Spring walking

Spring walking

Spring is certainly here!

We’re even having a few dare I say it much needed April showers. But don’t let these put you off heading out for a walk, cycle or ride.

It’s amazing how pleasurable a walk in the rain can be. The whole walk can be transformed into a glorious experience, as long as you’re dressed for it & you don’t get cold.

Firstly the smell of rain on spring flowers, hedges & grasses is a delight, not to mention the sensation of it landing on your face & hands.

I was out in the rain this week & a kind lady in a car pulled up beside me & asked me if I needed a lift. She was surprised when I said I was enjoying a leg stretch in the rain!

Don’t get into the habit that you only do things when the weather is fine & sunny & to dismiss the rain or dull chilly weather as bad! This is very easily slipped into & the problem is we miss out on so much that is going on around us in our lovely countryside.

So go on, get out there & experience all weathers. It’s so exhilarating & really makes you feel alive & brings you into the present moment.

Things to look out for : Birds building nests & looking for worms, swallows newly returned from far away & dancing in our skies. Skylarks above your head singing. Cowslips, May blossom,bees working the blossoms. Cows turned out to summer grazing. Horses enjoying the spring grass, perhaps without their winter rugs & lots & lots more.

Enjoy!

Rachel

Footpaths and Bridleways

Footpaths and Bridleways

Taking care on foot, horse or in the car

Well, we’re into a very wet start to the year. So most footpaths, Bridleways & verges are sodden. Think ahead before you choose to walk, cycle or ride. It may save you some difficulty & save these surfaces from becoming completely poached up. Choose routes that are less likely to cut up. This is particularly important for riders as tracks & Bridleways take a while to recover. It also saves your horse losing shoes & walkers boots from becoming blocks of clay!

A little more care from drivers would also help our verges & gateways from becoming ruined. Narrower roads need drivers to slow down & wait as other drivers approach, rather than simply maintaining the same speed & mounting the verges. You are also less likely to get stuck & your vehicle less likely to get so dirty & your brakes to collect so much grit & dirt.

Anyway there are still plenty of lovely walks & rides to enjoy & of course places to cycle.

Last words. . . Don’t forget hi vis jackets if it’s dull or misty & of course lights. . .& you drivers!

Have Fun,
Rachel

Access points to footpaths and bridleways in Great Gidding Parish

Boxing Day walk

Boxing Day walk

Avoid the Boxing day sales, do something you’ll enjoy !

A long distance walk (approx 15 miles) has been organised for Boxing Day which happens to be Thursday 26th December 2013.

Start point is the Village hall car park

Start time 9am

Allow yourselves 5  to 6 hours for the walk duration and bring drink and snack lunch.

This is a reconnaissance walk for a longer LDWA walk in March 2014. I can promise you a modest walking pace, I dont do fast.

For further details use the contact email below.