tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49303602415449073882024-03-19T09:55:50.072+00:00slowmovesSlowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-88128024719670005612009-11-22T23:00:00.004+00:002011-02-23T18:32:20.301+00:00Building on slowmovesWe are currently contributing to a new travel website called <a href="http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/">Greentraveller</a>, a guide to sustainable holidays and places to stay in Europe. We hope you enjoy it.<div><br /></div><div>Cheers,</div><div>Anouk & George</div>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-84157273000240701482009-10-08T17:47:00.004+01:002009-10-08T18:07:23.954+01:00Springfield park & marinaSpringfield park is officially my new favourite park in London. I still love my 'local' Clissold park of course, but there's something really enchanting about Springfield park. A 10 minute cycle ride from Stoke Newington, the park is in Upper Clapton and sits alongside the river Lea. As you near the park, there's a steep hill with great views of the park on your right and Springfield marina straight ahead. I always feel like I'm on holiday somewhere (for some reason it makes me think of San Francisco?!) as I cycle down this hill.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBwxjyefKmmqIHjxlQ5oi-b8tK7MtUyxcCRBtKXnSqcuBMzcNWhGew8CGJ-1CCCWuOrH2q7vsONcZLm0q5NbLtF1x_2xEKf__hkIGwlJsy2HNpmzhxBTLuPIJDDU9frGC8BRqKznd65ln/s1600-h/DSC03209.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBwxjyefKmmqIHjxlQ5oi-b8tK7MtUyxcCRBtKXnSqcuBMzcNWhGew8CGJ-1CCCWuOrH2q7vsONcZLm0q5NbLtF1x_2xEKf__hkIGwlJsy2HNpmzhxBTLuPIJDDU9frGC8BRqKznd65ln/s400/DSC03209.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390272925729561618" /></a><br /><br />The park has lots of different levels, tennis courts, weeping willows, great views of the river and surrounding marshes and a great cafe with yummy healthy food (I had a Moroccan salad). As you walk down to the marina, there's another cafe, a rowing club and endless walking routes along the river. If you cross the bridge and take a right, you can walk through Hackney marshes (you would never believe you were in London) until you reach a huge green with the largest collection of football pitches in Europe.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbj0JpOSuu4ObQxWAzYlqS6DPp47gGq61jr0DAGVx2NhWv14AuAwVTY9_rDTK_KoaTlzNvNsv87SsyWNAdyAkMqeK3WLL3XxKUfn0sg2RJ-3ygr_9WW0y-sLq2v9Dkqld1KbJI6NZN05A/s1600-h/DSC03223.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbj0JpOSuu4ObQxWAzYlqS6DPp47gGq61jr0DAGVx2NhWv14AuAwVTY9_rDTK_KoaTlzNvNsv87SsyWNAdyAkMqeK3WLL3XxKUfn0sg2RJ-3ygr_9WW0y-sLq2v9Dkqld1KbJI6NZN05A/s400/DSC03223.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390272373997087426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />[Anouk]Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-564987142452166522009-10-03T08:55:00.009+01:002009-10-03T18:15:46.432+01:00Cyclosport events<span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM14OJfaiFShqQdHUrb0SmPDpMo6hsE3_VqfOcq8Fz5WMUxSgsj_gaqQ9nCB6QY9isB0LCEEOyx4-MiMlXpw9XDZzb8xIwf_avRARzBnoLke8CxUtjangtJmRUQ0jlEyEWhPBI90uQBBPh/s1600-h/t32.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM14OJfaiFShqQdHUrb0SmPDpMo6hsE3_VqfOcq8Fz5WMUxSgsj_gaqQ9nCB6QY9isB0LCEEOyx4-MiMlXpw9XDZzb8xIwf_avRARzBnoLke8CxUtjangtJmRUQ0jlEyEWhPBI90uQBBPh/s400/t32.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388304132008327154" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;">Worth checking </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.cyclosport.org/default.aspx">Cyclosport</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> out if you are in to cycling, and not fainthearted.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">It's all about the bike.</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:414.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\TOMMO_~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title="" croptop="6827f" cropbottom="4108f"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;">Within the site (along with places for reviews, photos, training tips and a lot more) Cyclosport list </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.cyclosport.org/events2009.aspx">events</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> taking place all around the world, search able first by continent, then country. You can find one close to you, or one that provides you with the destination to enjoy the journey to. Perhaps something to think about for next year but even a look at the beginning of October for the UK alone shows a month including tour of the </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.cyclosport.org/eventdetails.aspx?eventid=2322">Pennines</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> and another of the </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.cyclosport.org/eventdetails.aspx?id=950&eventid=2181">Peak District</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">It's worth reiterating the not fainthearted bit, but also making clear you can use the site how you wish. If you prefer to be independent and going at your own pace - rather than the peleton's - you can still be inspired by the rides on the website, they each come with summaries, 'getting there' information, maps, downloads and useful links.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Thanks to Rory who recommended the site following his completing of Atlantic to Mediterranean over Pyrenees peaks, in 100 hours this summer. The harder end of a journey written about earlier this year on </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://slowmovesblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/biarritz-to-barcelona-cycle.html">slowmoves...</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">[George]<br /><br />Picture from www.cyclosport.com<br /></span><br /></span>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-20193175314828763282009-09-20T09:33:00.007+01:002009-09-21T17:18:24.710+01:00Pick your own glass of champagne<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqdqBTEZpbUjDx_ANCdY3VSTFx48rb0QmAD-i2emqfCxrxCb39_3Z_ioxeMOxsl3Ik5REMFQuy1Fp0pM_tW0nC0HcBRRdNqdmux2Xc_PbTr6BQVxlxR5vt4BRxgn8u_rUidZBH8fenv8e/s1600-h/grape-harvest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqdqBTEZpbUjDx_ANCdY3VSTFx48rb0QmAD-i2emqfCxrxCb39_3Z_ioxeMOxsl3Ik5REMFQuy1Fp0pM_tW0nC0HcBRRdNqdmux2Xc_PbTr6BQVxlxR5vt4BRxgn8u_rUidZBH8fenv8e/s320/grape-harvest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383953671446383202" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's harvest season in the vineyards which means it's one of the best times to make a trip to the Champagne region in north-eastern France. A mere 1 hour 15 minutes by train from Paris and you've arrived in Epernay, the home of the great Champagne houses including Moet & Chandon, Taittinger and Mumm. It's also a stunning region with lots of little surrounding villages, sloping vineyards and chateaux.<br /><br />For the whole month of September and early October, several winegrowers organise grape picking days for guests. You'll start with a big breakfast, then head out to the vineyards to pick grapes, followed by a lunch at the chateau with all the grape pickers. In the afternoon, the owners will give you a tour of the cellars, introduce you to wine pressing and then you can finally indulge in a nice glass of champagne in the sun.