As part of our rolling schedule to check all of the trails in our walking & trips, Becky, Alastair and myself (Emma) were excited to be walking our ‘Living Painting’ trail, which is part of our Wessex Ancient Kingdom and Country Houses & Gardens trips.
We started our walk at an imposing triangular tower built on a hill in the middle of rolling countryside back in the 1700s. Originally built as a folly to commemorate the end of the Seven Years’ War against France and the accession of King George III, this impressive structure was named after King Alfred the Great, who is thought to have rallied his Saxon troops near the site in 878 AD before defeating the Danish who had invaded Wessex.
From the tower, we set off into the surrounding woodland, the scent of pine wafting in the warm air. Guided by the instructions in our trail guide, we navigated the tracks through the trees, until we emerged into farmland. We continued downhill along a beautiful tree-lined track that looked like it hadn’t changed in centuries. Weaving our way past sheep taking shelter in the trees, it felt like each step was taking us further back in time and we’d have hardly been surprised to meet Jane Austen out on a walk or a character from a Thomas Hardy novel. Continuing this theme, we soon emerged at the entrance to a grand country estate, an 18th century manor house with magnificently landscaped gardens designed around an impressive lake.
We took our time to explore the gardens, wandering around the lake and taking in the carefully curated views and monuments. It was a truly special place and a complete contrast to the surrounding countryside. Moving on from the landscaped gardens, we ambled on to the more intimate walled gardens, the old red brick walls providing the perfect backdrop to the colourful flowers, fruits and vegetables bursting from every inch of soil. We also took the opportunity for some refreshments at the estate cafe – an ice cream proving to be the perfect treat on a warm summer’s day.
Eventually, we tore ourselves away from the magnificent grounds and continued on our way through the countryside and into a wide-bottomed valley lined with trees, which gave the countryside an almost alpine feel.
Emerging out from the valley, we soon returned to the imposing tower where we started, feeling like we had experienced a multitude of landscapes in just a few hours – woodlands, farmlands, valleys, grand estates, 17th century monuments and beautifully landscaped gardens. What more could you want from a day walking in the English countryside?
Becky, Alastair and Emma were walking our Living Painting trail, which is part of our Wessex Ancient Kingdom and Country Houses & Gardens trips. If you’d like to know more, simply send us an email. We’d love to talk through your plans with you.