Sisters

When people find out I'm one of so many girls the reaction is often the same - "Your poor Dad, surrounded by all those women!" - which I generally refute by pointing out that he never had to lift a finger; from his boots being polished to having eleventy billion cups of tea made for him per day.

Poor me more like! Can you imagine the cattiness of that household?! From stolen belongings, blackmail, Chinese burns, blackmail, fighting over bedrooms, practical jokes, mental warfare, hand-me- down clothes, an abundance of PMT and not forgetting blackmail - it was a perilous environment to say the least.

To my older siblings I was a source of slave labour and amusement - a tradition passed down to each generation. In fairness to my eldest sister Emma, she was a surrogate mum to me for periods - but the terror she rained down on the others I could not even put into print - Girls are evil!
There were times when I was young that if someone had offered me £50 on the street for my little sister I would have strongly considered it, such was the extent of our rivalry, and I know my older sister Ali felt exactly the same about me when I was trailing round after her.

But do you know what happens when you get older?  You realise that they are the people with whom you have the most shared memories. You can grieve and celebrate with them for things lost and gained that other people would never understand - and they have crap loads of embarrassing stories about you so you need to keep them on side.
These gals become your best friends.
Even though your fashion tastes and lifestyles may have diverged dramatically, they have your back through relationships gone sour, house moves with no notice, crying phone calls at all hours of the day. They become your drinking buddies, your most avid social media followers and the faces you want to see when good stuff happens.

Even those you don't see as often as you'd like; you know that when shit truly hits the fan they'll be at your side, helping bury the dead body.

The top picture is a tattoo my baby sister (former nemesis) and I got recently to commemorate each other, and to celebrate all the crap we've helped each other through when times were bad; the laughs we've had when times were good and all the swings we've swung on, drunk and sober!

The next picture is me with my beautiful sisters - every one of them strong and amazing queens in their own way.

Love you girls. xxxxxx

Holly x

5 of the Best Bike Rides on the Wirral and Surrounding Area

Hello again :) As I'm sure you've guessed by now, I'm a fan of bike rides. I should start by stating that by bike rides I don't mean Road Bike cycling and I wouldn't describe myself as a 'cyclist'; which implies a level of all-weather dedication that I don't have! 
If you are the kind of legend that likes to ride 100K in a day on a bike worth more than a car; daubed head to toe in lycra and sporting a Go-Pro - then power to you! But this post is not really for you, it would bore you...

It's for people like me who don't like traffic, but do like picnics and views and cushioned bike seats and stop offs for refreshment of the alcoholic variety - Pleasure Rides if you will. It's for people with bikes like the little beauty below. 

Below are my personal favourites when it comes to 'Pleasure Rides' on the Wirral and the surrounding areas... Enjoy!


1)New Brighton to Hoylake - approx 14m round trip 

I do this route from where I live all the time but of course if you live at the other end of the Wirral you can do it in reverse! 

The official cycle path starts behind Bubbles World of Play on the New Brighton front (5 mins down the hill from the train station) and ends by Leasowe beach at which point you just follow the promenade. The prom comes to an end near the The Parade Community Centre in Hoylake. From here you can see Hilbre Island and Little Eye and out across to the welsh hills. 

As it's on the west side of the peninsula it's a great route on which to see the sunset. The Derby Pool Harvester is en route at Harrison Drive for a cheeky pint 😉

2) Hooton to West Kirby - approx 25m round trip

An understandably popular area for walkers, cyclists and families; this route follows the Wirral circular trail along arguably the prettiest of Wirral's coast lines on the Dee estuary. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery with a drink/picnic - my favourite of which is Parkgate - famous for it's ice cream and eateries. 

 If you get the train to Hooton follow the signs for Willaston village around 10 minutes away, which is where you'll find the entrance to the Wirral Way. Hooton to Willaston is via Hooton Rd but the rest of this route is traffic-less. Though this is a 25m round trip I like to end the ride in the White Lion pub in West Kirby (12.5m) which has tons of character and a boss beer garden. You can then either jump on the train home from here or carry on to rejoin the coastal path at Hoylake.

3) New Brighton to Otterspool Prom - approx 17m round trip

This route has the best of both worlds when it comes to scenery; from the Wirral side you get to see the iconic Liverpool skyline and from across the river the greenery of the peninsular. Ferries across the Mersey run frequently but try to avoid the 'river cruise' ones and ask for a direct ticket or you'll get stung for a tenner - unless of course you a visitor to the area and want a river cruise.

The route itself is fairly self explanatory, just stick to the promenade on both sides of the river. Enjoyable rest stops include the Magazines pub in New Brighton and the Brittania Inn on Riverside Drive on the other side of the river but if you're sightseeing in the area this is a great route past some great landmarks such as the famous Liver Buildings and Albert Dock.

4)Chester to Connah's Quay  - approx. 16.6m round trip 

Away from the Mersey and over to the Dee for our next route, this South Wirral to North Wales ride goes via route 5 of the Sustran's National Cycle Network,. Once on the disused railway from Chester into Wales, this is a traffic free route and can be linked up with a ride along the River Dee on the way back.

