Mad genius or mountain desecrator? The jury’s out but Claudius Cap de Blanc’s work is nothing if not original. He has certainly left his mark on the Ariège.
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Walking the GR10 in the Ariège , France (11. St Lizier d’Ustou – > Aulus les Bains)
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A very long day if you do this one straight through! There is a steep climb to the Col d’Escots and then a long, rough hike around the mountain to Aulus, with some lovely waterfalls en route.
Continue readingBears in the Ariégeoise Pyrenees, France (August 2022)
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If you go down to the woods today, you might just see a bear. After a successful reintroduction scheme, there are now some 70 individuals in the Pyrenean mountains. The French Ariège plays a major part in their history.
Continue readingHidden Corners of the Ariège : La Pont de Lamada, Ariège, France (August 2022)
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The Etang de Llers can get very busy. On a smaller scale but equally enchanting, the nearby Pont de Lamarda offers refreshing pools in a pretty, hidden spot.
Continue readingWalking the GR10 in the Ariege, France. (10 – Conflens→St Lizier d’Ustou)
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A shady walk for a hot day, with only a brief period on the open mountain, but an unrelentingly steep climb up, less so down! However, the delights of St Lizier await.
Continue readingBristol Zoo, Bristol, Avon, UK (July 2022)
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When it’s gone, it’s gone! as one well known budget supermarket says, and after 186 years Bristol Zoo is closing. Visit now to see this unique part of the city’s history.
Continue readingUnicorns, Almost: The Monuments of St Andrew’s Church, Mells, Somerset, UK (April 2022)
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Comrades in arms became comrades in death and a small Somerset church honours a worthy triumvirate from the WW1 battlefields : Edward Horner, Siegfried Sassoon and Raymond Asquith.
Continue readingBest Short Walks in the Peak District: Bolehill Quarry, Derbyshire, UK (November 2021)
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It is surprising how photogenic a millstone can be! Add in some of Derbyshire’s best Peak District scenery and this little circuit comes close to perfection.
Continue readingBest Short Walks on Dartmoor: Holne Moor & Snowdon, Devon, UK (July 2021)
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A long walk for the complete moor experience; this circuit from Holne climbs to the moors above with stunning views
Continue readingThe Rudloe Arms, Wiltshire, UK. (October 2021)
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Not for the squeamish! Marco Pierre White’s latest hotel venture in Wiltshire is nothing if not thought provoking.
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