About karenlovestodance

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!

Castle Coombe 6.5 mile circular walk

Posted on March 3, 2025 by karenlovestodance

The sun came out on the last day of February so it was a great day to visit Castle Coombe, which is often has rather too many tourists there in the holiday season. The walk started at the top carpark and after a downhill walk we reached the village.

I look very small sat next to The Market Cross, which was originally built over 1000 years ago.

You can see me and the bottom bit of the cross a bit clearer below…

We walked on down the road towards Byebrook Bridge. I sat for a little while and looked at the beautiful scene in front of me.

I walked on over the bridge…

…then stopped for a photo.

We walked on up the road following the Brook.

The hazel trees next to the Brook were covered in catkins.

The bridge that we had to cross over soon came into sight…

I posed for a photo on the bridge but I am rather teeny weeny!

We continued walking along a path which got further and further away from the Brook. It was rather muddy in places.

I let the human lift me over all the muddy bits, which meant that she carried me quite a lot!

There were a few styles and gates to negotiate.

This one had a big step for a small bear.

The walk continued through deciduous woods, the trees not yet in leaf.

My tummy was feeling hungry so I hoped that soon we would reach the Inn.

The water in the stream glistened in the sunlight.

I suddenly felt the urge to have a power nap and found an ideal spot on a log.

Revived from the nap off I went across another field.

I said Hello to one of the sheep

The humans were certain the Inn wasn’t far away…

After a short walk along a road the very welcome sight of The White Hart Inn.

I wasn’t sure about the hog on the wall…

A lifebuoy was ready just in case anyone fell in the Brook.

It was wonderful to be able to sit in the garden and eat my bowl of mushroom tagliatelle with seasonal vegetables.

We didn’t stop for long as there was another 3 miles to go…

Here I am going up quite a steep hill…

Someone had very kindly put a seat at the top for bears to rest on.

More muddy paths followed…

…and the sun continued to make the water look fresh and twinkly.

Another bridge….

Another rest…

Finally we reached the golf course next to the village…

It was a wonderful walk but quite a long way for a bear of short stature. The tea and cake at The Castle Inn was soon inside my tummy.

This is a lovely walk and I recommend it to anyone who is used to walking.

See the walk details here: https://explorethecotswolds.com/castle-combe-walk-cotswolds/

Horace the Alresford Bear 3/3/25

Exploring Hope Cove: A Winter Adventure

Posted on February 12, 2025 by karenlovestodance

I was delighted to be brought to this beautiful part of Devon by my humans.

Hope Cove was once a fishing and smuggling village. During the 18th and 19th centuries the sheltered harbour provided refuge for boats from storms but they had to be very careful due to the rocky coastline.

The sun was shining when we arrived so immediately I set off to explore. A group of humans walking by stopped and took photos of me in the boat!

I set off across the Harbour Beach to walk across the breakwater (sometimes called a mole). Fortunately there weren’t too many steps up!

After walking along I stopped to look at the view. The large building is the Cottage Hotel which is quite big to be called a Cottage!

I carefully walked back as falling into water is something to be avoided. I was careful not to get distracted watching the yellow labrador dog in the water.

Back on the beach with the sun making the sea sparkle behind me.

Hope Cove consists of Outer Hope and Inner Hope. It was a short walk along to Inner Hope, and on the way we passed this lovely thatched cottage so I stopped for a quick rest and a photo.

Most of the thatched cottages were in Inner Hope….

I had a good wander around…

Then stopped for a sit down, but the bench wasn’t being warmed by the gentle winter sun so I didn’t stay there for long.

Lots of water from a nearby stream was gushing down next to the lifeboat slipway

There were beautiful calming views of the Harbour Beach to look at on the way back, but I also had to keep an eye on the steps!

A wonderful thing about winter adventures is the lack of humans everywhere. There were a few about as it was a Sunday, but not as many as there would be in summer.

This splendid cottage is in Outer Hope.

We followed the coastal path south, and once up high paused for a while to look at the wonderful view.

