Chocolate Truffle and Ganache Workshop @ Choco Museum, Lima

Booking a hotel opposite a chocolate museum and workshop could be seen as a cruel joke, or an invitation to get messy.

If you're looking for something a little sweeter than Pisco Sours to play with in Peru, Choco Museum's range of workshops could be right up your street. Choco Museum uses fresh Peruvian cocoa in all their products and has a delicious range of bars, jams and other chocolaty treats for sale.

Their workshops include "from bean to bar" and farm tours, and whilst in Lima we tried the truffle and ganache workshop.

The 2 hour class is just S75 (Peruvian Soles) or about £20 making it a sweet deal as we also got to take 12 chocolates of our own making home with us.

Here's a little taste of what to expect...



Choco Museum has locations across South & Central America in Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Colombia.

Enjoy!

Hiking the Dorset SWCP: Part 2

Welcome to part two of our guide to walking the Dorset portion of the South West Coastal Path. The SWCP covers 630 miles of coastline on England's south west peninsula from Poole Harbour in Dorset to Minehead in Somerset.

As part of our training for hiking Peru's Inca Trail, we set out to walk the miles of Dorset coast using the SWCP, and covered the Poole to Weymouth section in part one of this guide.

In part two we will complete our challenge, clocking up over 75 miles along the way!

Chickerell to Abbotsbury

We start our next walk at Chickerell Village just outside of Weymouth. There's plenty of on road parking, but please be considerate of residents. Head through the campsite and onto the path which runs parallel to Chesil beach. This is a flat walk and very peaceful. As you near Abbotsbury, why not stop at the Swannery before catching the X53 bus back to Chickerell and the car.

See the Chickerell to Abbotsbury route now on MayMyRun.

Top Tip: The bus is £4 each, so have some change
Pub Stop: The Swan Inn, Abbotsbury
Distance: 8 miles Start Chickerell, End Abbotsbury
Gain: 405ft

Abbotsbury to West Bay

One for the Broadchurch fans, the end of this walk leads to the base of these infamous cliffs. From Abbotsbury beach car park (£6 all day) take Burton Lane along the coast. The path gets very pebbly at times which makes it a little challenging, but it eventually gives way to trail again. The reward is an endless choice of fish and chip huts, and delicious tea and cake at West Bay. The X53 bus can drop you back to Abbotsbury too!

See the Abbotsbury to West Bay route now on MayMyRun.

Top Tip: Be very careful around the cliffs. Land slips are common and can be deadly
Pub Stop: The Custom House, West Bay or The Station Cafe
Distance: 8 miles Start Abbotsbury beach car park, End West Bay
Gain: 170ft (apparently, but I think this is an error on the may. Expect a few moderate hills)

West Bay to Lyme Regis

Finish the SWCP quite literally on a high with this challenging but very rewarding walk. From West Bay join the path and climb the hills to Eype and a refreshing drink at Seatown. You'll need it for the climb to the top of Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast. Make time to enjoy the views before following the path to Charmouth and Lyme Regis. There is a diversion in place where the path is no longer safe, so be sure to keep an eye out for the markers from Charmouth onwards. Again the X53 bus can ferry you from one end of the route to the other, giving you time to celebrate with a walk on the Cobb at Lyme Regis.

See the West Bay to Lyme Regis route now on MayMyRun.

Top Tip: Save your picnic for at the top of Golden Cap
Pub Stop: Anchor Inn, Seatown
Distance: 9.75 miles Start West Bay, End Lyme Regis
Gain: 1724ft

Thank you to all our friends who joined us on some of these walks, with their endless support and willingness to help us complete our challenge!

48 Hours in Bath

Bath is quite simply the stuff weekends away are made of. It's stunning architecture and endless list of things to do are sure to keep you coming back time and time again. Having visited a few times recently I thought it time I told you my tips for a great 48 hours in Bath!

Where to stay

Bath University

Bath is famously expensive and I've been lucky enough to see both ends of the scale whilst maintaining quality. For a modest budget, book your room at Bath University. During non term time the campus halls double as hotel rooms complete with en suite bathrooms, toiletries and breakfast (canteen style). If you're weekending in a group the kitchens are also open for you to relive your uni day with a few pre-dinner drinks. Be warned, the halls are popular with groups and the wifi is bad at best, but at £40 per person you can't complain. 

Moonraker

For a more quaint and country scene, head out at the city to the Moonraker Hotel. This Manor House style inn is complete with resident pigs, herb gardens and Neil's Yard toiletries, and guests are welcomed with homemade flapjacks. A cosy stay here is definitely more about staying in with a good book and roaring fire than going out!

