If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful escape not far from Naples, try the Orchid Trail in the Vallo di Diano in the Cilento National Park.
Most of the year, the gentle hills of the Vallo di Diano are a quiet wilderness above the tiny, traditional village of Sassano. But the grassy slopes hide a glorious secret; just below the surface lie hundreds of species of Orchids – over 180 to be precise. In Spring (mid April – late June), they burst into life, enticing orchid lovers from all over the world to see the colourful display. No wonder; this 47km zone has it’s own microclimate and hosts two thirds of all 319 orchid species found in the whole of Europe.
Over our school holiday in February, I led a couple of kids walks for the British community here in Naples. It’s the first time I’ve led walks for children and it was a lot of fun!
It’s easy to get stuck in the urban jungle here, so it was great to see almost 30 kids and parents join me for a lovely walk to the Woodcutter’s hut. Continue reading
What an amazing couple of months it’s been with lots of fantastic walks and some decent run training as I prepare for Rome marathon. Thank you to everyone in the British and international community that has joined me out walking – I’ve enjoyed every minute and I hope you have too! Here’s a run down of our adventures in 2017 so far… Continue reading
Sometimes you come across something that stops you in your tracks and truly speaks to your heart. The Women of the Mountain film project impacted me this way a couple of days ago. Led by journalist Rebecca Byerly, the film follows her story and those of three other women who come to terms with challenges in their life by running ultra marathons. Continue reading
As I sat in the hot sun drinking tea and surrounded by a like-minded group at the Woodcutter’s Hut, I took a moment just to exhale. Christmas prep is in full swing and most people I know are either loving every minute (under 10s), running around madly trying to get organised or travelling across the globe to see friends and family. But last Thursday, a group of us stepped away for a few hours to soak up some peace in the hills near Falciano del Massico in Campania. Continue reading
Last Sunday (11th Dec) was International Mountain Day so I celebrated my favourite landscapes with a trail race in our local mountains, the Monte Lattari Regional Park on the Sorrentine peninsula.
My alarm went at 5.45am and I did my ‘early morning adventure shuffle’ which is to somehow get up, get into my gear, wolf down some porridge and jump in the car whilst being half-asleep. I collected Sally (my good friend and partner in running crimes) and headed off into a beautiful misty morning to Amalfi and the start of the race. It was organised in memory of ‘Rupert’ – no one I know, but apparently he was a long time guide and runner who was passionate about these hills. Since we both have kids the journey is always a great opportunity to catch up without interruption, so Sally and I put the world to rights as we wound out of Naples and over the pass by Monte Faito (1131m) – the park’s the high point and the familiar dark step in the skyline which is visible for miles around. Continue reading
Hello! Sorry it’s been so long since I last posted. I’ve been focusing on exploring; in the summer, the sun, sea and mountains lure me out and it’s impossible to sit inside and write! I’ve been on some incredible adventures from day hikes to longer expeditions in Campania and beyond. It’s always exciting to find new trails and of course, those jaw-droppingly beautiful views. Continue reading
A few weeks ago I took my family to explore Monte Camino, an integral location for Allied forces during the Second World War. Not only were we bowled over by the beautiful 360 degree views but we also had a special encounter with a local family, giving us a new understanding of the landscape and ways of life. You can find full walk directions and a map here. Continue reading
Hiking Campania 