Christmas Sunshine Over Maeni Hirion

Off message-ish but I thought I would share my picture of the early bronze age stone circle, Maeni Hirion. It was taken on a marvellous pathfinder guide walk on Sunday in Penmaenmawr, North Wales. The far edge of the Snowdonian National Park overlooking the sea. Nowadays you may have driven past Penmaenmawr in minutes while along the A55 on route to Anglesey or Ireland. In the past it use to be a popular seaside resort. A favourite with William Gladstone.

This stone circle is better known as the "Druids Circle" yet it was built a 1000 years before the Druids first came to the area with Iron Age invaders.

Sunday was only a few days after the winter solstice.  You would imagine in the past that the midst of winter and the shortest day, would have been an important time of the year for those who built it.

It is a breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful site even if the wind whips red raw any skin you foolishly expose to the elements.

Check out the balanced and thoughtful (as ever) Jack of Kent post on the origins of Christmas here.

Nadolig Llawen everyone!

Epping Forest and Upshire Walk

Off message: but a great 9 mile pathfinder walk today on my own doorstep in glorious winter sunshine.

East London Narnia
Click to bring up detail.

Photo album on FaceBook here

Wansfell and Troutbeck Walk

Off message but I spent last week walking and sightseeing in the Lake District. The weather was just a little ropey at times but it's such a beautiful part of the world.

Picture is from the summit of Wansfell looking down at Lake Windermere. A short but relatively tough climb from Ambleside then an easy decent back via Troutbeck valley.

Magnificent views of lakes and fells. I'll post other pictures from the week on Facebook.

Used walking poles for the first time. I found them really useful and definitely felt they made going up easier and protected your knees when coming down. 4 legs are better than 2.

Update: done check out here