Llangollen, Castell Dinas Bran and Valle Crucis Abbey Walk

Off message (ish). Last week I spent hill walking and visiting relatives in North Wales.

We stayed in a 17th Century cottagein the centre of Llangollen. Which is now a beautiful if a little touristy old welsh borders town and crossing over the magnificent River Dee.

In the past it use to be a very industrial area of water mills, canals, railways and mines.

This walk (number 24 pathfinder)was on Bank Holiday Monday. Castle Dinas Bran overlooking Llangollen is well worth the effort. An ancient romantic ruin with fantastic 360 degree panoramic views.

The route below Eglwyseg cliffs is quiet, peaceful and vivid lush green. There is an upside to the rain in Wales after all!

Valle Crucis Abbey is stunning even if it is in the middle of a caravan park. While the final section past Horseshoe Falls and the Shropshire Union canal is simply gorgeous.

(I'll post pictures on FaceBook)

Much Hadham and Henry Moore Foundation Walk

Off message but today I went for a superb 8 mile walk in Hertfordshire. Only 40 minutes from Newham by car. Check out map and description here. Lovely rolling countryside. 2/3rd of the way around you walk through the Henry Moore Foundation Park. I must admit that I don't totally "get" Henry Moore. The sculptures are visually impressive and expertly crafted but really not my cup of tea. The large reclining figure 1984 (see above - double click to bring up detail) I did get.

Boxing Day Walk 2011: Aldbury, Ivinghoe Beacon and Ashridge

Off message - but a superb Boxing day walk ( Number 21) in the Chilterns.  An "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". 7 miles long orange

"Challenging Walk" but only 3.5 hrs long.

Aldbury, the starting point, is a chocolate box English village with thatched cottages, Olde worlde pubs, pond and punishment stock.

Ivinghoe Beacon (see picture right) is a spectacular (former iron age fort) hill
landmark overlooking the plains below.

Ashridge is a simple lovely forest estate and the walk that ends up at the Bridgewater monument. I have posted more photos on Facebook here.

Finchingfield and Great Bardfield Walk

Off message but I had a glorious country walk yesterday.  Started in Finchingfield, Essex which is often described as the county's "prettiest village".  The weather was perfect - warm and sunny.  It is not that often you can wear shorts and a shirt in this country during October.

It was a little sad to come across these iron watermills rusting away. An important part of our history will one day just disappear. Mind you, it is now a beautiful and peaceful spot.

If you have a Facebook account I have posted more pictures here.  Once again despite being only 50 minutes drive from Forest Gate in East London there were very few other walkers.