<br /><p> </p><p>For more information, visit: <a href="http://www.ot-epernay.fr/" target="_blank">www.ot-epernay.fr</a> </p>There are some gorgeous, relatively affordable chateaux in the area should you want to spend the night after a long day of picking and drinking.<br /><div><a href="http://www.chateau-etoges.com/">http://www.chateau-etoges.com/</a></div><br />[Anouk]<br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.grapeescapes.net/henweekend.shtml"></a> </div>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-63528030039772958922009-09-03T21:51:00.009+01:002009-09-04T18:33:55.943+01:00Swimming the length of the Amazon, on film<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiqnXeOr-4Guu16R9tCYyy-jN5moPwa2oLh7zKP5qOZ5IVC0BPHMZVzTx3-Z2xuIOvJCthQZjNaVlBmtpfB1SWGlH2ahaTCQUKuK0FaXTUmYun97E8qjNuYCNPHwxtH6zrWwn-6DHuF7Y/s1600-h/thumbnail.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiqnXeOr-4Guu16R9tCYyy-jN5moPwa2oLh7zKP5qOZ5IVC0BPHMZVzTx3-Z2xuIOvJCthQZjNaVlBmtpfB1SWGlH2ahaTCQUKuK0FaXTUmYun97E8qjNuYCNPHwxtH6zrWwn-6DHuF7Y/s400/thumbnail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377350386336095202" /></a>Short post but to share something that caught my imagination when reading about it at the time he did it.<br /><br />Martin Strel from Slovenia in 2007 swam for 10 hours a day, to take himself from Peru, across Latin America and out of a Brazilian estuary to the Atlantic Ocean.<br /><br />3,274 miles in 66 days... Say nothing of the current! Plenty of that the dark water hides. And <a href="http://slowmovesblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/wild-swimming-in-uk.html">wild swimming</a>.<br /><br />A truely remarkable achievement, which is by a number of accounts captured in a remarkable documentary. For those reading in London, showing throughout September at the <a href="http://www.ica.org.uk/Big%20River%20Man+21302.twl">Institute of Contemporary Art</a>, just to name one place.<br /><br />[George]Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-75636614499158120732009-09-03T21:32:00.011+01:002009-11-17T23:54:35.729+00:00Reaching Morocco and slowmoves<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPlYSTiAdLRiAiYfBtgnA_yz3ZwcpJJPI3JfOp73R8xrjxiot-_b-1sDXlw-Q0n7rmakj4ImSw2AzTDugVhMpW9f4BHwXc6EEp3-z4mo47EZBZ8vaqZbk5pjZ2dyVfLqoOrmNxds_WKnb/s1600-h/CNV00028GME.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377671611851454338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 387px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPlYSTiAdLRiAiYfBtgnA_yz3ZwcpJJPI3JfOp73R8xrjxiot-_b-1sDXlw-Q0n7rmakj4ImSw2AzTDugVhMpW9f4BHwXc6EEp3-z4mo47EZBZ8vaqZbk5pjZ2dyVfLqoOrmNxds_WKnb/s400/CNV00028GME.JPG" border="0" /></a>Not sure what I expected out of Morocco but I was taken from the first step. A pace and energy fuller than that I have come to know in so much of Europe. This was Africa, and arriving by boat. Like a draw bridge coming down, a beeping lowering cargo door. An immediate and unceasing blur of sights, sounds and smells. Senses only dumbed by the heat.<br /><br />Between the coastal Tangier and the culture capital Fez, in the heart of the county, the temperature went up with every stop train stop. 42oC, 43oC... Not wholly incoincidentally with the number of people onboard, at least in duxieme classe. My travelling partner Tommo, read of Gregory David Roberts in India: "through the sleepy night, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4hK3GALnLVcqp9viUpfAIb9pNdLWmajarBMY_ue-9akEWV899XwgxESbq2wqqch6H4Ep8TElkKhUWcBT8gAoSk6gYv7vVf42KfYfq_Jnoy9-mJqSywhJieCRRR0wxDUk1jFtOmkkBZu8/s1600-h/CNV00002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377672771055528546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 206px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4hK3GALnLVcqp9viUpfAIb9pNdLWmajarBMY_ue-9akEWV899XwgxESbq2wqqch6H4Ep8TElkKhUWcBT8gAoSk6gYv7vVf42KfYfq_Jnoy9-mJqSywhJieCRRR0wxDUk1jFtOmkkBZu8/s320/CNV00002.JPG" border="0" /></a>and into the rose-petal dawn, the train rattled on. I watched and listened, literally rubbing shoulders with the people of the interior towns and villages. And I learned more, during those fourteen constricted and largely silent hours in the crowded economy-class section, communicating without language, than in a month of travelling first class." I related to that. Crossed words of fellow passengers intermittently broken by laughter, or sharing of water or pillows... Less so of seats.<br /><br />Where to begin with an etiquette as foreign as any tongue. slowmoves.<br /><br />10 days. Miles and miles. Tube to train to metro to sleeper to bus to boat to train to bus to camel to taxi to bus to taxi to bus to another bus, and back. slowmoves.<br /><br /><a href="http://slowmovesblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/overland-and-sea-to-morocco.html">Overland and sea to Morocco</a> stays recommended!<br /><br />[George]Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-23607505498613808932009-08-20T10:44:00.008+01:002009-08-20T21:41:24.334+01:00Wild swimming in the UK<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaGtkx34RCSBpxdh8iRziOi9HIpZGuABplBDHO6_2xRCHT_1lZUzwV4n3wxZh4zseFzaSD6GQ2ngJYfcYZ7M3pjQ3NZwW0UmUjxREAQpa4BicaQY2s1LX2rovYUW88WHwun18MTjj7Il_/s1600-h/swimming+diving.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaGtkx34RCSBpxdh8iRziOi9HIpZGuABplBDHO6_2xRCHT_1lZUzwV4n3wxZh4zseFzaSD6GQ2ngJYfcYZ7M3pjQ3NZwW0UmUjxREAQpa4BicaQY2s1LX2rovYUW88WHwun18MTjj7Il_/s320/swimming+diving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372147480290648386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />At last the scorching summer they predicted is here, at least for a few days... When it's like this there's nothing I want to do less than sit in front of a computer and nothing I want to do more than take a dip in the sea or any other body of fresh water. Rivers, lakes, waterfalls, ponds. There's something really magical about swimming in natural water - for one, you feel much more connected to the scenery around you.<br /><br />I've had a few great wild swimming experiences, including a lake in the Ardennes in Belgium and Lake Bled in Slovenia. A definite surprising highlight is the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgeezer/30989803/">women's pond in Hampstead Heath</a> right here in London. It's a haven of peace, a secret society of women and a corner of wildlife within a bustling city.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FJjuJYg8msXgIbFOUtQsdij8v09lFBMBO8wtYPBPJFsal1Z-k-HYmLJVtZVzMc35gkgy5e5h4_mnpqy7bgXRQJgWZF0PzvGDBh53o1_SzXkDc88TndUbUM9I4bRiX3W8fmSB0Z2h8hEK/s1600-h/hampstead+ponds.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FJjuJYg8msXgIbFOUtQsdij8v09lFBMBO8wtYPBPJFsal1Z-k-HYmLJVtZVzMc35gkgy5e5h4_mnpqy7bgXRQJgWZF0PzvGDBh53o1_SzXkDc88TndUbUM9I4bRiX3W8fmSB0Z2h8hEK/s320/hampstead+ponds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372147715334159554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are some more wild swimming highlights in the UK:<br /><br />- The mystical circular waterfall at <a href="http://www.tintagelweb.co.uk/St%20Nectan%27s%20Glen.htm">St Nectan's Kieve near Tintagel in Cornwall:</a> legend has it that King Arthur's knights were babtised here ahead of their quest for the Holy Grail.<br /><br />- The <a href="http://www.riverdart.co.uk/">River Dart in Dartmoor, Devon</a>: bathe in remote river pools surrounded by steep lush forests.