ISTANBUL 2025 – DAY FOUR

The one with… a sky-high dream, a bumpy landing, and an unexpected feast.   ⏰ 5:30 am – The alarm blares, and I’m wide awake instantly. I shuffle to the window, pull back the curtain… and sigh. It’s pitch black, and sleet taps against the glass — it clearly snowed in the night. The thought of…

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ISTANBUL 2025 – DAY THREE

The one with the cancelled balloon ride, otherworldly landscapes, and tunnels beneath the earth.   ⏰ The alarm rang out at 4:30 am, and my heart skipped a beat. Today was supposed to be the moment, the hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s surreal desert landscape, rising with the sun. Clothes were ready, teeth brushed…

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ISTANBUL 2025 – DAY TWO

ISTANBUL TO CAPPADOCIA – DAY TWO 🇹🇷 The one with bus karaoke, volcanic valleys, and a flaming dinner surprise   ☕️ After a well-earned lie-in (our beds were very persuasive), we emerged around 9 a.m. and gathered for another glorious Turkish breakfast feast. I’m starting to think these breakfasts could be reason enough to return,…

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DAY 6 – SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH

FROM: Hele, nr Ilfracombe to Woolacombe  The one with the personal local guide,  DISTANCE:- Our last day and a fairly moderate 11.7 miles over lovely terrain.  HEALTH:- Compression socks on today as yesterday I could feel the start of shin splints!  WEATHER: Absolutely wonderful! The sun shone through for most of the day which glistened…

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DAY 5 – SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH

FROM: Hunters Inn to Ilfracombe  The one with the snake, two forks and the bull!  DISTANCE:- 12 hard and challenging Devonshire miles!  HEALTH:- We are all still fairly healthy. No blisters on any feet, although we now all have calf muscles of steel and Tiger Balm has come in very handy!  WEATHER:-  Today the wind…

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DAY 4 – SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH

FROM: Lynmouth to Trentishoe   The one with the grumps, the rain and the fuzzy crotch!  DISTANCE:- I’ve walked 12.5 miles today but only 8 of them were on the SWCP!  HEALTH:- Woke up feeling fresh and ready to hit the trail. No aches, pains or blisters and a great nights sleep. Let’s do this! …

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DAY 3 – SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH

FROM: Porlock Weir to Lynmouth  The one with the 10 million river crossings, a damaged ankle and some tree-hugging!  DISTANCE:- 13.5 miles, although Devon miles are very different to Northants Miles!! HEALTH:- woke up with sore quads, aching calve muscles and dodgy ankle but a couple of pain killers and I was starting to feel…

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DAY 2 – SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH

Day 2 - South West Coastal Path

FROM:  A field on the cliff edge Nr Minehead to Porlock Weir.  The one with amazing views, weird trees, wobbly legs and an injured tent! 🏕  DISTANCE:- 7 miles (although it felt like 20!)  HEALTH:- Sore hips, very tired, wobbly legs after some on those downhills!  WEATHER:- Absolutely perfect!  A sprinkling of rain first thing…

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