My name's Patrick Leach, originally from Gloucestershire, now living in the beautiful Peak District in Derbyshire.
"The Solitary Rambler", which began in 1993, is my series of amateur films of my journeys in the countryside accompanied by my own musical scores, which I perform on my keyboard.
I have made over 200 films in various regions in the UK, all of which are available to watch on this RU-vid channel. I also recommend looking at my playlists as all my videos are grouped into the various regions, e.g. Peak District, Snowdonia, Wye Valley, etc.
My films are not walking guides, they are mini-movies of my personal journeys, in which I might share some of my own personal stories. However, with the exception of the early films, you can find links to route maps of my walks in the RU-vid descriptions for each film.
Please see my website (link below) for more information. You can also contact me through the website, but please read the notes on the "contact me" page first.
The Oxebode must have been an amazing thoroughfare when it was extremenly narrow, Patrick. New Inn Lane looks to be fairly narrow, too. The whole centre of this city looks really spick and span, with the place looking very tidy and with no foolish grafitti as well. The cathedral is a remarkable building and one of the most complex, with all the different passages and rooms. The architecture both outside and inside is of the highest order. The docks complex looks a real treat to visit, with the various warehouses, and later buildings that compliment the older ones. Such a lovely city for you to be proud of, Patrick, your birthplace. Many thanks for this grand presentation
I remember Gloucester city centre looking quite run down in the past, but a lot of work has clearly been done since I last visited many years ago. The cathedral is easily the best religious building I've visited, so much to see inside and out. I've never been that familiar with the docks, but it was good to visit whilst I was there. I certainly am proud to have been born in Gloucester. Thanks as always Ffranc for your support. All the best 👍
Hi Patrick thank you for another interesting walk, we loved the cathedral what a beautiful building, and the craftsmanship was wonderful, we have never been to Gloucester. Thank you again take care regards Dave & Jean
Good to see you in your birthplace Patrick. I visit Gloucester a fair bit and always have a swim. I enjoy the docks but I'll speak of the cathedral. I went in last year for the first time also. But I never went up into that gallery. I shall have to do that. It was a fine tour - thanks for showing us around. I was thinking that you might visit the Secunda Priory, which is related to Llanthony and is right there beside the dock - near that big red ship. Another time. Well, how about that being recognized. Your face is getting about. Cheers Patrick. All the best. Mark
Hey Mark, it was lovely to be back in Gloucester, have always been proud to have been born there. Getting up to those upper levels in the Cathderal was amazing, so I'm really glad I found that access. I've not heard of Secunda Priory, but yeah maybe one day. My mission on this occasion was really just to cover the cathedral and the docks, but access to the latter was a bit limited due to the Tall Ships event. I've been really surprised this year as to how much I have been recognised, but it's been great. I'm sure you must get recognised a lot too Mark. Anyway thanks for watching and take care as always. All the best 👍
@@solitaryrambler Good to hear of the day and your pride Patrick. Yeah, Secunda is really easy to access from the docks - google it. Well, you did a good job in covering both and dealing with fame-ha ha! Me? Yeah, some reach out in Hereford, which is nice. I will take care - you too.
Like yourself Patrick I have no real religious sway but I do get an overwhelming calm feel in the coolness of Churches & Cathedrals and it was lovely to sit back and enjoy your visit to Gloucester Centre and it's Cathedral :o)
Thanks as always for watching and commenting Steve. Yeah I must admit, when I went inside Gloucester Cathedral this time to film it, it quickly became my favourite religious building I think I've ever entered 👍😀
Just found your channel, as you may have noticed !!! I've only watched the Matlock and area videos but I got to say your doing a beautiful place proud thank you , I miss it
The greyhound pub used to be the Arkwright bank, he paid the workers in his own money and they could only spend it in his shops. He was by all accounts a bit a a b#stard. I worked at the mill during the early restoration, the Arkwright society we're no better than the man himself, treated staff terribly and there we're always rumors of missing funds etc. The for cafe did the best breakfasts !!!
A very colourful and varied tour of Gloucester. Really impressive shots of the magnificent cathedral too, enjoyable to watch. I remember Gloucester from childhood days. Living in Bristol at the time we sometimes visited there. Pretty sure I was entered into annual Eisteddfod there, but have forgotten so much about the city. Must bring many memories for you being born there Patrick. All the best.
