Dads Unauthorised Travel Blog - Two Virgins but only one Christmas Miracle

Sometimes it's just best not to know what is happening whilst the girls are travelling. I mean, I know we only get the edited highlights anyway, but there was a bit of a throw away comment from Meg one evening, in between visiting a Tropical Rainforest and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef about doing a bungee jump. Is it odd that my first thought was is she covered on her insurance? Well it's too late now, and things went well, so check out her amazing video. At least she was heading towards water rather than dry land!

As I get older, I have become more wary of heights, so not only would you never in a month of Sundays get me jumping off a high platform attached to a bit of elastic, you wouldn't even get me walking up to the platform. Ellie was sat watching events unfold with a beer in hand, now that is more like it! 

Dads Unauthorised Travel Blog - A Paranormal Experience

Well the girls have been away for 5 weeks on their backpacking adventure (it feels like they have been gone for months). After what appeared to be a bit of an indifferent start in Melbourne, with a combination of body clock adjustment and cold and wet weather things have certainly picked up. Sydney looked amazing, no shortage of tourist spots there and the weather has turned into glorious hot sunshine. They have made their way up the east coast, visiting Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Fraser Island, Whitsunday Island, (I've probably missed some) all look absolutely stunning. I've shared some of the photographs in this blog.

Dads Unauthorised Travel Blog - Words of Wisdom

Airport Goodbyes

Well after months and months of planning the time has come for both my beautiful daughters to head off on their backpacking adventure around Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Meg will be blogging as they travel, so if you want all the official (but I suspect slightly censured) stuff check out Gap Year Guide . I will say at this point that the word year is slightly misleading and it wouldn't surprise me if Meg was still on her gap year well into her thirties. Anyway, I thought I'd do a few alternative and 'unauthorised' blogs - Dad's view of the time they are both away.

The Final Day

The final day started with news that Oscar hadn't had a great night, he'd had a further seizure and been heavily sedated to keep him calm and rested. Although there still wasn't any conclusive evidence of what the cause of the seizures might be the hope was that it was something he had ingested and it would work it's way out of his system.

I only had 9 miles left to walk, so we made the decision to get the walk completed this morning and then collect Oscar from the vets in the afternoon when all his tests were finished. This wasn't quite how I imagined the final day of the walk would be!

I started the day in Compton Valance somewhat distracted, but looking forward to completing the walk. There were some steep up and downs on this section, but the weather was pretty much perfect, it was a lovely bright sunny day with a cool breeze.

The Penultimate Day

Things didn't get off to a great start on the penultimate day of walking. I set the Sat Nav to the Sheaf of Arrows where the back up team picked me up at the end of yesterday. The journey time came up as 45 mins which was the same time as the drive home, but after about 20 mins we realised we were heading in the wrong direction. What's the odds on two pubs with the same, unusual name, being equidistant from our holiday accommodation. Frustrating but it just meant I had a later start than planned and we had a bit of a drive round some of the beautiful Dorset countryside.

Sat Navs and Emails!

Day 20 of my walk, two more days to go to complete the full 290 miles of the Macmillan Way! Today I am walking from Sandford Orcas to Melbury Osmond, a total of 15 miles.

It felt a bit cooler today following the heat of the previous few days, but the humidity remained high and things really warmed up again in the afternoon.  Oscar was still limping, so we gave him another rest day, and hopefully he would be fit and ready for the last two days.

You Can Sit Anywhere But You Can't Sit Here!

Unfortunately Oscar has picked up a leg injury and was hobbling around looking very sorry for himself this morning, I can't think how he could have done that, I did have a chat with him, "let that be a lesson to you", but I just got the slightly quizzical look as much as to say, what's this muppet on about now! Anyway I thought it best to let him rest today, which with hindsight, was probably just as well as today's walk included a lot of road walking.

Is that your Cat?

Today's walk took me from Trudoxhill to Bruton, 14 miles, a more straight forward walk than yesterday, following lots of trails and forest paths. This meant Oscar could be off his lead for most of the walk.

It was a really hot day and the dappled shade provided by the trees helped to keep us both cool. No rivers today but plenty of puddles for Oscar to sit in and cool off, it's amazing where he finds water.

