Thursday, 29 September 2011

I KNOW IT LOOKS DAUNTING  
BUT THESE ARE WHAT IS FORMING MY SUPPLEMENT FOR THE GAURDIAN.  EACH HIGHLIGHTED WORD SHOWS POTENTIAL IMAGERY.

Booby’s Bay, Cornwall (PDF 303KB)
A booby is a seabird closely related to the gannet and can be seen diving off-shore in stormy weather which might explain the name. This four mile walk takes the walker popular stretch of the north Cornish coast offers walkers stunning views across Constantine Bay and onwards to the lighthouse at Trevose Head. There is the chance to see some rare species of bird and plant life, and hidden coves.

Windy Gap, Leith Hill, Surrey (PDF 613KB)
Although now covered in trees, in the past Windy Gap was heathland and unsheltered at 300m above sea level. An exhilarating two mile walk across the highest point in south-east England, which has been a popular picnic spot since the 19th century. Take in the 360 degree views from Leith Hill Tower where on a clear you can see up to 13 counties and on the southern slopes of Leith Hill, the wood is a mass of colour in spring and early summer.

Slapper's Rock, North Helford, Cornwall (PDF 339KB)
The rock may well be named after the sound of the sea hitting it and slap in Old English meant a ‘slippery muddy place’ that could well have an influence on its name. The four mile walk runs east of the valleys of the National Trust’s Glendurgan Garden, and next to Helford River, is a mixture of woodland and cliff-top, wildflower-rich fields. You can spot wild thyme, heathers, orchids, dog violets and sea campion growing here and a variety of wartime structures as during the Second World War the Helford River was the base for operations against German-occupied Europe.

The Nostrils, Isle of Wight (PDF 521KB)
In ancient times the chalk downs which form the central spine of the Island were thought to resemble a dragon, with its tail being The Needles and its head at Bembridge Foreland. Below Culver Cliff, a small cove called The Nostrils supposedly forms part of the creature’s head. This short, but energetic coastal walk of just less than three miles will give you a fascinating insight into the Isle of Wight’s role in wartime defence and intelligence. It is also rich in wildlife with Peregrine Falcons and Chalkhill Blue butterflies lurking around the cliffs and spectacular views over Sandown and Whitecliff Bays.

Scrubby Bottoms, Pembrokeshire (PDF 362KB)
Scrubby Bottoms is so called because of its location at the bottom of the valley and the large amount of scrub (vegetation dominated by shrubs). On this half a mile short circular route around the woodland there are a variety of habitats, including sedge-covered wetland and a ridge lined with Monterey pines. Volunteers have made a huge difference to improving access in Scrubby Bottoms, with groups putting new boardwalks in place and local school children have helped to clear the bracken here, to enable new saplings to grow.

Kiss me Arse Steps, Lansallos, Cornwall (PDF 319KB)
The origins of the name are somewhat mysterious but it is believed to have been coined from the steep steps which on ascending would result in the person in front you having their posterior close to your face.
This walk of three miles takes the walker along a magnificent stretch of coastline with the natural splendour of secluded coves and beaches. Slightly inland, the soft rolling hills separate the coast from farmland and the sunken lane at Lansallos Cove conjures up images of smugglers and wreckers hauling carts laden with contraband.


Pisser Clough, Hardcastle Crags, Yorkshire (PDF 339KB)
Clough comes from the Old English ‘cloh’ meaning dell, while it is believed the pisser part of the place name may derive from ‘pissant’, meaning insignificant and slang for an ant. The Northern Hairy Wood Ant is found in large numbers at Pisser Clough. This steep two mile walk through the valleys of Hardcastle Crags offers stunning riverside views while the oak, beech and pine woods are full of tumbling streams. Look for dippers, heron and grey wagtails on the river and woodpecker, jay, nuthatch and goldcrest in the woods. Dragonflies hover over the millponds in spring and summer.

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