<br /><br />- Swimming in the sea in <a href="http://www.cavinguk.co.uk/holidays/Abereiddi2006/">Abereiddi Bay on the North Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales</a><br /><br />- Taking a dip in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moray_Firth">Moray Firth near Inverness, Scotland</a> : a number of rivers flow into the Moray Firth and there are various bays and inlets to swim in.<br /><br /><br />For more information on wild swimming:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.river-swimming.co.uk/places.htm">http://www.river-swimming.co.uk/places.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildswimming.co.uk/">http://www.wildswimming.co.uk/</a><br /><br />[Anouk]Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-31561776660657717542009-08-08T10:31:00.007+01:002009-08-08T11:48:39.747+01:00Guest post by low carbon traveller Barbara Haddrill<strong>The following is a guest post by low carbon traveller Barbara Haddrill. She is the author of Babs2Brisbane, a book documenting her overland journey from the UK to Australia in 2006:</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMECCxrjA_iYSM9XiE7h2R9zsYdRiDDgySPeI6mDTSK-uXVpoAUHBDtWKZokDgN_36TdAHkAyIu-wORtNvCYCumxWhqg11GuUaxF36N4VGE3tUg-l22bCW-5r6B8x0DXOcgoTLKOm4VH7/s1600-h/babs2brisbane+book.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 208px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367525651047961426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMECCxrjA_iYSM9XiE7h2R9zsYdRiDDgySPeI6mDTSK-uXVpoAUHBDtWKZokDgN_36TdAHkAyIu-wORtNvCYCumxWhqg11GuUaxF36N4VGE3tUg-l22bCW-5r6B8x0DXOcgoTLKOm4VH7/s320/babs2brisbane+book.jpg" /></a> It is strange, now, only a few hours before I embark on my next low carbon travel journey, that I feel quite calm. Considering the enormity of what is to come, I think I should be panicking a bit more. Fear was all I felt three years ago, as I was sitting in Victoria Coach Station in London, waiting to begin my overland trip to Australia, and mulling over all the possible things that could go wrong. Then my mission was to travel, without using an aeroplane, to be the bridesmaid at one of my best friend's wedding in Brisbane. In those final moments before departure, it dawned on me that this was the biggest challenge I had ever faced. But this was one I had set myself. My passion for conserving the environment was strong. I just hoped it was enough to pull me through the unknown road ahead.<br /><br />Almost as soon as the coach pulled almost noiselessly into the dark autumn night, my life was changed forever. I learnt the way of the slow traveller. Having time for myself and time for other people. And time to stop and stare, watching every mile between my home in Wales and my destination in Brisbane pass slowly by. Slowing down gradually from bus to train to cargo ship, hitch hiking and finally bicycle. Instead of taking 24 hours and emitting 5 .6 tonnes of CO2, my journey took me 7 weeks and the emissions were down to 1 tonne of CO2. I succeeded in my challenge when many thought I would fail (and discussed it at great length on my travel blog www.babs2brisbane.com) But I also learnt so much, from meeting local people and seeing lives so different from my own. I learnt not to fear my worldly neighbours but approached everyone I met with an open heart and positivity and that is what I received by the tonne in return.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinx0yH3cI9qEREUbmSZb2VVX0V6aoiWcWchSAQu6D-LPPRpbT249GMlpY6OH15YPfRyj9zWJIDqMlcEca1cB9ilq7udEBT2ICdmnXRhE5EFjPaY5L8V7iIgt5BTHQwG3MJooOnTBOu9ljz/s1600-h/babs+horse.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367526158862241426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinx0yH3cI9qEREUbmSZb2VVX0V6aoiWcWchSAQu6D-LPPRpbT249GMlpY6OH15YPfRyj9zWJIDqMlcEca1cB9ilq7udEBT2ICdmnXRhE5EFjPaY5L8V7iIgt5BTHQwG3MJooOnTBOu9ljz/s320/babs+horse.jpg" /></a> My next challenge is to work with horses – driving and logging. Bringing real horsepower back to our oil dependant world. I am taking the bus to pick up my coloured cob called Tyler now. She and I will hopefully enjoy the next slow life journey together.......<br /><br />For more information about my trip to Brisbane and my new horse adventures look at my blog <a href="http://www.babs2brisbane.com/">http://www.babs2brisbane.com/</a> or buy the book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Babs2Brisbane-Barbara-Haddrill/dp/1902175581">'Babs2Brisbane'</a> available from most good bookshops.<br /><br />[Barbara]Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-41747972358662655242009-07-26T18:03:00.007+01:002009-08-04T22:36:45.387+01:00One day in Paris, favorite places<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCzDz3seRoyIhC5Q3t-D249CPpJhzVtbroLxHjmkL36ZynSnoeebCcP2XnsoTuxA0n5GAMm46W_QZxmUn56cvbLYvcpySYxdtHYObWkSTOx6FmNForpxNzQ1MxD_a96Zcxc7nzgCctZHI/s1600-h/4393277-Ile_Saint_Louis-Paris.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCzDz3seRoyIhC5Q3t-D249CPpJhzVtbroLxHjmkL36ZynSnoeebCcP2XnsoTuxA0n5GAMm46W_QZxmUn56cvbLYvcpySYxdtHYObWkSTOx6FmNForpxNzQ1MxD_a96Zcxc7nzgCctZHI/s320/4393277-Ile_Saint_Louis-Paris.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366219222889160674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">A number of slowmoves posts mention passing through Paris, mainly from London on the way to somewhere else in Europe. Of course slowmoves means making the most of the places or are on route. There's a fun article we found about one day in Paris, it might give you some ideas if you are looking to spend </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/france/parisandaround/738819/Eurostar-one-day-in-Paris.html">a bit of time in Paris before heading on</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span><div style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></div><div face="georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span">Aside, I highlight a couple of personal favourite things in Paris (without detailing the number one and known <a href="http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html">Musee D'Orsay</a>):</span></div><div style="font-family:arial;"><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lots of tourists swarm </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span> </span>island in Paris, home of Notre Dame Cathedral. But far too many overlook its ado<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">rable little sister, the quaint Ile Saint Louis just a few steps away. </span></span></span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://gofrance.about.com/od/paris/a/ilesaintlouis.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Read more</span></span></span></a></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pass through the hidden doors of the La Mosquee Hammam and the culture and heritage<br />of the Byzantine era presents itself. </span></span></span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.la-mosquee.com/htmluk/entreeuk.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Read more</span></span></span></span></a></span></span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;">If you have any favorite things to do for a day or night in Paris, we would be delighted to hear from you.