Fancy a Swim?

It's great to be back on the Macmillan Way, I've had a bit of a break over the Summer due to hols and a mysterious foot injury, but all good now and I'm really looking forward to completing my journey over the next few days.

So far I have walled 215 miles from Boston to Beckington near Frome, and I have just 75 miles before I finish my journey in Abbotsbury, Dorset.

My wife (the back up team) and Oscar the Dog have both travelled down to Somerset with me, Alison will be dropping off and picking up, which means no heavy rucksack to carry, and I'm hoping that all three of us can finish the last leg of the walk to Abbotsbury together.

Hope & Hopefully Glory

Its that time of year again, the start of the football season and anything is possible. After the summer break it's great that football is back, and the whole sense of optimism  is fuelled by the warm weather, there is nothing like  attending a few games in your shorts and t-shirt. It feels a long way off to those cold dark winter days when the season is won or lost. At this stage of the campaign, if you lose a couple of games so what, it's a marathon not a sprint, and even though the warning signs are there, that we didn't quite address all those old frailties with the strong defender, or the pacey winger, or that 20 goal guaranteed a season striker, somehow this season will be different, this will be the one.

Bruce & The Dark Lord

Well that's it then, Bruce and his side kicks have gone to the promised land, and Wednesday are left to pick up the pieces as we head into the start of the season.

The whole sordid episode reminded me of a story line from Harry Potter, in summary Draco Malfoy aka Steve Bruce, and his two Slytherin side kicks Crabbe & Goyle have been seduced by the evil Lord Voldermort (Mike Ashley). Worth noting that the characteristics of Slytherins are; cunning, resourcefulness and ambition. While Harry Potter (Chansiri - you can picture him in little round glasses) has been fighting the advances of evil. We've even had Draco Bruce talking Parceltongue ie no one had a clue what he was talking about apart from the Dark Lord and Harry Chansiri.

No one Person is Bigger than the Club #wawaw

I liked Bruce. I thought he was a great appointment for Wednesday, I genuinely thought he would get us to the Premiership, but after the leeway the club have shown him, following a personally difficult year, I was sad, no more than that, that he has chosen to leave Wednesday for Newcastle. But I look at it this way, I'm Sheffield born and bred, my Dad followed Wednesday, it's in the blood, if I was manager at Newcastle and Wednesday came calling, I wouldn't give it a second thought. The chance to manage Wednesday, God what a dream come true. So good luck to Steve Bruce, to be honest for him, I think its definitely the heart ruling the head, but to manage your home town club, it probably comes along once in a lifetime.

New from Old

I had an old Wednesday t-shirt that had basically fallen apart through constant wearing. I love the Owl logo, simple striking, instantly recognisable.

So unable to buy a replacement, or anything similar now that the club have changed to a crest, I have been able to get my favourite t-shirt recreated. I love it.

If you like the shirt, or if you have an old shirt you want recreated or even a new design let us know at

scramlette@gmail.com

Blood, Sweat & Beers

Conical Water Tower.

I've made it to Somerset, 215 miles completed 75 to go! I'm pretty chuffed with that. I'm raising money as I walk for a fantastic charity, if you'd like to support me click here to go to my Just Giving Page and donate directly to Macmillan Cancer Support. I'm doing the hard work you just have to click a button or two! £30 is only 10p a mile, just think of the blood, sweat and beers I've had to go through to get this far!

I started the day in Box, in Wiltshire, having been well looked after by my airbnb hosts. If you have been following my blog you will be aware that finding the right accommodation has sometimes been challenging and might include a bit of a detour. But this airbnb was pretty much right on the trail, out of the front door past two houses turn left and I was back on it. The rain that had been threatening for the last couple of days finally arrived and it was a bit of a soggy start to the day, but undeterred I set off to complete this 13 mile stretch.

Neolithic Health and Safety?

I'd fell out with Whiltshire yesterday afternoon as my walk was a bit uninspiring, with overgrown paths and in one case a field almost impossible to pass. But today it redeemed itself. Some very scenic walking, lovely towns and villages.