Morning Shanita, I'm very proud to have been born in Gloucester. This was the first time I've been here for many years though and could see some changes, especially around the docks and what is now called Gloucester Quays. I thought the cathedral was amazing and enjoyed filming inside. Glad you enjoyed it Shanita, many thanks as always for taking the time to watch 👍
We lived in Darley Dale for four years before traveling again. Now live in Canada, have to say it was the closest I have ever felt to home. Too old to move back sadly
what a beautiful place to be born. It's lovely. The old streets and Tudor homes, that have seen years of history. You cannot beat a cathedral visit and the architecture is amazing. We couldn't build anything on a par now. It's always strange to see you in a city. I always picture you living in the middle of a field in the countryside, stoutly refusing to venture near the cities 😁 It was a busy day though but glad you got to see the old sailing ships. It must feel strange to be recognised a lot. I'm happy that Ray got you there for two pounds. What a bargain, as parking alone is extortionate. Really enjoyable and thank you Patrick
i'm very proud to have been born in Gloucester, and used to enjoy walking around it more in my younger days, so it was great to return here after so many years to film this. I prefer country walks as you know, but as Gloucester is part of my personal history, I thought it might be nice to make a film here this time. I didn't know about the Tall Ships event until I arrived in the city this day, so it was more crowded around the docks than I expected. It was nice to meet Ray and I have been quite taken aback this year alone as to how many people have said hi due to recognising me from RU-vid, so it's been a very pleasant surprise. It was a bonus to have taken the bus and had a £4 return journey, so no complaints there. Thanks for watching Kelly as always and for all your support 👍
I am surprised you'd not visited the cathedral before. Gloucester itself has certainly improved over the years. In the cathedral, you achieved some elevated views that I've not seen before. I can recommend visiting The Crypt down below, should you return another day. Did you have to pay for a permit to use your camera inside? Last time I was there, this rule was in place. It was only £3 or £4, from memory. Gloucester Quays, like many places now, is also home to a Christmas Market at that time of the year. And I remember a really go toasted sandwich shop by the docks near the centre... No idea whether it's still there.
Morning Olly. I can remember Gloucester city centre looking quite run down some years back, but they've definitely done some work to improve it from what I could see. It was a bonus being able access those galleries in the cathedral to get those higher shots, and a very interesting part of the building too. I didn't have to pay for a permit, but I always give a donation when entering a cathedral, plus I just ask if it's ok to use my camcorder, which it was here. I've never seen Gloucester Quays before, but I thought, for a shopping area, it looked really nice. Didn't explore it this time though as there were so many crowds around, which is not something I'm too comfortable with. Thanks for watching Olly, hope you're keeping well. All the best 👍
It's understandable that you returned to this beautiful part of the Lake District after 25 years, Patrick. A much more peaceful area with gorgeous scenery around the Loweswater lake, contrasting with the mountains, which seem a lot more moderate than some of them in different parts. The wooded seem fantastic to walk through. Many thanks for the presentation of this relaxing video, Patrick.
I always say the lake District is the most beautiful place in the UK, so it's always a treat for me whenever I return. Loweswater was one of the quieter lakes if I recall correctly, but just as pleasant as other lakes. Thanks as always Ffranc for watching and commenting 👍
Hello Patrick , oh we enjoyed seeing Gloucester the Cathedral is outstanding , and Hare Lane I think everybody that lives within 10 miles of Gloucester knows the Fish and Chips shop, the park was alway a treat I wonder if they still have the Fair there . Thank you Patrick .
It was great to get inside the cathedral this time Shaun, it certainly was outstanding. I remember buying a bag of chips from that shop in Hare Lane many times when I was younger during my travels all over the Forest of Dean on the buses, so it was great to see the shoe was still there after all these years. Thanks for watching Shaun, all the best 👍
thanks Patrick for another delightful walk.the city of Gloucester looks a beautiful place.and the cathedral looked amazing.i loved the blue stained glass window it looked so.lovely.cannot wait for another delightful video.all the best.👍👍❤️❤️
Thanks for watching Shane. Gloucester is special to me for the reasons I mentioned in this video so I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes that blue stained glass window was definitely a highlight. All the best 👍
Hi Patrick, we just enjoyed watching the walk in Gloucester. We spotted the Beatrix potter Tailor of Gloucester shop as you went back to the Cathedral. We were there in about April while staying with my parents in Malvern. We're back home in Brisbane, Australia. Love watching your walks, from Samantha & Will Stanton 😊
Your walk in Gloucester was so special. Needless to say, the cathedral is a stunning piece of craftsmanship. Wonderful that you shared some of the nooks and crannies within this beautiful place of worship. Thank you for exploring the city of your birth and showing the vibrancy found within. Thanks again Patrick for this wonderful film.
Many thanks Sofia. The cathedral was a wonderful place to visit with all those nooks and crannies and certainly my favourite cathedral now. Glad you enjoyed my exploration of Gloucester and I'm proud to have been born here. All the best 👍
Many thanks Steve. Yes Gloucester has its good and bad points like any city really, but it was great to revisit after so long and I'm proud to have been born here 👍
Superb filming and music as always Patrick - the path with the views descending to Lydbrook were particularly lovely. What a gorgeous county Gloucestershire is!