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;">[George]</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;"><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Picture from: http://cache.virtualtourist.com/4393277-Ile_Saint_Louis-Paris.jpg </span><br /></span></div>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-73488722604644996262009-07-26T15:10:00.006+01:002009-08-05T09:18:01.066+01:00Overland and sea to Morocco<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMWs7NhH52Bz19RaovcxSVtEDjK5Ra_Eb8drMSMeJpFR8veSwEqMY7qSlCAOO9SNskazBMFB_5Hhm4egFUxMFwxCA2Mlo4dHkX9gO8-gda9NNZ71WaRZoivQZeWnsmVCgcLP_d-FS1WnL/s1600-h/Morocco-map2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362799298070516098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 187px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMWs7NhH52Bz19RaovcxSVtEDjK5Ra_Eb8drMSMeJpFR8veSwEqMY7qSlCAOO9SNskazBMFB_5Hhm4egFUxMFwxCA2Mlo4dHkX9gO8-gda9NNZ71WaRZoivQZeWnsmVCgcLP_d-FS1WnL/s320/Morocco-map2.jpg" border="0" /></a>It's a little more expensive (by approx. £150) than the budget flights now flying between the UK to Marrakesh but slowmoves gives reason for the extra expense of a train and boat ride. Imagine watching the way the land changes, mile by mile from urban London, through the green fields of Kent and Northern France. Crossing Paris, then in to the evening and south towards the jagged Pyrenees, direct to Madrid. From Madrid, it's down to Algeciras and Tarifa then the boat across the Gibraltar Straight to Tangier, Africa. <div><br /></div><div>Some change in scenery and some difference between what you leave to what you find. slowmoves offers an intimate means of experiencing this. Of course time does not allow us to make such a journey regularly, which is a reason in itself for treasuring the possibility, as is the more practical consideration of a night's accommodation included in the ride, if leaving as below:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida sans unicode', 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse"><br /></span></span></div><div>1404: London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord (1726) - Train</div><div>1945: Paris Gare d'Austerlitz to Madrid (0910) - Train</div><div>1505: Madrid to Algeciras (2033) - Train</div><div>2100: Algeciras to Tarifa (2145) - Bush</div><div>2300: Tarifa to Tangier (2235: 35 minute crossing and time change) - Boat</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, there's the option of spending more time in Paris or Madrid or Algeciras, depending what your scheduled, motivation or interest is. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to The Man in Seat Sixty-One for helping with the <a href="http://www.seat61.com/Morocco.htm#Outward%20journey">travel information and image</a>. The relevant Seat Sixty-On page also tells you how you can travel on from Tangier, and how the cost of travel drops.</div><div><br /></div><div>This justification of experience, is at the heart of many slowmoves choices. I for one think it's well worth it. </div><div><br /></div><div>[George]</div><div></div>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-43529854265156322612009-07-24T10:42:00.003+01:002009-07-24T10:48:11.400+01:00Picture of the month<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPk_kCEohoSYY2TtLL0Yk1g_mUVOeBU0ZKQJ8HiLtJcmiF5kYz983LBS845AUrlyetfsGoyVJU9yWkkIhkY2dZ57bo4ffwCNfRgSr6Oe7vtaLXKuMkqa535knJgNm9RZjvCJn2IIAzBxkn/s1600-h/swimming+picmonth.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPk_kCEohoSYY2TtLL0Yk1g_mUVOeBU0ZKQJ8HiLtJcmiF5kYz983LBS845AUrlyetfsGoyVJU9yWkkIhkY2dZ57bo4ffwCNfRgSr6Oe7vtaLXKuMkqa535knJgNm9RZjvCJn2IIAzBxkn/s400/swimming+picmonth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361960013911934514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I love the feeling of freedom this photo exudes. You can also sense the haste to get into the water. More on wild swimming coming soon.<br /><br />Nam Khan River... Photo by Ra Song<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10340867@N07/3659405833/in/pool-travelphotojournalism">http://www.flickr.com/photos/10340867@N07/3659405833/in/pool-travelphotojournalism</a><br /><br />[Anouk]Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-49988862192818714032009-07-12T10:31:00.008+01:002009-07-15T18:19:57.073+01:00Grantchester by foot, boat, or bike from CambridgeIf you're looking for a day out of London, why not head to the university town of Cambridge. After only 45 minutes on the train, we were wandering around the streets of historic Cambridge. It took us a while to find the nice bits, as much of the main street was infested by high street shops and unfortunately made it look like any other town in England. But once you head over to the riverside where all the old colleges are, you'll understand the appeal. Amongst the most spectacular colleges that still exist, check out <a href="http://www.pet.cam.ac.uk/">Peterhouse</a>, which was founded in 1284, and <a href="http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/visitors/">Kings College</a> that has an impressive chapel where you can catch a choir concert.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4bCcM-yhyphenhyphensfoORCt4nlGdX9QdBN1wuCLusDyoynzj7KoMdxfPSF5fTEswg0oALREqcwnREPZXpP3i_Vf1vwEpw2cr50eek0RCj78Azc4dA8-iVhJESwjq9n9Sd4D7wp5_fNOLT3Irn9O/s1600-h/DSC03542.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4bCcM-yhyphenhyphensfoORCt4nlGdX9QdBN1wuCLusDyoynzj7KoMdxfPSF5fTEswg0oALREqcwnREPZXpP3i_Vf1vwEpw2cr50eek0RCj78Azc4dA8-iVhJESwjq9n9Sd4D7wp5_fNOLT3Irn9O/s400/DSC03542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358299298737117938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Getting to the slow travel bit... You can <a href="http://www.stationcycles.co.uk/index.htm">rent bikes at Cambridge station</a> which I would highly recommend as it's a very bike-able city (if the thousands of bikes around the city are anything to go by). It reminded me of a Dutch city. Alternatively you can make your way to the riverside at <a href="http://www.scudamores.com/punting/yourself/index.php">Mill Lane Boatyard</a> and rent a self-hire punt to go punting along the river. This is THE Cambridge thing to do and seems like a lot of fun, especially if you're in a big group. Then either cycle, punt or walk to Grantchester, a lovely little village 3 miles from Cambridge. Grantchester is a tiny village with thatched cottages, a few good pubs and the highest proportion of Nobel prize winners.<br /><br />If you're opting for the walking option, I'd recommend walking through Newnham and stopping along Grantchester meadows for a picnic. Then once in Grantchester, treat yourself to a nice pint at the <a href="http://www.pub-explorer.com/cambs/pub/redliongrantchester.htm">Red Lion pub</a> or traditional tea at the <a href="http://www.orchard-grantchester.com/">Orchard</a> in the garden.<br /><br />[Anouk]Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-79589364826242241712009-07-05T15:07:00.007+01:002009-07-05T16:10:23.353+01:00Fin Going a very long way South by bike<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_ET6q3Z_D63zUeUHplpExWyOM0zfGlq_Lp04PRgEwvJ0PD8uaDRUJsIsQFku7NwikEjbHrCi3j74GDOFkgV3xBhKWCx9MN3boLCqr9vfoqwlr2Dt4YIQZlujR3D9RB3FFNqMN1pJxj0Y/s1600-h/CroppedImage600415-IMG3292.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354992262715160178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_ET6q3Z_D63zUeUHplpExWyOM0zfGlq_Lp04PRgEwvJ0PD8uaDRUJsIsQFku7NwikEjbHrCi3j74GDOFkgV3xBhKWCx9MN3boLCqr9vfoqwlr2Dt4YIQZlujR3D9RB3FFNqMN1pJxj0Y/s400/CroppedImage600415-IMG3292.jpg" border="0" /></a>How many people go about cycling from Alaska to Panama?