An Almost Perfect November Walk

Hello Lovelies,

most of this week has been rainy or grey. That makes Thursday's weather all the more remarkable.

The forecast was for fog, followed by thick cloud. But the day dawned misty and soon it was sunny.....hooray.

I had been really looking forward to another group walk all week.

They meet locally, then car share to the start of the walk. A kind lady I met last week offered me and others a seat in her car, and we headed off.

It was 10.30am by the time we started walking. It was in an area I'm not familiar with.

The countryside looked so pretty in the November sunshine............

The Autumn colours just glowed...........

and the ponies blended in :0)

The field edges were full of Hogweed skeletons, brown grass and lichen covered, leafless bushes.......

The Ash trees are bare, making it easy to spot this lonely cluster of farm buildings............

Further along new crops were turning the fields green once more. There was not a breath of wind and a thin ribbon of mist hung in the air, along the border of the wood..................

I loved the burnt orange colour of the leaves that remained...........

Once again I chatted with various people as we walked, they are such  open, friendly people who are very easy to talk to.

we crossed a few wooden bridges over streams...........

and I was so happy to gaze upon new views, without the worry of getting lost :0)

Here we were walking along a quiet lane and the mist added a dreamlike quality to the view.......

When we reached this farm it was time to leave the lane and head across country once more.

Once again the pace was steady. It certainly didn't feel slow and there were hills to climb, which added to the effort and make you feel hot.
Soon we were looking down on that farm, and I was happy to stop here for a little rest. We enjoyed our drinks and chatted some more...............

Then it was time to climb again, before heading into the sunshine as we crossed another sheep field..........

Soon we arrived at the Iron Age Hill Fort that occupies the high ground........

Livestock grazed quietly. I loved these pretty little cows............

It was almost midday by the time we walked along the edge of the fort, but the low November sun still cast long shadows that highlighted the remains of the "walls".........

Here we are, well some of us. It's a well supported group and there were over twenty people out enjoying the glorious views and weather on Thursday............

You could see for miles looking north, but into the sun the view was still hazy..........

We all commented that it really was perfect walking conditions......except for one thing....the mud!.........

After squelching across a few more fields we arrived at the lunch stop. In a pretty village we enjoyed our picnics in the park.Where there were plenty of seats and benches..........

and views of gorgeous cottages........

I love to see a thatched roof

Soon it was time to press on, to drink in more views........

and smell wood-smoke in the air

How I enjoyed being out in nature, in the fresh air............

It's wonderful to walk with people who say things like  " look at that view" and "aren't we lucky to have all this on our doorstep"..........the sort of things I'm thinking too.

This was about 2.30pm........the sun was already sinking and the golden glow was magical..........

We had arrived at another village and there was just time for quick drink stop in the church yard.........

Then we carried on through is picturesque village. This timeless scene caught my eye.

 Old cottages and a little plot of land right in the high street, with geese and chickens free to roam............

Then it was up and down the last few hills. This was a bit of a scramble up a muddy path.........

Past young saplings and red berries.............

as we neared the finish the mist was really building again......rolling up the valley and creating a lovely glow...........

We walked 9 and 1/2 miles and were out for five hours including lunch and drink stops. Not fast I know, but it certainly felt like a good work out. My boots were so heavy with mud by the end I'm sure that added to the exercise :0)...........

and after we have taken off our muddy footwear it was lovely to head here for a hot drink and a scone..............

so cosy!

It really was a very special walk, another that I will remember for a long time. And if I forget bits, it will be great to look back here and jog my memory.
I do hope you lovelies enjoyed it too.
Jacquie x