After a mixed bag of weather last week, we thought we’d take advantage of the sunshine and went for a long walk yesterday. I’m ashamed to admit that we moved to this area 18 years ago, and we’re only just discovering the delights of the countryside on our doorstep now.
It was also a personal challenge – because I’m the most un-athletic, least sporty person you’ve ever come across! Now hubby has retired, we’ve both been on a mission to shed those unwanted pounds and lead a healthier life style – which means having to combine eating less with some form of exercise. The gentlest introduction was to get off my derriere and use my feet to cover some ground and take in fresh air at the same time!
We started from the Bluebell – a family run pub in Dockerfield and parked the car there. The Bluebell was closed to the public as they had a wedding party of 93 from 1:30 pm, so we couldn’t stop for lunch after our walk, but we’ve made a mental note to go back – this is a photo of their outside seating – isn’t it gorgeous?
The public byway took us through this beautiful Mill House…….
…with picturesque lakes and ponds.
Halfway round, we stopped at Frensham Pond Hotel for a comfort stop. The Hotel has undergone major refurbishment and is now classified as a 4 Star Hotel. Right opposite is Frensham Ponds and also a sailing club so you can see several dinghies out on the water already.
We were lucky with the weather, and even though there were several muddy tracks along the way, we came across delightful fields of corn…….
…pastures which were home to rare breeds of black sheep being kept as family pets, and the home owner also kept a bee hive to harvest their own honey.
We also espied the house that Susan Hampshire (British actress) once owned in this lovely village of Dockenfield.
Enjoy your Sunday – back next week for Top Tip Tuesday and more inspiration from the new Autumn/Winter catalogue. 