Reason for visit: There’s been a rash of new Norn Irn parkruns opening in recent weeks, so all the regionaries are trying to once again complete the set. With a rare Friday AND Saturday off work, I took the train up to the north coast to visit my parents in Portstewart, which is only a few miles from this Coleraine venue.
Access:
The course is based around Christie park on the Strand Road.
Course:
It’s a T-shaped course run on the riverside walk by the mighty River Bann. From the start point by the underpass, go left to a turnaround point, then head the other direction to a turnaround point (which will be your half way mark), and then repeat the first turnaround. Start and finish at the same area. Tarmac path the whole way, quite narrow so there is a very strict “keep right” instruction repeated throughout. It’s very pretty down by the river, and Coleraine is famous for its Olympic rowers, so expect to see rowing teams out practising.
Facilities:
Plenty of car parking in the Riverside Retail Park, where there are also many options for loo/ cafe. There are a small number of car parking paces at Christie park itself, also a toilet block. Note – if you use the underpass/ subway route you will be on the wrong side of the busy dual carriageway to reach the retail park – please use safe crossing points.
Crowd:
Lots of familiar faces among the 150 or so attending event 4. This is the town where I went to school, so I said hi to a few old school chums as well as other parkrun friends. I did have to “shush” a chatty pair behind me during the run brief – I am constantly surprised by how often this poor etiquette is displayed. Nearby Portrush parkrun is a “no dogs” course during the summer months, so any canine pals will probably find a seasonal home here.
Gear:
I was in my blue Hokkas, waterproof leggings, had my cow cowl and 250 T shirt on, barely visible under my blue jacket. I got absolutely drenched. There is very little shelter on this path, so if there is any rain or wind you are going to feel it. Umbrellas and umbrella hats were teh order of the day!
Now that’s got to be one of the coolest names for a parkrun, as well as “roo” being the nickname for my youngest grandson. We’d had a long standing agreement to take family holiday in Scotland, with plans to climb Ben Nevis. But we ended up staying in a holiday park near Pitlochry, which I felt was too far for the highest peak. Plus I hadn’t done nearly enough climbing or even walking this year, and didn’t think I’d be up to it. So we opted for Schiehallion instead, given its links to Scottish Country dancing, as well as being the peak where contour lines were first developed.
As for parkruns, I’d assumed I might be revisiting Faskally Forest parkrun, but to my great delight I discovered that this one in adorable Aberfeldy had just started a few weeks ago. And the Saturday would be Harry’s actual birthday. So off we set!
My son was pushing a double buggy and running with super speedy O, while I was accompanying H on his first ever adult parkrun, though he’d done plenty of juniors.
Access:
It’s on a fitness trail just by the fabulous John Wade bridge. Parking on some grass, which can get slippy and mucky, but there’s space for 100 or so vehicles – we even managed to park a motorhome! I recognised the car park marshall as none other than PFS ambassador Davie Black, who I’d first met back when doing parkrun tourism: Edinburgh
Facilities:
No loos on site, but parfaff afterwards is at the Ailean Craggan Hotel, where they do a parkrun special offer on bacon butties and coffee.
Crowd:
There were 120 when I visited – plenty of local Scots, some holiday makers like myself, I spotted one other cow cowl. Lots of family groups, and plenty of dogs, both running and volunteering. Speaking of which, the timekeepers had really smart little umbrellas to avoid the phantom times recorded by raindrops.
And the RD wore a kangaroo costume!
And a visitor celebrating his 500 delivered the parkrun brief in the style of Rabbie Burns. (Don’t go looking for the statue, it’s away for cleaning. So they say).
Course:
3 laps of the fitness trail, lovely views of the bridge, trip trap over a few wooden bridges, well marshalled. Some of the course is on grass, so wear appropriate footwear. We had a female first finisher this day!
Gear:
I was in long black running pants, my 250 t-shirt though it wasn’t visible under my blue raincoat, saucony trainers that I was travelling in. Midge repellent is a good idea!
Time:
We were walking. My muscles were still aching after the climb on Wednesday, and I was wearing an ankle support on my right foot. So it took us just over an hour. And I did my signature skip-change step over the finish line.