The walk today was from Littleton Drew to Box, crossing the M4. After a lovely evening in the Neeld Arms at Grittleton and a good full English breakfast, I was well set to face the day. Grittleton, was a couple of miles off my route and the landlord, Charlie, not only offered to drop me back in Littleton Drew but also knocked £20 off the bill to donate to Macmillan Cancer Support - thank you so much!

Of Course I'm Not Lost!

I realised as I unpacked at my Airbnb that I'd forgotten my toothpaste. Now is this bad, but I was sharing a bathroom with another guest, who conveniently had left his toothpaste out. So the phrase 'necessity is the mother of invention came to mind', and not knowing if I would pass a shop selling toothpaste on my journey, having taken a small blob to clean my teeth that night, I decided I needed to fill the lid of my deodorant just in case! I smoothed the tube back as best as I could. I think I got away with it! He was probably thinking bloody hell you don't get as much toothpaste for your money these days!

Happy Smiley People

Its great to get back to the walk, the long weekends come round quickly and it always feels good to head off again on another adventure.

I had an early start with the train to London, then a short hop to Paddington, train to Kemble and bus back to Cirencester where I left off 3 weeks ago. Today I'm walking to Avening a total of 12 miles. After my Cirencester detour I also re join the main Macmillan Way.

Bus Stop I Spy!

I woke up to the sound of rain, which didn't fill me with joy. I checked the weather app on my phone, and yep rain followed by more rain. In fact I had a moment  where I debated cancelling today's walk and just getting the train back from Cheltenam! No, I thought stay positive, I've been so lucky with the weather up until now, man up a bit and get on with it. This is supposed to be a challenge not a Sunday stroll in the park! After a lovely breakfast from my Airbnb host off I went, bus back to Northleach and then picked up the trail again in Hampnett.

Vaseline and the Lonely Walker

I've not mentioned my chafing for a while. It's not gone away and usually by the third day it's getting quite sore. I have measures such as cycling shorts and Vaseline which help, but today about two hours into my walk, I was getting quite uncomfortable. I'd stopped for a water break (in and out) and was just debating about applying some more Vaseline to help. I had a quick look around there was no one about, so I went for it. If anyone had walked passed at that point I've no idea what they would have thought. I had my hand down my trousers rubbing away and a tin of Vaseline on the bench next to me!

How Your Garden Shed Can Earn You a Fortune!

After yesterdays trauma the day started with a wonderful breakfast to set me up for the day. I felt so much better after a good night's sleep and ready to face the walk to just south of Little Compton, a total of 13 miles.

The day was much cooler and fresher than Saturday, with a nice breeze, but I was told by Clare my B&B host to expect rain at some point during the day.

The Restorative Powers of a Cup of Tea.

I have a thing about Amazon, in that they are trying to take over the world, and with Amazon Prime who on earth is so desperate for something that they want it delivered the next day or in some cases the same day?

Well 2 days before the start of the next section of my walk I went into total meltdown, as I realised that I'd left my Guide Book and update sheet on the train on the way home from work. The back up team sprang into action and a new guide book was delivered the following day and an update sheet emailed from macmillanway.org the same night. Amazon and of course macmillanway.org- you are amazing!

There's More Than One Boston?

Things to remember for my next walk - sun cream! It all started off a bit dull on Friday but by the end of Sunday, after 45 miles of walking (including the 3 miles from Market Harborough  station to the start of the walk), I had a nice red glow and white lines on the side of my face where my glasses had been. It's easy to forget that the sun in early May is as strong as late August.

Bovis, Bovine & Beer

Well after the rain and sleet of Friday, Saturday was a much more pleasant day, sunshine and perfect temperatures as I walked from Maidwell to Flore, just to the west of Northampton. I didn't break the 100 mile marker, but tantalisingly  close at 99 miles, I did take a couple of wrong turns yesterday though, so I'm claiming it, even though its not to the official mile markers in the book! Actually if I'm claiming wrong turns I probably hit it about 3 walks ago!

The Raging Bull!