After getting to Chester City Centre (train/drive) navigate to  

Northgate Avenue at the rear of Northgate Arena (around the corner from the Northgate Arms pub 😉)and join the disused railway at the rear. As this route is slightly less straight forward here are the full details: Full Route Directions  - It is worth it I promise! The route follows mostly farmland and peaceful waterways and ends near Harwarden Bridge for rail connections. If driving it may be better to do the route in reverse as there is a free car park at Connah's Quay but a pay-and-display at Chester Northgate!

5) Liverpool Loop Line - approx 26m round trip

To any Scousers mortally offended that I'm describing Liverpool as a surrounding area of the Wirral, I'm sorry! 

I didn't want to exclude this route and '4 of the Best Bike Rides on the Wirral and 1 in Liverpool' just didn't have the same ring to it. Anyhoo...

You can join this fantastic route at either end depending how north or south you live but I find it easier to get to the Aintree end and back from where I live in New Brighton. 

Photograph: gooleimages

From Aintree Train Station follow this route to Roosevelt Drive - a 4 min ride max and you'll find the start of the loop line. This route has mixed reviews as it covers so many different parts of Liverpool, including some where broken glass and rubbish is abundant on the trail, but I've never read anything about people experiencing trouble and I've only encountered friendly people. 

The actual trail is traffic free and surrounded by trees and general greenery  - it certainly does not feel like riding through a city!

So there it is - I hope you enjoy these scenic rides as much as I do! I'm always looking for new routes to so let me know your favourites, traffic free preferably!

Holly x

Turning 30 (Reluctantly)

I knew I would never turn 30 with the dignity and grace that my friends have. Being one of the youngest in my friendship group from school I've watched them reach this mile stone one by one - (in sheer disbelief that I've known these people nearly 20 years!) and trying my damnedest to deny the passage of time that would eventually lead me here too.

I know my friends and followers who are over 30/40/50 and beyond are probably scoffing at the dramatics and may even be closing this window as we speak - and I do genuinely apologise. If you're still reading - I promise that once this week is over I will get over myself, pull up my big girl pants and crack on - after all life will not wait for me to catch up.

However, I must admit I am freaking out a little.

Not as badly as I thought I'd be mind; I'm not the weeping or rocking in the corner with a box of wine and my childhood photo albums. However I am reminiscent of a youth not particularly well spent (who's was?) and obsessing over wasted time I'll never get back. And I don't buy into that bullshit of having no regrets because they 'make us who we are'  - if they invent that machine from Eternal Sunshine I will be all over that mofo.

But onward and upwards right? Friends I have who are in their 30s say it's the best time of their lives, friends I have in their 40s say their 40s have been the best time of their lives so I guess its only on the up from here!
I made one of those '10 things before 30' lists which has been pretty much a disaster; so I'm re-writing it to be my '10 things before 33' as I've always been one to do things in my own sweet time, as my boyfriend and work punctuation records will testify!
OJ  -I'm almost never late 😉

So here it is, along with the current progress status!

1) Learn a new language - I did go to German classes and got an app on my phone. If you ever need to ask where a train station is I'm your gal.

2) Learn to play Joni Mitchell on guitar - again I did start classes! My chord progressions are coming along nicely but the likeliness of going from that to 'A case of you' in 4 days are slim to none.

3) Buy a house. Almost there :) 4-5 months to go.

4) Go to the Galapagos islands.  - Not done it. No plans, no financial prospects of doing so right now. But who knows - I've got 3 years!

5) Go to Africa - I've been to Morocco so technically this is ticked off, but the Africa I have in my head is still on the list, which is basically Chad - don't ask me why but I really want to go to Chad.

6) Have good hair. Progress: 😐

7) Get published... this one was probably a little ambitious since I've only started this blog in the last month let a lone built up the courage to go any further - but I feel like I'm on the right track.

8) Do a masters degree - Progress: On hold for now 😢

9) Learn to drive - I say this every year. This could be the one, you never know!

10) Get back to size 10. Enough said.

I won't list all the things I have achieved, but aside from the above the last three years have been the best of my life without a doubt.
So I'm going to try really hard to say goodbye to my 20s with a lighter heart!

See you on the other side!

Holly x

A Poem to Celebrate no More Deployments for AGES!!

So my better half; (he really is) my best mate, my soul mate and my partner and traveller I crime is as some of you know in the Royal Navy.

Today he  starts a course down south as he's been promoted to a higher rank. What this means for us as a couple is that he will be home EVERY WEEKEND for the next 14-18 months - yes that's right, NO MORE DEPLOYMENTS for absolutely ages. To celebrate this fact, and the fact that I'm so immensely proud of him, I thought I'd share a poem that I wrote when he was going on his first deployment a couple of years ago - an experience that was hell, heaven and a huge learning curve for us as a military family.
I'm sure there will be many more posts in the future about this subject that won't be as pleasant so for now - enjoy! Let me know what you think, honestly!


