension Footbridge and jogged along the path by the embankment;
Suspension Footbridge
There is a brief spell walking along a bike path by the road, before leaving the traffic to pass under the huge high bridge carrying the A52 over the canal, and then, mercifully, open countryside is reached with views over the heavily wooded banks to Clifton Hall. I passed a gorgeous field of red poppies.
I made myself jog as much as I was able, and soon found myself sweating and blowing in the heat. I had promised myself a cup of coffee at the cafe at Beeston Locks, but was so thirsty I had to chase it with a cool coke.
I followed Beeston Canal back into Nottingham, passing narrow boats, canoes, baby geese and cygnets, as it became increasingly busier. Loads of people were out taking advantage of the hot weather, so it was quite a surprise to come across this chap, who didn't seem at all bothered by me walking past him.
I was almost too embarrassed to call in and get some milk in West Bridgford as I was so sweaty and probably smelt so bad...
Funnily enough, I walked up my stretch of canal later on and saw another heron.
Sunday I decided to go through the fields, past Tollerton, up through Clipston Woods, into Cotgrave and then to Holme Pierrepont- it was the annual Outlaw Triathlon and I wanted to see it.
It was another blisteringly hot day, and I felt for those brave souls doing the Outlaw- it's an Iron distance course, so undertaking a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run in these temperatures would be brutal!
The fields were lovely, with a smattering of poppies;
Some paths through crops were better maintained than others though...
Bad Path
Good Path
It was marginally cooler in the woods, although only slightly, and I made myself run uphill.There was a glorious view over Cotgrave.
I found a lovely spot in a field for lunch, with a vantage point over the fields and Tollerton airfield towards Nottingham;
Unfortunately we need to treasure this view while we can... it is green belt land, but the council are intending to build up to 4,400 houses on the airfield by 2026, so there will be a huge housing development, factories etc right in the middle of this view...
But not today. I savoured it as I made my way back down and across the fields to Cotgrave, stopping to buy some more water to replenish my diminishing supplies.
I carried on past the canal, towards the A52 and the track leading to Holme Pierrepont and the Watersports centre.
Grantham Canal
As I reached the road a steady stream of cyclists passed me sporting Outlaw race numbers... I cut through to the lake, and walked along the grass, cheering the runners on- what an amazing feat, especially in this heat. It was too early for finishers yet, so I walked round the foot of the lake, past the bike transition area, clapping and cheering athletes coming in from the bike leg to start the run.
As I turned for home for a meal and a cool shower, I said to myself- 'one day...'
The weekend before I had a rare weekend with nothing planned and no demands on my time, so I decided to go out Saturday and Sunday... it was well and truly into the heatwave, so scorching temperatures. I packed plenty of water and slathered on the sun block.
For Saturday's route I intended to follow the 10 mile Big Track route, along the banks of the River Trent, to Beeston Canal and back along the canal to the Trent. It's 10 miles, plus another three to walk to the start at County Hall and back. I could feel the sun beating down on my back as I set off, and realised I was sweating already- we don't often get weather like this in the UK!
I set off over the Suspension Footbridge and jogged along the path by the embankment;
There is a brief spell walking along a bike path by the road, before leaving the traffic to pass under the huge high bridge carrying the A52 over the canal, and then, mercifully, open countryside is reached with views over the heavily wooded banks to Clifton Hall. I passed a gorgeous field of red poppies.
I followed Beeston Canal back into Nottingham, passing narrow boats, canoes, baby geese and cygnets, as it became increasingly busier. Loads of people were out taking advantage of the hot weather, so it was quite a surprise to come across this chap, who didn't seem at all bothered by me walking past him.
Funnily enough, I walked up my stretch of canal later on and saw another heron.
It was another blisteringly hot day, and I felt for those brave souls doing the Outlaw- it's an Iron distance course, so undertaking a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run in these temperatures would be brutal!
The fields were lovely, with a smattering of poppies;
It was marginally cooler in the woods, although only slightly, and I made myself run uphill.There was a glorious view over Cotgrave.
But not today. I savoured it as I made my way back down and across the fields to Cotgrave, stopping to buy some more water to replenish my diminishing supplies.
I carried on past the canal, towards the A52 and the track leading to Holme Pierrepont and the Watersports centre.