South Milton Sands is just over a mile away from Hope Cove and has a long sandy beach.

Even in winter it was relaxing to sit on the sand and look out to sea. The rock in the distance is the Thurle Stone, it has a hole in the middle so looks like an arch when viewed from another direction.

Right next to the beach we found the aptly named Beach House! I had a very yummy slice of carrot cake there…

After walking back to Outer Hope my human suggested a photo, I was a tad tired and kept getting blown over by the wind so I sat down.

Our accomodation was in the Hope & Anchor Inn which overlooks Mouthwell Beach.

The room was very cosy with a large comfortable bed for me to rest my paws on before supper.

My nut roast supper was delicious, but I assure you readers that the Yorkshire pudding really wasn’t as big as my head. The camera did weird things and focused on the things in front of me and made them look bigger.

Going to sleep after such a busy day was no problem at all…

The next day healthy breakfast! Avocado on toast with sundried tomatoes, something I haven’t had before but very tasty.

Before going home I explored Mouthwell Beach which is next to the Hope & Anchor Inn. It was low tide so all the rockpools were exposed.

My human nearly got wet feet while taking this photo, the tide came in over her toes, so we moved back a bit. My wellington boots float when in water as I am not heavy enough to keep them on the ground.

I was able to stand here for a few minutes as the log stopped the water from pushing me over, and I was stood on a sand ridge.

Clambering about over the rocks was fun, though done cautiously just in case as seaweed and algae can be very slippery.

The low tide had exposed lot of creatures that live on the shoreline, including Oarweed (Laminaria digitata), Limpets (Patella vulgata) and periwinkles (Littorina littorea)

I was exploring the little cave when my human called me to take this photo!

Winter is a wonderful time to go to the seaside, it isn’t warm but if you dress appropriately for the weather you can keep warm and have a lovely time and have plenty of room to explore!

I stayed at The Hope & Anchor Inn https://hopeandanchor.co.uk/

Horace the Alresford Bear 12/2/2025

My Stylish Wardrobe: Vintage & Custom Teddy Bear Outfits

Posted on February 4, 2025 by karenlovestodance

I had a wonderful but tiring time modelling for a reel set to music (Vogue by Madonna). Here are all the outfits information. If you are inspired by this for teddy bear clothing bear in mind that I am 50cm tall with a wide neck and quite round tummy!

The blue Snoopy t-shirt below was originally from Asda (0-3 months). My human shortened the sleeves, made the body shorter and took in the sides. The Converse style boots are Build a Bear (all 2nd hand from Vinted sellers). The blue trousers are actually dungarees and were also from ‘Totally Hooked’.

My shorts and top below are both vintage Build a Bear (from Vinted.com)

This splendid explorers outfit was bought from an eBay Seller who trades as Padd-on-t-net. She makes clothes to fit Gabrielle Paddington Bears, and I happen to be the same size as a larger Gabrielle Paddington. The sandals are Build a Bear (from Vinted).

Here I am wearing the same shirt as above with denim shorts from the previous photo. I have added a flower garland to get hippy vibes and borrowed human’s ukelele!

This entire outfit was made by ‘Totally Hooked’ at Etsy. The dungarees were custom made as were originally designed for a Build a Bear. I am bigger so the dungarees were made to fit me. The boots are Build a Bear (bought used from Vinted.com)

This next outfit is exactly the same as previous one with the jumper on top of the dungarees, it is a good way to get a different look!

The white T shirt and gilet (which is too small really) are both Build a Bear (Vinted.com) My trousers are human baby joggers (3 – 6 months) that my human bought in a pack of 3 at a charity shop, brand unknown. We altered them to fit by cutting off the legs and hemming them and turning over the waist band.

This is the same T shirt as above with a black bow tie, borrowed from human’s husband! It completely alters the look!

Another with the white T shirt, this time embellished with a Snoopy badge, denim jacket (Build a Bear from Vinted.com) and the stripey trousers from the pack of 3 baby joggers mentioned earlier (cut off and hemmed).

