Tag: europe

France – Overlooking the azure of Salagou: 7 miles – A Dolomitic Detour to Lunch in Mourèze from Liausson

This circular 7 miles hike from Liausson to Mourèze offers a rich blend of natural drama and quiet charm. Starting with panoramic views over the deep blue waters of Lac du Salagou, the route winds through the typical shrubland ecosystem of the Mediterranean region (la garrigue) before descending into the surreal dolomitic landscape of the Cirque de Mourèze. Here, twisted limestone towers rise like guardians of the garrigue and invite your to explore. Mid-way, you will find the village of Mourèze, where a home-cooked lunch at a family run restaurant awaits. Grab a table under the shade of plane trees and enjoy a perfect pause before making your way back towards Liausson, with ever-changing views of red earth, silver rock, and brilliant blue lake below.

Click on this image to open the full walkthrough video with photographs.
This picture shows the Lac du Salagou — Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

Click on this picture to open the full route on Komoot. This photograph shows the dolomitic formations around the Cirque de Moureze — Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate – No technical skills required. But a fair amount of Elevation. And some alpine paths. There is a very mild scramble section.
Length	6.4 mi – 10 km
Total elevation	1,506 ft – 460m
Highest point	1,560 ft – 475m
Walking time	3h30
Terrain	Walking paths, Alpine paths (including some very mild scramble), streets
Equipment	Enough water to walk for 4 hrs. Although you may find a water fountain and several cafes / shops in Moureze (after 4.5 mi.)

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

This photograph shows the GPX route. Do not hesitate to contact me for the full route on GPX file, or as a link on Komoot or AllTrails — Send me a message on Instagram or email to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link

Getting there

Driving: Free car-park in Liausson
Public transport: Sadly, this walk cannot be accessed by public transport.

Watering Holes

O Cirque – Moureze – (4.5 miles into the walk)
A fantastic family-run restaurant with indoors and outdoors seating.
It is in a quiet spot.
The house specialty is lamb-tajine with apricots. But you will also find: tapas, salads, classic French dishes and vegetarian food..
Everything is home-made with fresh products.
Open Thursday to Tuesday from 12:00-14:00 and 19:00-21:00
Flor de Salagou – Moureze – (4.5 miles into the walk)
A tapas bar and epicerie.
Open from 10:30-18:30 every day.
You will find small tapas and planchettes (large selection of cheese and/or cured meat) and ice-cream.
And can also purchase some local produce and preserves.
Le Petit Creux – Moureze – (4.5 miles into the walk)
A creperie (pancake cafe).
As well as pancakes, they serve some sandwiches (panini) hot and cold drinks.
The opening hours do vary depending on the season.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

For camping and clamping: Lac du Salagou Camping Club – Clermont l’Herault (1.8 mi from Liausson)
Pitches available for tents, caravans, campers and mobile homes.
They also have 3 different types of static caravans and glamping units.
It has a large outdoor pool, a paddling pool and a spa.
A children club and a teenager’s club with supervised sports and game activities.
A restaurant and a shop.

For self catering: Several options – Liausson
There are at least 5 villas set as holiday rentals in Liausson.
They vary in size and prices. But usually require a week minimum stay.

For a hotel stay: Hôtel Les Hauts de Mourèze – Moureze
There are no hotels near the start point of this hike but a couple of places in Moureze.
The hotel les hauts de Moureze is a traditional and family run small French hotel.
It has 14 bedrooms and an outdoors swimming pool.
Prices are reasonable, each room has different levels of comfort and prices. Ranging from single to quad room.
Expect similar prices and comfort you would find in a good country inn in Britain

July 12, 2025

Uppergate Farm: farm animals, a car cafe, Sunday roast and two pints – 11 miles around Holmfirth, Yorkshire

This 11 mile circular walk from Uppergate Farm to Holmfirth was the perfect blend of countryside charm and hearty hospitality. The day began with a gentle hello to the resident animals at the farm before setting off through rolling hills and winding country lanes straight out of Last of the Summer Wine. A mid-morning stop at the Carding Shed served up coffee, cake, and a nostalgic peek at classic cars. From there, the route dipped into woodland paths leading into Holmfirth, where Sunday lunch at The Pickled Pheasant offered a delicious reward. With plenty of hills to walk it off, I continued on to the Boshaw Trout for a well-earned pint of real ale, before one last woodland stretch through Morton Wood ended the day with a final stop at The Butcher’s Arms in Hepworth — the perfect toast to a classic Yorkshire wander.