What to do

The Makery

Artists and artisan wannabes should make for The Makery in Bath. Conveniently in the centre of the city it's the perfect place to spend a few hours before heading back to the shops. On offer are all sorts of crafty capers from headbands and knicker making to espadrilles and lampshades. You'll be guided at each step and likely have the helping hand of a sewing machine and endless pots of buttons, sequins and ribbons for to adorn your creations.

Sessions typically last 2 hours and you can take your creations home with you. 

 

Thermae Spa

The Roman Baths get a 21st century upgrade with all the ancient Heath benefits at Bath's Thermae Spa. 3 distinct experiences will leave you soothed and relaxed.

Enjoy the view over the city from the open air roof top pool before hitting the 4 steam rooms, each punching out a different aromatherapy oil. End your trip in the Minerva pool, where the gentle currently guide you around. If that isn't enough the on site spa will work a little harder to get you there.

Where to eat

Sotto Sotto

If there's one thing Bath does well it's underground vibes. Sotto Sotto is a delightfully authentic Italian restaurant set in bricked arches just below street level.

The menu included a tasty burrata with Parma ham and fig, chocolate lentils and mushroom pasta, all of which go very nicely with a glass or two of prosecco. 

The Pump Room

For afternoon tea in Bath the only place you need to know about it the Pump Room. Set within the historic Roman Baths, the Pump Room will serenade you with its wide tea selection, decisions cakes and live music.

Not forgetting the astonishing decor, the service at the Pump Room is second to none, with the team breaking all expectations to accommodate the nut allergies and vegan diets in our party.

Hiking the Dorset SWCP: Part 1

The SWCP, or South West Coastal Path stretches from Poole Harbour in Dorset to Minehead in Somerset, taking in 630 miles of coastline on England's glorious south western peninsula.

It's quite a thing to behold, and I'm pleased to say that as part of our training for hiking Peru's Inca Trail, we set out to walk the miles of Dorset coast using the SWCP.

Here is a guide to how to conquer such a feat, and a few tips, including pub stops along the way. Part 1 will cover Poole to Weymouth, and Part 2 covers Weymouth to Lyme Regis. There's a few hops, skips and jumps to join up the path, but as you'll be doubling back on occasions, we wont worry too much about that.

As for getting about, a car is helpful, but also the Purbeck Breezers for transport on Purbeck in the summer months.

Shell Bay to Studland 

Assuming you've taken in the 7 miles of golden sands and promenade of Bournemouth and Poole beaches, start this 'out and back' walk at Studland. Leave the car in Sandbanks and hop on the chain ferry, then follow the sand all the way to Middle beach. Stop for a much needed cup of tea and slice of cake at one of the cafe's before heading back, and keep a weather eye for nudists!

See the Shell Bay to Studland route now on MayMyRun.

Top Tip: This walk is almost all on sand at beach level, so bring a towel for a refreshing dip at the end.
Pub Stop: Knoll Beach Cafe
Distance: 5 miles Start/End: Shell Bay
Gain: 52ft

Swanage to Studland

After exploring the seaside town of Swanage, head left along the beach until you find the wooden steps. From here, you climb up the hill and are treated to stunning views of the bay. Follow the path as it crests and you will see Bournemouth and Poole Harbour in the distance. At Old Harry Rock, follow the path to the left all the way to the Banks Arms, where you'll find local beers and fish and chips waiting on the large garden. If you can tear yourself away from the lovely garden, it's a short walk to the main road and bus stop where you can hop on the 40 bus back to Swanage.

See the Swanage to Studland route on MapMyRun.

Top Tip: Start with tea and cake from the tea room in the carriage of an old train at Swanage station.
Pub Stop: The Banks Arms
Distance: 4 miles Start: Swanage, End: Studland
Gain: 200ft

Swanage to Winspit

From Swanage, head right along the quay and up the hill. Follow signs to Durlston through a residential area and woodland to the welcome centre. Here the SWCP picks up and follows the coast all the way past Dancing Ledge to Winspit, a disused quarry. There's a few steep climbs with steps, but poles shouldnt be needed.

From Winspit follow the path up to Worth Matravers, stopping at the Square and Compass for some live music and local cider, then take the road through Langton Matravers to Swanage.

See the Swanage to Winspit route now on MapMyRun.

Top Tip: Make the most of the photo opportunities at the Durlston Globe and Winspit Quarry
Pub Stop: The Square and Compass
Distance: 11.6 miles Start/End: Swanage
Gain: 900ft

Chapmans Pool to Kimmeridge

Start your walk from Kingston village or Houns Tout car park. Head down South Street and through the sheep fields towards Chapmans Pool, but turn right off the track at the sty. Cross the fields to pick up the path and find the famous steps out of Chapmans Pool. Once out, follow the path up and down (and back up again) until you reach Clavell Tower and the path dips into Kimmeridge Bay.

