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
Friday, August 26, 2011
Don't Faint... But I Have Actually Done A Walk!!
I decided it was high time I actually got back out there and did some proper training, and as I have been off work for a few days I had a bit of a clear out and dug out a little booklet I must have picked up some time ago, detailing a 10 mile cycle/ walking route following the River Trent and Beeston Canal in a big circle.
I had an eye test booked at West Bridgford so decided to set off after this. When I first woke though I nearly changed my mind- it was absolutely pouring! I was tempted to put it off until today, but then it started to clear so I went for it- looking out at the weather right now I reckon I made the right decision!
It turned out to be a very pleasant walk with a fair bit of wildlife and history. I started near to Trent Bridge and hopped over to the road island where the remains of the former bridge over the Trent are preserved- it would have been very low and near to the water!
The Remains Of The Old Bridge
The Big Track (as it was called) route description told me to turn left and follow the Trent, crossing the Suspension Bridge so that the river was on my left.
The Memorial On The Embankment
Suspension Bridge
At this stage I was following the river on a path with a large green verge, but after a while the river path disappeared and I had to follow the river along a path next to the busy road. This was probably the worst part of the route, although before too long a little path led away from the road and under the busy A52 flyover. I got destracted by lots of blackberry bushes bearing lovely big juicy berries.
The path originally followed a minor road but a new path had been built by the river, and soon after this I lost the sense of being in the city and found myself walking by fields- I saw loads of swans and also baby glebes, it was also very warm!
The Trent South Of Nottingham
It was hard to believe that over the top of the bank on the other side of the river was the busy suburb of Clifton with its main road to the M1. Clifton Hall, a relic of the old village which no longer exists, appeared on the hillside, standing guard over the river and the flat fields surrounding it.
Clifton Hall
I was having a wee run at this point, and passed a couple of ladies with around five dogs between them which they appeared to be struggling to control. As I went to run past I heard a couple of the dogs go charging into the river, and the saw them wading around the feet of a rather disgruntled fisherman!
After what seemed an age I reached Beeston Canal, which was to accompany me back to the Trent.
Weir Before Beeston Canal
I ran/ walkedalong the canal, which passed a housing estate before reaching back into the city and passing the Boots complex and relics of an industrial era which has now largely disappeared. I wanted a wee by now but the canal path is very popular- it didn't exactly help passing this;
When I reached Castle Warf I stopped at a family pub for a latte, drinking it outside so as not to offend fellow patrons as I wasn't feeling at my freshest and most fragranced!
By now the canal was snaking its way through the city, passing the Magistrates Court and this pub with a crane for loading trade goods onto canal barges still in situ;
It was just a case of following the canal back to West Bridgford to join up with the Trent- all in all a good route and one I would do again. It would also make a good cycle route.
Back To The Trent
Flood Marks
Trent Bridge
I reckon I probbaly walked around 12 miles as I walked from home to the start and back but feel ok today- in fact I topped it by going to the gym! Didn't go too mad but I did do hill work on the treadmill and also on the elliptical so I am feeling quite chuffed...
Going away to Wells tonight until Sunday night, although Katie has asked me to pack my jogging gear in case we decide to get up early and go for a run (which isn't actually too likely...)
Hope everyone has a great Bank Holiday- despite the typically Bank Holiday weather!
I had an eye test booked at West Bridgford so decided to set off after this. When I first woke though I nearly changed my mind- it was absolutely pouring! I was tempted to put it off until today, but then it started to clear so I went for it- looking out at the weather right now I reckon I made the right decision!
It turned out to be a very pleasant walk with a fair bit of wildlife and history. I started near to Trent Bridge and hopped over to the road island where the remains of the former bridge over the Trent are preserved- it would have been very low and near to the water!
The Big Track (as it was called) route description told me to turn left and follow the Trent, crossing the Suspension Bridge so that the river was on my left.
At this stage I was following the river on a path with a large green verge, but after a while the river path disappeared and I had to follow the river along a path next to the busy road. This was probably the worst part of the route, although before too long a little path led away from the road and under the busy A52 flyover. I got destracted by lots of blackberry bushes bearing lovely big juicy berries.
The path originally followed a minor road but a new path had been built by the river, and soon after this I lost the sense of being in the city and found myself walking by fields- I saw loads of swans and also baby glebes, it was also very warm!
It was hard to believe that over the top of the bank on the other side of the river was the busy suburb of Clifton with its main road to the M1. Clifton Hall, a relic of the old village which no longer exists, appeared on the hillside, standing guard over the river and the flat fields surrounding it.
I was having a wee run at this point, and passed a couple of ladies with around five dogs between them which they appeared to be struggling to control. As I went to run past I heard a couple of the dogs go charging into the river, and the saw them wading around the feet of a rather disgruntled fisherman!
After what seemed an age I reached Beeston Canal, which was to accompany me back to the Trent.
I ran/ walkedalong the canal, which passed a housing estate before reaching back into the city and passing the Boots complex and relics of an industrial era which has now largely disappeared. I wanted a wee by now but the canal path is very popular- it didn't exactly help passing this;
When I reached Castle Warf I stopped at a family pub for a latte, drinking it outside so as not to offend fellow patrons as I wasn't feeling at my freshest and most fragranced!
By now the canal was snaking its way through the city, passing the Magistrates Court and this pub with a crane for loading trade goods onto canal barges still in situ;
It was just a case of following the canal back to West Bridgford to join up with the Trent- all in all a good route and one I would do again. It would also make a good cycle route.
I reckon I probbaly walked around 12 miles as I walked from home to the start and back but feel ok today- in fact I topped it by going to the gym! Didn't go too mad but I did do hill work on the treadmill and also on the elliptical so I am feeling quite chuffed...
Going away to Wells tonight until Sunday night, although Katie has asked me to pack my jogging gear in case we decide to get up early and go for a run (which isn't actually too likely...)
Hope everyone has a great Bank Holiday- despite the typically Bank Holiday weather!
Labels: Beeston Canal, river trent, West Bridgford