Rolling hills and winding country lanes straight out of Last of the Summer Wine. Click on the image to watch the video and full set of photographs — Click on this picture to see the full set of picture and video

Morton Wood, nestled near Hepworth in the Holme Valley, is an enchanting woodland and gorge. The bluebells carpeted the grass when we visited in early May.
The woodland stretches along a brook, with footpaths that often criss‑cross the water via stepping‑stones or small wooden bridges, offering a sense of being deeply immersed in nature. Click on this image to open the full route on Komoot — Click on this picture to open the walk on Komoot

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate+ – Technical skills are not required but requires a good level of fitness and appropriate footwear
Length	11 mi – 17.7 km
Total elevation	2,234 ft – 680m
Highest point	1,125 ft – 343m
Walking time	c. 5h00
Terrain	mostly country lanes and grassy footpath. Some forest path and some uneven terrain in the gorge
Equipment	Good boots, those are essential for the muddy Parts in the moors as well as the rocky section in the woods. A map or GPS. Plenty of water and snacks to sustain you through c. 5 hours of Exercise.

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

This 11 mile circular walk from Uppergate Farm to Holmfirth was the perfect blend of countryside charm and hearty hospitality. The day began with a gentle hello to the resident animals at the farm before setting off through rolling hills and winding country lanes straight out of Last of the Summer Wine. A mid-morning stop at the Carding Shed served up coffee, cake, and a nostalgic peek at classic cars. From there, the route dipped into woodland paths leading into Holmfirth, where Sunday lunch at The Pickled Pheasant offered a delicious reward. With plenty of hills to walk it off, I continued on to the Boshaw Trout for a well-earned pint of real ale, before one last woodland stretch through Dean Wood ended the day with a final stop at The Butcher’s Arms in Hepworth — the perfect toast to a classic Yorkshire wander.

Getting there

Driving: On street parking in Hepworth
Public transport:
From Manchester: Train to Huddersfield and bus to Hepworth (c. 1h45)
From Leeds: Train to Huddersfield and bus to Hepworth (c. 1h50)

Watering Holes

The Carding Shed Cafe – Choppards (c. 3 miles into the walk)
A retro‑themed experience that feels like stepping into a bygone era. Styled in 1950s and 60s retro motor chic.
The menu focuses on locally sourced produce, whether you’re enjoying a hearty lunch or a slice of cake. All the cakes are home-made and the two we did try were absolutely delicious. It is dog-friendly and even offers pet blankets you can borrow.
There is an exhibition of classic cars, bikes and vans from the 1930’s onwards.
The Pickled Pheasant – Holmbridge (Half way through the walk)
A beautifully refurbished 18th‑century coaching inn and gastropub.
Food is home-made and absolutely delicious. We enjoyed a full Sunday Roast.
The service is welcoming and friendly, yet efficient.
There is a cosy fire-place to warm yourself up in winter. It is dog-friendly.
The Boshaw Trout– Hade Edge (c. 8.5 miles into the walk)
A welcoming, independent, family-run pub.
The sunny beer garden offers stunning views over the Holme Valley and Boshaw Whams Reservoir.
Inside, the pub is decorated to modern standards but still exudes warmth with roaring fires and a cosy atmosphere.
It offers a selection of up to six cask ales from the local Nook Brewhouse.
The Butcher’s Arms– Hepworth (at the end of the walk)
A quintessential Yorkshire village pub. It has preserved its traditional features, including stone floors, wooden beams, and a welcoming open fire.
We had dinner there on the first night of our stay at Uppergate Farm and enjoyed the food.
You will find outdoor seating at the front and back of the pub. Including covered and sheltered tables at the back.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay

For a camping week-end: The Rising Sun Farm Campsite (near the route and 20 mins walk to Holmfirth)
Offers basic camping spaces for tents as well as pitches with electric hookups for camper vans and caravans.
There are toilets and shower facilities.
But note that no fires are allowed on the site.