Head out of the bay towards the village, stopping at the Clavell Arms for a comfort break before continuing past Seabcombe House and through the farm. Cut through the fields back to the path you were on earlier and follow the route back, turning left at the top of Houns Tout to catch the path back to Kingston, and hopefully a plate full of jerk chicken!

See the Chapmans Pool to Kimmeridge route now on MapMyRun.

Top Tip: Things start to get hilly and there's a lot of stinging nettles, walking poles and doc leaves recommended.
Pub Stop: The Scott Arms and Clavell Cafe
Distance: 11 miles Start/End Kingston Village
Gain: 1250ft

Tyneham to Lulworth

Park and leave a donation at Tyneham before either heading south to Worbarrow Tout (for the views) or east to the mouth of Worbarrow Bay. From here it's a steep climb out of the bay to Flowers Barrow before you dip into the tank graveyard. Watch you footing and heed the warnings, this is a military training zone. Follow the path over a few more climbs before winding down to Lulworth Cove. After freshening up, head left along the beach and climb out of the cove through Fossil Forest and pick up the path back to Tyneham.

See the Tyneham to Lulworth route now on MapMyRun.

Top Tip: Check the Lulworth ranges are open before setting off and make time to explore the abandoned village of Tyneham.
Pub Stop: Lulworth Cove Inn
Distance: 11.4 miles Start/End: Tyneham Village
Gain: 1812ft

Lulworth to Preston

Park at Lulworth and take the path over the ridge towards Durdle Door. After taking some pictures, follow the path keeping Portland in view. As you near Ringstead Beach you'll see signs for the White Nothe and then the path becomes a lot flatter, eventually dropping into the beer garden of the Smugglers Inn.

From here, you can continue to Preston, or Weymouth, or head up the road to catch the 30 bus back to Lulworth Cove.

See the Lulworth to Preston route now on MapMyRun.

Top Tip: Stop to admire Durdle Door and Man o' War beach.
Pub Stop: The Smugglers Inn
Distance: 7.1 miles Start: Lulworth, End: Osmington Mills or Preston
Gain: 900ft

Happy Trails!

Crete, Greece

 4-11 June 2016

My cheeks are sore by our second full day in Crete, and when I go for my morning dip in the sea it becomes clear why. I've never been a good snorkeler (something about a fear of inhaling mouthfuls of sea water and some unsuspecting seaweed) so, armed with my goggles and wet shoes, dive in and hold my breath as long as I can before coming up for air. Now I know why my mouth hurts. I swam in the crystal clear waters of Crete's northern coast twice yesterday and I've barely been here 24 hours.

Swimming in the crystal clear waters

It's our summer holiday and were checked in to Meli Palace, somewhere in the rocks between uni goer favourite Malia and sleepy Sissi. The all inclusive hotel isn't our usual style, but it turns out the rumours were true; the food is excellent, the beach is private and the activities on offer will keep even us busy. Tennis, volleyball and kayaking are all on site and there's even an isolated island to swim to and conquer before heading back in time for lunch.

Kayaking!

Sunday is Greek day in the restaurant (though there are Greek dishes available all week) and I particularly enjoy filling my plate with Greek salad, stuffed vine leaves and souvlaki. Couple this with a hearty buffet breakfast and excellent dinner and it's a good thing there are a few opportunities to burn some of it off!

Sometimes all I need is a good book and a sunny spot to read it

We swim, eat and read until the explorer in us can't wait any longer and it's then that we make the 5k walk westwards to neighbouring Malia. Passing though the strip of bars and clubs, we seek out the old town. It's a hidden gem with blue painted doors and flowering climbers decorating the walls at every turn. We are greeted with ice cold sangria and Mythos and watch as the small square sets up for the evenings dinners, most likely a mix of locals of people like us looking for a taste of real Greece.

Malia Old Town

To the east of our slice of Crete is Sissi, which we visit one evening for dinner. Its tiny harbour is picturesque, and the few moored boats bob on the water as the sun slowly sets. We settle ourselves at Hemingway's Bar for chilled sweet red wine by the very large glass whilst the aged rockstar-esque proprietor sips his own glass and tends to his cats. Wandering up the road for dinner we are treated to more warm Greek hospitality, some spontaneous dancing and raki before getting a cap home. 2 people ask me if I'm Greek or have been there before, so I guess my tan is coming along nicely!

Cretan backstreets

Our final night, we book a table at the a la carte restaurant, To Nissi, and are treated to a stunning sunset as we are waited on. Course after course follows, washed down with a few glasses of wine and I can't help but think it's juts the best way to end our week in Crete; feeding our bodies and minds!

We were treated to plenty of beautiful sunsets

Watch our video on Crete below!