I really like this vintage Build a Bear jacket that my human found being sold on Vinted, it is a good leisure jacket but a wee bit snug so best really with a T shirt underneath, or just my fur. You have seen the beige trousers in previous posts, they seem to go with anything. The cap and scarf both made by ‘Totally Hooked’ Etsy.

Same jacket and trousers, with a human baby bobble hat from the charity shop, and a Dr Who type scarf knitted by my human.

This outfit for the summer is Build a Bear (from Vinted.com)

My snazzy rugby top and shorts also Build a Bear (from Vinted.com)

This rustic looking outfit consists of my human’s cap (Accessorize), with jumper on top of dungarees made by ‘Totally Hooked’. The wellington boots were bought from a charity shop and are sized for a toddler human.

This rather splendid jumper is a replica of a Bristol South Cycling Club jersey was knitted for me by another bear’s human who takes a gang of teddy bears to support the Ineos cycling team. I have worn it doing mascot duties several times at cycle races and the national hill climb competition, supporting my human’s son. Someone was giving away the bear sized cycling helmet, which is actually for a human toddler.

My favourite shirt – my human made this one for me using left over William Morris fabric that she had in the sewing drawer. She made it using a pattern from an Ebay seller trading as ‘mybearswardrobe’. It is a bit snug, so next time around she will enlarge the pattern.

We knitted these two splendid jumpers and the patterns are available to download on this website under the tab ‘knitting patterns’.

This splendid tweed coat was altered to fit me. It was bought from Vinted.com, (human size 0 – 3 months) and was originally from Sainsburys (their Tu brand). It has a furry lining which made it too tight, so my human removed it, and she cut off the sleeves and hemmed them. She sewed the buttons from the sleeves onto the pockets. The cap is Jasper Conran (0 – 6 mths) also bought at Vinted.com

This splendid yellow raincoat is Sainsburys Tu (0 – 3 months), and again from Vinted.com. It didn’t need any alterations, we just rolled up the sleeves. I love it.

My red dufflecoat (0 – 3 mths) was originally Marks & Spencer, and was bought on Vinted in a bundle with the tweed coat (the two coats cost just £2.70 plus postage). We made this fit by severing the elastic in the cuffs to enable them to be turned up. The rainbow wellies are from a charity shop and are Jojo Mamam Bebe.

This waistcoat was my first item of clothing bought from Totally Hooked after my human found holes developing in my skin and we decided I needed some protection to prevent further wear and tear.

I do hope readers with bears that need clothes feel inspired to either make or source preloved clothes for them! Charity shops, Vinted and eBay are all great places to find clothes, there is no need to buy new.

.Horace the Alresford Bear 4/2/2025

A Winter Escape to Fistral Beach, Newquay

Posted on January 20, 2025 by karenlovestodance

We arrived at The Fistral Beach Hotel just as the daylight was starting to fade.

It is always rather exciting opening a hotel room and finding what is inside! It turned out to be rather luxurious…

The balcony overlooked Fistral Beach, which is very famous for surfing competitions. The geography of the bay creates ideal conditions for waves suitable to surf on.

I had a quick rest on the very comfy bed before giving my fur a brush and getting ready for dinner.

We ate in the Bay Bar, and I found the butternut squash parpadelle to be delicious.

The following day was a bit damp so I put on my yellow coat and set off to explore. On the way to the beach we saw a school of dolphins in the bay. Unfortunately my humans don’t have cameras that could capture the sight, but it was wonderful to see.

Once on the beach I had a walk about, but quickly found my wellingtons are not ideal in pools of water. The problem is that they float because I am not heavy enough to weight them down as a small human would. This made it likely that I would lift up and fall over so I had to tread very carefully.

It wasn’t long before I came across a group of cool dudes off to the sea with their surf boards. They were very happy to be photographed with me, though I did fall on my face prior to this photo being taken, so on close examination you may see sand on my snout!

I climbed up onto some rocks to sit and watch the waves and the birds.

