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A life less complicated

Featured / freedombird / 13 Comments

Having completed a large chunk of the British coastline and visited 1467 beaches on the way, ventured into the unknown, crossing the English Channel for the first time and seeing what the coastline of France has to offer and adding a further 459 beaches to our tally, we are off again. This time, as a complete change we are on the pursuit of stunning scenery and again crossing the channel and meandering down the core of Western Europe to see what we can see…

If you would like to see our earlier journeys around the UK, they have loosely been grouped together by location and you can find the links below.

NB some of the links below are not yet working properly as it is a work in progress….

Beach Guides:

To catch up with our earlier adventures in:

  1. North coast of Cornwall from 5th October 2017 to 11th February 2018 –   Freedombird in Cornwall
  2. Back in Cornwall at various times to complete the coastline – Freedombird back in Cornwall
  3. North coast of Devon from 11th February to 19th March 2018 – Freedombird in North Devon
  4. Somerset from 19th March to 29th April 2018 – Freedombird in Somerset
  5. South Wales coast from 29th April to 14th August 2018 – Freedombird in South Wales
  6. West and North Wales coast from 14th August to 21st October 2018 – Freedombird in West and North Wales
  7. North West England from 21st October to 26th November 2018 and 27th January to 4th February 2019 – Freedombird in North West England
  8. Cumbria from 27th January to 5th April 2019 – Freedombird in Cumbria
  9. South Coast of Scotland from 5th April to 25th May 2019 – Freedombird on the South Coast of Scotland
  10. West Coast of Southern Scotland from 26th May to 17th July 2019 – Freedombird on the West Coast of Southern Scotland
  11. Edinburgh and surrounding area from 18th July to 30th July 2019 – Freedombird in Edinburgh and surrounding beaches
  12. East Coast of Southern Scotland from 28th July to 15th September 2019 – Freedombird on the East Coast of Southern Scotland
  13. North East England from 12th September to 20th November 2019 – Freedombird in the North East of England
  14. Yorkshire from 14th January to 22nd February 2020 – Fredombird in Yorkshire
  15. Lincolnshire from 23rd February to 13th March 2020 – Freedombird in Lincolnshire
  16. Norfolk and Suffolk from 15th to 24th March 2020 and 28th June to 18th July 2025 – Freedombird in Norfolk and Suffolk
  17. Inland England on various dates travelling through – Freedombird in inland England
  18. West Coast of Northern Scotland Part 1 from 11th September to 14th October 2024 – Freedombird on the West Coast of Northern Scotland Part 1
  19. North Coast of Scotland and the Orkneys from 15th to 27th October 2024 – Freedombird on the North Coast of Scotland and the Orkneys
  20. East Coast of Northern Scotland Part 1 from 28th October to 15th November 2024 – Freedombird on the East Coast of Northern Scotland Part 1
  21. In the Highlands of Scotland from 15th to 26th November 2024 and 10th to 21st June 2025 – Freedombird in the Highlands
  22. West Coast of Northern Scotland Part 2 from 8th to 17th April and 31st May to 5th June 2025 – Freedombird on the West Coast of Northern Scotland Part 2
  23. Outer Hebrides Part 1 from 22nd April to 12th May 2025 – Freedombird in the Outer Hebrides Part 1
  24. Outer Hebrides Part 2 from 10th May to 30th May 2025 – Freedombird in the Outer Hebrides Part 2
  25. East Coast of Northern Scotland Part 2 from 15th to 18th June 2025 – Freedombird on the East Coast of Northern Scotland Part 2
  26. North and West Coast of France from 11th September to 7th December 2025 – Freedombird on the North and West Coast of France

Saturday 16th May 2026 – a lovely walk up the Rosengarten Trail from Imst….

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A bit damp overnight and into the morning as we gathered ourselves together to move on a little further through the Alps. This time though the journey was mostly Autobahn and along the valley floor and by the time we had arrived at our campsite for the night in Imst the sun had joined us.

