Familiar Footpaths

Hello Lovelies,

how I love a midweek day off. After a couple of hectic days at work it's such a treat to have some quiet time to myself. 

Waking to sunshine on Wednesday, I couldn't wait to get outdoors as soon as the boys had gone to school.

I thought about trying to find a different route, but there's always something new to see on familiar paths.

A highland cattle calf, growing his shaggy coat before winter.........

A Ram visiting the local Ewes................

I'll be on the look out for some spring lambs here in March.

Ploughed fields and the bare branches of trees on show once again...........

where you can spot a Buzzard waiting for his prey...............

the rolling hills of this rippled landscape, highlighted by the morning mist.........

I felt happy as wandered along this quiet track enjoying the sunshine...........

and said hello to these little brown sheep, with their sweet white faces............

the older ones were enjoying a lie in.............

I love the way this footpath has a door to go through here..........

as it passes close by a few houses..........

 between gardens where wagtails watch from the chimneys..........

then it opens out into a quiet, hidden valley............

The grass is wet and I'm happy that I finally got myself some waterproof footwear...........

This is the first pair of walking boots I've ever owned !  I don't usually get on with boots at all. But I'm happy to say these haven't given me blisters and I do like the ankle support on uneven ground......not to mention dry feet!

I walk along the edge of this field, down to the brook...........

then across the little bridge.............

It's so good to get out in the fresh, crisp Autumn  air............

As Annette so perfectly puts it in THIS lovely post "taking a walk is an investment in life, health and peace of mind."


After a brisk, sweat inducing climb, I stop to pick up a pine cone and pop it in my pocket..........

The recent windy weather has led to many bare branches...........

 leaves on the ground look  lovely, illuminated by the sunshine..........

I'm walking through a small village now and the splashes of red are stunning...........

Then it's back out into the countryside......walking back towards home......up and down those ripples.............

in this field I'm happy to see some friendly horses ( safely behind a little wire fence)..............

Hello beautiful.............

I grew up with horses and the smell of their sweet breath and the velvet softness of their muzzle is so nostalgic.

Nearly home now, I thought this gate looked wonderful next to the huge oak tree..........

As I walked along it occurred to me that I've lived here for eighteen years this month. Longer than I've ever lived anywhere else..........

It's a great place to raise a family.

Once again, spending a couple of hours out with nature, noticing seasonal changes and enjoying the peace was just the tonic I needed.
I feel blessed.
Jacquie x