A weekly blog episode featuring my winter sun holiday to Paphos, and a day out at this year’s National Outdoor Expo.
March went fast, didn’t it?! The last 31 days seem to have absolutely flown by. Again. In my world, March has been all about soaking up some lovely outdoor experiences that have left me motivated, refreshed, and itching for more adventures.
It feels like spring has really arrived, which has certainly helped. The days are longer and warmer, the sun has been shining, the blossom and flowers are blooming, and life feels alive with the promise of good things waiting just around the corner. Yes, I’ve had work, chores, admin, routine, and the rest, and the world news is quite frankly awful and stupidly worrying. But, you know, things in my tiny space on this planet are feeling bright in the main. I hope they are in yours, too.
In this Episode
The highlight of my month was a short getaway to Paphos. We were only away for four days, but it was enough time to allow the sunshine to soak into our bones, walk for miles exploring ancient history and modern culture, and eat lots of great food. We also had the unexpected joy of celebrating Green Monday, the Cypriot version of pancake day, filled with picnics and kite flying.
Back in the UK, I had the pleasure of attending the National Outdoor Expo, an event for which I am an ambassador because I believe in the importance of the GetOutside message the show promotes. It was once again brimming with energy, ideas, and stories that topped up my cup of outdoor inspiration. I also managed to squeeze in a day hike in the Clent Hills, and to turn the Warden’s Way and Windrush Way into a two-day hiking adventure, which will all get adventure journal posts in the near future.
And then to wrap up this episode, I want to share a mini review of lovely walking guidebook that is ideal for those of you who live in or near London. Shall I get on with it?!
A Few Days in Paphos
At the very start of March, we headed to Paphos in Cyprus for four nights of winter sun. If you’ve read my most recent Currently Loving post, you’ll already know a little bit about this trip, but here’s a few more words about what we got up to.
We booked the break with Jet2Holidays, flying into Paphos and staying at the Alexander the Great Beach Hotel. It was a fabulous spot right along the seafront, just a short stroll down the coast from Paphos Harbour. After sorting out a hiccup with our room (we had to move…), it turned out to be an excellent choice, and we really enjoyed the hotel’s comfy vibe and brilliant location.
Being the type who can’t sit still for long, we spent the trip doing what we do best: exploring. We didn’t hire a car this time – unusual for our winter sun holidays – but instead threw ourselves into discovering Paphos on foot. Walking around the famous Archaeological Park was a highlight, with its stunningly preserved Roman mosaics. A bit further up the coast, we wandered through the intriguing Tombs of the Kings, a vast necropolis shrouded in mystery (although it did feel odd having complete access to all the open tombs). And while the old town up the hill offered its own treasures with winding streets and a lovely little museum, it was the harbour that I enjoyed mooching around the most, with its serene views and bustling atmosphere.
As for the weather, it was just about perfect for March, at 18 to 20 degrees during the day, warm enough for t-shirts, but not overly hot. Much nicer than at home! On our first night, we were treated to the most incredible sunset, painting the sky in fiery shades of orange.
Celebrating Green Monday
Green Monday, also known as Clean Monday, marks the beginning of Lent for Greek Orthodox Christians and is a significant day in Cyprus. This public holiday is celebrated with outdoor festivities that bring families and friends together for picnics, games, and kite flying. It’s a refreshing contrast to the pancake-focused Shrove Tuesday in the UK, but it shares the same underlying theme of preparation for the Lenten season. I love how the focus is on spending time outside, embracing nature, and enjoying the company of loved ones.
Kite flying is also a Green Monday tradition, apparently symbolising freedom and lightness. We walked to Lighthouse Beach hoping to spot a few kites, and were greeted by a spectacular sight – hundreds of kites of all shapes, sizes, and colours being flown. The beach was buzzing with families, all enjoying the sunshine and the festive atmosphere.
I love our pancake traditions, but I was definitely inspired by the sense of community and celebration of this Lent custom in Cyprus. The fact that spiritual reflection is combined with the embracing the joy of life – and that it is done outdoors – appeals. I wouldn’t mind seeing Green Monday catching on at home.
As much as we enjoyed our time in Paphos, I couldn’t help but think about all the places we didn’t get to see – this time, at least. If we had stayed for a full week, hiring a car and exploring further afield would have been at the top of my list. Famagusta, Coral Bay, Avakas Gorge Nature Trail, Akamas National Forest Park, and even Mount Olympus are all calling my name for a future trip. I’d love to return to Cyprus someday and delve deeper into its beautiful landscapes and fascinating history.
National Outdoor Expo 2025
The National Outdoor Expo is an event I look forward to every year. It might be held in a cavernous indoor exhibition hall (NEC, Birmingham), but it always leaves me feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle new outdoor challenges. As an OS Champion and an ambassador for the Expo itself, I find great joy in sharing my passion for the outdoors, whether it’s through everyday escapes like One Hour Outside or planning multi-day adventures.
