Our first day on the Hadrian’s Wall Trail had been a triumph. Mrs RM had actually knocked off 2,000 calories as she had to exert much more effort, well done her. We enjoyed a NBedSS 4.5 and NBrkSS 3 stay at the Old Vicarage, and resisted the call of Walton’s Crosby, Stills & Nash Society.… Continue reading TWO CENTURIONS
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AT HOME WITH THE WALTONS
Where were we ? Ah ! 10 miles east of Carlisle, sort of following Hadrian’s Wall. We’d just veered off The Path to have a pint and crisps in the Sally, ruining at a stroke the purism of our trail. “I’m no purist” said Mrs RM, confirming what I’d known for 29 years*. Over Wainwright… Continue reading AT HOME WITH THE WALTONS
SALLY AND THE SPANKING BELL
Day 1 Proper of the Hadrian’s Wall Walk, which Mrs RM had planned meticulously. But as we approached the last 3 miles, it dawned on us we were about to arrive at Walton, our overnight destination about four hours before it opened. Four hours before Walton opened that is, not our B & B. So,… Continue reading SALLY AND THE SPANKING BELL
FALLING AT THE FIRST HURDLE
As you know, I turn to BRAPA for my FACTS. And BRAPA FACT No. 377 is that Hadrian’s Wall is the border between England and Scotland. Which is nonsense, cause then Berwick would have to play in the Scottish League, surely ? The Wall was actually built in 1974 to keep the evil Mackay clan… Continue reading FALLING AT THE FIRST HURDLE
CUMBRIANS HIT THE PUBS AGAIN
Well, that’s a slight lie, but stick with it. Our first night on the Hadrian’s Wall trail, but we weren’t walking far. Booked into Abberley House (room NBedSS 3.5, breakfast NBrkSS 2.5), we hit the town (or is it toon ?) and I showed Mrs RM why MumsNetters from Brampton to Silloth rave about Carlisle.… Continue reading CUMBRIANS HIT THE PUBS AGAIN
No. 8 in MumsNet underrated towns
MumsNet, source of 37% of my own blogging content, has been debating the most underrated towns in the UK. On a completely unscientific basis, this is the Top 10; Liverpool (underrated ?!) Chester (really ?!) Glasgow (underrated by people in Carluke ?) The Llyn Peninsula (what ?) Malvern (eh ?) “Parts” of Staffordshire (Burslem ?)… Continue reading No. 8 in MumsNet underrated towns
AND THEY’RE OFF
If the last year has taught us one thing, it’s not to waste a day. I suspect Mariah Carey has sung a song about it. As soon as the road map was announced, Mrs RM started to plan our road trips for when pubs and hotels were open again. I left her to it, so… Continue reading AND THEY’RE OFF
SAVED BY THE BELL – MAGIC IN THE MELTON INDOOR BOWLS CLUB
My second GBG tick in Melton Mowbray, and a moment of pure joy south of the River Wreake. Sluice valves, cricket on the green, all very bucolic Midlands England, right down to the indoor bowls club housing this year’s surprise new Guide entry; It wasn’t open, of course, the doors locked and no-one about despite… Continue reading SAVED BY THE BELL – MAGIC IN THE MELTON INDOOR BOWLS CLUB
FROTH AND FOXES
Saturday. Cup Final Day. When I was 14 this would mean a whole 9 hours in front of the telly on the biggest sporting day of the year. Now the FA Cup has been ruined by Manchester United (2000 absence), 5.15 kick-offs, Prem games before and after, £6, 330ml bottles of Budweiser, soap stars singing… Continue reading FROTH AND FOXES
GIVING AWAY THE HOOCH
Still on last Wednesday in Manchester, somehow; a day that had started with Mrs RM shouting “Don’t get drunk !” as I left the house. Good job I didn’t succumb to another of the endless number of Northern Quarter bars lining Thomas St, though Matt speaks very highly of Cane & Grain. Should I be… Continue reading GIVING AWAY THE HOOCH
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