To My Best Friend

When there's a storm in your mind
I'll shelter you,
and if you want to create on, I'll be along
for the ride.
If my heart is breaking, I will wait for you;
When I've forgotten what you smell like,
I will wait for you.

If we're living different hours and paths, I'll wait for yours to fork
with mine once more; and
if I have to re-learn you 100 times,
then I'm luckier than those who only ever got to
learn you once.

H.W


Thanks for reading!

Holly x

Reasons to Visit Langollen

 

For those of you that may not know, or are not local, Llangollen (pronounced Clan-Goth-Len(ish)) is a market town in North Wales and one of my favourite places in the world.

I've lost count of how many times I've been here and this blog features some of my latest trip there and the many reasons I keep going back.

1. It's so easy to get to from the Wirral. Though it feels a million miles away, it's only a relatively short journey - just over an hour to drive via either the M53 and A483 or you can take the scenic route via the stunning Horse Shoe Pass. If like me, you don't drive you can still get there in less than two hours by taking a train to Ruabon via Chester and then a short bus journey (or bike ride!) or from Bidston to Wrexham and then a slightly longer bus ride.

2. It's beautiful. I wasn't kidding when I said it feels like it's a million miles away; nestled in the Dee Valley it is surrounded by hills and forests with the River Dee flowing through the middle of the town centre. Not too far outside of town there is the Horse Shoe Falls - the point at which the river is diverted into the world famous Llangollen Canal. The ancient ruins of Dinas Bran Castle  overlooks the town and is easily accessed.

3. It's peaceful. Any time I've had shit going on in my life I've headed here. Even though it is a tourist hotspot for families, bikers, mountain climbers and international travellers alike; moments of solitude can always be found and the surroundings alone are amazing for the soul. A walk in the hills, down the endless miles of canal paths, or even just around the many little vintage, antique and delicatessen shops in town is great for clearing your head and getting the working week or the city off your skin.

4. There is loads to do! For a small town it packs a lot in. Whether you're a solo traveller, a couple or a family you can not get bored here. Outdoor activities like mountain climbing and white water rafting would satisfy the more adventurous, and those after a quieter break can walk, paddle or cycle. There are tons of cafes, restaurants (and pubs! so many pubs!) and always something going on. Last week was the international Eisteddfod music festival; this week while we were there it was Llangollen Fringe, with loads of musical, comedy and crafty events going on. In winter months it is pretty much guaranteed snow - an activity in itself!

 

My Favourite Spots/Stuff To Do: 

 

Plas Newydd: The House of the 'Ladies of Llangollen'

 

 

This gorgeous house was home to the Ladies of Llangollen, Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, from 1780 - 1829. They became celebrated throughout the country as the story of their 'friendship' spread through Regency Society. The grounds of the house include a small woodland with a cute stream and gothic stone bridges - boss for poo sticks! Pictured here is a circle of druid stones brought to the house in 1908; a beautiful spot for a picnic.

 

Llangollen Canal Path

 

 

As mentioned earlier, these beautiful paths are great for a walk or bike ride (that arse in the distance is me!) Take a picnic and a bottle of your chosen tipple and set up camp at one of the picturesque spots all along here. It follows the Dee so literally and goes on forever; me and my better half followed these for over 30k last summer and never saw sight of the end. You can rent bikes in the town but there is also a (cheaper!) company that will deliver a bike to where you are staying and pick it back up after 4 or 8 hours - HireCycles2Go - they don't have their own website but google and the phone number is on a few different sites. I always get a Dutch style and my partner a mountain bike but they've got road bikes too.

 

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

 

 

Follow the canal path (or drive) 5k down and you'll come to the small village of Trevor, home to the Telford pub. A nice beer garden and good for a rest stop(it does food too.) The pub is named for the architect of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. An amazing spot for photos of the Dee Valley, it is the oldest and longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest in the world! Selfie sticks at the ready! you can take a narrow boat journey along it or just walk down the (quite narrow) tow path.

 

Finally...

 

There are so many other things I could say about this great town but I've been waffling for ages now! I'll leave you with the below; the faery doors me and my OH guerrilla-decorated the canal path with - see a future blog for how we made them!

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading and visit soon!

Holly x

First Post Dread

So I created this blog almost two weeks ago...

Since then I have built up to this first post so much that at this point I just need to write any old shit and get it out there just to get it over with and get started.
It's not like many people are even going to read this one right?

So I've always wanted to be a writer and the first step towards that is actually writing and the second is just putting myself out there and letting people read what I have to say about life, love, travel, being a navy wag, working in the third sector by day and a bar by night - and generally trying to traverse life after my 20s!

Couple of content warnings:

1) I swear a lot (sorry Mum and Mum in law)
2) I love travel and I love talking about it
3) You'll have to read my poetry
4) I rant about things, especially when my other half is away, which is a lot.

Other than that this blog is just me, and I'm really looking forward to writing for all of you kind enough to follow me, and will embrace any feedback (apart from unnecessary trolling of course.)

Happy reading!

Holly x