Those who prefer a map to an app abound in the age of GPS
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Using a 1:25,000 OS paper map as the primary navigational aid conserves phone battery and allows you to keep an eye on the wider landscape for navigational clues all the time; and the scale is fixed, so after becoming accustomed to it, you have a feel for distances while on the move.
The OS Maps app is useful for zooming in on detail, and really comes into its own with its little red locator arrow if, for instance, there is no sign of a path on the open moor. And, of course, it is a godsend if you do lose your way. It is also great for plotting out a route before setting off, to calculate the distance and time to be walked (much more accurate and quicker than laying out bits of string on the paper map, which is how I used to do it). The OS app is the only phone app I pay for, and it is worth every penny.Juliet WoodinNottingham
John Harris's highly pertinent piece on navigation in the outdoors highlights both the issues and some ways to avoid problems. As an experienced hill walker and bird surveyor, I use the Ordnance Survey subscription OS Maps on my desktop. You soon learn to either print off or screenshot paper maps of varying scales. These can be made semi-waterproof with art pastels fixative and you are never without a perfect paper map matched to your purposes. Add a compass and off you go. We have just used five such maps to guide a curlew survey in south Cumbria and a climb of Blencathra, with stunning views of the lakes. John D PeatfieldBowston, Cumbria
As one of your 'older' readers, I laughed out loud to read John Harris saying paper maps can occasionally be useful in our app-disoriented days. I still make my way round London using my old A-Z (it is still being published), and I pass many people on street corners turning their mobile phones round and round, frowning, obviously lost. Occasionally I offer assistance. I understand that this is no help on a mountain, but I think it is worth reminding readers that it certainly is helpful in central London.Barbara EwingLondon
Sound advice from John Harris about how to use maps to avoid the navigational hazards of GPS. For a simple space-time device, keep a pencil handy for sunny days. Held vertically on a flat surface (even a car dashboard can serve), it will cast a shadow to the north at solar noon (1pm BST) – the shadow will appear to move 15 degrees to the east every hour. Check the time, and you may then work out your direction accordingly. But keep the compass for overcast days.Austen LynchGarstang, Lancashire
I've never used GPS or What3words. I have a library of Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps that is augmented for each new trip. They are wondrous geographical and historical resources. I am laughed at by my juniors. Grid references and compass use enforce a spatial awareness and numeracy beyond the understanding of millennials. What will they do when the lights go out? Bring it on.Michael HeatonWarminster, Wiltshire
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Scotsman
16 hours ago
- Scotsman
Mallorca magic in picturesque Port d'Alcudia
VIVA Golf Hotel is situated on the beautiful beach in Port d'Alcudia in the north of Mallorca | Contributed How trip through golf rekindled love affair with Balearic island, writes Martin Dempster Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Like many things in my life, I was introduced to the VIVA Golf Hotel in Port d'Alcudia on the majestic island of Mallorca through golf, which has not only been the sole topic of my job for the bulk of my working life but is also my main sporting passion as a pastime. As had been the case the previous year, though on that occasion it was at a course near Palma and, therefore, stayed in the island's capital city, I was kindly invited in 2022 by the Challenge Tour, which, for non-golfers, is the DP World Tour's feeder circuit, to cover its Grand Final supported by The R&A at Club de Golf Alcanada on the outskirts of Port d'Alcudia. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad VIVA Golf Hotel is situated on the beautiful beach in Port d'Alcudia in the north of Mallorca | Contributed I'd never been to Port d'Alcudia, which sits around an hour's drive north of Palma, before and found myself instantly regretting that because it has a different feel to most of the other places I had visited in the past on Mallorca. As the name suggests, it has a port at its heart and you can set your watch by the arrival and departure of the various ferries to and from the likes of Barcelona on the Spanish mainland and both Ciutadella and Mahon on neighbouring Menorca. From the minute I arrived in Port d'Alcudia and, equally so, stepped through the front door of VIVA Golf Hotel, I felt my love for Mallorca had been reignited and, following two subsequent visits - I've found some great tapas bars and restaurants close to the port and in some of the back streets where it is great mixing with the locals - to report on the same season-ending event, it was time to take my wife to let her find out why I'd always come home from this particular trip and tell her that I'd found a new 'happy place'. I've not always got it right over the years when it has come to basing such work trips on where we should necessarily be heading for a holiday, but, in this instance, I was quietly confident and I think we'd been in the hotel for less than an hour when she uttered those words you just want to hear…..'I love it!' For starters, the hotel is adults only, which was a tad ironic for us as we prepared to become grandparents for the first time. It was difficult to tell any difference when we'd stayed in a similar hotel in the Caribbean towards the end of last year, but, in this case, the peace and tranquility around the pool in particular ensured that we enjoyed the break we were looking for and that was also helped by the weather being exceptionally good for the end of May. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Adagio Restaurant, where breakfast and dinner are served, is a lovely place to spend some time | Contributed As I'd discovered during those Challenge Tour Grand Final assignments, breakfast, which is served in the Adagio Restaurant, is superb, tickling every taste bud whether it's cereal or cookies, bacon or bananas, toast or exotic teas you are after. Oh, and let's not forget the opportunity to start your day with a glass of fizz! A lovely place to spend some time, whether you are sitting inside or outside, the Adagio Restaurant is also where a buffet dinner is served and we enjoyed the wide variety that was on offer at Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican Nights, choosing a nice bottle of Vina Sol to add to all sorts of delicious tastes. Lunch is served in the Mirablau Restaurant, which offers a terrific selection of dishes - we had a pizza that was to die for on one of our visits - and don't be fooled by its location as it is way more than what someone might term as a 'beach bar'. Talking of bars, the Palmira Pool Bar is located in one of two neighbouring swimming pools and, though drinks can be brought to your sunbed thanks to the age of QR codes we now live in, a much-needed dip every now and then can be tied in with an equally much-needed refreshment and, yes, the occasional alcoholic one was taken over the course of our eight-day stay. 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The Guardian
5 days ago
- The Guardian
The ultimate holiday capsule wardrobe: Jess Cartner-Morley's 11 suitcase essentials
It is so bloody hard to pack the perfect holiday suitcase, and so deeply satisfying when you get it right. One of the few moments when I really feel like a competent grownup who has everything under control, rather than someone who is winging it and dropping plates left, right and centre, is when I manage to pack a great case. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. To not forget anything crucial, but also not overstuff to zip-busting point, gives me a sense of control in a world full of chaos, and gets my holiday off to a serene start. So, in anticipation of peak holiday season, my July edit is devoted to pieces that are worthy of your precious suitcase space. Includes: travel trousers (my current obsession), conversation-piece earrings (my perennial obsession) – and scroll to the bottom for the £80 swimsuit that will make you feel like a million dollars. Textured wide-leg trousers £25.99 at Zara I have written recently about the brilliance of trousers that are comfy enough to travel in, but also elegant enough for dinner, and this pair is a great option. A concealed elasticated waistband feels chill but looks sleek, the wide leg looks more modern than a track pant, and the textured neutral fabric elevates. You can wear these with a vest and sweatshirt to travel in, and then with a linen shirt and chunky jewellery for holiday nights. Black cashmeran and tonka fragrance paintbrush £42 at Jo Loves£42 at Space NK Hot car seats, sun cream, pine-scented walks, figs on a tree, strong morning coffee. Scent is one of the sensory pleasures of holidays, so fragrance is a must-pack for me. If I'm flying, I don't check in luggage, so liquid space is at a premium. So I'm obsessed with the brilliant marker-pen delivery system of Jo Malone's Jo Loves fragrance paintbrush. 