Looking South Along Cat's Back
The Black Hill (also known as Crib y Garth or Cat's Back) is a hill (elevation 2100 feet or 640m) in the Black mountains in Herefordshire, England.
It rises just west of the village of Craswall, near the border with Wales. It is a lovely ridge walk with spectacular views towards Herefordshire and South Wales. The hill connects to Hay Bluff eventually further along the ridge. A loop walk of Cat's Back makes for a fantastic day's hill walking. The classic Black Hill walk is approximately five miles long and takes around three hours to complete.
There is a very small parking and picnic area at the southern tip of the ridge, at the far end of minor roads leading from Longtown, Herefordshire.
Llanthony Priory
To finish a day in the hills why not take a picturesque drive along the Gospel Pass past Hay Bluff until you reach Llanthony Priory. Take the route via Craswall. The priory dates back to around the year 1100.
J. M. W. Turner
The ruins have attracted artists over the years, including J.M.W. Turner.
The priory lies in ruins due to Henry the 8th dissolution of the monasteries.
Eiger Dreams - The Bernese Oberland
Eiger-Nordwand
The Eiger is a 3,967-metre (13,015 ft) mountain in the Bernese Alps of Swizterland. The Eiger-Nordwand is known as the most challenging mountain climb in the Alps due to it's nearly vertical rock face which is 1800 metres high, the highest north face in the Alps. At least sixty-four climbers have died while attempting the ascent. There is a beautiful walk which follows a direct path underneath the north face of the Eiger which I am going to discuss below.
Eiger Northwand Trail from Eigergletscher to Alpiglen
The 7 km walk starts at the Eigergletscher (Eiger Glacier Station) below the towering Eiger, as seen above. Luckily the walk is down-hill most of the way starting from 2300 metres high and ending at 1600 metres. The north face is majestic and towers over you like a giant. One can only imagine what it's like to attempt to climb it. When you have reached Alpiglen you can get a train to Grindelwald or Kleine Scheidegg and get travel connections.
Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. An iconic trio.
These peaks are truly magical and you can never ever get bored of the views that dominate the skyline. You can go to the top of Europe by taking the Jungfraujoch, a spectacular train line which is carved through the mountains until it reaches an altitude of 3,463 m. Once you are at the top there are views looking out over the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe.
Click here for an interactive webcam
Mürren
A High Altitude Gem
I recommend staying at Mürren, situated at the top of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It reaches an altitude of 1650 metres. The air feels very clear and cars are not permitted. There are numerous hiking trails or if you're not in the mood for hiking there are many cable cars, including one which takes you to the top of the Schilthorn (2970 metres). There is a revolving cafe on the top as well as beautiful views to the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Click here for Mürren webcams