iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

The August issue of Aerostat, the quarterly journal which I produce for the British Balloon & Airship Club. Learn how you can get involved in hot air ballooning: bbac.org

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Weekend wanderings: Black Cap Yesterday’s 15km hike took me onto the hills beyond old Lewes racecourse to Black Cap, which I previously tackled in May when all was verdant. Now the terrain is rendered in tones of brown, but with a particular beauty.

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Yesterday’s hike began with a 20min train ride from Lewes to Seaford, a stroll along the beach with its colourful huts, followed by the climb up and over Seaford Head, then down to Cuckmere Haven with views of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. Return journey totalled around 13km.

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Birthday walk 2. After my walk was curtailed due to rain, I had a second attempt. Up Chapel Hill and the footpath over Lewes Downs, descending to Glynde after 8km with a rendezvous at Trevor Arms for a pint of their best bitter. Return to Lewes was via locomotive in six minutes.

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

My 72nd birthday. I climbed Chapel Hill to the golf course, then took a path toward Glyndebourne. Light rain came in. I sheltered under a tree to eat a sandwich. When it began to pour, I retraced my track. I was overtaken by a guy carrying a cello, on the overland route from the opera house.

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

La Source! Bilingual Dictionaries, an imprint of my own Plátanos Publications, includes Dictionary of French Building Terms, Dictionary of French Tools & Materials, and Dictionary of French Gardening Terms. All available (paperback/ebook) from Amazon or www.richardwiles@platanos.co.uk

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Yesterday’s hike to Firle Beacon began with 6-minute train to Southease and steep climb to the South Downs Way, with views to Lewes and beyond, and Newhaven as a ferry steamed in. Descended Firle Bostal to Glynde. Missed the train for 7-minute trip back to Lewes, so time for a pint at Steamworks!

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

After a pause, Waymarks is back with an update on my publishing progress. Please read, enjoy and share!

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Weekend wanderings: Southease via Egrets Way. Sunday’s outing followed Egrets Way alongside the Ouse from Lewes toward Newhaven. I crossed the former swing bridge at Southease for coffee at the Courtyard Café, before returning via the same route, a round trip of around 16km.

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Weekend wanderings: Malling Down. An expedition on Saturday took me from Lewes on a steep path to Cliffe Hill. Onward through a wooded area, emerging to far-reaching views of town and the distant ridge. Beyond the flint cairn, I ate lunch while gazing upon the building that houses my future home.

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Yesterday’s hike along the ridge above Kingston, then Castle Hill Nature Reserve – a running route in days of yore – followed by a path through a crop field. I could see the channel only vaguely through the haze, then returned for a pint at the Swan Inn – 16km in five hours.

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

Blowing away the cobwebs on a 15km hike from Lewes to Black Cap via the Old Racecourse, then back via the Chalk Pit to Offham and return along the riverside footpath to town.

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

In my third temporary accommodation in almost three months, whilst awaiting completion on the purchase of my new home, I have now returned to Lewes, where morning walks with my canine charge reintroduce me to the sylvan oasis of the Railway Land.

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

The May issue of Aerostat is winging its way to members of the BBAC. My work is done, until the next issue in August. Get involved in balloon at www.bbac.org

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Falling foul of the lurg during the week I must complete Aerostat magazine, to go to print on Friday, at the same time as its companion newsletter Drop Line, to be mailed out on Thursday, is unfortunate. Having been a hermit for a decade catching a bug now I have rejoined society was to be expected.

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Wing It, on BBC Radio 4 - really? New depths of low.

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

A pleasant day for a stroll along the cycle and foot path that runs from the centre of Lewes alongside the River Ouse, in the direction of Old Hamsey Church. A seal was basking in the sunshine on a pontoon on the opposite bank (a bit fuzzy in the photo).

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

A terrific performance by the excellent Ska Toons at the ‘Snowy’ last night.

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

It’s been about a decade since I climbed up the exceedingly steep Chapel Hill to take in the far-reaching views of Lewes and the Downs – but well worth the effort!

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

My latest post is now live on Substack, the final part of a short series of reminiscences of my French home. Please enjoy, share and show appreciation for my writing. open.substack.com/pub/waymarks...

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

A glorious, warm sunny day yesterday, and my first visit to the wetlands on the outskirts of Lewes, in the company of my friend Kate. This area – which used to be a favourite running route – has been developed during my nine-year absence in France.