<br /><div></div><br /><div>A Dutch TV company, deepeei, has prompted Andrew Finlay to take to his bike for the best part of a year and do exactly that. The story is not just about adventure and physical challenge but is inspired as a means of linking themes and specific projects that relate to climate change. Fin is joined by one other on his cycle south, while two others will ride from Colombia to Ushuaia in Argentina. In all, 16,765 miles, 26 projects and 17 countries.</div><br /><div></div><div>From land usage to waste, there are six themes under the tag 'search for sustainable solutions'. slowmoves and opting for vehicles other than planes - as Fin and the others taking part in the project so grandly have - could be another. </div><br /><div></div><div>Fin is blogging regularly, on every angle of his trip. Check it out: <a href="http://www.going-south.tv/blog/tag/fin">http://www.going-south.tv/blog/tag/fin</a>.</div><br /><div></div><div>[George]</div>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-79727068739316396332009-06-30T12:10:00.005+01:002009-06-30T12:23:58.193+01:00Slowmoves on Guardian's Been There website<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-dT5ZRbXsnEp0cw7mvmi4y6OYpMYB1Y-EuknCQMd5szXQ4jPh9uoD7fskLhaetAetAZ-LRGBdBHkgGed06L3II36p-2VXP6vyxBZbZ4uw9eXocvuuHBU6cMFfHoHWuc2mxtZwux6EOFl/s1600-h/been+there.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 74px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-dT5ZRbXsnEp0cw7mvmi4y6OYpMYB1Y-EuknCQMd5szXQ4jPh9uoD7fskLhaetAetAZ-LRGBdBHkgGed06L3II36p-2VXP6vyxBZbZ4uw9eXocvuuHBU6cMFfHoHWuc2mxtZwux6EOFl/s400/been+there.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353076842681747154" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Slowmoves is being featured on the Guardian's brilliant <a href="http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/">'Been There'</a> website. <a href="http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/">"Been There</a> is a guide to the world as traveled by you". Users can share their travel stories, post tips and browse thousands of reader recommendations.<br /><br />Check out the slowmoves feature here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/blog/2009/slowmoves.jsp">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/blog/2009/slowmoves.jsp</a>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-28532788712770701262009-06-28T12:45:00.008+01:002009-06-29T10:03:40.120+01:00Campaign for better train travelWhy is it that in this country taking a plane across the UK is often cheaper than taking the train? UK train fares are the highest in Europe, especially if you don't book in advance. A last minute ticket from London to Manchester can be as ridiculously expensive as £250 return. But people love taking the train, watching the landscapes change, being able to walk up and down the carriage. And of course it's a much greener way to travel, ultimately reducing traffic and improving lifestyles.<br /><br />The train VS plane debate is battled out in this funny video put together by <a href="http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/">Campaign for Better Transport</a>. They argue that the government should stop giving such high subsidies to airlines and put their energy and money into better and more affordable train travel. You can join the campaign at: <a href="http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/train-fares">http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/train-fares</a><br /><br /><object width="400" height="270"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IuX9O_MWWOY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IuX9O_MWWOY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="270"></embed></object><br /><br />[Anouk]Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-74667791601446231882009-06-18T22:27:00.006+01:002009-06-18T23:16:54.748+01:00Here's what you're missing when you flyNot my words. The words of Sunday Times' Chris Haslam. I'll continue with them, "as you know, it's not the arriving, it's the getting there." Or TS Elliot, "The journey not the arrival matters".<div><br /><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpq_0-tbfzPk6GaJGHO3X9JkBtMP0oS_lcPqMWqU3wyrhehbeRNH2O1NO24UtONHObAq0-vF5j-fZV_dn-qNDCpQBUumo160jiBMOP1k20ZwaFpQMQDEr9xFgDzCODrujyCSVnieS63h8/s400/hats-385_572645a.jpg" /></div><div>The centre page spread is titled <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/holiday_type/green_travel/article6486099.ece">SLOW TRAVEL</a>. Look out. The article includes the following if you're UK based and want to check out the link for details:</div><div>- to Paris by bike in four days (which a number of friends have done and I hope will feature on this site)</div><div>- slow train to Constantinople in five days (slower than the 3 night express, which coincidentally I am looking at for August)</div><div>- banana boat to Costa Rica in 20 days</div><div>- camper van to Kathmandu in 40 days<br /><div><br /></div><div>slowmoves fits to whatever time you have. Our only tip to add to the trips is to remember traveling loops (rather than straight) mean you don't have to cover the same ground twice... if you'd rather not.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to Paddy for sending us the article. Echoes of my first post, <a href="http://slowmovesblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/not-flying-for-year.html">not flying for a year</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>[George] </div></div></div>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-58020681201245118212009-06-16T21:11:00.004+01:002009-06-16T21:18:58.830+01:00The London Loop Walks - part 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup81creRSFxz0rx9YHRFKEUf48tZwXk5GEzUeyfZloTejdrs_nhOCtCgCjh3CAVFte-EaCMKUym898V5_fVQQfPxX7XIdJsNFdS8PKUIAm-cBcm-Jqfuzb4kfsgw7QXsLRarko8beE959/s1600-h/becky+loop1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup81creRSFxz0rx9YHRFKEUf48tZwXk5GEzUeyfZloTejdrs_nhOCtCgCjh3CAVFte-EaCMKUym898V5_fVQQfPxX7XIdJsNFdS8PKUIAm-cBcm-Jqfuzb4kfsgw7QXsLRarko8beE959/s320/becky+loop1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348021973607911202" border="0" /></a>After making the decision to ration our use of flights to one big long-haul adventure every three years we have been a bit stuck for cheap holiday plans... Cheap flights are obviously out, trains can be really expensive, camping is polarising in our house, we can't really afford British hotels... So at the expense of our sanity we haven't done anything in the last two years that might, even vaguely, count as a holiday. So this year, we've decided that we need a mission - something that gets us out of the house and gives us a sense of purpose. Cue the <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/walking/localroutes/1164.aspx">London Loop</a> - one of the Mayor of London's Strategic (!) walks. The <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/walking/localroutes/1164.aspx">London Loop</a> is a series of 24 walks almost encircling outer London - each walk ranging in length from 6 - 14 miles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ny4-cjoq2McpO6N99oK0G9EJEuUjRptKSAGAL2BUSDIYIkCP2IIe3MGi31o-VqcgxUSQSUbGtWpC4UNQt_BTisQjYgBGj7jmqq2FVO8gpVTf_xRTCBniJvoKy5fbUnQTURUTU_EiVcl3/s1600-h/becky+loop2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ny4-cjoq2McpO6N99oK0G9EJEuUjRptKSAGAL2BUSDIYIkCP2IIe3MGi31o-VqcgxUSQSUbGtWpC4UNQt_BTisQjYgBGj7jmqq2FVO8gpVTf_xRTCBniJvoKy5fbUnQTURUTU_EiVcl3/s320/becky+loop2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348021744200216402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We've just completed the first walk... from <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/walkfinder/walkdetails.asp?id=74">Erith to Old Bexley (8.4 miles)</a> heading anti-clockwise around London, starting at the Thames. The walk was extremely diverse - taking in everything from salt marsh to woodland - with a huge array of both natural and man-made curiosities along the way. My favourite sight was a glass recycling factory! Doesn't sound very beautiful - except that the ground-down glass powder meant that the whole area had a glittery green sheen.