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What is brilliant about this dress is the tie-side waist, which gives a much more graceful line than a straight T-shirt dress, can be adjusted to suit you, and gives a relaxed feel that a few creases won't spoil. (I don't know about you, but I am absolutely not ironing on holiday.) It comes in fun prints (leopard!), classic black, coral red or a gorgeous soft sea blue. Pink broderie cutwork midi skirt £46 at River Island£46 at Asos This is one of the secrets of packing light: instead of taking simple basics for daytime and then snazzier pieces for evening, find pieces that do both. That means easy enough for day, fabulous enough for night. A case in point: this skirt, which you can pull on over a swimmy to walk to the beach, throw in the washing machine, and wear out in the evening with a light knit and your fave earrings. Pomegranate earrings with jade accents £123 at Wolf & Badger Pomegranates, lemons, tomatoes: all giving summer, right? Wolf & Badger is a great hub for small independent brands, and my go-to for finding unusual jewellery pieces that have real personality. Pomegranates are good luck in many cultures, and to me, they speak of holidays: the red jade seeds inside these little gold pomegranates will sparkle in golden hour light. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Black floral embroidered blouse £49 at Asos£63.75 at Nobody's Child That whole dreamy-creamy-cheesecloth pale summer blouse vibe is very seductive but those pieces have a limited shelf life: come September, they lose their allure. Nobody's Child is such a great brand – sustainable, affordable, British – and I love this dark blouse for a cooler twist on boho and the intricate floral embroidery. 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But it's also absolutely not 'just' a black top, because the lil textured gold knuckle at the right shoulder takes it from blah to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and the ruching to the side of the waist gives it soft structure. Raffia tote £28 at John Lewis I'm literally obsessed with them, and this is my latest must-have. The square shape and loose raffia are very Prada-coded, but the price tag – £28 – is most definitely not. Snap up without further ado. Ruched-loop scallop-stripe swimsuit £80 at John Lewis£85 at Boden The trouble with swimsuits is that usually you have to make a choice between the fun, exciting one that looks great on Instagram and the sensible, flattering one that has been designed with an actual, real body in mind. This one is a win-win. The rainbow-hued scallops are a California daydream, but the raised waist and central ruching have been well thought out to suit real-world bodies. Going on holiday soon? We want to know all your best tips: what saves your clothes from getting crumpled, how do you pack light but take everything you want, and what are your best ever holiday buys? Share all your advice by emailing us at thefilter@
Wales Online
26-06-2025
- Wales Online
The best walks in and around Cardiff that you don't need a car to get to
The best walks in and around Cardiff that you don't need a car to get to No car, no problem, here are a few walks you can reach by public transport or bike You don't need a car to enjoy a good ramble here, just a bit of planning, or you can join a local walking group and discover new places with new friends. (Image: Portia Jones ) Cardiff is one of the UK's most walkable cities, with numerous green spaces and scenic walking routes that are easily accessible on foot, by bike, or public transport. You don't need a car to enjoy a good ramble here, just a bit of planning, or you can join a local walking group and discover new places with new friends. The Welsh capital is packed with green spaces, riverside paths, woodlands, and wild corners just waiting to be explored—and most of them are easily reached on foot, by bike, or via public transport. Walking is a great way to experience the Welsh countryside on the outskirts of Cardiff.. Many routes in and around Cardiff are accessible by bus or train, and plenty have cafes, pubs and toilets along the way. Use Traveline Cymru to plan your journey and discover walks that are accessible by public transport. The Transport for Wales website is also useful for checking train times, ticket prices, travel updates and how to take your bike on board. In winter, you'll need to plan a little more carefully. Adventuresmart offers tips on how to stay safe and well-prepared during colder months. Bringing your dog? Check with your transportation provider before travelling to see if dogs are allowed. Remember to also take