Our Walking Journal

Person walking through spring meadow

Glorious grasslands

Spring is on the way! The days are getting brighter and amidst the wintry scenes the first flowers are emerging, cheerful white snowdrops are making a welcome return to our woodlands, riverbanks, hedgerows and gardens. Soon, the rest of the countryside will be awakening from its winter dormancy. Fields and hillsides that have been barren

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Close up of a bluebell flower

Magical bluebells in spring

‘The bluebell is the sweetest flower That waves in summer air; Its blossoms have the mightiest power To soothe my spirit’s care.’ Emily Brontë  With spring starting to show its welcome face here in South West England, our thoughts are turning to spring walking. As the weather starts to warm and the first wildflowers emerge,

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View of path through graveyard to an ancient Saxon

Exploring Secret Cotswolds

This January, David and I spent a few days in the Cotswolds exploring new routes and trails. It’s been wonderful having the time to explore this region that we know so well (and which never fails to surprise us with new views and experiences). David grew up here and several of my cousins and an

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Grand Cotswolds church with grazing sheep in foreground

The wool trade in the Cotswolds

‘In Europe, the best wool is English and in England the best wool is Cotswold’ (12th century saying) The Cotswolds needs no introduction. Famed for its rolling green countryside, beautiful villages, vibrant market towns and golden Cotswolds stone cottages. It’s the quintessential view of England.  But the reason both the landscapes and the buildings look

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View of Durdle Door Sea Arch from the cliffs

Wonderful coastal walking

A sunny day in Winter is always a joyful gift. The day after the winter solstice the skies cleared, and whilst the gusty wind brought icy blasts, it was joyous to take a few hours to walk. Alison and I headed to Dorset to enjoy it’s stunning coastal scenery.  Wrapped up, and with hats &

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Christmas in Sherborne

‘Twas the week before Christmas…’ and I had a hankering for some festive cheer and Christmas carols. And what better place to find that than at a carol concert held in the magnificent Sherborne Abbey? I arrived early to have a wander through the town and look at the seasonal decorations and window displays. It

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