Brampton Ash Church

Re joining my walk feels like catching up with an old friend, I have a nice warm glow looking forward to the walk and twists and turns ahead. It was tinged with a bit of sadness though as I was unable to bring my little mate Oscar with me, because I was unable to find any accommodation that would take dogs. As I left the house he looked at me with those big sad dog eyes, as much as to say I know what you are doing!

Halfway through today's walk I had a phone call from my youngest daughter, Meg, to say she had reached Everest Base Camp. What a fantastic achievement, I think elated but exhausted would be a good description, you can follow her exploits here Well done Meg.

Forestieri and João Looking to Forge New Partnership Away From Hillsborough?

It was the final weekend of the football season, and as Wednesday had nothing much to play for, apart from pride, the Baston Owls decided to add some excitement and make a weekend of it, watching Doncaster Rovers v Coventry on Saturday followed by Wednesday v QPR on Sunday.

I know that pushes at the boundaries of how most people would describe excitement, but Doncaster were competing with Peterborough for the last play off spot in Division 1, with Rovers in 6th place, one point above Peterborough. There was some added tension as Rovers are managed by Grant McCann, who was a former player and manager of Peterborough before being sacked in 2018.

Pub Garden Party Trick

Day 5 and I am a quarter of the way through the walk 72 miles completed. Today's walk took me from Brooke just south of Oakham to Brampton Ash east of Market Harborough.

So far I've raised £255, for Macmillan Cancer Support, thank you to everyone for your support, if you haven't donated to this fantastic charity and would like to, you can do so here.

Oscar's Nose Causes Cyclists Near Death Experience!

Meg and Oscar

What a beautiful day for the start of the second section of my 290 mile Macmillan Way walk. I am walking in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, you can donate by following the link to my Just Giving Page here.

I started my walk from the Railway Inn, Ketton, where I left off at the end of the last stage, (I wonder if they ever solved the murder mystery?). Meg, my youngest daughter decided to join me on this leg of the walk, as part of her training for her Everest base camp trip. I'm not sure that she will have to deal with altitude sickness today, but the walk will be similar in distance to some of the trekking she will be doing. So off we went, one man, his daughter and of course Oscar the dog - plus of course the obligatory bag full of tennis balls.

What more could you want from a pub?

Hillsborough Hotel

Continuing my theme of great pubs with a great selection of real ale to visit on match days, one of my regular stopping off points is the Hillsborough  Hotel. It's a great pub with 7 well kept real ales and a cider. You always get a warm welcome, the food is good quality and fantastic value (try one of the home made pies or Sunday lunch). It's a pity it's so far away from Baston!

The pub is just up the hill from Kelham Island, and Hillsborough is a 20 minute walk away or just get the tram. its on the Yellow and Blue tram route, stop Langsett/Primrose View.

If you are in Sheffield and Love real ale or good pub food, then you have to visit, if you have a few too many, they also do accommodation. What more could you want from a pub!

Meyt n Tater Pie Heaven (Mt)*

I always say when we go to watch Wednesday that the football spoils a good day out and so it proved once again. The Baston Owls were out in force for a grand day out in the big city, to watch the Owls v Villa.

I always think that you shouldn't tempt fate by changing your routines on match day especially when we are getting towards the serious end of the season, but that's exactly what we did and I feel I should apologise to the Wednesday community out there as we could be to blame for the quite frankly disastrous 3-1 home defeat on the day.

3 Counties and the Funfair Caravan Park

We set off from Baston in glorious sunshine, although with a cool breeze (perfect walking weather), and found our way back to the Macmillan Way. I was familiar with this initial stretch having walked it many times. We passed through the hamlet of Obthorpe, Wilsthorpe and then headed towards Stamford. If someone had  previously said to me, come on lets walk to Stamford I would have thought they were off their rocker - mmmmm how times change!

The scenery was changing again as we left the Fens and the river Glen, the countryside is more undulating (I love that word) and after 2 days of walking we came to our first hill. At the summit we were at a head spinning altitude of 150ft above sea level, you'll be pleased to know, there was no altitude sickness experienced by man or dog.

