'I can't do it, I can't do it, I can't do it, I'm going to fall,' I trembled as my hands gripped onto the rough rock surface with all my might. I was panic-stricken. All I could think about was my fatigued arms failing me and tumbling off the boulder. Fear consumed me, I began... Continue Reading →
An unexpected encounter in Hastings
Having manoeuvred carefully down a steep muddy hill, we eventually reached the beach. It was secluded. Rocks jutted out from the sand in the foreground, and beyond, the waves swept onto the shore, and the grey hazy smudge of sky blended into the horizon. Taking my eyes off the treacherous footpath momentarily to enjoy the... Continue Reading →
New Years in the Netherlands
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 →
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 →
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 →
Sea views and scary seagulls
Keen to make the most of my day in Devon I ventured out bright and early to embark on a hike. I decided to follow the South West Coastal Route from Ilfracombe (where I am staying) to Woolacombe. Approximately 8 miles. The trail began behind Ilfracombe's village museum and theatre. From there it was extremely... 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 →
189 km of cycling later…
Fuelling up on porridge we were ready for our final day of cycling. We left Jenny's air b n b bright and early, just after 8 am. The cycle began by crossing the river on a picturesque bridge. We proceeded to follow a path along the waterway, ignoring the first 72 sign as it told... Continue Reading →