I love to dance, walk and ride bikes. I also enjoy shopping for clothes in in charity shops, though on one occasion I bought a teddy bear called Horace instead!
I was jolly pleased to hear the humans say that they could take me along with them on The Supermarket Slay Ride. The purpose of the ride was to collect food from supermarkets for a charity, The Trussell Trust, to create Christmas hampers for humans that don’t have much money at the moment. I was ready to go before the humans!
The ride was organised by All Terre Adventures. All taking part met in the Small Goods cafe at Temple Meads.
Everyone was given a shopping list, and the remit was to buy at least 5 items each while on the ride.
After cycling for about an hour we stopped for brunch at Warmley Waiting Room, a lovely cafe situated on the Bristol – Bath cycle path.
Dr Who had left his tardis at Warmley Station! I didn’t see him there though.
The ride was quite long for a small bear, 28 miles mostly on cycle paths around Bristol. Here I am in Stoke Park with The Dower House behind me.
When we were nearing the end of the ride we stopped to get the shopping.
Mince pies; yum yum yum….
Tinned vegetables, they will keep and are easy to cook.
I collected up quite a few items on the list and took them to the checkout.
At the end of the ride I climbed up and put all the things that we had bought on the table where everything was being collected.
Lots of food had been collected, which will make festive meals for quite a few humans.
After a journey over hills and down country lanes I arrived at The Hunter’s Inn, a splendid old hotel situated in the Heddon Valley in North Devon.
I always like to test the comfiness of the bed when I arrive anywhere. This bed was good.
I looked out of the bathroom window and was pleased to see that it had finally stopped raining.
After a look at myself in the mirror it was time to go out and explore.
The stream outside of the hotel was in full flow, with the water brownish in colour due to picking up mud as it gushed down the valley after the heavy rain.
I climbed up onto an arched bridge for a photo, but had to be very careful not to fall in (a hidden human was holding onto my foot just in case…)
The river had tremendous power rushing towards the sea down through the Heddon Valley.
It was a tad windy at Heddons Mouth. I was at risk of getting blown away so a human held on to me for this photo!
I tried to shelter in the lime kiln but it was fenced off….
I found a suitable overhanging rock instead, which got me out of the wind for a while!
Back at The Hunter’s Inn I enjoyed a nice mug of tea and biscuits.
The following morning I got to meet the resident peacock, apparently he is called Colin, but I doubt that he knows that…
Humans often have three course breakfasts in hotels. I decided to give it a go, starting with fruit and muesli…..
…….followed by full English vegetarian breakfast……
…..finished off with honey on toast. I only had one piece of toast as there was a danger that my jumper would get stretched too much. I didn’t need any more food for the day.
Before making our way back to Bristol where I live we did a walk from Valley of the Rocks to Lynton. The scenery is all very beautiful.
Here I am aboard Cardiff Cruises ‘Lewis Alexander’ at Penarth Barrage in Cardiff Bay, about to set off across the sea to visit Flat Holm, a very small island in the middle of the Bristol Channel.
The Barrage is a huge lock gate that maintains the level of water in Cardiff Bay.
Some other vessels went throught at the same time as us.
The scenery as we went out was quite industrial.
It wasn’t long before Flat Holm Island came into sight.
A map of the island was passed around for the perusal of the passengers.
After landing we set off to explore the island. We joined a tour but you can just wander around on your own if preferred.
The lighthouse is at one end of the island. It isn’t possible to go inside but still interesting to look at from outside.
There are lots of solar panels to provide the electricity as there is no mains power on the island.
Flatholm has no fresh water supply. Rainwater is collected from a sloped terrace that runs into a tank at the bottom.
In the 1860s Queen Victoria & Prince Albert were concerned that the French Navy might attack and a series of forts were built known as Palmerston Forts (the building was directed by Lord Palmerston). Big guns were hidden in pits (Moncrief pits) that could be pushed up to fire then would come down again when the gun recoiled. They were never actually used in wartime and were later replaced by anti-aircraft guns in the 2nd World War. Here I am sat on one of the Victorian guns next to a Moncrief pit.