To Guthram Gowt and Beyond

Surfleet Seas End

Well after my chafing experience yesterday, cycling shorts (under walking trousers, you'll be pleased to know) were the order of the day, I felt pretty good, but Oscar looked a broken spirit when I woke him up. Gradually as the morning progressed he started to fire on all cylinders, and by the time we were ready to set off from The Ship Inn at Surfleet Seas End, he was back to his usual self.

Today we started to follow the River Glen, as we headed more in land away from the Wash and salt marshes. The countryside changed, passing more villages and towns, fertile agricultural land and the scenery along the river was more picturesque.

One man, his dog and a bag full of balls.

The Dynamic Duo

Well I couldn't have asked for better weather as I started my 290 mile walk along the Macmillan Way. It's been a T shirt and suncream day - yep you read it right, 29th March and I had suncream on! I was loaded up with dog treats and for those of you who know Oscar, plenty of tennis balls, just in case!

Things didn't get off to a great start as I planned to climb the Boston Stump (bizarrely something I've always wanted to do) but it was closed for refurbishment and then as we set off, the first part of the Macmillan Way was closed, as they are rebuilding the sea defences. This was like a sign from God to pack in and find the nearest pub.

Baston - Thurlby - Obthorpe - Baston

Walk Description	Distance	7.9 miles
This is a variation on walk 7, its approx the same distance, but sends you back along the Macmillan way from Obthorpe, rather than walking to Wilsthorpe. Its as broad as it's long - so you decide.	Time	2 hours 40m
	Steps	n/a
	Difficulty	Leisurely
	Map Link	Local 7b

Thurlby Church

Starting at Baston Church with the Church on your left, walk towards Main Street. Cross over and turn left up Thurlby Avenue, when you reach the fields turn right and follow the path until you reach the track (North Meadow Road).

Turn left and follow the track all the way up to the stile, cross over, up the bank to the path at the side of the river. Turn left and follow the path all the way to Kates Bridge and the A15. At the A15 turn right along the side of the road for a short distance, past Cresslands, until you come to a sign for a permissive path off to your right, take this path.

Baston - Thurlby - Obthorpe - Wilsthorpe - Baston

Walk Description	Distance	7.9 miles
A nice circular walk mainly across fields, with some walking on minor roads. There is a small stretch walking alongside the A15. You have an option of a stop at the Horseshoe Pub in Thurlby, or the White Horse when you return to Baston.	Time	2 hours 45m
	Steps	15,162
	Difficulty	Leisurely
	Map Link	Local 7

Approaching Thurlby Church

Starting at Baston Church with the Church on your left, walk towards Main Street. Cross over and turn left up Thurlby Avenue, when you reach the fields turn right and follow the path until you reach the track (North Meadow Road).

Turn left and follow the track all the way up to the stile, cross over, up the bank to the path at the side of the river. Turn left and follow the path all the way to Kates Bridge and the A15. At the A15 turn right along the side of the road for a short distance, past Cresslands, until you come to a sign for a permissive path off to your right, take this path.

Baston - Obthorpe - Wilsthorpe - Baston

Walk Description	Distance	5.8 miles
A lovely walk that follows a section of the Macmillan Way From Baston to Wilsthorpe. The walk follows minor roads through Obsthorpe and Wilsthorpe, which reminded me a little bit of some of the quiet village roads in France with the fields on either side.	Time	2 hours
	Steps	12,292
	Difficulty	Leisurely
	Map Link	Local 6

Kates Bridge

Starting from Baston Church, with the Church on your left, walk to Main Street, cross over the road and turn left up Thetford Avenue.

At the end of Thetford Avenue, go through the gate turn immediately right and follow the path around the field until you reach North Meadow Road (track). Turn left and follow the track all the way to the stile. Cross the stile walk up the bank and turn left.

Follow the path (Macmillan Way) until you reach Kates Bridge, go over the stile and cross the A15 to a footpath on the opposite side of the road.