Not to waste the sun we set straight off, through the village to the start of the Rosengarten Trail (not sure why it is called this as we didn’t see any roses) as recommended by the campsite owner….

Well I would say that the word trail is a little bit on the soft side for what actually followed as we instantly started to climb up some rough hewn steps and a long various hanging plank walkways, following the course of Schinderbach Waterfall….

It was a pretty strenuous climb and though she never complains or visibly seems to tire, poor little Tilly’s legs must have felt it – I know mine did….

As we neared the top, spectacular mountain views could be glimpsed down the gorge and over the trees….

Still we pressed on, no choice really as I think it would be a much trickier hike back down the way we had come….

Beyond this first hill there is the opportunity to continue upwards to the small village perched high above Imst but we have had enough and chose to return to the site via the steep but much less perilous footpath away from the gorge.

A challenging but beautiful walk and the views well worth it….

Back on site (Camping Acktiv Imst) the views are non too shabby either….

This is our last day of our incredible journey through Austria and I realise that we have hardly scratched the surface – but I believe it is always good to leave something worth returning for.

Todays stats:

  • Miles driven – 82
  • Miles walked – 6 (vertical!)
  • Fuel – £80.63
  • AdBlue – £14.02
  • O/N – £19.63

Friday 15th May 2026 – driving across to Mayrhofer….

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Still damp again this morning as we prepared to head off a bit further north and west to Mayrhofen. The main part of our journey was a series of mountain passes, firstly taking us over and through the Felbertauern Pass and Tunnel (Toll) where we again drove up into the magical snowy landscape and the accompanying drizzle turned into light snow at the highest points…

A stretch of valley road from Mittesall to the pretty village of Wald im Pinzgau with it’s tidy church and typical Austrian spire…

At this junction the sat nav had designs on us creeping up another mountain pass as a bit of a short cut however it quickly became apparent that it was not at all suitable for us as the road quickly reduced to single track and there was a sign prohibiting vehicles over 2.5t. We parked opposite the church and as the sat nav wasn’t being overly helpful I went and fortunately found some one with sufficient english to point me in the right direction, which did still involve crossing a high pass but at least it was suitable.

Off and up we went, passing Krimml Waterfall, Austria’s highest on the way….

Onwards and upwards (another toll) as we drove over Gerlos Pass and up into the snow again….

The last bit of the journey was event free and on the Autobahn and so we soon arrived in the village of Mayrhofer where it kindly stopped raining and allowed us to get our for a little wander….

Not the most interesting of villages, very geared up for either the winter snow or the summer hiking / cycling with a few bars and restaurants for when you are taking some down time from active outdoor pursuits, but pleasant enough for a nice walk.

We had originally thought to stay a couple of nights but having wandered around we have decided to move on again tomorrow – not least of all because it was a very expensive (for me) site. Even though listed as an ACSI site which should cost 27 euros for the night they insisted that they could only charge on this system for 2 people, making it a hefty 37 euros after environment tax of 4.50 and 2 lots of tourist tax at 3.6 euros – not impressed.

Today’s stats:

  • Miles driven – 84
  • Miles walked – 6
  • Tolls – £23.05
  • O/N – £32.04

Thursday 14th May 2026 – a wet and soggy day in Lienz….

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We were so lucky with the weather yesterday as it was so much better and clearer than forecast – today however it is running true to form with the rain setting in during the night and staying with us most of the day. Sure enough the Grossglockner road is closed today.

By mid afternoon it was still a little damp but we needed to get out for a bit and set off northwards out of town to enjoy the greenery and spring flowers….

Shortly we began to catch glimpses of Schloss Bruck and followed the footpath to get a closer look….

We were able to get up to the front door, unfortunately nobody home, though it does open to the public in the summer months and had a little nosey….

The rain started to come down again, not heavily, but enough to scupper any plans of going any further – on the way back we marvelled at the low whispy clouds hugging the mountains behind the site….