water with you for long walks. Download the Refill Wales App to find locations where you can fill your reusable water bottle with tap water for free, making your walk even greener. Article continues below Ready to explore? Here are some of the best walks in and around Cardiff that you can reach without a car. Garth Mountain, near Taff's Well Hiking fans can walk to the trip point at the top of the Garth on a waymarked trail (Image: Portia Jones ) Garth Mountain is located near Taff's Well and is accessible by train from Cardiff. The route is a roughly 6 km trail that takes you to the summit of 1007-foot-high Garth Mountain. More of a hill than a mountain, it's the site where Hugh Grant's 1995 picture, The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill But Came Down A Mountain, was filmed. There are several starting points for this strenuous hill walk, and many walkers either start from Taff's Well, where you'll find the train station, or from Gwaelod-y-Garth Village. It's one of the more challenging day walks in Cardiff, so you'll need decent hiking gear, a map, or the super handy OS app. It's one of the more challenging day walks in Cardiff, so you'll need decent hiking gear, a map, or the super handy OS app. If you start from Gwaelod-y-Garth, you can walk through Garth Wood and experience the stillness of an ethereal pine forest. The Garth Mountain trails are waymarked, but I recommend taking an OS Map with you or using the Outdoor Active app if you are new to walking. You can follow the peaceful trails to the summit or opt for a more loop-like walk around the ridgeway. Blorenge, Abergavenny Blorenge is a prominent hill in the southeastern corner of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, (Image: Portia Jones ) Blorenge is a prominent hill in the southeastern corner of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, overlooking the valley of the River Usk, and is an ideal day walk in South Wales. You can reach Blorenge by train and on foot by following stage 3 of the Cambrian Way Trail from Pontypool over to Abergavenny. It's over 12 miles of challenging hill walking on this long-distance Welsh trail that runs from Cardiff to Conwy. Adventurous walkers can catch a train to Pontypool and then walk from the station, trekking through peaceful, open moorland to Blorenge mountain and then descending towards Abergavenny to catch the train home. Stroll around swathes of heather moorland, looking out over the rolling Black Mountains and signs of the area's industrial heritage. Coal mining has left its lasting marks on the landscape, and walkers can see the evidence of the former limestone and ironstone quarries. While plodding along, keep an eye out for a rather quirky sight nearby, a memorial to a horse. How very Welsh. Upon the moorland, you'll spot a cluster of grey rocks and right in the middle, there's a green metal plaque marking the final resting place of Foxhunter, the legendary horse who carried Sir Harry Llewellyn to Olympic glory in Helsinki back in 1952. Sir Harry rode this impressive 16.3-hand beauty effortlessly, and together, they made quite the dream team. They clinched Britain's only gold medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics and were part of the showjumping squad in 1948 as well. Rest Bay to Kenfig Nature Reserve Kenfig National Nature Reserve (Image: Kenfig National Nature Reserve ) Hop on the First Cymru X2 service between Porthcawl, Bridgend and Cardiff (Monday to Sunday) and have a lush six mile return coastal walk from the seaside town of Porthcawl to a beautiful nature reserve. If you are coming from further afield, you can take a train to Bridgend and then transfer to a bus to Porthcawl. Begin your journey at popular Porthcawl and head down to the Bridgend coastline on the waymarked Wales Coast Path. Along the way, you'll spot local wildlife, traverse sandy bays and find a swish cafe with an ocean panorama at Rest Bay. From Porthcawl, you'll soon come to Rest Bay, a super popular beach for walking, surfing, family beach days, and cold-water dips. The Watersports Centre is the home of Porthcawl Surf School and the training centre for lifeguards, surfing trainers and the Welsh Coast Surf Club. Here, you'll find the glass-fronted Rest Bay Cafe Bar, situated in a commanding position overlooking the shoreline. Sit on the balcony with a brew and watch the waves roll in. After grabbing coffee and cake from The Hyde Out Cafe, I followed the waymarked trail towards Sker Beach (Image: Portia Jones ) Continue onwards and you'll soon reach the remote Skeer Beach, which is worth exploring. Step down the pebble bank and you'll be on firm sand that seemed to go on for