My parkrun tourism has been severely hampered over the last year for several factors. Firstly, I now have a part-time job, which often requires working on a Saturday morning. Secondly, we are now a one-car family, and my other half needs the car every Saturday at 10 am. And new parkruns tend to be in remote places inaccessible by public transport. So imagine my delight when I discovered that 2 new Norn Irn ones started last week, one of them was less than 20 miles away, AND I was not working AND had access to the car! So it was with much excitement that I set off to Lurgan Park.
One downside – my phone is still refusing to take photos, even after 3 visits to the Genius Bar, so this report is in black and white.
Access:
It’s very easy to get to by road, not too far off the main M1 motorway. I did get stuck behind a railway crossing fro a few minutes, but I could see there were trains in both directions arriving at the station a few minutes before 9.00 am, and that’s less than a mile from the park.
Facilities:
Plenty of parking, loos in the cricket pavilion, and a cute little coffee cart with lots of tables for afterwards.
Course:
2 laps through the frankly downright gorgeous park, with a lake, and some ancient trees. Packed gravel paths, a narrow start to get yourself in a suitable position (ie slower runners, dogs and buggies near the back). There are a couple of slightly less than flat sections, but it is not what you’d call hilly.
Gear:
it was a bright sunny day, so I opted for a sleeveless black top. To be honest, that was a bit chilly in the shade provided by the trees. Had to hunt around for my wristband barcode, but I found it! Saucony trainers. Toby was with me and I was worried that his hand held lead was starting to show signs of fraying, but we survived!
Crowd:
It’s a new kid on the block, so lots of familiar faces aiming to regain regionarie status. As 2 parkruns started in the same week, and a 3rd the week after, there was a period when there were NO Norn Irn regionaries. It will take me a while to tick the others, but hey ho. Jog Moira is a great local club, and no doubt they will be faithful attendees here.
What’s another year, eh? OK mes enfants, here is my take on this year’s Euroviz offerings.
TLDR – I think it’s Sweden’s year. Again. Though my personal favourite is Ukraine.
Themes this year: Suggestive Lyrics (SL), we love Italy (I), national selection controversy (NS) and earnest long notes (ELN)
Estonia – Espresso Macchiato
Bendy legged send up of Italian cliches. Will have its fans for sure! (I)
Iceland – Roa
Reykjavik’s answer to Jedward in bacofoil suits. Sounds like last year’s “Luktek”, but has a key change!
Poland – Gaja
Very long note, bondage backing singers (ELN)
Portugal – Deslocado
Nerd rock to fall asleep to, shoe-gazing stuff.
Slovenia – How Much Time
Upside down plaintive environmental plea (ELN)
Sweden – Bara bada basta
Well. Mans was a bit put out that his boring Revolution wasn’t chosed, but this is an extremely catchy number from a Finnish group sung in Swedish about having a sauna. You’ll be singing along and flinging your towel around your head by the end of it. Bookies fave, it’ll be beloved by the televote even if juries snub it.(NS)
Ukraine – Bird of Pray
My “instantly love it one”, gives me goosebumps. brilliant moment of silence, lovely chords. Not getting a lot of fan love, but the juries will like it. Doubt that Ukraine really wants to win, though.
Albania – Zjerm
Long haired songstress with orchestra, giving Kate Bush vibes (ELN)
Azerbaijan – Run with U
Ermmmmmmm. OK-ish synth pop.
Belgium – Strobe Lights
Blatant gay club anthem, dyed red hair, falsetto. Yeah it’s an impressive high note, but not particularly easy on the ear. (very ELN)
Croatia – Poison Cake
Yum yum nursery rhyme meets gothic (SL)
Cyprus – Shh
The hotel corridor from The Shining, 90s rave tune
Netherlands – C’est La Vie
Catchy! But does it stand out enough?
Norway – Lighter
Knights in shining armour, lots of pyrotechnics going on
San Marino – Tutta l’Italia
DJ and a granny. Is everyone being Italian this year? (I)
Armenia – Survivor
Compulsory to have a song with this title every year, clearly. Raucous vocals/ rap
Australia – Milkshake Man
Going for the comedy voters this year, with suggestive lyrics and an 80s feel. I really like the tune, but cringe at the puerile lyrics. I mean, sure your milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, but I’m trying to have me dinner here! Televote winner, jury thumbs down. (SL)
Austria – Wasted Love
Squawky falsetto from Cillian Murphy. Getting a lot of fan love (I don’t get it) (ELN)
Greece – Asteromata
A young Nana Mouskouri very demurely dressed, a refreshing contrast to all the porn show numbers this year
Ireland – Laika party
Autotuned chipmunk. What shall we make a Euroviz song about? I know, that first dog in space! I mean. Spaceman worked for the UK, so this is the logical next subject matter, right? Pleasant enough number, should make it through the semis OK, but will then plummet. “I’ve heard of her” Samantha Mumba lost out in the selection process, and was not best pleased. (NS)
Latvia – Burma Kim
Close harmony ethnic folk vibe from a girl group. I quite like this one, but I doubt it will win. Will be on my jogging playlist though!