I decided to have a look inside the pit too.
Not much to see, and I had to hurry out as the rest of the group had continued on the tour!
There is a lovely view of Steep Holm from Flat Holm. I would like to go to Steep Holm but due to tides you have to stay on the island for 12 hours which is quite a long time on a small island.
I rejoined the group to go to the next point of interest.
This odd structure is a monument commemorating the work of Marconi. According to the guide no one really knew where to put it when it was delivered by helicopter back in the 1980s, and it was finally dropped here. The first radio transmission across water took place in 1897 from Flat Holm.
There is a big ruined building, the remains of an isolation hospital that was used to house sailors with patients in the late 19th century. Before it was built tents were used.
There are a couple of beaches on the island. Sometimes humans visiting in specially organised group trips swim in the sea.
The farmhouse has been converted into bunk rooms and a flat where the island warden lives.
The foghorn hasn’t been sounded since 1984.
It is huge and looks like it would make a very loud noise.
I think I would fit inside of the fog horn!
The building next to the foghorn is now a holiday cottage. It sleeps up to 6 people and costs £100 a night to stay in.
I climbed up to have a peep in through a window It looked quite nice inside (no one staying there so all very tidy).
It was lunchtime, there is a pub called ‘The Gull & Leek’ in the old barracks, where we got mugs of tea. I sat and ate my packed lunch in a shady spot opposite next to the fire buckets.
Before we left I had a quick look in the museum which is also housed in the barracks.
The time on the island passed very quickly and it was soon time for us to go back.
I was last back on the boat!
Bye bye Flat Holm…
I really enjoyed my Flat Holm Island adventure, including the boat trip there and back.
To begin, humans must not do same as me and sit next to the big cannon, it isn’t allowed. Teddy bears can sometimes do things that humans cannot…
From inside of Dartmouth Castle there are lovely views of the River Dart.
I sat on a small cannon. These were used to defend Dartmouth hundreds of years ago. A sign said some of them had more recently been used as traffic bollards before being returned to the castle.
Inside the castle there is a replica of a very old gun. Guns like this were used to fire through openings in the wall at floor level over 600 years ago.
Soldiers used to wear very heavy iron helmets to protect their heads in battle.
I tried on all of the helmets in the display and nearly disappeared under the bascinet helmet…
I was too bothered about the low headroom going up the stairs, as I am rather short.
I emerged at the top for a photograph. My human is usually really good at not getting other humans in my photos, but unfortunately a human emerged from the tower at the exact moment the photo was taken!
I had a walk about and looked at the beautiful surrounding views.
In the 1500s a heavy iron chain used during times of war. It was placed across the estuary going from Dartmouth Castle to another castle over the other side to stop enemy ships from coming into Dartmouth.
I had to go very carefully back down the spiral stairs.
The Gunpowder pot looked a bit dangerous but the sign clearly said to open the barrel!
Nothing exploded, not even a bang, but there was some useful information about gunpower hidden inside.
I went outside hoping to get down to the water, but was stopped by a ‘no entry’ sign.
Once we left the castle I did get to sit by the water in Castle Cover, which is a little walk along from the castle.
We went back to Dartmouth on ferry boat.
It was a splendid boat ride sitting in the late summer sunshine in a very picturesque setting.
I took old Growler and Nye along with me to stay in Longbarrow Windmill, which is situated in a field a few miles from Torquay.
We were very excited as we went through the front door.
On the ground floor we found a kitchen and a comfy sofa.
We climbed the stairs to the first floor….
…. and found the bedroom.
The windmill has very thick walls. We climbed up and looked out the bedroom window.
After another flight of stairs we found the bathroom.
The last flight of stairs up to the top was very steep for bears with short legs.