We decided to walk up to Pentire Head to see if any more dolphins could be seen, but they had gone somewhere else.

The Gannel Estuary is on the southern side of Pentire Head, and as the tide was out it was possible to walk along it.

We went right across to the other side on this boardwalk before returning again.

Once back at the hotel after a little nap and brush up of the fur it was pizza time! I will confess I didn’t eat it all but shared it with my humans.

After a good night’s sleep it was time for more food. I had avocado on toast with an egg for starters, followed by chocolate croissant and fruit.

After making a picnic we set off to Watergate Bay on the bus. Here I am looking like a cool dude on the beach at the start of a walk along the coast back to Fistral Bay.

On the cliff above Watergate Bay, I had to remove my cap to prevent it being blown away.

We eventually reached Porth where an island is accessed by a little bridge.

There are great views of Newquay from Porth Island.

After leaving the island we crossed the sandy beach.

I stopped for a while to read about Porth’s history. In the past lots of industry happened around the beach; if you zoom in you might be able to read the sign.

After walking past houses and other humans development we arrived at steps leading to Lusty Glaze Beach. There are many many steps going down to the beach.

The sun was low in the sky (as this was January) and nearly gone from the beach. The beach was very quiet, which is an advantage of visiting in winter.

I had a stroll about…

….and found lots of mussels in the rocks.

I put my special mat onto some rocks and settled down to eat lunch.

I moved my special mat onto the sand for a very quick nap. It’s not usually good to lie in the sun, but on a cold January day the rays are not strong, and the gentle warmth feels lovely on the fur.

There wasn’t time to stop for long as the tide was about to come in, and to avoid going up those steps, we walked along the shore back to Newquay Towan Beach.

There is an interesting house built on top of a very small island with a bridge leading to it on Towan Beach; my human can remember it being there when she was a little girl holidaying in Newquay.

We left the beach then walked on through the harbour, only possible due to the low tide.

There are surfers everywhere around Newquay; behind me, through the gap in the harbour wall, you might be able to spot some!

After a bit more walking on footpaths, then across a golf course, we were finally back at Fistral Beach.

At this point, my little legs were very tired indeed, so I climbed back into the bear carrier (I had been in and out of it for the whole journey!).

After a rest and tidy up, it was dinner time, and I opted for fish and chips, but I didn’t expect such a huge piece of fish! I ate over half of it, then was helped out by a human. Humans do seem to have a large capacity for food.

An early night was required after such a busy two days…

Before checking out of the hotel I had a full English Breakfast, which was very yummy indeed.

I think the seaside is wonderful in January; the beaches are quiet, and there is a peaceful atmosphere, but it is full of anticipation for the coming spring. The only downside is that it does get dark rather early.

I am very happy that I was able to go to Newquay.

Horace the Alresford Bear 20/1/2025

Taking the train to Bath & a visit to Priory Park Landscape Garden.

Posted on January 3, 2025 by karenlovestodance

I didn’t have to wait very long for the train to arrive at Temple Meads Station.

I noticed a little dog in the bag of the person getting on just before me.

I sat in my seat….

Then noticed the little dog, a puppy, sat right opposite so I got up to say ‘Hello’.

When we arrived at Bath Spa Station we had to walk about a mile to get to Prior Park.

I stopped on the bridge for a photo.

We went down a road lined with shops and cafes.

Then up a long quite steep hill.

Finally we reached the entrance.

I showed my National Trust card to the friendly lady at the entrance kiosk.

Prior Park is quite hilly but the first bit of the walk was flat.

There are some small waterfalls trickling down towards the lake.

It wasn’t long before I spotted the famous Palladiam Bridge in the distance.

I stopped for a rest and sat on a log for a photo.

Being a cold day in January not many humans were around.

I am getting quite used to steps but these for some reason made me feel very small.

I posed for a photo with the view of Prior Park School behind me.

The Palladiam Bridge was built in 1755 so is 270 years old.

I walked round the lake in the winter sunshine, though the sun was beginning to down.