Lithuania – Taca alps
In a straight jacket, angst ridden, tuneless. Could grunge win Euroviz? I doubt it. (ELN)
Montenegro – Dobredosil
Severe hair, black dress, red lip. Earnest. (ELN)
Czechia – Kiss kiss goodbye
More falsetto, more 90s rave
Denmark – Hallucination
Sparkly leotard body positive, but at least no visible buttocks. You-e-oo-e-oo. Hopefully will break Denmark’s non qualifying streak.
Finland – Ich Komme
Nothing left to the imagination, pole dancing and suggestive writhing. Televoters will be slobbering, jury anathema. (SL)
Georgia – Freedom
Wistful young singer in red ballgown
Israel – New Day Will Rise
Still using the current war situation to contrive heart tugging ballads. Pro Israeli diaspora will flock to it, but it’s bland and unmemorable, and really doesn’t deserve to win.
Luxembourg – La poupee mente le son
Meh, bit old fashioned, if catchy. But has a costume change!
Malta – Serving
Already had to be censored, let’s see if the audience fill in the missing word. It’s a decent song though, and the bouncing on yoga balls is bound to catch on. (SL)
Serbia – Mila
Gave up professional wrestling to deliver this power ballad. Probably best contender for this year’s Bond Theme Tune.
France – Maman
Previewed at the six nations, a powerful singer, and giving good odds with the bookies. It’ll be a jury darling, definitely left hand of the table.
Germany – Baller
Is there a tune? On subsequent listens, I quite like this. Strings.but smashing a cello? Oh those Germans!
Italy – Volev essere una duro
In need of a big plate of pasta. Kiss make-up
Spain – Esa Diva
Put the buttocks away!!! Sneak preview of the final costume suggests it’s more covered up, for which, gracias. Diva diva diva diva
Switzerland – Voyage
Interesting – speeds up and goes through several keys.
UK – WTHJH
What genre would you like girls? Yes! “Clutches at pearls” is a common phrase used on Mumsnet, they may well adopt this as their official anthem. Stands out. They can sing. Might manage to garner both televote AND jury points, so could be a …..nah, it’s not gonna win!
Reason for visit: a weekend in Devon with my grandkids! The promise – a cottage by a lake, hot tub, kayaking on the lake, parkrun, aquarium, maybe a trip to the seaside……..
Access:
My son (and grandkids) live near Salisbury (plane to Southampton, train to Salisbury from the station literally across the road, there are at least 2 an hour, and you get to watch the many many freight trains on this line). Three hour drive to Devon. We were staying in a cottage in north Devon, and on Saturday morning followed the very good sat nav directions from the parkrun page.
Facilities:
Good car parking,with a marshal to direct you, but you do need to pay. Toilets. Cafe during summer hours only.
Course:
It’s a beautiful run round the Tamar lakes, crossing into Cornwall at some point, and in the beautiful autumn colours it was just a glorious way to start a Saturday morning. Pretty flat – there are one or 2 inclines which might challenge a wheelchair or buggy, but wide gravel paths all the way. Big love to the volunteers who had to pick up those spilled finish tokens in the mud!
Crowd:
Stable numbers are around the 100 mark – the weekend we were there was Storm Bert which had resulted in MULTIPLE cancellations across the country, so I thought there may be more attendees, but perhaps folk were avoiding getting stuck in flooded roads. (See later). One of thier regular runners was fundraising for an upcoming marathon, so there was a fundraising bun stand
Many gorjus doggies, including a pointy eared ginger Portuguese hound, and of course our own sprocker, Apollo.
Gear:
It was cold and windy, and I’m not running fast these days. Windproof trousers, Sauconys that I travelled in, warm Michelin jacket, and Cow Bobble..