We made it to the top where there are wonderful views all around.
There was a newspaper article on the wall which included a photo of Long Barrow Windmill before the current owners bought it and converted it to a holiday home. There wasn’t much left of it in 1999!
While we were at the top of the windmill on several occasions we saw house martins flying around, they seemed to be looking in the windows.
Growler & Nye enjoyed reading a book all about Devon windmills.
At the top of the windmill it is possible to see the sun set on one side and rise on the other.
Here we are watching the sun set over Dartmoor.
We got up very early the following day to see the sun rise over Torbay.
It was a misty morning and the fields looked as though they were full of fluffy cottonwool.
We went out into the field to get a closer look…
Here we are with the sun rising behind us.
On our last day the humans went out walking so we decided to have a teddy bear’s picnic sat outside in the sunshine.
A splendid place indeed for a picnic…
We were sad to leave but felt very happy to have experienced staying in a windmill.
The humans were looking for somewhere to get a cup of tea while driving through Tiverton when they say signs to Knightshayes. We found a rather lovely place.
To stretch the legs we all went for a wander around the walled garden. The banana plants looked very much at home in the sunshine.
There were also lots of beautiful white Japanese anemones
Red hot pokers were in flower too.
Next we found the house, which reminded me a little of Tyntesfield. Knightshayes was built in the gothic revival style of architecture similar to Tyntesfield in the 1870s. It belonged to the Heathcote – Amory family and built to face their lace making factory which is down in valley. It was given to the National Trust in 1972.
Instead of walking down all the steps I decided to rolypoly down the grass bank. I enjoy a bit of rolypolying. I think I may have just invented a new word!
I had a good look at the gorgeous pink water lilies.
While sat at the edge of the haha I watched the sheep. Way in the distance not visible in the photo is the lace making factory, which apparently is today used to make parachutes.
There had been an outdoor cinema event at Knightshayes the previous day, and a competition to win a holiday.
I climbed up into the giant chair for my humans to take a photo of me to enter in the competition.
Here is my competition entry photo. The winner will be chosen at random so will just be luck whoever wins. It would be a fantastic adventure if I do win a trip to the Caribean!
There were quite a few dragonflies hovering around the pond in the gardens, but catching them on a mobile phone camera is near impossible so here is a photo of me instead!
The cafe used to be stables and also built in gothic revival style.
Coffee and walnut cake. Yum yum yum….
Do visit Knightshayes if you are in the area. I found the inside of the house to be rather gloomy but the outside and the gardens are all lovely and very peaceful.
We called in at Carding Mill Valley (National Trust) while travelling through Shropshire just to see what was there, and discovered a really beautiful place.
The Valley was just waiting to be explored so off we went to find the waterfall, Light Spout.
The path followed the stream and involved in places climbing over rocks.
Finally Light Spout came into sight. It was quite a hot day but felt refreshingly cool sitting next to the waterfall.
Once at the top of the hill there was a beautiful view of the valley and a friendly sheep.
After walking back down to the valley we took the route to the reservoir and found a pool that humans were allowed to swim in.
At the cafe which is at the bottom of the valley I enjoyed a tasty cheese scone, but must admit it needed a little chutney on it really.
While sat eating the scone I watched the butterflies on a nearby buddleia bush.
Carding Mill Valley and the surrounding area is really beautiful. There were lots of children playing in the stream at the bottom of the valley and some swimming in the reservoir, so would be a great place for a family day out as well as somewhere to go walking.
My Ironbridge adventure began at The Water Rat Inn, which is on the outskirts of Ironbridge.
After checking in I stretched my legs in the garden, which is right next to the River Severn.
For a few moments I thought that the Bridge just along from The Water Rat was The Ironbridge. On closer inspection it definitely wasn’t. The Bridge below is the Albert Edward Bridge built 85 years after the Ironbridge in 1864!
While out exploring with the humans I found The Ironbridge! It was built in 1779; the first iron bridge in the world.
