📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
I had a couple of comments like this on some of my I had a couple of comments like this on some of my TikToks a few months back when I said I was going on a long trip without my BF. 

🧡One thing I’m super grateful for is my supportive boyfriend no matter how ludacris my ideas.

✈️He loves to travel and explore new places but it’s definitely not on the same scale as me! 

💻 He also doesn’t have a job that gives him the same freedoms as mine does 

🌎we were meant to be apart for 6 weeks but I told him I was extending by a week and it was absolutely fine 

❤️Despite the fact we miss each other he’ll always support my travels whether he can come with me or not.

🍉 If your partner doesn’t support or trust you are they really the one?
Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 📍@c Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 

📍@carrie.ahangama
🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night 🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night @pelicanbayahangama  above the @pickledpelican restaurant where you can get very decent burgers🍔

📍Ahangama, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
A little insta VS reality. Exploring days look v A little insta VS reality. 

Exploring days look very different from travel days. And you best believe I spend 99% of my days in my frizzy bun 😅

Anyone else like this?
📍Udawalawe National Park Can never have to muc 📍Udawalawe National Park

Can never have to much elephant content right? ✌🏽🍃🐘
Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cu Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cute insta girl 😂✌🏽

FYI the train was stationary in the second pic of me 😂

Also think I need to say that the first few pics are not mine… but I think that’s pretty obvious right? ©️
🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are call 🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are calling… are you going to answer? 🏄🏽‍♀️

🌊Whilst I didn’t get to surf in Sri Lanka due to a broken toe, I absolutely love watching surfers as a pastime. I think it’s such a cool and impressive sport.🌊

🏄🏼Here are the best places to surf (or surf watch👀)

South Coast (November to April) 

🏄🏽‍♀️Hiriketiya 
🏄🏽‍♀️Matara
🏄🏽‍♀️Ahangama 
🏄🏽‍♀️Midigama
🏄🏽‍♀️Thalpe
🏄🏽‍♀️Mirissa 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hikkadawa
🏄🏽‍♀️Unwatuna 

There are also some smaller beach towns in between the above 

East Coast (May-October) 

🏄🏽‍♀️Arugam Bay 
🏄🏽‍♀️Pottuvil Point 
🏄🏽‍♀️Panama 

Do you fancy trying the surf in Sri Lanka?
🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂🍃

🇱🇰🚂Tips for the Ella-Kandy/Kandy-Ella train ride in Sri Lanka 

🎟️First Class Ticket = 3000lkr (£7.90)
🎟️2nd Class Ticket = 900lkr (£2.40)

🚂You can buy your tickets from the station the night before but the pre book shuts at a certain time, however you don’t need to worry you can easily buy or tickets on the day just make sure to come at least 30 mins before departure 

🚂I would highly recommend booking 2nd class over 1st 

🚂In 1st the doors should open but all the windows will be shut 

🚂In 2nd the windows will be open and the doors will be shut HOWEVER all you need to do is politely ask the ticket collector and they should open these up for you. (We had such a nice guy on our train who was opening up all the doors for us). 

🚂2nd is WAYYY more fun you can hang your head out the window, everyone is super friendly and you end up getting chatting with all the other passengers on the train. I don’t think we sat down once on this train because of all the socialising 

📸PS A lot of my pics turned out blurry because of how much this train moves. I honestly don’t know how some people have the guts to hang right out of it whilst its moving
🔉Sound On 🔉 The only time is Brits can trus 🔉Sound On 🔉

The only time is Brits can trust the governments advice 😅😅
This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I head This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I headed to the airport and what a nice little goodbye it was 🧡🍑🍊🦁🌅🌇 @lighthouse_ahangama
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰

🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃

Some of these include

🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park

🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘

🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.

🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘

🐾It felt more natural 🍃

🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 

🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫

 🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 

TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️

🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 

🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 

🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 

☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are fo The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are for Boujee’s ✌🏽

I occasionally will try and share budget tips on here but just know I’m bad at it 😅 the important thing is trying though right?
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
Instagram post 17972116637147209 Instagram post 17972116637147209
🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 7 years aft 🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

7 years after my first visit and Sri Lanka still remains one of my favourite places. The beautiful landscapes, nature, wildlife and the people make it one magical Island 🇱🇰🌴

I can’t wait to share with you all my Sri Lanka recommendations but for today here are a collection of my favourite shots 📸
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Adventure around a 9-5

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Hiking, UK · June 18, 2020

Best Walks in Hertfordshire

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If you are looking for some things to do in Hertfordshire, I have compiled a list of the best walks in Hertfordshire for you, so you have come to the right place.