miles. To your left is a rocky headland, and to your right, the steelworks loom in the distance, giving a Blade Runner vibe. From here, you're not far from Kenfig Nature Reserve, one of Wales' top sand-dune reserves and rich in wildlife. Located near Porthcawl, the reserve was once home to one of the six most significant towns in Glamorgan, but now forms part of the most extensive active dune system in Europe and features a diverse range of plants, animals, and birds, attracting birdwatchers and walkers from across Wales. From here you can head back to Porthcawl the same way you came, for transport back home. Penarth to Sully, Vale of Glamorgan If you're coming from Cardiff, you can easily get the train to Penarth. (Image: Portia Jones ) This five-mile linear coastal route heads from Penarth's Victorian pier along the coast to Lavernock Point. If you're coming from Cardiff, you can easily get the train to Penarth. On this coastal walk, you'll be taking in several historic sites along the way, including an anti-aircraft battery, prehistoric dinosaur footprints and Sully Island, which swashbuckling smugglers once inhabited. History enthusiasts should visit Lavernock Point, where, in 1897, Marconi made the world's first radio transmission over the open sea. You can then take a dip in the ocean to cool off and get a bus back to the starting point. Be sure to try to catch the pier at sunset to capture some vibrant and colourful photos. Cardiff to Caerphilly If you're looking for a long day walk in Cardiff, this nine-mile route takes you through beautiful parklands near Castell Coch, as well as canals and forest (Image: Portia Jones ) If you're looking for a long day walk in Cardiff, this nine-mile route takes you through beautiful parklands near Castell Coch, as well as canals and forests, and is accessible via public transport. This walk is part of Stage One of the Cambrian Way, which runs from Cardiff to Machen, and is just over 15 miles long if you want to walk the entire stage. It's one of the longer day hikes on this list, but it's achievable with the right planning and preparation. Start your walk from Cardiff Castle and finish at the Caerphilly border, just by the Travellers Rest pub. It's a great trek through picturesque parklands, heritage canals, and wooded areas, offering a long walk within the city boundaries. There is a bus stop outside the Travellers Rest pub where you can get a bus back to Cardiff. Check travel times on Traveline Cymru. You can either pack a lunch to take with you or stop by Forest Stoves and Fires Café for the best toasties in Cardiff. It's a rustic forest cafe stop for tea, coffee and amazing toasties. Sink into a comfy sofa and listen to the sounds of the on-site peacocks. You can access the Cafe from Heol-Y-Fforest, a short distance up from the entrance to Castell Coch. Sugar Loaf Mountain, Abergavenny The Sugar Loaf Vineyards near Abergavenny (Image: Wales Online ) According to the Rome2Rio website, there is no direct connection from Abergavenny to Sugar Loaf Mountain. However, hikers who don't mind a long walk can take the bus to Abergavenny, Nevill Hall Hospital and then walk to Sugar Loaf Mountain from there. This walk should take approximately 1.5 hours. Sugar Loaf is a familiar landmark on the South Wales horizon. This iconic 596m peak is a good stretch for the whole family, especially when you're looking up from base camp. A haven for wildlife and clad in heather and bracken, this most popular of the Abergavenny hills is a bracing walk for keen hikers and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Somerset. Nearby, you'll find Sugar Loaf vineyards, which are a perfect stop for a post-hike tipple. This family-run business produces a range of delicious Welsh wines, including dry whites, medium-dry whites and rosé that you can sample. Chepstow to Tintern, Wye Valley Walk One of the best day hikes on the long-distance Wye Valley Walk is the Chepstow to Tintern Abbey section (Image: Portia Jones ) One of the best day hikes on the long-distance Wye Valley Walk is the Chepstow to Tintern Abbey section. You can take a train to Chepstow to start the walk, and then catch a bus from Tintern back to Chepstow to continue your journey home. It's a scenic, five-mile walk that takes you up ancient stone steps and through ethereal forest paths. There are plenty of photo and picnic spots along the way, and you'll also find some viewing points where you can gaze at the winding River Wye. Autumn is the best time to attempt this trail: when the leaves begin to change their colours it becomes one of the prettiest hiking trails in the UK. Pack a picnic to round out the country experience and remember to