England: White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover.

 I feel like that's all I need to write--everybody knows of these majestic cliffs.  They're renowned for their historical significance (served to help defend Britain during World War I and World War II), their geomorphological processes (formation during the ice age), or just because they're so beautiful.  People have written songs and poems of their beauty and meaning.  Whatever the reason, everybody I talk to is aware of them.  Ever since I've been here, they have been on my list, and finally I had an opportunity to check them out! 

Dover is a relatively quick drive from the Chunnel, which makes it an easy excursion if you have an early train over from mainland Europe, which is exactly what I did.

The day I went was absolutely beautiful, and everybody wanted to be out on the cliffs (can I really blame them?).  There are many trails that parallel the cliffs and allow you to explore the ecosystem that range in difficulty. It's really difficult to get lost, so just enjoy the landscape!

  

Can I jump it?

One thing that really struck me is how amazingly white the cliffs truly are, and the blanket of green vegetation on the top and fringes.  It seems as though somebody simply placed the vegetation there and could easily peel it off like the skin of an orange.  According to researchers, the cliffs are eroding relatively quickly: at a rate of about 22-32 cm per year.  That may not seem like a lot, but if you think about the fact that up until about 150 years ago the erosion rate was only about 2-6 cm per year, 22-32 cm is a significant increase. And the erosion can be both gradual or sudden, as large portions of the cliffs can come cascading down due to the forces of nature at any time.  One place where this was evident was the trail down to the sea, where a large portion of the trail was blocked off because a large piece of the cliffs demolished the trail.

The cliffs are truly a natural wonder, and if you're coming or returning to England via the Chunnel, it is a quick side trip, place for a walk (or a picnic!), that will not disappoint!

Resources:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/08/englands-iconic-white-cliffs-eroding-10-times-faster-now-than-ov/

Peak District - Mam Tor

England has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world interspersed with the most adorable towns and villages. My first real experience with the natural beauty England has to offer was on my trip to Peak District National Park.

A little history: In 1949, Parliament passed the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, and closely thereafter (in 1951) the Peak District became the first national park in England! It doesn't take much to see why this would be one of the first areas that England would want to protect.

My gateway to Peak District and the High Peaks was a town called Disley.  It was small, and really only had one good place to eat. It was so close to the hikes I was planning on doing, and the lodging was very reasonably priced.  There are also numerous footpaths throughout Disley that are perfect for a short stroll. But, the real reason I was here was to walk in the Peak District.

I loved the Mam Tor walk.  What I loved most is that it was an out-and-back walk, which meant I couldn't get lost (I mean...I could, but it was significantly more difficult than some of the other walks I'd been on). On this beautiful, windy day, I walked perhaps 3-4 miles out to a beautiful overlook, where the wind was so fierce, but the views so beautiful that you braved the wind just to peer off into the distance.  The trail continued on as far as they eye could see, but after spending some time in the peaceful quiet of the overlook, I returned back to the trail head, and headed home.

I only saw a small fraction of what Peak District has to offer, but I look forward to the prospect of exploring even more!