Being a Hertfordshire local and having tried and tested a variety of local walks during the various stages of the Covid-19 lockdown, I thought it would be a great idea to create a list of my favourite walking routes and nature reserves so that you fellow Herts locals can try out for yourself.

And I, of course, will keep updating the list with new ones I try out.

My List of the best walks in Hertfordshire:

Hertford to Ware (and beyond) River Walk

I’m lucky enough to have this walk right on my doorstep and have therefore done this route countless times.
Starting in Hertford, you can begin the route at by “The Old Barge” pub. The route between Hertford and Ware is around 4K (completely flat terrain), and takes me roughly 40 minutes.

Along the route you will be greeted with endless greenery, a variety of birds and ducks (and ducklings come spring), cows and can even spot the odd cute cottontail rabbit here and there.

You also have the opportunity to take a variety of detours, whether that be to Hartham Common or through the adjacent fields, amongst the cows. Whatever route you decide to take you will always end up in Ware. This means that you always find your way back to the river, so there is no getting lost.

If you fancy a slightly longer walk you can carry on along the river from Ware to Stansted Abbots (or even towards Broxbourne) and admire the wildlife at Great Amwell Nature Reserve. This will give you at least an extra 50 minutes of walking time.

Difficulty Rating:1/5
Toilets: No

Things to do in Hertfordshire
Things to do in Hertfordshire

Pegsdon Hills

Technically Pegsdon Hills comes under Bedfordshire, but it still covers part of Hitchin, so it definitely still counts as a Herts walk.

If you want to forget you are in Herts and transport yourself to Wales then this is the walk for you.

You could probably spend a few hours exploring the fields and getting lost here. However, the most notable walking route is a 4.4-mile loop trail which will take you roughly 1.5-2 hours to complete.

As you would expect from the name there is a mixture of uphill, downhill and flat terrain walking, but overall a fairly easy and relaxing walk.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Toilets: No

Things to do in Hertfordshire

Waterford Heath

Based in the small town of Bengeo, Waterford Heath Nature Reserve. Once a sand and gravel quarry is a great place to go if you want to experience a diverse set of landscapes.

From green woodlands (which I personally think look like fairy forests – see top left picture below), to streams and marshes, to dry sandy fields which look like something you might find in Australia and not the UK, Waterford Heath has it all.

Waterford Heath has one main walking track, the “Chalkstream and Heath Walk” which is roughly two miles long. There are however there are a number of unmarked routes for you to venture through. 2 hours here should be enough time.

Difficulty Rating: 1/5
Toilets: No

Things to do in Hertfordshire

Panshanger Park

Located in Hertford North, Panshanger Park is a great place to go for a nice stroll by the lakes, through the bluebell woods or the vast green flowered fields and set up for a picnic.

However, if you fancy doing that little something extra you can even go horse riding through the park (if you just so happen to have one).

You will also have the opportunity to experience some of the park’s history with “The Panshanger Great Oak” that’s over 400 years old as well as the remains of the old “Panshanger Orangery”. Whatever it is you fancy doing, there is a walking trail for you!

Difficulty Rating: 1/5
Toilets: No

Things to do in Hertfordshire
Things to do in Hertfordshire

Ware to Thundridge loop

Starting from Ware you can walk towards the town of Thundridge via Wodson Park towards Hanbury Manor Spa.

On route, you will walk through farmland and witness rolling fields and lonely trees and after some meandering, will eventually loop back to the main road.

Again, you will need about 2 hours for this walk. However, If you want to continue further past Thundridge you can head down to the village of Wadesmill and complete the Wadesmill and Sacombe Park loop.

TIP: This is the kind of walk you want to do in dry weather only unless you like getting completely muddy that is!

