Tracing footsteps in England’s eastern counties, gathering ideas for more distant escapades
Published on 19th July 2025 
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutesThe summer of 2025 is quieter for me than this time last year; the main need is to get in some freelance revenue now that I have an opportunity to do so. Summertime gallivanting that happened in previous can await because other things matter more right now. Today is wet where I am writing these words, a contrast to last weekend when I pottered off to England's eastern counties seeking some respite from high temperatures.
Then, there was some strolling around Norwich that took me as far as Whitlingham Country Park before I hiked from Brandon to Thetford in advance of a brief visit to Ely. The time was short yet much could be made of what was available, though returning to Ely under brighter skies remains a possibility; Saturday grew more sunny while Sunday grew more cloudy as the respective days wore on.
Otherwise, I have returned to unread copies of Wanderlust magazine to collect ideas for future overseas escapades. My time between contracts appears to have emptied my ideas list, though the need to get revenue-earning freelancing going again cast its own shadow too. With a new start being made, there appears to be opportunity for thinking ahead again.
Online reading is all very good, but perusal of a print magazine allows things to soak in more readily, especially when some relaxation involved. Thus, prospects like hiking trails near Gothenburg or exploring Germany's medieval heartland all beckon. The upheavals on the other side of the Atlantic may pause such designs for now, maybe allowing Antipodean explorations to come to pass. Given how advanced this year is in its lifetime, collection of ideas and collation of possibilities sounds more sensible at this stage.
While last year allowed me to see much of Ireland, the concentration in the province of Munster necessarily meant that other places did not get a visit, and there is much over there. Thus, I remain a subscriber to newsletters from MountainViews. Since these can be lengthy, they can be lengthy; printing them out can be a better idea at times. In any case, here is a synopsis of the latest issue for your perusal:
July 2025 marks a poignant yet celebratory edition of the MountainViews Newsletter, a staple read for hillwalkers and hikers traversing the Irish landscape. As the newsletter unveils a new format that harmonises well with both mobile devices and traditional desktops, it simultaneously honours the legacy of the late Brendan O'Reilly, a cornerstone figure in the MountainViews community. The obituary penned in his memory captures the richness of his contributions, illustrating a man whose passion for hillwalking defied the challenges of gruelling weather and punishing terrains. Brendan's journey of summit bagging, which led him to be the first to complete the Arderin list, is remembered not just for the peaks scaled but for the modesty with which he celebrated his adventures.
In tandem with this tribute, the newsletter also delivers an array of content aimed at invigorating the hiking community. Readers are treated to evocative photo essays that capture the majestic scenery from Ireland's summits, as well as those further afield in places like Patagonia and Spain. Journal entries guide enthusiasts through recent explorations, with highlights on the grandeur of Kippure in Dublin and a deep dive into Welsh County Highpoints, which promise rewarding challenges for those eager to venture beyond familiar terrains.
In true MountainViews spirit, the newsletter extends an invitation for suggestions and volunteer involvement, signifying a collective aim to enhance the quality of its offerings. Sprinkled throughout are engaging accounts detailing both local and international hillwalking exploits. From vivid recollections of a mystical trek in Donegal made remarkable by dry boots and blue skies, to an enticing glimpse into Welsh County Highpoints like Moel Sych and Holyhead Mountain, these stories illustrate hillwalking’s profound capacity to connect us with nature and with each other.
The edition does not shy away from addressing practicalities, touching on the intricacies of accessing some of the more secluded Irish treasures. Its discourse spans experience-based advisories on navigating challenging terrains such as Knocknagussy’s southern face or venturing to the isolated Cullinmore via a scenic Galway route. Such articles underline the newsletter's commitment to being an invaluable resource, combining anecdotal wisdom with meticulous factual detail.
For those with a penchant for exploring, the newsletter lists challenge walks for 2025, detailing both the triumphs of events like the Galtee Challenge and forthcoming commitments such as the Joyce Country Challenge. Meanwhile, video content from seasoned hillwalkers like Peter Nevin offers viewers secondhand adrenaline from treks in remote Scottish landscapes.
Adhering to a dynamic and authoritative tone, MountainViews continues to serve as a bastion of inspiration and information for its readership. As it adapts to new technological platforms, it remains steadfast in its mission to foster a community relieved in sharing the beauty of hillwalking, the personal stories of its adventurers, and the power that comes from understanding and appreciating the natural world. Whether honouring past contributors or preparing for future adventures, this edition of the newsletter stands as a testament to both continuity and change in the ever-evolving landscape of hillwalking in Ireland and beyond.
The above punctuates a life that is otherwise oriented for now. Nevertheless, the act of reaching for pen and paper while seeking new places to explore seems opportune.
