So, after spending half of my valuable weekend shut away in a hall at some conference I had to attend, I awoke on Sunday with just one thought - how to squeeze an entire weekend into one day? A tricky enough question at the best of times but what, on what was set to be the hottest day of the year so far, would fit the bill?
Rising early provided part of the answer – a quick breakfast and a walk before things became too hot. We chose a regular local circuit that we enjoy: nothing too strenuous and no need to burden ourselves with unnecessary maps, just a pleasant route on lanes and field paths. Also we decided to travel as light as possible, so took only a drink with us. Although this is a regular walk I have yet to do a trip report for it – as today I was without my camera, it will have to wait a little longer.
The beauty of a regular circuit is you can walk it throughout the year and really get a feel for the changing seasons. Today the weather was indicating high summer, but closer inspection revealed touches of late spring still in evidence. Crops, although ripening, were still green, and here and there flocks of young birds flitted about the hedgerows. A couple of Buzzards drifted lazily overhead, riding the thermals driven by the rising temperatures of still-early morning.
Further on we crossed fields of wheat and barley and tangled oilseed rape. A hare, startled by our arrival, bolted along the field edge and we watched in silence as it sped over the rise ahead of us and out of sight. It is always exhilarating to see these wonderful creatures and we are lucky that they seem to be thriving in our local area.
The final section of the walk took us over further fields and along the road back home. By now it was over 30 degrees in the sun, so we had a wash and brush up and a bite of lunch before popping to the pub to watch England’s dismal World Cup exit to Germany. At least the beer was good! By the time the debacle was over the temperature was a little more bearable again, so to cheer ourselves up we opted for another walk – this time a short circuit to the next village and back – before eating.
So, beautiful weather, a couple of nice walks, wildlife sightings, a bit of football, a pint or two and some lovely food – not a bad way to do a weekend in one day, even if I do say so myself!
Rising early provided part of the answer – a quick breakfast and a walk before things became too hot. We chose a regular local circuit that we enjoy: nothing too strenuous and no need to burden ourselves with unnecessary maps, just a pleasant route on lanes and field paths. Also we decided to travel as light as possible, so took only a drink with us. Although this is a regular walk I have yet to do a trip report for it – as today I was without my camera, it will have to wait a little longer.
The beauty of a regular circuit is you can walk it throughout the year and really get a feel for the changing seasons. Today the weather was indicating high summer, but closer inspection revealed touches of late spring still in evidence. Crops, although ripening, were still green, and here and there flocks of young birds flitted about the hedgerows. A couple of Buzzards drifted lazily overhead, riding the thermals driven by the rising temperatures of still-early morning.
Further on we crossed fields of wheat and barley and tangled oilseed rape. A hare, startled by our arrival, bolted along the field edge and we watched in silence as it sped over the rise ahead of us and out of sight. It is always exhilarating to see these wonderful creatures and we are lucky that they seem to be thriving in our local area.
The final section of the walk took us over further fields and along the road back home. By now it was over 30 degrees in the sun, so we had a wash and brush up and a bite of lunch before popping to the pub to watch England’s dismal World Cup exit to Germany. At least the beer was good! By the time the debacle was over the temperature was a little more bearable again, so to cheer ourselves up we opted for another walk – this time a short circuit to the next village and back – before eating.
So, beautiful weather, a couple of nice walks, wildlife sightings, a bit of football, a pint or two and some lovely food – not a bad way to do a weekend in one day, even if I do say so myself!
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