I am so glad that you are revisiting the Forest of Dean because it is easier for us to get there when we stay in Cheltenham. Some of my childhood memories get triggered. Maybe I will give Cinderford another visit. We were there just before the lockdowns and it seemed rather sad and in need of some TLC at that time.
It's been lovely revisiting the Forest of Dean this year. I'm glad they created a town trail for Cinderford, as they have with many towns and cities now, as it highlights points of interest you'd normally miss 👍
I didn't do any shopping at all whilst I was there, but the quays certainly looked a great place for a shopping centre. Thanks Hugh for watching and commenting 👍
A very lovely walk to a place I plan to visit. It's always nice to have a cup of tea and enjoy your journeys, videos and compositions along with heartfelt insights. Well done, Patrick, you are much appreciated and loved by your growing audience of fans. Kudos.
Good Afternoon Patrick, what a beautiful cathedral 😊 definitely something calming about walking around one, a bit of reminiscing for you visiting Gloucester! Thankyou for taking us along, have a good weekend.
Good morning Steph, glad you enjoyed the cathedral. Yes I enjoyed reminiscing around Gloucester, although there have been a lot of changes since I last visited. Thanks for watching Steph, have a great weekend too 👍😀
Interesting place, as are all ancient cathedral cities. The cathedral was so interesting. I always enjoy looking round them, and not many give you the opportunity to climb to higher levels, or on to the roof, so that was a great treat. I've never been to Gloucester itself, so that was a nice trip by proxy. Thanks Patrick.
It's one of my favourite cathedrals now and it was great to be able to access those upper galleries, a real treat for me. It's certainly the highlight of Gloucester for me, and I am very proud to have been born in this city. Thanks Michael for watching and commenting 👍
Hi Patrick what a lovely place Gloucester is have not been there for a long time now so thanks for sharing this one hopefully we will go back again soon for another visit ! anyway if your about in Bakewell around beginning of September do pop in for a pint in pub opposite the co-op ! Cheers Patrick 🍻
Thanks for watching Russ, I'm very proud to have been born in Gloucester. I'm afraid I'm away again for two weeks at the end of August and start of September, but do have a pint on me! 👍😀
I was waiting for Dumbledore to come around a corner in the cathedral. I could tell you were overcome by the beauty of it all. Especially the blue stained glass. What a feast for the optical senses. It must have been incredible, Patrick?
Stop being cocky about it, will ya! Actually it's over 8000 now. Well done. Solitary Rambler...the very first YT channel I subscribed to! Love it! Symonds Yat still my fav.
Morning Patrick .. What a lovely surprise .. A brilliant New film from you , Very interesting and you always send a variety of types of walks .. God bless you from Brian and Jenny Lancaster
Great video, again Patrick. Don't feel ashamed of your younger self not visiting Gloucester Cathedral, these things come to us at different times of our lives, but what an incredible House of God, a vision of Eternity on Earth.
Hi Patrick , lovely video , I love Gloucester cathedral and its very popular with the younger generations too due to it being a Harry Potter film location . Going off topic do you remember Portwall swimming pool , I thought I’d seen you around Garden city on one your earlier videos just wondered if you remembered it lol . Cheers Mike H
What a beautiful city! It is on my bucket list of places to visit. Parts of the city reminded me of Lincoln, a city that I usually visit once or twice a year on a sentimental journey.
Just discovered your videos in 2024 Patrick, must now watch them ALL. You may not see my comment ... but I want to THANK you so much for this Clent walk. We Brummies get so fed up of the bad press Birmingham sometimes gets! But we have plenty of BEAUTY surrounding the city. I grew up in Bearwood, near Warley Woods, about 4 miles from Clent. Much of my school holidays back in the 1950s were spent up Clent with my pals, and later with my husband on long walks. We schoolgirls had lovely times hiking with our knapsacks containing sandwiches and bottles of pop or water which our mums had prepared. I even burnt my eyelids once sunbathing on one of the top ridges in the baking sun. We would sing along as we hiked and life was happy. All it cost was the bus-fare from Bearwood along the Hagley Road to Clent (a few pence then!) Thank you SO much Patrick for showing the wide open spaces around the West Midlands (which in my childhood were called Staffordshire, Worcs and Warwickshire. I hated it when they named large areas West Midlands). My childhood was spent in many open spaces with lovely views, the Lickey Hills, Cannock Chase etc. You brought back lovely memories for me of Clent - and also of the Malverns too in your other videos! You are a brilliant walking companion and narrator - and I LOVE English Churches too btw ... may they STILL be there in centuries to come! The English should value their country much more!
Thank you so much Penny for all your kind words and for watching, it is much appreciated. If you are planning on watching all my videos, I do recommend looking at the "Introduction to the Solitary Rambler" video which gives an overview on what to expect. I remember filming this particular walk during the very start of Covid, and going into the first lockdown just a few days later. Thanks again and all the best 👍
