The View
1 There’s a new pilgrim path
For those seeking peace, solace, or simply beautiful views this spring, the new Golden Valley Pilgrimage Way journeys through the bucolic countryside of the Welsh Marches west of Hereford. There are two routes, both of which start and finish from the city’s cathedral: a 32-mile trail for a long weekend or a 61-mile walk for a week. Both tread scenic and ancient paths through the Wye and Golden Valleys, and the longer continues to the foothills of the Black Mountains. You’ll find holy wells and ruined castles, local cider and ice-creams to keep spirits high, and there’s ‘night sanctuary’ too, as nine churches along the way offer accommodation either in the building itself, or in the church hall or a bell tent – and you can even sleep in the cloisters of Hereford cathedral. See abbeydoredeanery.org/gvpw
2 Booking is essential
Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon is Britain’s most popular mountain and car parking at its foot is always tight – and from March 23rd you’ll need to pre-book a space at Pen y Pass. There’s an area for drop-offs if you have an obliging driver, plus the excellent Sherpa bus service or the Eryri Parking App which helps find available spaces in the area. See snowdonia.gov. wales/visit/snowdon/pen-y-pass-car-park
3 WILL THERE BE FEES FOR WILD WEES?
Many of us will have stopped for a fresh-air ‘comfort break’ on a walk, but two men have recently been fined for peeing in the woods. Caught by council enforcers in roadside lay-bys in Hertfordshire, both were fined £88 for littering. It’s kicked off a legal row about what constitutes littering – and one penalty was rescinded – but you might want to take an extra careful look around next time you need to go…
4 Let’s do the time walk…
From dinosaurs to Tudor palaces, Britain’s countryside has been revealing thrilling history. The wings, legs and sp
