kissmythistle

Almost here….

Andy C — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:01:40 +0000

Well the Nevis Challenge is nearly here as it’s less than two weeks to go. Training is going okay and included climbing Tinto on hill on Friday. It was tougher than I thought due to the knee deep snow in places but I guess that was all good practice for Glen Coe and Ben Nevis.

It’s not too late to sponsor me too if you haven’t already. My sponsor form can be found online at www.justgiving.com/andycooknevis A big thanks to everyone who has sponsored me already as I’ve almost met my target but I’m now hoping I can excede that to make the challenge as worthwihile so please dig deep and support two good causes.

Thanks.

Arthur’s Seat

Andy C — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:55:36 +0000

Well my training for the Nevis hike was back in full swing today with a 13km walk to work and back. It include a lap of Arthur’s Seat, which turned out to be a bit of a challenge as all the melting snow had turn to ice. If only I’d taken my skates!

Arthur’s Seat is the main peak of the group of hills which form most of Holyrood Park, a remarkably wild piece of highland landscape in the centre of the city of Edinburgh. The hill rises above the city to a height of 251 m (823.5 feet) and provides excellent panoramic views. Even though it’s was cold and icy, there is something special about being up Arthur’s Seat when it’s dark. You get the most amazing views of a street lit city of Edinburgh, all in total silence apart from the occasional dog walker.

Isle of Lewis

Andy C — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:35:49 +0000

Spent this New Year and my birthday on the Isle of Lewis and had a fantastic time. The photos from my trip can be found here – Stornoway

And we’re off…

Andy C — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:41:31 +0000

I completed my first week of training yesterday with a 12 mile (19k) walk from Seton Sands to Meadowbank. It took me 3hrs and 20mins which I’m happy with considering it rained most of the way!

The walk consisted of a stretch of the John Muir Way, from Seton Sands to Musselburgh, and then along the promenade to Portobello finishing up with a walk along the road to Meadowbank.

I think John Muir and I are going to become close friends over the coming weeks!

Kilt Walk

Andy C — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:39:58 +0000

The Tartan Army Children Charity are asking supporters to walk 26 miles to raise money for disadvantaged children in Scotland and overseas.

The main walk is from Hampden Park to Loch Lomond, however a few of us have decided to make it more of a challenge and walk from Glen Coe to Ben Nevis on Saturday 17th April. This involves a 26 mile hike which will take around 16hrs as we climb to over 8200ft and include summiting The Devils Staircase and Ben Nevis!

More details to follow so watch this space……

Wales

Andy C — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:11:31 +0000

Finally added my photos from my recent trip to Wales to watch Scotland play.

The weekend was a lot of fun apart from the football which we lost 3 – 0

Gdansk

Andy C — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:07:09 +0000

Just back from a lovely trip to the Polish city of Gdansk. The birth place of World War II, Gdansk is certainly an interesting city. It has started to shed its image of a rundown shipyard, instead filling up with bars, restaurants and shops. However, as work is still on going I did feel the old town small, ending up in the same areas time and time again.

Venture outside the centre and you have the beach resort of Sopot and Gydnia spread along the beautiful coastline. Both are within 30 minutes reach and definitely worth the visit.

Finally, I have to give a mention to Wizz air, the Hungarian low cost airline. With a booking experience similar to Ryanair, I was not expected much from them. However, with a larger cleaner plane and friendly staff I was pleasantly surprised and would have no problems using them again.

My photos from the trip can be found here – Gdansk

Rotterdam

Andy C — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:21:32 +0000

More photographs added tonight.

This time some photos from my recent trip to Holland to watch Scotland play football. There were about 15,000 Scottish fans in Amsterdam for the game so we decided to stay in Rotterdam to mix with the locals. Nice city, plenty bars and a totally crazy hotel. Unfortunately, we lost the match but it was a great trip and a lot of fun.

The photos can be found here – Rotterdam

Around Edinburgh

Andy C — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:54:23 +0000

As it’s been such a lovely sunny day in Edinburgh today, I decided to get on my bike and take some photographs in and around Edinburgh. It’s such a beautiful city in the sunshine and only a short trip to the coast, making it a great place to live. My photos can be found here – Around Edinburgh Photographs

Enjoy

Walk in the park

Andy C — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:59:00 +0000

No, I don’t mean re-designing my website. I’m actually going to make the most of the bank holiday today and go for a walk in the park. Living in Scotland means you are never to far from the countryside. In less than half an hour you can be out of Edinburgh and miles from all the people, traffic and roadworks.

Dalkeith Country Park is on the outskirts of Edinburgh and includes an excellent adventure playground with lots of slides, aerial walkways and zip-lines. It’s a shame I might be a little too old (and heavy) to be allowed on them but I’m sure my niece and nephew will make up for that.

http://walking.visitscotland.com/walks/centralscotland/dalkeith-country-park