STAR LETTER

Routes to remember

Your article on the Slow Ways hiking network (Smart Traveller, Jul/Aug 2020) made me and my dad wonder. We’ve done many UK cycle trips together over the years, but things have now changed. Sadly, my mother died aer a short battle with cancer this year, and she loved protecting wildlife and walking. Her favourite place on Earth was Norfolk, and so we can’t wait to hit the path and breathe in the east coast air in her memory. We plan to complete the 83-mile Norfolk Coast Path, from Hunstanton to Sea Palling, with fivemonth-old Millie in tow and two Labradors pacing it out. We’ll enjoy the challenge — a fitting tribute to mum with a few good pubs taken in along the way! AMY KINGSTON

Elephant in the room

Your article in the May/June issue on conservation in Zimbabwe and Zambia reminded me of an elephant conservation centre I visited in Trivandrum, India. It, too, was sustained by NGOs and a group of experts. Reading the article, I was saddened by the reminder that, before governments move to support such organisations, they must be presented with models for economic gain. Global leaders must listen to the specialists on the ground in order to turn their bluster about saving the planet into tangible results. MATTHEW HAIGH

Where the grass is greener

Your recent feature on the west coast of Ireland (Jul/Aug 2020) brought back happy memories of a health and wellness holiday there in spring. Seeing the dramatic photos in the feature inspired me to think about booking up again. As you say, it’s wild and windy there on the coast — and all the better for it. The views over the Atlantic Ocean from our base in Galway were stunning, whatever the weather, and if the sun shone, which it did, the colours of the bright, blue sea and the pristine unspoilt sands were breathtaking — almost like Barbados. My two golden retrievers also enjoyed the open spaces and energising climate. Perhaps they were inspired by where our cottage was located — Dog’s Bay!

Walker at Cley Windmill, Norfolk