Time:
I was supposed to be the responsible adult of an under 11, but I was far too slow for him, so I jiggedy jogged around in just over 53 minutes.
Strangely Appropriate Song On Shuffle:
OK. Let me fast forward you to the Sunday, where my return journey was spent in the back of a recovery truck, avoiding the flooded roads, gridlocked town centres, accident blocked tiny roads…..and the song on the radio was “The tide is high, but I’m holding on…”
And the rest:
Storm Bert put the kybosh on any hot tubs, kayaking, or seaside strolls. We had a few splashy puddle walks, an indoor climbing wall session, takeaway fish’n’chips, and then the van was displaying warning signs, so there was no way we were driving back.
Hence the recovery truck return journey, with my son and I exchanging awful Hamilton puns (Look around, look around, how lucky we are to be alive right now!), and us negotiating closed ring roads hence 40 minute stand offs up and down a steep hill, 33 point turns when a road was blocked by an accident, and then 10 miles form home having to take a half hour break, for understandable tachograph safety rules. Truly Unforgettable!
The newest addition to Norn Irn’s parkruns is Paisley Park, in north Belfast. I visited on their event number 3, on a beautiful crisp sunny autumn day.
Access:
It’s in Belfast, so it will be pretty easy for locals and visitors alike to get there. Bus routes are listed on the parkrun page, but I managed to get a lift there, and met enough running chums there to arrange a lift home again (Thank you Liz and Emma!)
Facilities:
There is very little car parking on site. The area is shared with a playing pitch so there are football things happening at the same time. A few loos available in the changing rooms. No cafe on site, but a number of options nearby, including McDonalds where the team meet. Its launch was celebrated with a plaque, commemorating the breaking of a 4 minute mile here in Belfast.
Crowd:
Being fairly new, there are lots of tourists such as myself making sure we have ticked off all the events in Norn Irn, so I recognised quite a few faces. I was also “cow cowled!” by a visitor from further afield. There were 176 at this, their number 3, I’d expect that to level off around 80 in weeks to come.
Course:
I did find it a little confusing. It starts with 2 laps of the track, once on the outer lane and once on the inner, before heading past the car park onto the greenway, where 2 loops have to be run, before heading BACK to the track for a final 2 laps. I only did one of those final laps, oops!
Most of the path is tarmac, so road shoes are advised, and watch out for slippy leaves. The views, though, are stunning, over the city, and I found myself reciting Wordsworth:
Earth has not any thing to show more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty:
This City now doth, like a garment, wear
The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,
Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie
Open unto the fields, and to the sky;
I did take lots of photos, but my stoopit iPhne is playing up and didn’t capture them. It is slightly undulating, but not overly so. But the 2 loops do mean that there are parts where there are runners going in both directions, so remember to keep left where indicated.
Gear:
I was in my usual windproof trousers, long sleeved base layer, blue T with handy zips (for my debit card, bus pass and emergency fiver), cow cowl, headband and world tourist cap. Zipped waist belt for phone. Could have done with gloves!
Time:
My official time was 41m15, but as I had inadvertently omitted the final lap that wasn’t strictly correct.
Reason for visit: My daughter’s West End debut, why thank you for asking!
Access:
The meeting point is in James Clavell Square, where the statues don high viz vests so that the many visitors can find it.
The course page is very good at using “what three words”, and when I discovered that the code for this was “tulip.patch.runner”, well, there was a location with my name on it! (Have I told you about the tulips?). I was staying in theatreland, and rode one stop from Leicester Square to Tottenham Court Road, where I changed onto the lovely sparkly new Elizabeth Line (referred to by all as The Lizzy Line) to Woolwich, a journey of about 20 minutes.
The Lizzy Line has great big long trains, so I’ve never found it to be crowded (but then I’m not commuting). I did have to remind myself that parkruns in England start at 9.00, rather than the Irish and Scottish civilised 9.30s that I’m used to.
Crowd:
It’s a fairly recent addition to the London parkruns, so still attracts a lot of visitors. I got chatting to a few fellow cow cowls, as well as someone who was doing their first ever parkrun and had already invested in a barcode wristband! A few buggies and dogs, and a handful of walkers alongside speedier runners.
