We opened the curtains and received an unpleasant greeting. Sheets of rain crashed against the window. The plan was to walk another 15 miles. This was the distance to our next booked destination. Despite the stormy weather we needed to make headway. Consequently, we put our muddy hiking gear back on and set off. The... Continue Reading →
A game of giant chess in Vaxholm
Boarding the boat from outside the Grand Hotel in Stockholm we began our journey through the Archipelago islands. Some of these landmasses were inhabited by people others just covered in trees. I couldn't help but think that these islands may not be there in years to come. With rising sea level they may submerge in... Continue Reading →
Stockholm’s old town
There are countless activities in Stockholm. From hiring a scooter and whizzing through the endless parks to sitting down in a quaint cafe for fika (coffee and cake). You will never be bored. We spent our Saturday exploring with our kind relative. Hoping off at Galma Stan we strolled around the old town. We were... Continue Reading →
What to do when it rains in Mora?
Artist Anders Zorn, born in 1860, was commissioned to paint a wealthy family portrait of a young boy. The child's parents were unable to accompany their son for this portrait and so at the last minute, his aunt Emma stepped in. When Anders and Emma met they fell in love at first sight. This was... 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 →