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

A dark evening in the company of Mr Cavie, Lewes, East Sussex. Toffee, burnt toast, treacle, chocolate…

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

The latest post from Waymarks is now live. Enjoy this penultimate exploration of my former home in France, share, and if you don’t already, please subscribe for further essays. It’s free

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Part 3 of Adieu la France! is now live on Substack. Please read and enjoy, share and if you don’t already, subscribe for further posts. It’s free! open.substack.com/pub/waymarks...

Adieu la france! 3: A marshland oasis, a 'plus beaux' village & a sulky Sunday

Further adventures in the Quercy countryside of south-west France.

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 15/02/2026

A little later than usual due to my relocation to the UK, but here’s the second episode in a short series on my adventures exploring rural France. Please read and enjoy, share and generally show appreciation for my work! waymarks.substack.com/p/adieu-la-f...

Adieu la France! 2: Châteaux, ancient mills & mountain goats

Continuing my personal reflections of my time living in the Lot department of south-west France

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

waymarks.substack.com/p/adieu-la-f... A few days late due to my ongoing relocation, my latest post is now live! Enjoy, restack and generally show your appreciation. If you’re not already a subscriber, please consider signing up…… it’s free!

Adieu la France! 1: Head in the clouds

After a twenty-six year relationship with France, I am returning to England with fond memories of this welcoming country. Join me as I reflect upon my hilltop eyrie and the places I have visited.

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

The latest edition of Aerostat magazine is on its way to members of the BBAC. To find out how you can get involved in ballooning, check out bbac.org

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

This is the final part in Pyrénéen promenades, and it is a landmark. Next week I leave France to return to UK, after a 20-year relationship with the country. To find out why and where, tune in to next week’s Waymarks, when I will pay a poignant homage. open.substack.com/pub/waymarks...

Pyrénéen promenades 5: an escapade in España's Val d'Arán with a pause for pintxos

Pyrénéen adventures with a Spanish flavour

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

A few years ago, when the band had an average of 18. Japanese four-piece Haku's "HutariKichi" is simply sublime. youtu.be/oqaBrY1LB2k?...

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ハク。 " ふたり基地 " Official Music Video

YouTube video by ハク。_sub

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Part 4 of my serialisation of Pyrénéen promenades is now live on my Substack publication 'Waymarks'. Please read and enjoy, share and, if you're not already, subscribe for further essays. It's free!

Pyrénéen promenades 4: a rocky valley, a bridge over a raging torrent, and a holy statue on high

Mountain trails in the French Pyrénées

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

My latest post on Substack, part three of a four-part serialisation, is now live. Please read, enjoy, comment and share. If suitably enthused you can subscribe (for free!) to Waymarks.

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Part two of my serialisation of 'Pyrénéen promenades' is now live on Substack! Please take time to read and enjoy, share, and wait with bated breath for part three next week! It’s all free, unless you’d like to become a paid subscriber and support my writing. Happy New Year!

Pyrénéen promenades 2: high pastures, emerald waters, and curious marmottes

Spring turns to summer in the French Pyrénées

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

An extract from my latest post on Substack. substack.com/@richardwile...

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Richard Wiles (@richardwiles3)

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Reposted by Richard Wiles

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

It's not too late to take advantage of a 50% discount on paid subscription to Waymarks! waymarks.substack.com/p/christmas-...

Take advantage of a discount on subscription to Waymarks

Christmas Special Offer

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

My latest post is now live on Substack, part one of a short series on hikes in the French Pyrénées mountains. Please read and enjoy, share, comment and generally show your appreciation for my writing! Subscribe for further weekly posts – it's free! open.substack.com/pub/waymarks...

Pyrénéen promenades 1: snowy peaks, frozen falls and Christmas turkey on high

Autumn and Winter wanderings in the French Pyrénées

Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Merry Christmas baubles to one and all!

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

The second part of my post A cut above: Art of the coutelier is now live on Substack. Please read and enjoy, share, and perhaps consider taking out a subscription to Waymarks (there’s a 50% discount available right now!).

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Richard Wiles @richard-wiles.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

It's not too late to take advantage of a 50% discount on paid subscription to Waymarks! waymarks.substack.com/p/christmas-...