Thoughts of the day:

  • Whilst walking I was just thinking about the difference in the properties in France and Italy where shabby chic with the emphasis on shabby exterior wise is so different to the perfectly smooth, precisely painted decorated and very angular properties in Austria….
  • The weather in Austria looks a little unsettled for the next few days which could potentially cause us issues on higher ground so we are going to start to make our way across to Switzerland and try our luck there.

Today’s stats:

  • Miles walked – 5
  • O/N – £26.11

Wenesday 13th May 2026 – driving the Grossglockner High Alpine Road Part 2…

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Making the most of this wonderful afternoon up here high in the sky we work our way up and over the Hochter Pass – the highest point of this road being 2504m taking the opportunity to pull in just after the road tunnel at the top and capture the stunning scene in front of us and looking down on the road that we have climbed to get here….

Here the snow is banked up at the side of the road where the snow ploughs have kept the road clear and where they have started to pass through and clear fallen or collapsing snow banks – I have set myself a time limit of 5pm to start to make the return trip to ensure that I don’t get caught up in any freeze and I think the park closes around 6 anyway – since 4pm there has been an increase in the arrival of sports cars (the price goes down slightly at 4pm) and we played tag for awhile with these to soft top metallic Golfs….

A little further on, it wouldn’t be a proper road trip without at least one ‘Room with a View’….

By now we are three quarters of the way along this spectacular drive and it is now 5pm, I make the executive decision to turn around and start to make our way back because if we get caught at closing time at the far end the alternative route home is a massive detour….

Having found a nice wide parking area to turn in, we take a last wander and marvel at the sheer beauty of this snowy landscape and how amazing it is to be admiring all the 3000m + from such close quarters. One of my bucket list items is seeing a frozen waterfall now I know that this is not the trip for such a sight but I was still pretty impressed with these icicles clinging onto the rock face….

Of course there were a few more stops on the way down and just look at that road ahead….

What an amazing experience and day, I’m not sure what Tilly makes of the views or even appreciates them at all but she had plenty of opportunity to walk, have a little play in the snow and of course sniff out a couple of Marmots so a good day all round.

Today’s stats:

  • Miles driven – 85
  • Miles walked – 5
  • Entrance ticket – £40.46
  • O/N – £26.11

Wednesday 13th May 2026 – driving the Grossglockner High Alpine Road Part 1….

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As a fine sunny day dawned we suffered a little indecision, I am quite keen to drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road but after a long driving day yesterday had planned an easy day just wandering locally, however the weather forecast for the next few days is not good with snow likely on the higher ground which will inevitably mean that the Grossglocken road will be closed – so let’s go for it….

We drove the 20 or so miles from Lienz up to Heiligenblut and paid our entrance fee to drive the High Alpine Road to Grossglockner – starting with amazing views down the lush green valley before heading above the snow line…

The driving was challenging with multiple switchbacks constantly either climbing or dipping back down into the valleys but the road itself was good and plenty wide enough for two way traffic so not too daunting and fortunately plenty of lay-bys to pull off and really enjoy the views…

As we crept up higher and higher – reaching 2500m above sea level on several occasions – that is 2 and a half times the height of Snowdon! And still the 3000m + peaks soared above us. It certainly got colder, hovering around 1 or 2 degrees and the views more stunning as the snow deepened, with glimpses of frozen lakes….

At the top of Kaiser Franz Josefs Hohe (2369m) with views across to Grossglockner Peak only just visible – Austria’s highest mountain at 3798m and down onto the mostly frozen Sandersee.

Here we also spotted, well to be fair Tilly sniffed our their presence though she couldn’t see them, a couple of Marmots going about their business – I last saw these in the wild up in the mountains in Canada…

This section of the road ends here and we made our way back down to the main roadway and then continued our trip heading further north and higher still….

To be continued tomorrow….