I had a peep at the river through the railings on each side of the bridge.
After walking a couple of miles along the river we arrived at the China works which looked very interesting but wasn’t open as we got there quite late.
On the road leading to Ironbridge we found remains of the Bedlam furnaces. They were built in 1756 and used coke to smelt iron at very high temperatures.
A very large bear lives at the Ironbridge Interiors shop at the Merrythought Village. He is called Dane and made me feel rather small.
After exploring it was good to have a rest on the comfy bed.
The next morning I enjoyed a yummy cooked breakfast.
After breakfast I set off to find some more small bears like me. Merrythought bears are made in Ironbridge.
Unfortunately the shop and museum wasn’t open while I was there. There were lots of small bears waiting for homes in the window.
Some very big bears too!
The humans were going to visit Blists Hill Victorian Town outdoor museum. It is a couple of miles from Ironbridge centre so I climbed into the bear carrier to get there. The walk involved going uphill through the woods so I was glad to have a lift.
Blists Hill is a recreated Victorian Shropshire town.
At the admission desk people are given a newspaper with information and a map of the site.
At the entrance to the town I met the policeman. We had a nice chat about where I was from so I told him all about me being originally from Alresford in Hampshire.
In Victorian times coal was very important. Here I am on the coal merchants cart. I did make sure it wasn’t covered in coal dust before climbing up!
In the bike store I climbed up onto a Hercules Artisan. I think it needed a good clean and a service.
Next I called in at Bryan the Draper’s shop.
There was selection of caps, with one in my size so I tried it on. I think it suits me!
The grocer’s shop looked interesting so after posing for a photo I went in to have a look round.
The cash register was enormous; nothing like the computerised tills that shops have nowadays.
Next stop was the Chemist shop that had interesting items in the window.
We have a stone hot water bottle a bit like the one in the window. When we used to have a rabbit it was filled with hot water and used to heat the rabbit hutch in winter.
Inside there were many strange creams and potions. I think my face looks a bit crooked in the reflection.
The dentist’s chair looked very well worn.
I must admit I wasn’t keen to sit in the chair until a lovely lady suggested I should try it. She had a quick look at my teeth and said they were all in excellent condition and reminded me not to eat too many sweets.
Next I was lured to the the sweetshop by the window display.
I was about to buy a bag of pear drops, then remembered the words of the dentist so quickly left the sweetshop.
The fair was in town and I watched the brightly painted horses (and chickens) go up and down as the carousel went round and round.
I had a ride on one called ‘Manto’ and had to hold on tight as he went up and down.
Afterwards I said “Hello” to Flash, who was waiting to give rides to small children.
I had a rest outside a little cottage with tin bath hung up outside.
The outside toilet was next to the pig stye. Things were very different for humans in Victorian times and have changed massively in the last 150 years.
We had a long walk back to Ironbridge but this time it was down the hill. Here I am on the other side of the very famous bridge.
There are lots of museums in Ironbridge but we only had time to visit one!
My human found room for me in one of her bicycle panniers enabling me to go from Bristol to Devizes on an off-road bicycle adventure. I stayed tucked inside the pannier as the bicycle rolled along the Bristol to Bath cycle path until I heard the sound of a steam train. I got out very quickly and managed to wave to all the people on board.
My human stopped for me to pop up again at the entrance to the first of The Two Tunnels. Trains used to use the tunnels many years ago but now they are for cyclists and walkers.
I had a peep through the tunnel before climbing back into the pannier to be transported through.
After emerging from the 2nd tunnel, which is a kilometre long, we stopped for a picnic lunch.
The humans pedalled on following signs for Bradford on Avon. At Monkton Coombe they had to take the bicycles down steps that go through the school. I got out of the pannier to get a closer look at the cricket pavilion which is thatched and very pretty.
We got onto the canal path at Brassknocker Basin. I do like that name!