For a romantic and luxurious Glamping week-end: Uppergate Farm, Hepworth (at the start of the route)
We stayed in the Safari Tent.
Equipped with a king sized bed, a cozy seating area anchored by a log-burning stove, and a fully equipped kitchen. It even has its own ensuite bathroom, complete with a walk-in shower, flushing toilet, and hot water on demand.
Outside, the covered deck is fully private thanks to the smart hedging. With a private hot-tub and a firepit for evening BBQ ideal for unwinding after your outdoors adventures.
Deanwood Safari Tent offers the perfect mix of back-to-nature peacefulness and thoughtful luxury—ideal for couples seeking a memorable glamping escape

For a quiet and comfortable stay: Coddy’s Farm between Holmbridge and Hade Edge (on the route)
Housed in a historic building, it offers a unique and charming setting.
There are 6 spacious and ensuite rooms
Breakfast is prepared each morning from fresh ingredients, using their farm produce where possible

For a self-catering family week or week-end: Uppergate Farm, Hepworth (at the start of the route)
As well as the glamping units; the Farm has several cottages to rent. The various units accommodates between 2 to 10 people
Perfect for a self-catering family trip. Some have private hot-tubs.
All guests at the farm can make use of the indoor swimming pool and sauna. And there is a playground for the children.
Furthermore there are a few farm animals to visits, always great fun for both parents and children.
You can buy fresh-eggs from the farm’s free-range hens and several other produced made on the farm.

May 4, 2025

Travel Spotlight – Trip to Sardinia – Palau
I attended a friend’s birthday party on the island of Sardinia.
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This was in the beautiful resort of Palau (just outside at the Punta Sardegna)
And rented the Villa Casa Mia. With a stunning roof-terrace and beautiful beaches within walking distance, which you had for ourselves in June.

Open the menus below the pictures for details
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How to get there:

Flights to Olbia – the town is less than 40 km (25 mi) from the airport.
We rented a car. Beware that being a small island, the rental is not cheap. But was we wanted to get to the mountains after a few days; this was the only option.
There are busses to Palau town-centre if you would prefer to stay Palau town centre.
Activity

As we only had a couple of days there; we took a tourist boat to explore the archipelago of La Maddalena National Park.
There three islands to visit and a swimming stop. Note that there aren’t any shops, cafes or toilets on the first two stops but you there are loos on the boat as well as a bar. You can also buy a simple lunch on the boat. The first was the smallest (Isola di Spargi) is a stunning uninhabited island. Very eco-conscious. No plastic allowed on the island You will not be able to venture inland as it is protected. Get your beach bag to spend some time on the beach and take a dip in the crystal clear water. You will be able to see Corsica from Spargi.
The second island (Santa Maria) has a family of resident wild-boars. They are very used to tourists and you can approach them quite close. The tourist boats stop to give them the left-over from lunches and the boars will come running to the dinghy when they know it is time.
The last stop is the main island of La Maddalena. You can visit the old-town, stop for a snack or gelato and get some shopping done.
Shop till you drop

I didn’t do much shopping but fell in love with a shop called Jungle Surf and Jungle Boutique. This is an independent shop who sells its own brand as well as well known brands for surfing. They sell beach ad casual clothes, accessories, jewelry and home-wear with their logo. Their logo is incredibly cute and their products sold from only those 2 shops in Sardinia. Giving you a choice of very unique presents to bring home that will beat any tacky holiday souvenirs.There is 1 shops in Palau Centre and one in Porto Rafael. You can also order online : Jungle Surf website

Where to stay

I really liked the Punta de Sardegna and its little harbor of Porto Rafael. Perfect for a chilled week-end away with paradisiac, secluded and empty beaches. The water was limpid and fresh without being too cold and the little coves protects you from the waves and wind. Bear in mind that that part of Sardegna is on the path of the mistral wind. There are only a couple of restaurants, so we favoured the self catering option. Staying at Villa Casa Mia; the villa has a roof-terrace with an incredible view; a lower shaded terrace for al-fresco dining and 3 bedrooms. Perfect if you are traveling with friends and can split the costs. The website of the villa is here There are several other villas and flats in the area to suit all budgets. The best place to look for is AirBnB.

If you are looking for more options with dining, wining and shopping; Palau centre is a very nice town. I am unable to make personal recommendations as I only spent a couple of hours there. But would happily go back and explore for another week-end.

Roof terrace of the villa
June 28, 2024