It was wonderful to find the refreshments cabin open.

The humans bought me a special treat – a luxury hot chocolate, there were marsh mallows underneath the cream. It gave me the energy to continue my walk.

I climbed up onto the fence to have a good look at the view. You might be able to spot the Palladiam Bridge in the distance.

It was a downhill walk then back to Bath Spa train station for the journey back to Bristol.

My legs were tired and a nap was needed on the train journey! Fortunately the humans woke me up when the train stopped at Bristol.

All in all a lovely day out!

For more information about Prior Park see: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/prior-park-landscape-garden

Horace the Alresford Bear 3/1/2025

Climbing Cabot Tower

Posted on December 30, 2024 by karenlovestodance

Cabot Tower isn’t very far from where I live but I had not been up to the top for nearly nine years, so decided it was time for another visit. The tower was built in the 1890s to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the journey of John Cabot from Bristol to land which later became Canada.

It is quite a long way up for a small bear…

There are quite a few steps getting to the top of Brandon Hill before even getting inside the tower.

I stopped for a rest at the top.

Many years ago when my human was a girl there was a turnstile at the bottom and people had to put coins in slot to get in. Nowadays it is free, which is much better.

I set off up the many steps…

The steps went round and round…

Finally light appeared – I was getting near the top.

I made it!

There are great views of Bristol from Cabot Tower

I wasn’t at the top though – there are more stairs going right to the top. So off I went….

At the top of the tower there was a door that I had to push open.

The reward was an even better view…

The weather was misty and drizzly, I think the view would be better on a clear day, but I could still see quite a lot of Bristol.

The weather was getting a bit damp and I had forgotten to wear my waterproof coat, so we decided to go back down the tower and head for home.

A bear has to be very careful walking down stairs too!

Here I am at the bottom.

I sat for a while and had a little rest before we set off for home.

The last time I was here in 2016 I got friendly with the many grey squirrels that live on Brandon Hill. You might like to read about that visit too – see https://horacethealresfordbear.com/2016/02/15/brandon-hill-squirrels/

Horace the Alresford Bear 2/01/2025

Exploring The Purbeck Way: A Coastal Adventure

Posted on December 1, 2024 by karenlovestodance

There was quite a cold wind as we walked along The Purbeck Way from Sutdland to Old Harry Rocks at Handfast point.

My human wouldn’t let me get too close to the edge and held on to my dungarees to stop me blowing away.

I couldn’t even sit down without the human holding on! You can probably see the gloved hand, and might notice one of my shoes is missing! I found it in the bear carrier later.

As we walked along the coastpath the wind subsided and we could see Swanage in the distance.

I enjoy coastpath walking as you never know what might be round the corner or over the nxt hill.

On getting closer to Swanage the decision was made to turn back towards Studland. The days are short in November and we didn’t want to be out walking in the dark!

We had reached Ballard Point and had 1.5 mile to get back to Old Harry Rocks.

The sun was shining and I was feeling quite hungry (I like my food) so we stopped for a picnic with views of the sea on both sides of the headland.

As we made our way back again I noticed how very tall the humans looked in their shadows.

We arrived at South Beach, which turned out to be quite fascinating.

The beach huts were all brown colours which is unusual!

A pill box left over from war times was at the end of the beach, and behind it very colourful sandstone cliffs.

I was quite fascinated by the colours in the cliffs.

There were also lots of tiny holes that are thought to have been made by bees.

I had a climb on the rocks to look in the pools but the tide was on its way in so didn’t hang around there for long

The good thing about wearing dungarees is that they get wet instead of my bottom if I sit anywhere that is a bit soggy. I sat for a few minutes before it was time to leave.

The Purbeck Way from Studland to Swanage is an excellent stretch of coast path for those not wanting to clamber over too many rocks etc.

After getting back into the car at Studland, which was left in a National Trust Carpark, we headed to Corfe to call in a the tea room there for a cream tea, which is an essential part of any UK holiday!