Baston - Greatford - Wilsthorpe - Baston

Walk Description	Distance	6.2 miles
A good circular walk mainly across fields but with some roads in Greatford and Wilsthorpe. You can stop off for a drink at the Hare & Hounds in Greatford or reward yourself for a job well done when you get back to the White Horse in Baston. (A variation of the walk is to walk to Braceborough from Greatford and walk through the farm to rejoin this walk at para 6 )	Time	2hr 15mins
	Steps	13,708
	Difficulty	Leisurely
	Map Link	Local 5

(1) Farm Building 

Setting off from Church Street, with the Church on your left, walk a short distance, when the road bends to the left, take the footpath on your right. Follow this path, past the new houses and onto the fields towards Langtoft.

Continue in a straight line, through a gate, go past the corrugated farm building on your right and walk along a narrow path with a fence on your right and a hedge to your left. You then cross a field, at the end of this field, turn right, and follow the path until you come to a wooden gate on your right. Go through the gate, turn left and walk alongside the A15 for a few yards until you see a metal gate and a footpath sign on the opposite side of the road. Cross the A15 and take this path. 

Win 'very steep' Hill

Walk in the High Peak
Yorkshire Bridge - Win Hill - Twitchill Farm - Aston - Yorkshire Bridge.

The walk (with a couple of off route diversions) was approx 7.5 miles and took us 3hours 45 mins.

Map 

Some of you know that Meg my youngest daughter is continuing her travels, and this year amongst several wonderful planned trips, she is walking to Everest base camp. She has been training hard but there aren't many hills in the Lincolnshire fens, so she decided to rope muggins here into her training plans. What started off as 'dad do you fancy completing the 3 peaks challenge', was gradually negotiated back to completing a walk in the peak district. Job done I thought.

Baston to Langtoft

Walk Description	Distance	2.6 miles
A lovely walk across the fields to Langtoft. I call this walk the Church to Church walk. Lovely on a summer evening to walk to the Wagon & Horses, or just great for a dog walk at any time .	Time	1 hour
	Steps	5702
	Difficulty	Leisurely
	Map Link	Local 4

From Baston Church head east and turn right down the path where Church Street bends to the left. Follow the path straight on past the new houses on the left. Once in the fields follow the path straight on past the corrugated shed on your right. At the end of the open field, turn right and follow the path around the edge of the field.

Follow the path around the allotments and keep going round the field until you come to the bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the path straight on, you will pass a playground on your left. Turn right up East End and walk to the end of the road, with the Church on your right and the Wagon & Horses on your left.

Baston to Wilsthorpe

Walk Description	Distance	1.8 miles
A nice easy circular walk to Wilsthorpe across fields	Time	40 mins
	Steps	4,075
	Difficulty	Leisurely
	Map Link	Local 3

From Baston Church head west past the White Horse Pub, on to Main Street. Cross the A15 and carry straight on along Greatford Road. At King Street look for the wooden bridge, just to your right, cross the road and go over the bridge.

Follow the path straight on and at the end of the first field follow the yellow way marker sign to the right. Follow the path round the field, past the copse on your right until you come to another wooden bridge. Cross the bridge turn immediate left and follow the path through some trees until you reach Wilsthorpe Lane.

Baston to Hacks Drove

Walk Description	Distance	3.2 miles
This walk runs alongside the new lakes created following the recent quarrying. It doesn't take long for the wildlife to return, and it's a lovely walk with swans ducks and geese aplenty.	Time	1hr 10mins
	Steps	6680
	Difficulty	Leisurely
	Map Link	Local 2

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Baston to the Macmillan Way

Walk Description	Distance	3 miles
A nice easy walk that takes you from Baston village to the river Glen, where you join the Macmillan Way. Once on this path you can also follows local walks 5&6 or just walk along the river.	Time	1 hour
	Steps	6,056
	Difficulty	Leisurely
	Map Link	Local 1

Starting from Baston Church, walk east to Main Street, cross over the road and go up Thetford Avenue on your left. At the end of Thetford Avenue, go through the gate turn immediately right and follow the path around the field until you reach North Meadow Road (track).

Turn left and walk up the track. You will do a slight 'shimmy' to the right where another track crosses, but just keep heading north until you reach the stile.

Go over the stile and up the bank to the river you are now on the Macmillan Way. If you turn left there is a nice walk that takes you to the A15, and if you turn right you are heading towards the Baston Nature Reserve.