Course:
The original “Curly Wurly”, with a spiral section, was Somerdale Pavilion, but this course also incorporates a spiral path section in Gallions Park, with a circuit of the bench at the top. So some have christened it the “Walnut Whip”.
Aside from that part, it’s pretty flat, run mostly on the Thames path along the river, affording cracking views. Encouraging signs, featuring the swirly spiral symbol, bring a smile.
Facilities:
There are loos nearby, and any number of cafes for parkfaffing afterwards. Sadly I couldn’t stay as I was meeting J for breakfast (and therefore quite grateful of the 9.00 am start)
Gear:
It was quite a warm day, but I was in my wind-proof black trousers, turquoise top with little zippy pocket, where I kept my bank card for zapping in and out of ticket barriers, and my waist belt for phone and tissues. World tourist baseball cap and sunnies. Wore my Saucony’s for travelling in.
Time:
I am not running regularly at all these days, and was adopting a “jog a bit walk a bit” approach (did not try running up the walnut whip, but ran all the way down), so I was quite happy with a run time in the low 40s.
Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:
I had so many earworms from the show the night before, and was also enjoying listening to the birdsong, and the lap of water from the rivers edge.
And the Rest:
Well, J was just amazing in the wonderfully mad, over-the-top, riot of laughs that is Why Am I So Single – it was just beautiful to watch her signing programmes at the stage door afterwards. Go see it!!!!
Back in that London for the second time in a week, this time to see the legend Barry Manilow. After the excitement of my 100th event last week, I wasn’t too bothered whether I ran or not, but the day dawned bright and sunny and so off I went. And a very enjoyable morning it turned out to be.
Access:
Those of us who don’t actually live in London sometimes find it hard to work out which one to choose. It’s all very well looking at a map to see which is closest, but that may not translate into easiest to get to. I toyed with Victoria Dock and Burgess, but in the end decided that Mile End would be the simplest to get to, being only 5 stops on the Central Line from where I was staying near Covent Garden. From the charming tube station, turn left and you’ll soon find yourself at an entrance to Mile End Park. Start and finish is by the stadium.
Facilities:
Loos are in the stadium, bikes can be left there too. There’s a Raggedy School museum and cafe for afterwards, or other cafes nearby.
Course:
The park itself is a long narrow strip crossing over the main road via a bridge. So it’s sort of “out and back” with a tight turnaround point (watch out for those bollards!).
The paths are like a dual carriageway, faster runners tend to use both lanes at the start, but as the crowd thins out keep to the left. Tarmac path all the way, some slight inclines over the bridge, and super views of the city skyline.
Crowd:
I got my first ever “Dolly or Bev” in the wild, from Ruth and Brian, currently on 126 with no repeats. I also chatted to visitors from Manchester and the Netherlands. The crowd seemed youngish in age, and the course is also suitable for buggies or dogs (but not both). Big numbers, so a complicated finish funnel.
Gear:
I had travelled in my blue Hokas, and wore my wind proof black trousers and my With Me Now t shirt, and of course my cow cowl.
Time:
I stopped to take photos, so my time was just under 50 minutes.
Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:
I didn’t have headphones in, but we had put Barry on Spotify that morning, so I was humming Copacabana to myself.
My parkrun tourism is severely hampered these days due to 2 factors. Firstly, I have a part time job, which often requires Saturday working. Secondly, we are now a one-car family (being more environmentally friendly), but my other half needs the car on a Saturday morning. So if I DO have a Saturday off, I am reliant on the kindness of friends who can offer a lift. Step up Heather, fellow Jog Lisburner, who was my chauffeuse for the road trip to Portglenone. Thank you!
Access:
Portglenone (usually pronounced “own” but often jokingly called “one”, and in my lexicon now Port glen onehundred) is a charming little village on the north side of Lough Neagh. It has a marina, some lovely wee cafes, and a very pretty forest, famous for its bluebells. The parkrun is NOT at the forest, though, but at a riverside walk just outside the town. Good directions are given on the parkrun site, but you’ll need a car.
Facilities:
There is a small car park by the start/finish area, though runners are encouraged to leave it for other users, especially fishermen. Parking on the main street is easy enough to find. There’s also a portaloo onsite, as well as a toilet block before the bridge. Coffee afterwards in the village. The volunteers are very friendly and manage the big numbers very efficiently, and a photographer produces some excellent photos.