Horace the Alresford Bear 4/12/2024

A Winter Getaway at Durdle Door: Bear’s Experience

Posted on December 1, 2024 by karenlovestodance

The mobile home at Durdle Door Holiday Park was just the right size for a small bear (and some humans)

My first job on arrival was to unpack my suitcase, which didn’t take very long…

Then I settled into a comfy chair to relax and read for a little while.

It wasn’t long before supper time. We were self catering and the mobile home had an enormous range cooker to prepare meals on.

The humans don’t spend too much time cooking when on holiday. Our first supper was a Charlie Bigham Red Thai Curry, with brocolli and carrots. It was very good for a ‘ready meal’.

The next morning the humans got me up very early to go and see the sun rise at Durdle Door.

To begin with there didn’t seem to be much sign of the sun, it was hiding behind the clouds.

Then all of a sudden it appeared through the ‘door’ in the rocks and was a wonderful sight to witness.

I didn’t look at it for very long as staring at the sun isn’t good for a bear’s eyes.

After climbing back up all the steps I stopped to have another look at the wonderful view.

Back at the mobile home I tucked into some bran flakes followed by marmalade on toast for my breakfast.

Later in the day my human took me out in the bear carrier to Lulworth Cove, which is just over a mile away from Durdle Door along the coast path.

Stair Hole is next to Lulworth Cove, where there are more cliffes with interesting holes in.

Lulworth Cove has lots of geological history going back millions of years, and the different layers visible can be seen. When the rocks were all underwater continents collided and tipped them up sideways.

A huge river of glacial meltwater was thought to have cut the gap out to the sea which can be seen in the photo below.

I sat for a while on the beach somewhat in awe of the forces of nature.

Later back at the mobile home I looked up ‘Lulworth’ in the Douglas Adams book that I have been reading, ‘The Meaning of Liff’ which gives meanings to many place names. I was delighted to find Lulworth mentioned there!

After so much exploring I was very tired and had an early night.

The next day I spent watching the world go by and left the humans to go out walking on their own.

When the humans got back, with tired legs, I cooked a meal for them. I used what I could find in the fridge and started off chopping up leeks.

I fried up the leeks in olive oil and added cherry tomatoes and spinach. While this cooked I put some pasta in a pan to cook.

After adding the tin of red salmon, some pepper and some mascarpone cheese I mixed it all together.

I decided to grate a little cheese to be sprinkled on top.

The result was delicious and the humans enjoyed it too.

The following day it was time to go home, so I packed up my little suitcase and made my way to the car.

I had a lovely few days at Durdle Door, which I think that although the weather was a tad cold, winter was a good time to visit as the holiday park was quiet and there weren’t lots of humans everywhere as there can be there in summer.

Horace the Alresford Bear 4/12/2024

Winter Adventures at Chesil Beach and Portland Bill

Posted on November 26, 2024 by karenlovestodance

When we set off in the car I wasn’t sure exactly where we would end up, but knew it would be somewhere in Dorset.

The journey took longer than expected due to lots of flooding after Storm Bert. I was very hungry when we arrived at Portland Bill, so the first stop was The Lobster Pot restaurant.

I shared a hot baguette with my human as it was nearly as big as me.

With a full tummy I set off to explore. Unfortunately the lighthouse and visitor centre wasn’t open, they only open weekends in winter. It was still nice to see the splendid lighthouse towering above the other buildings with the sun low in the sky behind it.

My first mission was to have a look at the beach huts. You may probably know I am rather fond of beach huts! I enjoyed some winter sun while letting my lunch go down.

I think this beach hut was my favourite!

The winds were picking up and blowing my ears backwards as I walked past the lighthouse to have a look a large monument.

The monument at Portland Bill is The Trinity House Obelisk which was erected in 1844 to warn ships to keep away from the rocks of Portland Bill. Trinity House is a charity which supports seafarers and shipping.

This more recent monument had information about the nature reserve on the side of it. One of my humans was hiding behind it while I posed for a photograph!