<br /><br />We’ll keep you informed of our progress.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/walking/localroutes/1164.aspx">http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/walking/localroutes/1164.aspx</a><br /><br />[Becky]Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-87575738590673348052009-06-08T19:18:00.008+01:002009-06-08T22:17:45.235+01:00Crazy Guy On A BikeGrateful to the Crazy Guy for giving us the <a href="http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=3Tzut&doc_id=1679&v=2V">cycle route between Bordeaux and Biarritz</a>.<br /><br />Mixed emotions about revisiting the site as I was hoping the slant of this post might be about achieving cycling 400kms. The first line I re-read is: "after last year's trip we decided on another one to a flat part of France".<br /><br /><a href="http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/">Crazy Guy On A Bike</a> is practical a website, offering easily searchable cycling trip ideas and routes around the World in a series of postings, muddled together. Aside, it offers journal and forum facilities. It's well worth a visit.<br /><br />Our Bordeaux and Biarritz tour was indeed flat, and at times frustrating, to be by the sea but not in view of it. However we were struck by the quality of ride itself. Of 400kms, the vast majority was on maintained asphalt, purely for cyclists, away from any roads and traffic. In fact away from just about everything other trees making up light, airy woods. slowmoves in the most peaceful of surroundings. June felt like a good time to be there. I am sure September also.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZdfizHimO92OJDrb1lRcL2HOIMW55ZYwFV9ZgYDf5UG5ZWJQTEcrHp6DOvg6Y0kfkkOmT6JTfYuuMBn9Q17fnYh3DPvWmDsqziYPROqjRdQPeND5kk16tBGashFwa2aMqcgLWpHHDNjo/s1600-h/Dune_du_Pyla-08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345039259808765698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZdfizHimO92OJDrb1lRcL2HOIMW55ZYwFV9ZgYDf5UG5ZWJQTEcrHp6DOvg6Y0kfkkOmT6JTfYuuMBn9Q17fnYh3DPvWmDsqziYPROqjRdQPeND5kk16tBGashFwa2aMqcgLWpHHDNjo/s320/Dune_du_Pyla-08.jpg" border="0" /></a>We did our trip slowly, albeit over four reasonably long days. Our route was Bordeaux of Cap Ferret, via Lacanau, before around the Bassin Arcachon and on south. <a href="http://www.raileurope.co.uk/">Trains</a> to and from Paris go from on the same line for both Bordeaux and Biarritz.<br /><br />Along with the woods, highlights were Dune du Pyla and Biarritz, for very different reasons. <a href="http://www.dune-pyla.com/english/welcome/index.php">Dune du Pyla</a> (pictured) is something I simply didn’t know Europe had. <a href="http://www.biarritz.fr/">Biarritz</a> is more diverse and vibrant than my preconceptions had given credit to. I must also acknowledge the fantastic <a href="http://www.biarritz-hotel-ocean.com/en/home-en.phtml">Hotel De L'Ocean</a>, where we stayed for three nights, right in the heart of Biarritz and at very good value.<br /><br />A recommendation of website, route, journey and destination.<br /><br />[George]<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Pictures from our trip to follow, but in the meantime from: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Dune_du_Pyla-08.jpg"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Dune_du_Pyla-08.jpg</span></a>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-8294357971508024192009-06-04T15:24:00.003+01:002009-06-05T10:22:22.258+01:00Great British Walks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajAroSDHOUdAwscs33cTk3prgVnvi8FgmkfN25zAs4GwmKGKg_6xEmw6wJntp1Bc6e_4bTD42tHmwBdxh-ZQNzNPYV4uYOquPBAy-7gKG7PRFj1LnF3CP54cjV8O_zGtxUE40DPC9RkHv/s1600-h/great+british+walks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajAroSDHOUdAwscs33cTk3prgVnvi8FgmkfN25zAs4GwmKGKg_6xEmw6wJntp1Bc6e_4bTD42tHmwBdxh-ZQNzNPYV4uYOquPBAy-7gKG7PRFj1LnF3CP54cjV8O_zGtxUE40DPC9RkHv/s320/great+british+walks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343478402765797106" border="0" /></a><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>As you've probably gathered by now, at slowmoves we are big on walking - the ultimate form of slow travel. So when I heard that the Guardian/Observer were doing a 6 day supplement of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/competition/2009/may/29/walks">'Great British Walks'</a>, I thought other ramblers should be informed.<br /></p>It starts tomorrow (sat June 6th) with an<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Art and Literature walk</span> through the places that inspired painters, sculptors, writers and poets<strong></strong>.<p>And then:<br /></p><p>Sunday - <strong>Film and Music walk</strong> to explore famous film and TV sets, and see the places that inspired great musicians.</p><p>Monday - <strong>War and Politics walk</strong> guiding you through the sites of great battles and the places that have shaped politicians.</p><p>Tuesday - <strong>Engineering and Architecture walk </strong>exploring awe-inspiring bridges, earthworks and stunning architecture<strong></strong>.</p><p>Wednesday - <strong>Lost Worlds and Legends walk </strong>through giants, hunters' caves and stone circles.</p><p>Thursday - <strong>Castles and Churches of Britain walk</strong><strong></strong>.</p><p>Friday - <strong>Wildlife and Water</strong> <span style="font-weight: bold;">walk</span> to get a closer look at our native wildlife.</p><p><strong><br />6-12 June<br />Free with the Guardian and the Observer</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: normal;">www.guardian.co.uk</span></a><br /></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">[Anouk]</span><br /></strong></p>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-72244509383621619412009-05-27T11:48:00.005+01:002009-05-27T11:58:24.056+01:00A hidden gem in Jaipur<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT_w362aCedE2akF27yI3kRNF1qpb3i6baaYF2VSq3HIXJiCWr4bHEPkgT863OsSslvXyn5UbZ3B9faIhGEHo6d8xAZpKN2P4rK2XFa3OCFsdTQOtekMTG0eQ_bIC60BAXZHd-kBH-904/s1600-h/pearl+palace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT_w362aCedE2akF27yI3kRNF1qpb3i6baaYF2VSq3HIXJiCWr4bHEPkgT863OsSslvXyn5UbZ3B9faIhGEHo6d8xAZpKN2P4rK2XFa3OCFsdTQOtekMTG0eQ_bIC60BAXZHd-kBH-904/s320/pearl+palace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340454002343167106" border="0" /></a>I have recently returned from a two week trip to India in which I stayed at a variety of hotels and guesthouses. Our specifications were basic – bed and air conditioning (it was hot hot hot!) – and as expected so was the standard of the accommodation. However there was one guesthouse, <a href="http://www.hotelpearlpalace.com/">Pearl Palace</a> in <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&hl=en&tab=wl">Jaipur Rajastan</a>, that stood out because of the warm welcome and homely feeling they worked hard at creating.