As I reached the road a steady stream of cyclists passed me sporting Outlaw race numbers... I cut through to the lake, and walked along the grass, cheering the runners on- what an amazing feat, especially in this heat. It was too early for finishers yet, so I walked round the foot of the lake, past the bike transition area, clapping and cheering athletes coming in from the bike leg to start the run.
Labels: Beeston Canal, big track, Cotgrave, Holme Pierrepont, Outlaw Triathlon
Monday, July 08, 2013
Picos de Europa Day 2- Tuesday 28th May
After consulting the weather, Juan concluded that the best course of action for today would be to walk the Cares Gorge as this does not involve any real climbing. The Cares Gorge is a spectacular gorge that was gouged out during the ice age and reaches almost a mile deep in parts. The Cares River, which runs through it, has been partially diverted for hydro-electric power and water now runs through a canal carved out of the rock towards the power station at Poncebos. An access path has been blasted out of the rock and runs through the gorge, high above the river, from Poncebos to Cain. It has fast become one of the most popular walks in the Picos and it's not difficult to see why.
Approximately 15 kilometres in length, around a metre wide with sheer drops to the river far below, it is not an easy walk for vertigo sufferers! Our intention was to walk from Poncebos to Cain and then retrace our steps, making for a fairly easy but long walk.
As we reached Poncebos it was obvious that the weather was going to be changeable- we would be walking in bright sunshine for a little while, then the clouds would roll in and it would pour for 15 minutes or so. The first part of the path involves a climb, and once at the crest the path can be clearly seen snaking round a huge cliff. This is when it becomes really spectacular and although the path is wider than it looks at a distance, you are aware of the huge drop off the edge. It was fairly quiet when we walked it bit Juan told us it's heaving in July and August- wouldn't really fancy edging my way past hordes of people!!
The Cares Gorge Path
We followed the path as it snaked round the cliff, past a fallen natural arch and through a series of rock arches. The views were spectacular!
Towards Cain there are a series of bridges to cross as the path swings from one side of the gorge to the other. There are also a few tunnels to negotiate- dark and damp, it felt like a real adventure as I stumbled along not knowing where to place my feet!
Tunnels Blasted Out Of The Rock
Finally we descended into Cain, and had welcome beers and plates of chips in the restaurant there. We bumped into an Exodus group doing the same walk- we were to meet them again during the week!
Walking back the same way certainly wasn't boring as completely different views opened up- at one point a rainbow appeared below us, making for a completely magical scene.
The Rainbow
Juan told us that although the path is fairly short, getting between Poncebos to Cain involves a long trip round the mountains, and too many people walk the path and decide to call for a taxi to take them back, not realising that it will set them back around 200 euros!
It felt quite good to walk there and back under our own steam. We toasted our achievement with a beer at Poncebos and hoped that the weather would continue to be kind to us.
As we reached Poncebos it was obvious that the weather was going to be changeable- we would be walking in bright sunshine for a little while, then the clouds would roll in and it would pour for 15 minutes or so. The first part of the path involves a climb, and once at the crest the path can be clearly seen snaking round a huge cliff. This is when it becomes really spectacular and although the path is wider than it looks at a distance, you are aware of the huge drop off the edge. It was fairly quiet when we walked it bit Juan told us it's heaving in July and August- wouldn't really fancy edging my way past hordes of people!!
We followed the path as it snaked round the cliff, past a fallen natural arch and through a series of rock arches. The views were spectacular!
Towards Cain there are a series of bridges to cross as the path swings from one side of the gorge to the other. There are also a few tunnels to negotiate- dark and damp, it felt like a real adventure as I stumbled along not knowing where to place my feet!
Finally we descended into Cain, and had welcome beers and plates of chips in the restaurant there. We bumped into an Exodus group doing the same walk- we were to meet them again during the week!
Walking back the same way certainly wasn't boring as completely different views opened up- at one point a rainbow appeared below us, making for a completely magical scene.
Juan told us that although the path is fairly short, getting between Poncebos to Cain involves a long trip round the mountains, and too many people walk the path and decide to call for a taxi to take them back, not realising that it will set them back around 200 euros!
It felt quite good to walk there and back under our own steam. We toasted our achievement with a beer at Poncebos and hoped that the weather would continue to be kind to us.
Labels: Cares Gorge, Picos de Europa
