The Hague is the Netherlands ' third-largest city home to one million citizens. Yet walking the streets feels somewhat calm. People don't rush around like they do in London. Plus there are fewer humans. Some of the streets are pedestrianised too which helps. We began our first day with a choco loco and a mango smoothie... Continue Reading →
Exploring Stockholm by water way
Two and a half hours later, with sore arms, we passed the finish line. That morning we had travelled from Tyreso back to Stockholm by bus. We then went straight to Stockholm adventures to pick up two kayaks we had booked online. The guy there was very relaxed, casually showing us a route we could... Continue Reading →
Hiking the Vasaloppet in Sweden
Once a year on the first Sunday in March the famous Vasaloppet ski race takes place from Sälen to Mora. With 65,000 participants the race takes over the entire area. We were staying in Mora, Sweden in a hostel next to the finish line. During the summer and autumn, it is possible to mountain bike... Continue Reading →
Train to Tyreso, Sweden
Travelling by train in Sweden is extremely comfortable. There is plenty of legroom and on the whole, trains are punctual. We left Mora in the morning and 4 hours later we were back in Stockholm (there was one change at Morastrand station). From Stockholm, you can take the 875 bus to Tyreso (a small village... Continue Reading →
Rock climbing in the Peak District
Precariously placing all my bodyweight on my right toes against a tiny indent in the rock face, I leapt up in a bid to reach a section of rock which may or may not provide a nice grip for my right hand. It turned out to be the latter. My toes slipped during the dynamic... Continue Reading →
A week volunteering with The Back Up Trust
'Come on trained killer,' my new coach yelled at me, as we raced around the reservoir. My coach was peddling a hand bike extremely fast, while I was chasing after him. My nick name (trained killer) came from a game of two truths and a lie the night before. As an introductory ice-breaker, we went... Continue Reading →
Cycling back to civilisation
Whizzing down the hills, green country fields flashed past. A breeze flowed through my hair. My heart rate was returning to normal. I was cycling the route 27 back to Barnstaple from the sleepy beach town Ilfracombe. Knowing what was in store having done the journey in reverse, I left Ocean Backpackers hostel at 8... Continue Reading →
Exploring Eccentric Exmore
As I stood waiting for my train at London Paddington Station, I had a light bulb moment. Instead of taking the bus for an hour from Barnstaple Station to my hostel, why not cycle? I quickly googled bike rentals in Barnstable and phoned the first one. A gentleman picked up and told me he had... Continue Reading →
My favourite capital city – Edinburgh
'Look at that impressive Manor house,' the lady sitting opposite me announced as she pointed out the train window. I was fortunate enough to be sitting with an elderly couple from New Zealand. The three of us enjoyed spotting out landmarks as the train journeyed from London to Edinburgh. We passed through York Station and... Continue Reading →
Cycling the Thames Route – Richmond Park to Hampton Court
Sheets of rain cascaded from the ominous grey sky into the fast flowing river. We had found shelter in the lovely Riverside Vegetaria restaurant. Tucking into a chef specials platter we watched the world go by. A group huddled in an open air boat battling with their umbrellas. The small motor chugged on sending them... Continue Reading →