Difficulty Rating: 1/5
Toilets: No

Things to do in Hertfordshire

Verulamium Park

Steeped in Roman history, lined with cobbled streets and home to a very impressive cathedral, St Albans has always been a popular tourist spot.

To add to it’s a line-up of attractive sites is Verulamium Park, located in the city centre right next to the Cathedral.

With a children’s play area, a splash park, an outdoor gym, lots of green space, Roman ruins (both in the park and in the Verulamium museum located nearby), and a beautiful lake it has something to please everyone’s tastes.

Difficulty Rating: 1/5
Toilets: Yes

Things to do in Hertfordshire

Tring – Ashridge Estate and Ivinghoe Beacon

With over 5000 acres worth of land, there is plenty of exploring to do around Ashridge Estate. Secondly, with multiple walking, cycling and horseriding route the choices are endless and the views are spectacular no matter what you decide to do.

If it’s an easy woodland walk you are after I would recommend heading to the Ashridge Estate NT Carpark where you can first admire the Bridgewater Monument.

Here you can take a look at the nearby maps to decide what trail you would like to take. With the estate being so large, it’s quite easy to get lost here (I did), so if you do happen to get lost be prepared to try and retrace your steps as phone reception is extremely poor.

If it’s rolling hills and panoramic views you are after I would suggest heading to the Ivinghoe Beacon Carpark where you can embark on a mini hike along the Ivinghoe Beacon Ridgeway.

However, if you’re after something a little more challenging, you can take the 10-mile walk from the Bridgewater Monument (found at the Ashridge Estate carpark) to the Ivinghoe Beacon Ridgeway- check out the route here.

This was one of my favourite spots, so makes it to the top of the ‘best walks in Hertfordshire’ list.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Toilets: Yes

Things to do in Hertfordshire

Tring – Tring Reservoirs Nature Reserve

Located just a 15-minute drive from Ashridge Estate, and made up of 4 individual reservoirs, Tring reservoirs Nature Reserve makes for great picnic/sunbathing spot or somewhere to take a nice relaxing stroll and watch the sunset.

My best advice would be to park at Startop’s End car park. Parking here will give you easy access to Startop’s End, Marsworth and Tringford reservoirs as well as the Grand Union Canal.

The 4th reservoir, Wilstone Reservoir, is roughly a 25-minute walk from Startop’s End car park (I decided to give this one a miss as i figured 3/4 isn’t so bad).

Finally, if you need some TLC after all of your walking, you can make a reservation at the hugely popular Champneys Tring Spa.

Difficulty Rating: 1/5
Toilets: No

Things to do in Hertfordshire

Dunstable Downs

Now, Dunstable Downs is actually located in Bedfordshire, but it’s so close to the Herts border and makes up part of the Chiltern Hills (which are also found in the aforementioned area of Tring) so I think this is safely allowed on this list.

Here, again, you will find beautiful panoramic views and large green rolling hills as well as 3 main walking routes, each to suit different interests.

Dunstable Downs is part of the National Trust so there is onsite parking (which you must pay for, unless an NT member) a cafe and toilets.

This is a great place to come if you want a nice easy stroll and if you are short on time. This is also the perfect place to watch the sunset behind the hills.

Difficulty Rating: 1/5
Toilets: Yes

Gobions Wood

Located in Potters Bar, Gobions Wood is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a quiet family (and dog) friendly walk. There are hectares of woodland to explore, including the quaint Gobions Pond, of where you can go carp fishing.

During the springtime, Gobions Wood is famous for its bloom of bluebells and during the winter it’s known to be one of the best places in Hertfordshire to find a vast selection of fungi species.

To get here enter Gobions Open Space Car Park into your sat nav. Once you park up you will have to walk across the field and past the park to gain entrance to the woods.

Difficulty Rating: 1/5
Toilets: No

For more information on the best walks in Hertfordshire click here or you can also download the following apps:
“Herts Walks”
“All Trails“

If you are looking for more places to visit within the UK then click here for my top trips from London by car.

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I'm Christina a part-time traveller who is exploring the world around my 9-5. From canyons to coasts, I love all kinds of adventures. I've created this space to provide you with all the travel inspiration and my top tips for seeing more of the world in less time.

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📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
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