Course:
A lollipop shaped course with a run out to a loop, down twice. Arrows and marshals make sure you wont get lost. Cattle grids are covered with mats. No real hills to be concerned about, gravel path mostly, with the odd muddy patch. Beautiful views along the riverside.
Crowd:
It’s still the new kid on the Norn Irn block, so is very popular with those completing the NI set. I chatted to a few other Jog Lisburners, other cow cowl chums delighted to be getting another T, and ambassador Matt, with his wife Ruth who has recently celebrated her 600 volunteer milestone. What an achievement! Good course for dogs ( long hard Paddington stare at someone running with 2 dogs). The start is a little narrow, but sensible seeding with slower runners and walkers at the back reduces any congestion.
Gear:
Cow leggings, 100 volunteer shirt, black headband, blue hokkas. And of course my cow cowl. I’d had a moment of panic on Friday when I couldn’t find it, but a quick prayer to St Anthony did the trick – he can apparently even find lost cows. Blessed be the cow, and also with moo.
Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:
No headphones with me, I was enjoying the birdsong. But my earworm was of course 100 miles from The Proclaimers.
And the rest:
I did of course have cake! I’m not a baker, but Sainsburys (other supermarkets are available) do a “decorate it yourself” iced Madeira. I rolled out some yellow icing and made holes in it with a bottle top. Then used a cow shaped cutter and black icing, before adding the words with an icing pencil. Small but beautifully formed, if I do say so myself!
Reason for visit: seeing the amazing Jemima Brown in a performance of award nominated Surge.
Access:
I’d never been to Newcastle before, and the journey was fairly straightforward. Well, a 7 a.m flight isn’t the easiest to negotiate, particularly with the frankly sub-standard public transport links to Aldergrove, but security and boarding were smooth and quick, and 40 minutes later we were touching down in “the Toon”. I was mightily impressed by the frequent, clean, and cheap Metro services to and from the airport, which took me (via the Jesmond stop) to Central Station, right across from the County Hotel, where I was staying. By 9 am I had dropped off my bags, done a recce wander, and by 11 I was sharing a cappuccino with darling daughter.
For Jesmond Dene parkrun, I got the metro back out to Jesmond. As it’s on the airport route, the service is quite frequent, about every 15 minutes on a Saturday, and the journey takes about 10 minutes. From the metro station, turn left, and walk all the way down Jesmond Road until you see signs for Jesmond Dene. It’s about a 15 minute walk. I got a 38 bus back into the city centre.
Facilities:
The briefing takes place near Millfield House, where there are loos and a cafe (and an ice cream van and a pets corner). When I visited there was a great market happening on Armstrong Bridge, where I enjoyed an iced latte and a granola breakfast cookie. Coats and bags can be left at the scanning area.
Course:
Oh my stars it is hilly! And has steps! And a resident puddle known as “Mr Puddle”. I’m pretty sure I also encountered Mrs Puddle as well as various Masters and Misses Puddles. But it is stunningly beautiful. Definitely no prams, and no dogs, though there were plenty of dog walkers around.
Crowd:
200 or so, I got chatting to a cow-legging wearer, and a local runner. But by the time I’d finished they had all disappeared, so I didn’t get much park-faffing.
Gear:
It was May 4th, so of course I had to wear some Star Wars clothing! I have an R2D2 dress, and Chewbacca/ Big Bang T shirt, so I wore them both. Black windproof leggings, parkrun world tourist cap, and had my cross body bag slung around me. Blue Hokkas that I’d travelled in, and was very worried about returning in, following my encounter with Mr Puddle. Dress code around here seems to be skirt the size of a hanky, and shoes like housebricks. (Not for parkrun, though. )
Strangely Appropriate Song On Shuffle:
I had no headphones with me, but was enjoying the birdsong in the trees.
Time:
I was very slowly jog walking, barely keeping ahead of the tail walker, so 51 minutes. Do I care? I’m out there taking some exercise in the fresh air.
And the Rest:
Well, I certainly made the most of my time in this friendly and scenic city! I managed to get a walk on the beach followed by fish and chips, charity shop bargain hunting, sipping a cocktail in a rooftop bar, an art gallery, science museum, castle, and of course as a bridge aficionado there are 7 unique and stunning ones to enjoy. Highly recommended!
Dancing At Lunacy 