But attending such a dynamic event does come with its ups and downs. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others – those conquering bigger feats, adventuring farther afield, or seeming fitter, stronger, or better equipped. However, the Expo is a great reminder that outdoor pursuits are for everyone, regardless of experience level, fitness, age, budget, or any other factor. It’s about finding joy in the moment, however you choose to embrace it.
One of the highlights of my day, as always, was reconnecting with my outdoorsy friends, the people who inspire me and remind me that adventure is not a competition but a way of life. Though I didn’t manage to snap enough selfies with them (I must improve on that!), the conversations (and hugs) made my day. I hope you also have friends who encourage you to get outside and explore the world, too.
My Expo Highlights
I could only go for one of the days this year, which was a shame but I think I did a pretty good job of squeezing everything in. First up, had the privilege of being involved in the ribbon cutting again this year. It’s always such a fun moment to find myself in the lineup amongst other (much more well known) outdoor enthusiasts.
My on-stage highlights included Jo Moseley and her empowering discussion titled “You’re not too old and it’s not too late!”. The overarching message of ‘go home and book it’ really resonated with me – and Jo, I did! Watching FellFoodie in action at the Saturday Outdoor Kitchen was another treat. Harrison’s empanadas were delicious, and his skill in outdoor cooking is impressive (you should buy his book, Cook Out, also at Amazon). Perhaps the standout talk for me, though, was WildlifeKate’s “Get some vitamin n(ature) into your life”. Hearing about how she makes her breathtaking wildlife films, captured right in her own garden, was fascinating and inspiring.
There were loads of stands once again, and this year it felt like the variety went up a notch. Vertura, Water to Go, Vampire Outdoors, and Mountain Girl being some of my favourites. And, of course, I couldn’t resist sampling a (large!) variety of treats – I can vouch for the deliciousness of Idahoan mashed potato and RealMeal bars, though the Kendal Mint Co energy drink wasn’t quite my thing (yuk!).
The date for next year’s National Outdoor Expo has been confirmed as 21 and 22 March 2026. I’m up for being an ambassador again if the team will have me, so watch this space for details on how to get your free tickets via my code a bit later in the year.
Hiking the Wardens’ Way and Windrush Way
The Windrush Way and Wardens’ Way offer a wonderful pair of 14-mile trails in the heart of the Cotswolds, winding through the quintessentially English countryside between Winchcombe and Bourton-on-the-Water. Having explored snippets of these routes in the past, I decided I wanted to experience them in full. So, I turned them into a two-day hiking adventure to round off March – and to colour in another square on my 2025 Bingo Card.
On Friday, I tackled the Wardens’ Way, a serene and scenic trail that led me through peaceful woodlands, along gentle streams, through charming yellow villages, and over rolling fields. Arriving in Bourton-on-the-Water, sometimes called the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, I enjoyed an overnight stay that made it feel like I was on a proper trip away despite not being that far from home. Then on Saturday, I returned via the Windrush Way, tracing its tranquil path back to Winchcombe. Though slightly different in character, this trail was equally delightful, offering views of the picturesque countryside awash with the vibrant hues of spring.
The hiking itself was easy-going, perfect for soaking up the natural beauty and savouring the joys of walking in my local area. As someone who loves an overnight hike, it felt wonderful to tick off another mini-adventure so early in the year. These two trails complement each other beautifully, and completing them as a loop made for an enjoyable couple of days. I’m looking forward to writing a full adventure journal about my experience of these hikes, and am now on the look-out for other potential two-day trips I can do later on in the year (ideas very welcome!).
That’s Entertainment
Walks for Each Season, Julia Smith
You know I love a walking guidebook – they are so good at filling my weekends with lovely hikes, whether directly because I follow the routes included, or indirectly because they are so inspiring to have sitting on my bookshelf.
Walks for Each Season by Julia Smith (this is the second edition), is one such guidebook. Offering 26 meticulously chosen and described walks that showcase the changing beauty of nature throughout the year, each is located within easy reach of London, making it perfect for city dwellers who want a quick escape to reconnect with nature.
Unlike other guidebooks I’ve got, Smith has matched each of her walks with the time of year it truly shines, considering factors like blooming wildflowers in spring or the crunch of golden leaves underfoot in autumn. The routes are varied, including a mix of woodland trails, open fields, and historical landmarks, catering to a range of walking preferences. And the descriptions and practical tips help make this a book that can actually be followed out on the trail, too.
Sadly for me, I can’t verify any of these walks (yet) because I don’t live close enough to London – so it’s one of those side table books that acts as a prod to create my own local hikes.
(Julia kindly sent me a copy – thanks Julia!)
See You Next Time…
I hope you’ve enjoyed this rambling (not weekly) blog and that it brought a little lightness to your day. And I hope your March has also included plenty of outdoor adventures that you look back on and smile about. The longer days and warmer weather are perfect for exploring, and we all need more of that in our lives.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be wrapping up my Mendip Way adventure journal series, so stay tuned for those stories. April promises even more opportunities for outdoor fun, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Until next time, enjoy the beauty of the season and happy exploring!
What do you think? Comment below...