<br /><br />On arrival I was handed a brilliantly crafted and carefully considered guidebook to the hotel and city entitled ‘An Alien’s guide to Jaipur’. It was created by the staff with the input from past guests. In slowmoves style, the guesthouse consider guests as pearls – being at the heart of the business. The slogan is engraved on the door of every room.<br /><br />Most impressive is a beautifully designed roof terrace for guests to escape from the hectic pace of the bustling city below and leave your worries behind. The hotel features an elegant common room/ lounge where you can check emails, recline on a sofa, marvel the décor or read a book from their well stocked library.<br /><br />Unlike other hotels we stayed at they enforce a policy not to tip individual members of staff. Instead they ask for you to donate in a communal pot at the end of your stay – a much less corrupt way of working and less stress for the guests!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hotelpearlpalace.com/">http://www.hotelpearlpalace.com/</a><br /><br />[Amy]Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-81917627588372194842009-05-17T16:26:00.009+01:002009-05-17T17:01:11.848+01:00Pedalling around cities with the best public bike schemes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4hDspg5YvHD3xZXFI2-OGYCE1gbY0rWDCWNc-ZMsDWfrHvZg7uEC2pZDWozVQMTSNY11tnnpS1gNvPvAyUYWDou15y1CAtegpcwy8NzT77EuVvqiHpMgnowc039-x7E2FETLHbtLIKgH/s1600-h/velib+paris.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4hDspg5YvHD3xZXFI2-OGYCE1gbY0rWDCWNc-ZMsDWfrHvZg7uEC2pZDWozVQMTSNY11tnnpS1gNvPvAyUYWDou15y1CAtegpcwy8NzT77EuVvqiHpMgnowc039-x7E2FETLHbtLIKgH/s320/velib+paris.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336814955752303330" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Montreal, Barcelona, Paris - apart from being incredible cities, they also all have successful public bike schemes. Have you ever come across the mini parking lots of identical '<a href="http://www.velib.paris.fr/">velib</a>' bikes in Paris? Or people riding around in red <a href="http://www.bicing.com/home/home.php">'Bicing</a>' bikes in Barcelona? You can pick up bikes at a number of stations - 20,000 bikes at 1,450 stations in the case of Paris - and just pay a small fee to ride around the city. In Barcelona, the first 30 mins are even free. They encourage short trips, for getting from a to b, as an alternative to the car, bus or metro.<br /><br />But it's not just practical - it's also hugely enjoyable discovering these gorgeous cities on wheels. Last year, on a trip to Paris, the <a href="http://www.velib.paris.fr/">velib</a> bikes were our primary mode of transport. It made us feel like real locals and allowed us to discover hidden areas and streets we wouldn't of otherwise ventured to.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUliMRwBdhqyeIOh8tHCuyQiaSatBFsi_1MIgtNckH6fuLrb0WRgZJfKXYJfRNk92M193PfTjx3ByA8LbEXpLdWFCOSoS2kc-xOHWVw6XBlaYq88rbUxzNhEV3coWciattCMwD4qfArNm-/s1600-h/bicing+BCN.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUliMRwBdhqyeIOh8tHCuyQiaSatBFsi_1MIgtNckH6fuLrb0WRgZJfKXYJfRNk92M193PfTjx3ByA8LbEXpLdWFCOSoS2kc-xOHWVw6XBlaYq88rbUxzNhEV3coWciattCMwD4qfArNm-/s320/bicing+BCN.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336819925471137746" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Montreal has just launched their own scheme called <a href="http://www.bixi.com/accueil">Bixi</a>. It made sense for them as Montreal has twice been named the best cycling city in North America. It is really compact and there are many lakes, mountains and canals you can pedal to within close proximity.<br /><br />So when will Boris grant his promise for a much-awaited London public bike scheme? Personally, I can't wait...<br /><br />[Anouk]Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-20713829236565725482009-05-16T14:33:00.006+01:002009-05-16T15:19:32.271+01:00Hiring a bicycle away from homeGrand plans for cycling <a href="http://slowmovesblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/biarritz-to-barcelona-cycle.html">Barcelona to Biarritz</a> have been put on hold as time hasn't allowed us to try that this year. It would take us longer than a week. We're instead cycling a different B2B, Bordeaux to Biarritz, doing a roubdabout route of 400km in 4 days. More of that when we have done it.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2T0QJemC5FF7mSWI_b2iVG9wm1bm7Ul456GVMPXXmo1b0rMtf-fOMZF_W_EHjQbUQqjQMPrJWsEVijWqz8o_k1P5wZiCWJUb3k7OCGotQk0XnPTDmA199iLFgw4QiVUpSQMn1S5Whf4M/s1600-h/774687939_2d48c6a130.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336425998945552098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 244px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2T0QJemC5FF7mSWI_b2iVG9wm1bm7Ul456GVMPXXmo1b0rMtf-fOMZF_W_EHjQbUQqjQMPrJWsEVijWqz8o_k1P5wZiCWJUb3k7OCGotQk0XnPTDmA199iLFgw4QiVUpSQMn1S5Whf4M/s320/774687939_2d48c6a130.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Whatever the start and end point, something we have thought about is the logistics of travelling with bikes. I have had issues with this before between Lyon and Paris. Not again. <a href="http://www.bikerentalsplus.com/">BikeRentalsPlus</a> is the answer forFrance, Italy and a whole load of other countries. They will drop off and pick up your rented bike from any destination you require, within reason. They offer more types of bike than I knew existed, and will fit to your exact requirements. All the necessities come with the package (spare inner tubes, puncture repair kit etc.), as well as options, like panier racks.</div><div></div><br /><div>We have taken BikeRentalsPlus up on just about everything they have offered and will have bikes delivered to our hotel in Bordeaux on a Sunday first thing and picked up from our hostel in Biarritz the following Wednesday night. Under £150 all in. No worries about dismantling and reassembling my bike at home, nor need for concern about the mood of French train staff and bikes only with us for the time we want them (not on the beach or outside the holte in Biarritz for a long weekend).</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>This isn't supposed to be an advert for the supplier, just promotion for something that will be a big part of a slowmoves holiday.</div><div></div><br /><div>[George]</div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Picture from: </span><a href="http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1151/774687939_2d48c6a130.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.copenhagenize.com/2007/07/danish-bicycle-culture.html&usg=__DVwCg5Ya6fXjk6oG31DiYLVuKQk=&h=500&w=381&sz=129&hl=en&start=11&um=1&tbnid=OOW0-hWruMogfM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=99&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtrain%2Bbicycle%2Baggressive%26hl%3Den%26um%3D1"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1151/774687939_2d48c6a130.