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A Sunday Walk (and Jane Austen Came Too)

March 24th, 2019
Penny Hampson

Today felt like spring had really arrived. After nearly two weeks of being stuck indoors because of illness, I desperately needed to get out and about, and the sunshine and clear skies could no longer be ignored.

The view over the fields at the start of our walk

So, husband and I decided to head off over the fields towards a small hamlet a couple of miles away. There was the promise of a drink at one of our favourite pubs before making the return journey. What could possibly go wrong?
We set out up the hill and across the busy road towards the public footpath. This winds its way across the fields and above the valley where the river runs its course. The weather remained glorious and, apart from the occasional dog walker and keen cross-country runner, we were pretty much the only people walking there. Tangled hedges line part of the footpath and I could hear all sorts of birds calling out; alas, I am not great on birdsong, so I haven’t a clue what they were. High above us, two red kites swooped and whirled – now those are birds whose call I can recognise.

Part of the way was a bit muddy, but I have been along this path when it is in a much worse state. I was wearing my boots, so the mud didn’t really matter. Walking here always puts me in mind of Elizabeth Bennet and her trek three miles across country to Netherfield to see her sister Jane.
‘How can you be so silly,’ cried her mother, ‘as to think of such a thing, in all this dirt! You will not be fit to be seen when you get there.’
For all her silliness, I think Mrs Bennet had a point. In a long dress, ‘jumping over stiles’ and avoiding puddles, I think Elizabeth would have been caked in mud, although Austen only describes her as arriving ‘with weary ankles, dirty stockings, and a face glowing with the warmth of exercise.’ A bit of artistic licence, I think.
Darcy also ignores her muddy condition, admiring only ‘the brilliancy which exercise had given to her complexion’. Obviously, he was in the first throes of love… my husband complains if I come home mud be-spattered, the shine of first love having worn off quite some time ago!

Elizabeth being introduced to Darcy (in a non-muddy state)

Anyway, back to my own walk. As you can see, there are some beautiful parts of the footpath. I love the way the trees join overhead in this photo, giving the impression that it is leading on to something magical.

A magical woodland path

Coming out of the woodland, we joined a road that, by way of a narrow bridge, crosses the river. The water was clear and ducks were paddling away — we even spotted some tiny fishes in the crystal-clear stream that runs alongside the footpath.

Ducks enjoying the sunshine

Over in the distance, I spotted my first lambs of the year, leaping about in that typical way lambs do.

Spring (!) Lambs

By this time, husband and I were eagerly anticipating our drink, the pub was not far now. Entering the hamlet, we turned the corner and walked through the pub car park — apart from a couple of cars, it was strangely quiet. Undaunted, we carried on… the pub door was open… there were lights on inside. But then… disaster! We crossed the threshold to be greeted by two gentlemen in work clothes who told us it was closed — tired and hot, you can imagine how disappointed we were! Hopefully it will be open next week, if we venture that way again.

The good news is that we did manage to get a drink – a half for me and a pint for the husband – at a pub a bit further up the road, and we were able to do the return journey suitably refreshed.

I hope you enjoyed your Sunday afternoon as much as I did. See you soon!

2 Responses

  1. 25th March 2019

    This looks like such a lovely walk. Thank you for telling us about it. Ontario doesn’t get spring weather as quickly as you do, so it was lovely to see all of the greenery in your pictures.

    • PennyH
      25th March 2019

      Yes, Lydia, this is a walk we enjoy doing when the weather is good (it gets very muddy in poor weather!). It takes you through open fields and heavily wooded areas, so some great contrasts. It’s particularly nice at this time of year, when everything is just coming into bud. Hope the spring isn’t too delayed where you are! Best wishes.