I myself have given up attempting to say these things and now just spell them outright. Strolling across the hills of England are my newest adventures. Reading, tends to be a bit flat and whilst The Cotswolds are no mountains, they are a nice change of scenery; a sprawling hillside approximately 90 miles long. Natural beauty.
My first hike was to the Malvern Hills near Worcestershire collectively part of 'The Cotswolds'. One of the highest peaks in the area. After roaming across the other "side" of the hills from Gloucestershire, you can see just how tall the Malvern Hills are. It was here that my mate pointed out he wanted to climb the 'tall (Malvern) hill' some time in the near future, and I agreed....since I've already conquered that "high peak" a few weeks ago. :-P So carry on.... *cheeky*
Some 20 miles away from the Malvern hills, where me and my girlies had explored a few weeks prior, is Crickley park (where my most recent adventure occurred). The trails here consist of little warn paths (muddy in this case) with the random cow crossing by your way. No worries, they for the most part, are verra tame and will leave you be.
Once at Cheltenham (Gloucester) you'll find quite the plethora of shops to spend oodles of money in. Here I regret to inform you that I popped into a Starbucks trying to tame my craving for an Egg Nog latte. (I try my best to avoid American things when in Europe).
** I stood in the longest queue. of. my. life. for. coffee.**
***queue = line
As it was, I needed a new rain coat (living in England such things are necessities) so off to the shops for one. I lucked out with a great deal on a great coat (my cousin Charity would be sooo proud) and just before heading for the hills, we stopped to "watch" this creative clock-work in the centre of the mall. Every hour the ball drops from the duck, lands in the cog-like bit, then rolls into the clock "brain" -out pops a little mechanical mouse head whilst the fish below blows bubbles at all the children watching (and all of us big kids as well). This all lasts about one minute and the crowd moves on. Splendid way to spend a weekend away, if you're looking to spend a nice relaxing time away from the city. Mother nature is calling you, put on your new cross trainers and explore!
As it was, I needed a new rain coat (living in England such things are necessities) so off to the shops for one. I lucked out with a great deal on a great coat (my cousin Charity would be sooo proud) and just before heading for the hills, we stopped to "watch" this creative clock-work in the centre of the mall. Every hour the ball drops from the duck, lands in the cog-like bit, then rolls into the clock "brain" -out pops a little mechanical mouse head whilst the fish below blows bubbles at all the children watching (and all of us big kids as well). This all lasts about one minute and the crowd moves on. Splendid way to spend a weekend away, if you're looking to spend a nice relaxing time away from the city. Mother nature is calling you, put on your new cross trainers and explore!