leave no trace! Read more: How to spend 48 hours in Chepstow Forest Farm, Cardiff Forest Farm walk (Image: Portia Jones ) Forest Farm is a great place for family walks in Cardiff. Here, you'll find ancient beech and oak trees, as well as the heritage Glamorganshire canal, which is home to several bird species. This walk is easily accessible via the popular Taff Trail, which also runs through the site, allowing you to join and walk towards either Cardiff city centre or Castell Coch. The main route around Forest Farm is approximately 5 km long and begins at the small car park located on Forest Farm Road. You can either walk to the car park from the Taff Trail, or take the bus to Whitchurch Village, or the train to Coryton station and walk to Forest Farm Road from there to start the walk. This area was once a hub of industrial activity as the Glamorganshire canal linked the ironworks of Merthyr Tydfil to the sea at Cardiff. They were used extensively for industry, trade and coal transport in South Wales. These days, only limited traces of the canal remain, and Forest Farm now offers a woodland escape from the city, featuring quiet paths, picnic benches, and a network of walking trails. Barry to Porthkerry Park, Vale of Glamorgan This pleasant, coastal walk takes you on the Wales Coast Path (Image: Portia Jones ) This pleasant, coastal walk takes you on the Wales Coast Path and offers sweeping views of the Bristol Channel. You can take the train or bus to Barry Island to begin your walk to Porthkerry, which is approximately three miles long. Fans of the sitcom Gavin and Stacey will be thrilled that the walk starts at Barry Island. What better way to begin than to visit Nessa's slot machines and enjoy a cup of tea or ice cream at Marco's? You can also grab lush fish and chips from Nessa's favourite chippy. On this walk, you'll experience a pebble beach and clifftop traverse, taking in the views of the Bristol Channel, which has the second-highest tidal range in the world, between 12 and 14 metres. You'll also pass the ruins of a Roman building and another pebble beach as you follow the promenade. At the end of this walk, you'll be on the grounds of beautiful Porthkerry Country Park, where you can take snaps of the iconic viaduct that towers over the park. You can then walk back to your starting point of Barry and have a long six-mile loop walk. Alternatively, you could walk 30 minutes to Rhoose and then take a train from there to your final destination. There are cafés and toilets at both Porthkerry Country Park and at The Knap, or you can also get refreshments from Barry Island, including fish and chips at O'Shea's, or coffee and a bacon bap from Marcos Cafe. Cardiff Bay Trail This easy, mainly traffic-free, circular trail runs for just over six miles around Cardiff Bay and across to the seaside town of Penarth, via Pont Y Werin. (Image: Portia Jones ) This easy, mainly traffic-free, circular trail runs for just over six miles around Cardiff Bay and across to the seaside town of Penarth, via Pont Y Werin. You can easily train to Cardiff Bay or Penarth for this walk. Make sure to follow the 'Cardiff Bay trail' signs to complete this easy and scenic loop walk. This scenic and relatively flat trail is designed for walkers and bikers, offering a perfect way for people to explore the waterfront in a low-impact way. It's a great way to explore Cardiff Bay's fantastic array of attractions and iconic sights. Along the trail, you'll see some of the historic and modern landmarks of Cardiff, such as the Norwegian Church, Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd and the Pierhead building. There are plenty of places to stop for refreshments, the vibrant waterfront area has lots of cafés, bars and restaurants to choose from. For a lush sugar hit to pick you up, try a delicious cookie and cream cappuccino from Coffi Co on the way. Guaranteed to perk you right up. Salmon Leaps walk, Dinas Powys This scenic, five-mile marked walk begins at Dinas Powys Village Square (Image: Rhys Russell, Ramblers Cymru Engagement Officer ) This scenic, five-mile marked walk begins at Dinas Powys Village Square and takes you through many points of interest, including an Iron Age Hill Fort and a glacial Valley. You can easily reach Dinas by public transport if you plan your journey in advance. It's a mostly gentle walk through peaceful fields and forest that follows Wrinstone Brook. If you're lucky, you'll be able to spot 'leaping salmon' on this walk, hence the name. Make sure to stop at Dinas Powys Village to grab lunch at one of their charming cafes or restaurants. Try local dishes at The Humble Onion or pub fare at The Star. Article continues below
