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A Romantic Interlude in the Lake District

This is where it all started in 1987. I had just met up with my new sales agent in Windermere to sell my forthcoming Lake District Map-Guide, and to celebrate

Caroline and I decided to explore Borrowdale, and here she is paddling in the River Derwent at Grange.  We got married the following year. The current edition of the Map-Guide is illustrated.

Cornwall's Extra Dimension

This Guidebook has been described as literary by Waterstones. But, it is much more than that. It takes you off the Beaten Track, and also, introduces you to the finest beaches, beach cafes, dining pubs, and the gardens and coastline. Now into its third edition with low stocks at the publisher's warehouse. Is it not surely time to purchase one of these, once and for, all?

Images of Newlyn, the once great fishing harbour

Ancient history is at every turn, and corner...

The South-West coast path is dramatic and spectacular...

Cycling on the, far-distant, Penwith Peninsula

This is my favourite corner of Cornwall, although with the Lizard Peninsula, its a close call. Penwith has just more drama, more of a Celtic atmosphere, and my favourite beach, Porthcurno, and my favourite harbour, Mousehole.

The White Sands of Porthcurno

The routes below, illustrated in a very low resolution, will captivate you, and draw you back, again and again...

The Cycle Routes around Penwith (the Land's End) Peninsula

Wuuurlee-Gigs En Masse (Wind Turbines)

Whatever one's opinion (has it any relevance) of these machines, those on Fullabrook Down are, apparently, far more cost effective than thousands placed across Holland and Germany according to a Dutch engineer who maintains them. And, they have to be closed every two months for a full MOT. That those who make a fine living from them complain bitterly when they do close, when a south-westerly, or north-easterly (raining pound notes) is forecast....Are they a thing of beauty, or a blot on the landscape?

A Trip Around The Lakes, My Favourite Lakes

Given the price of fuel you will want your money's worth when on an afternoon's drive around the Lake District. The Lakes illustrated below have such intense moments of beauty that you will be left spellbound. But, take your time, and perhaps your journey will turn into some long, lazy days rather than a manic rally.

Buttermere is a gem. There's a cracking ice cream shop in the village worth visiting before you tackle the circular walk around the lake, and then around the corner is Crummock Water, often forgotten...

Crummock Water is surrounded by mountains, and is in the centre of fine walking country

Derwent Water is the "Queen of the Lakes" and is surrounded by majestic mountains. No doubt to be visited soon by William and Kate?

Dear old Elterwater, best seen on a frosty morn. Just stunning...

Grasmere photographed from a private viewpoint, and a favourite picnic spot of Dorothy and William Wordsworth

Loweswater is often forgotten because of its remoteness, and it is therefore a good reason to visit for there is a very fine inn nearby and you can cycle around the lake, too

Rydal Water from a viewpoint familiar to the infamous Thomas de Quincy, considered the greatest prose writer of his Age but sadly only remembered for his ill-spent youth, not his fine intellect and great friendship

Wast Water, the most dramatic, the deepest, the moodiest and most awesome of all the lakes. A trip up the west side will bring you to Wasdale Head, home of a fine inn and a little camp site where you can rest your weary limbs and enjoy the famous Cumbrian hospitality. Bravo.

If you seek further information about this splendid corner of England, May I recommend my two publications on the area, both illustrated below and available from Goldeneye:-

The Lake District Map-Guide now great value at £4.99

The Lake District Guidebook, £12.99, and Runner-Up in 2010 for the "Lakeland Book of the Year Award"

Inspiration For Your Day

Just coming across one amazing image each day will suffice. Here, are three, to stimulate the senses...

I never tire of seeking out stranded fishing boats with peeling paintwork...

Strange how this sand shaped by the current and tides mirror the eroded paintwork...

Is this a desert or a beach and what size are these mountains of sand? The first person to give me the correct answer will receive a copy of my Devon and Exmoor Guidebook!

Weekend Break in Norfolk - Chasing Beaches & Windmills

You know you've earned it. Take a long weekend away in Norfolk and take advantage of the clean, refreshing North Sea air. And, what better way to discover and explore this fascinating county than by bagging beaches and windmills. And, may I recommend the Goldeneye Norfolk Map-Guide to help you get around.

Holkham Beach - Where they shot the last scene of the film "Shakespeare In Love"

Hunstanton Beach

Aerial View of Holmes Dunes by Mike Page

Thurne Dyke Windpump by Alan Blair

Horsey Windpump

Great Bircham Windmill

Thurne Dyke Windpump

Turf Fen Windpump by Alan Blair

www.goldeneyeguides.co.uk

Surfing UK

This must be the most difficult sport I have ever attempted. You can not hope to begin without a modicum of fitness, and a deep reverence and respect, nay awe, of the sea. Just to lie on your surfboard with the sun on your face paddling away with the power of the ocean beneath, and all about you, is a mind-blowing experience. Whether I catch a wave is immaterial to me. Just the joy of being out there is enough.

It is a brilliant sport for women, too. And, women who have tried gymnastics or ballet, and are strong swimmers love the aerobic nature of the exercise ... So, give it a go - your life will be changed, forever!

Girls! This beats shopping, any day...

Catching a Wave - Whoopie!

It may be Messy but, I gotta get out there!

Walking the Surf Dog

My, Dr No, Surf Girl

Going Home...A Free Woman...

http://www.magicseaweed.com/

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

http://www.uk.wether.com/

www.weatheronline.co.uk

Stunning Snowdonia

What I love about this corner of Britain is that "It Has It All" - beaches, rivers, estuaries, waterfalls, lakes, mountains - pools to dip in, and views to savour and to delight in the power of nature. So, if you have never visited the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, the images below will provide you with a little temptation...

Llynnau Mymbr, Near Capel Curig

Afon Mawddach

Llyn Mynant

Afon Conwy, Llanrwst

Mawddach Estuary

Barmouth at Sunset

Black Rock Sands, Near Porthmadog

Swallow Falls, Near Betws-Y-Coed

www.eryri-npa.gov.uk (Snowdonia National Park Authority)

Don't You Just Love England's Lake District

This astonishingly beautiful corner of England has had a hard time of it recently. Floods, a berserk gunman on the rampage, and few visitors last year. Here's my little effort to promote Lakeland with images of Newlands - surely one of the most gorgeous valleys in England. If you know one that can surpass it, please let me know. Enjoy the views...

If you wish to expand your knowledge of this corner of England, May I suggest you consider the following guidebook available from: http://www.goldeneyeguides.co.uk/
http://www.golakes.co.uk/
http://www.cumbriatourism.org/
http://www.visitcumbria.com/
http://www.wordsworthcountry.com/