Fort William - Inverness - John O' Groats - Aviemore - Edinburgh
You don't get skies like this in W1.
John O'Groats is a miserable place, not worth the trip, except for the sake of the trip. This was the only interesting building I could find for miles around.
This is apparently a fantastic sweet shop. Sadly closed when I was there.
They are clearly continuing to practise some form of alchemy in Edinburgh. With some success.
Portmeirion - Morecambe - Largs - Fort William
Morecambe is a place of many great cafes and signs. Photos to follow. I was depressed to see the state of the Midland Hotel. We stayed there once in the 80s during a period of revival, it was shabby then, but at least it was a going concern. Looks very bleak now.
Nardini's is a massive and splendid place in Largs (or The Largs).
Stayed at the Grand Hotel in Fort William, not the warmest welcome, but a place nicely untouched by updates.
Tenby - New Quay - Aberystwyth - Machynlleth - Criccieth - Llanbedrog - Pwllheli - Porth Neigwl - Portmeirion
Check out this brilliant place - the National Milk Bar in Mchynlleth. And this great chippy/grill in Aberystwyth.
The incredibly tasteful National Trust beach huts at Llanbedrog Beach.
Cardiff - Barry Island - Llantwit Major - The Mumbles - Castlemartin - Angle - Tenby
The people of Barry Island are clearly extremely rationalist - they've erected a massive monument to their Darwinism.
Splendid chippy in Tenby owned by the Fecci family - who seem to have Tenby stitched up for ice-cream and chips. Though there's also this great beach cafe.
Driving around Castlemartin can be startling.
very nice, driving down the m4 into the setting sun, chasing the planes
taking off from heathrow.
Back in the Peak District again, after a ridiculous drive from the Isle Of Wight. But playing in the woods of Padley Gorge was well worth it. (My family are lurking in there somewhere.)
Breakfast at Grindleford Station.
And a bracing trip to Curbar Edge.
Hill walking. The British holiday the weather can't spoil. Aah July.
Went for a wonder around Sandown, took in the signs.
Who'd have thought? NGOs on the seafront?
We repeat. This is not a toy.
Things to do with a beach when you can't just lie on it.
1. Kites.
2. Construct an elaborate tunnel network and drive vehicles through it.
3. Jumping.
4. Abandon the pretence and head for the funfair.
We liked the Isle Of Wight, though it wasn't like the seaside. It was more like Croydon with beaches. It's not all quaint and strange like the seaside normally is. It seems to be more big suburban houses with beaches where the shopping centres would be.