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.copenhagenize.com/2007/07/danish-bicycle-culture.html&usg=__DVwCg5Ya6fXjk6oG31DiYLVuKQk=&h=500&w=381&sz=129&hl=en&start=11&um=1&tbnid=OOW0-hWruMogfM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=99&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtrain%2Bbicycle%2Baggressive%26hl%3Den%26um%3D1</span></a></div></div>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-89480752565118984362009-05-10T16:14:00.008+01:002009-05-10T16:53:19.535+01:00Champex Lac and Tour du Mont Blanc<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDR-e8QkMPa-tdTL3o5XEisMjUEQ-_feEQWXZOGp6AwFMIJw8gtrsEG_Y2s_IupoaRqjajSBhfUpRkjavK457P97sjLIP4h7FDjJlu-l9czZ1R4OUSJ4e2y9VttN-MnTLSdbFZWWDpz_z/s1600-h/champex_lac.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334222899639782706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 311px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDR-e8QkMPa-tdTL3o5XEisMjUEQ-_feEQWXZOGp6AwFMIJw8gtrsEG_Y2s_IupoaRqjajSBhfUpRkjavK457P97sjLIP4h7FDjJlu-l9czZ1R4OUSJ4e2y9VttN-MnTLSdbFZWWDpz_z/s320/champex_lac.jpg" border="0" /></a>Without wanting to labour a recent trip... Somewhere I was earlier in the year was <a href="http://www.champex.info/">Champex Lac</a>. I have known for a little while that I would be going there. I didn't though know Champex Lac was a couple of other things along with being a skiing resort.<br /><div><br /><div>I learnt Champex Lac sits as part of two important Alpine routes:<br />- <a href="http://slowmovesblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/international-school-of-mountaineering.html">Haute Route</a>, which I have written about previously: the ski touring route between Zermatt and Chamonix<br />-<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A74efwrGsgvFjAvJpRQFASKvhtihxr4yMv2tmB6gGTbxR35UX0DI6CxRSL3NirAYEqjp2nLDi_0YwqnUi9nmokqrOLVNiejPgPkSpcb4S_gWWziGFeUtic61g7Rnolr5pT6OjNoodgK2/s1600-h/mtBLancPic800px-PublicTMB.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.leshouches.com/uk/ete-tourmontblanc.html">Tour du Mont Blanc</a>: the walking route can only really be done in the Summer (May to October time), so to avoid heavy snow. It follows, more or less, the base of Mont Blanc, offering striking scenery all the way around. It's a vintage, heavy weight of long European walks. It's just over 170km and takes up to 10 days to do, depending on your pace. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGwFbdJVxfuMBQ85Piq1ox1BdviCP-ueUoeWUNIuOn2G3nHMhY-rSTyskoGH2BTuO2TXAL71-HDAGpW8QqrZftMaAAl9JuA0V9_6HebEXVlk6bhU_RFZOyCpHdvkls8pF9cBGlARBIcuG/s1600-h/mtBLancPic800px-PublicTMB.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334222436055808322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGwFbdJVxfuMBQ85Piq1ox1BdviCP-ueUoeWUNIuOn2G3nHMhY-rSTyskoGH2BTuO2TXAL71-HDAGpW8QqrZftMaAAl9JuA0V9_6HebEXVlk6bhU_RFZOyCpHdvkls8pF9cBGlARBIcuG/s200/mtBLancPic800px-PublicTMB.jpg" border="0" /></a>The route is not easy, and includes one 10km ascent, as well as passes through France, Italy and Switzerland, including Champex Lac. Your route will be planned around the <a href="http://www.leshouches.com/fr/TMB-refuges.pdf">numerous refuges</a> there are along the way. Less slowmoves, there is an <a href="http://www.ultratrailmb.com/accueil.php">Ultra Trail Tour</a> that takes place each year on the route, the record time is 20 hours...<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>[George]</div><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Photos from <a href="http://www.champex-immobilier.com/">http://www.champex-immobilier.com/</a> and Creative Comments: Mt Blanc </span><a href="mailto:mtp@mtpa.org.uk"><span style="font-size:78%;">mtp@mtpa.org.uk</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> Sept 2004</span></div></div>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-29559018525006555092009-05-04T15:52:00.010+01:002009-05-05T16:27:25.324+01:00Wild Camping hotspotsSometimes you just want to get away from it all, as far away as possible from the sound of traffic, your phone ringing, your computer screen, big concrete buildings... I often find myself dreaming of escaping into the depths of the countryside, completely disconnecting and bonding with nature.<br /><br />What better way to get away and be at one with nature than to go wild camping. Moving away from the overcrowded sites and smelly bathrooms of organised campsites, <a href="http://www.legalisewildcamping.com/">wild camping</a> promises utter tranquility and seclusion.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wvVF5MwU-gvSQK9oDZ-woq2zPmgIHTuB_HJvN4SIGZbsPM5pkyXFFRTM-_RDXgeMQ1YBFRlQjeUC711NwX96oe5oXHk8CsLwd73bTU2-7idyCDYNBCquNrwoTYqvCFpuMt5aqkE3h3rZ/s1600-h/wild+camping+fotografr.com.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wvVF5MwU-gvSQK9oDZ-woq2zPmgIHTuB_HJvN4SIGZbsPM5pkyXFFRTM-_RDXgeMQ1YBFRlQjeUC711NwX96oe5oXHk8CsLwd73bTU2-7idyCDYNBCquNrwoTYqvCFpuMt5aqkE3h3rZ/s400/wild+camping+fotografr.com.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332333282422517698" border="0" /></a>Living in the UK, it can seem impossible to find your own little uninhabited corner of peace. But there are a few hotspots where you can pitch your tent freely and indulge in the surrounding countryside that essentially becomes your back garden for the night. Here's the challenge: wild camping is only legal if you ask permission from the landowner but as long you're out of sight, away from livestock and you don't build open fires it is tolerated.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The hotspots</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scotland</span> - wild camping is legal as long as you're at a distance from roads and dwellings. Try the highlands for ultimate remoteness:<br /><div><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk/leaflets/wildcamp.html">http://www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk/leaflets/wildcamp.html</a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dartmoor</span> - The Dartmoor park authority encourages wild camping as long as people pitch up within certain areas:<br /><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/vi-wildcamping.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/vi-wildcamping.htm</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lake district and Snowdonia</span> - perfect wild camping territories as they're on high ground and there's very little hassle.<br /><br />[Anouk]<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo by: fotografr.com</span>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930360241544907388.post-2401959424977857682009-04-28T20:18:00.008+01:002009-04-29T18:31:49.796+01:00Picture of the Month<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP-MBbMieEjJvqFDuchWWW0Cyu9atI-RHuxbYNqYOm5QcCOjQ8CLMn7kCxLF8HDxCKPIcFq5VIGlS83D0L6Npxp5Jizxz58SQN3hFd2FegMDatEzZfPs3lSj7r6ewLscJPqIyfm52LUlX/s1600-h/29430031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329824770361050002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP-MBbMieEjJvqFDuchWWW0Cyu9atI-RHuxbYNqYOm5QcCOjQ8CLMn7kCxLF8HDxCKPIcFq5VIGlS83D0L6Npxp5Jizxz58SQN3hFd2FegMDatEzZfPs3lSj7r6ewLscJPqIyfm52LUlX/s400/29430031.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>April's picture of the month is taken from the Zanzibar coast line, looking out to the sun and ocean. It was taken by a good friend on his honeymoon. The detail of picture is in four Dhows. Across the water to Madagascar, if you can get there, I've been recommended <a href="http://www.madbookings.com/madagascar/safaris/madagascar_dhow_hopping_safari.htm">island hopping by Dhow</a> as a means of slowmoves!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>[George]</div>Slowmoveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05365868162908621155noreply@blogger.com0