Just along from the basin the canal goes over the river Avon on the Dundas Aqueduct.
I peered over the edge to see the river running underneath. There is something fascinating about aqueducts.
With me back in the pannier the humans pedalled away until we arrived at Bradford on Avon. It was refreshment time so we went into The Lock Inn.
I opted for a banoffee ice cream, which turned out to be much bigger than expected. It was absolutely delicious. I don’t have ice cream often but when I do I really enjoy it. Yum yum yum….
I also enjoyed some iced tea which I shared with my human.
The canal path alongside The Kennett & Avon canal gets quite narrow and bumpy on the way to Devizes. I popped up out of the pannier on one of the many bridges while the humans were having a rest.
There is lots of wildlife – the swans paddled over to see me but didn’t hang around when they realised I didn’t have any food!
A few miles on we spotted a heron. Can you see it?
Finally we reached the Caen locks, a flight of 29 locks, one of the longest in the UK. It takes a boat about 6 hours to get through them all to the top of the hill.
The bicycles got to the top of the hill in about 15 minutes. Here I am looking at the last lock.
Our hotel was just a couple of miles from Caen in Devizes.
The humans put their bicycles into the bike store then we all went inside.
After a good night’s sleep in a comfy bed I enjoyed a yummy full English breakfast.
After breakfast the humans were keen to get pedalling as the weather forecast was for a hot day. We didn’t stop until we got to Bradford on Avon again, this time at The Canal Trust Cafe. I managed to make room in my tummy for a cream tea…
It was very interesting just to sit and watch the various canal boats going towards the lock.
After leaving the cafe my human’s partner discovered that his bike had a puncture. Being a bear of many skills I climbed out of the pannier and helped fit a new inner tube.
The next stop was Avoncliff aqueduct.
It didn’t seem long before we were back at Brassknocker Basin.
The humans decided to cycle back to Bath along the canal. At Bathampton we had a picnic snack of pizza left over from the night before (the humans went out for pizza after doing so much pedaling).
My last photo from the adventure was taken in Bath. Bath was very busy with tourists everywhere so we didn’t stay there for long.
I got back into the pannier and rode all the way home along the Bristol to Bath cycle path. I do like it when the humans take me on long bicycle rides.
Lydford Gorge is a very special place in Devon. The woodlands are classified as temperate rainforest with conditions perfect for rare plants, lichens and fungi, birds and mammals.
It had been raining heavily the day before my visit so everything was very wet and the River Lyd in full flow.
I knew we were near the big waterfall due to the sound of gushing water. Whitelady waterfall is near 30 metres high, a huge spout of water gushing down into the gorge.
My human took a video clip of me and the waterfall – she held me tightly with one hand and filmed with the other!
After spending a while watching the waterfall we continued walking the gorge.
I stopped briefly on the bridge to look at the river, but it was quite a wobbly bridge so didn’t hang around.
Quite a lot of the Gorge walk is along wet rocks above the water. There are railings to hold onto for safety.
I sat for a while and watched the gushing river powerfully making its way downstream.
At one point I had to go through a tunnel, where I continued to hold on tight to the safety rail.
The water rushed along downstream swirling into the basins it has created in the rock over thousands of years. I kept well away from edge, it looked as though it could gobble me up if I fell in!
Further upstream there is a very deep bit of gorge where the water swirls and rushes even more ferociously. The humans didn’t take me that far up the gorge, I think Karen was a bit concerned that she might slip and drop me.
Along the way there were many little waterfalls making there way down to the river. I rather liked sitting next to this one, which wasn’t good for my already wet bottom.
Do visit Lydford Gorge if you are in or passing through Devon, it really is a wonderful place. It is best to check the website before going as if the weather is very wet and the water goes over the paths the National Trust close the site for health and safety reasons. You have to be reasonably fit to walk the whole 4 miles, but there are shorter options. I was carried along in a bear carrier for most of it!
Horace the Alresford Bear 