Nature and walking

So the end of last week I seem to out of no where get completely bunged up with a cold.  Luckily I sleep alone as I’m sure the snoring must have been horrendous!!

Not to be deterred and in a huge bid to get way fitter on Saturday I walked from home to town and back and was happy with the 10k I achieved.

Then today woke to a lovely 18 degree forecast.  I’m not a sun worshiper at all so this is about as warm as I enjoy.  Unsure of any plans I decided to tick off a walk I’ve been wanting to do for a long time from WWT Slimbridge along the canal to Purton.

The canal is a lovely place to walk and as you can see a hive of activity with boats, canoes and paddle boards.

It is also a lovely quiet place where you can just enjoy the sound of bird song and enjoy your surroundings.

For me being outside in an area not overcrowded with people is one of my favourite places to be.  I struggle to be around a lot of people with the noise and intensity of it, (unless it’s watching Women’s Rugby, which I love) .  So when I can get out it is a joy.  

Having parked at WWT Slimbridge (for those who follow this blog over the year’s) will know I visit here several times a year!

So it was a necessity to pop in even though it was only open for two hours.  To my surprise considering the sunshine it was quiet, in terms of people but definitely not birds.  So even more special.

I took my current crotchet project and had a walk and sit and listen to nature.

To my surprise I walked a total of 24km or 15 miles in the last two day’s and had a lovely weekend.

Trip to Tewkesbury with Kitty

So I am the lucky owner of a beautiful cat.  

She is an indoor cat, but she loves coming on adventures with me in the van. 

Today we went to Tewkesbury, a place not too far from home that I know she is happy with. 

It's about an hour's walk and lots to see. 

She's happy to just lie and watch the world go by. 

I loved these flowers out and considering it's the first of October and it was 20° it was a very pleasant temperature to walk in. 

I've been to this part of Tewkesbury so many times but never seen this building from this angle. 

They always do lovely flower display which makes the town really pretty. 

These cottages where the inspiration for a degree piece of knitwear I made many years ago. 

I thought walking across the Ham would have been soggy with recent rain, but it was lovely and dry. 

I never go to Tewkesbury and not visit the weir.  I love hearing the sound of the water. 

The Abbey is such a grand building. 

Not sure if these cottages get flooded as Tewkesbury is prone to bad floods. 

 Another lovely afternoon out. 

Day 3 Manorbier Beach

I have been working on a new design for a while, but it's hard to find the quiet needed to sit and work out the maths.  So I took my trusted journal and spent time just sat in the van people watching and working it all out.

I was lucky as it was set to be another glourious day, not too hot so I decided to stay local and just head to the beach and have an explore.

Please enjoy the pictures and videos that show what you can find when you spend hours just slowing down and enjoying your surroundings!

 

Coombe Hill Nature Reserve

So yesturday was Father's Day.  

For many people I know there Father's are now no longer here so it's not always an easy day.

My Dad always loved being out and about, discovering new places was great to him, but equally he loved to visit places he loved too.

I have been meaning to visit a nature reserve that is literally 10 minutes drive from my home.  Partly because it is nice to not have to go far to find some peace and with the ever increasing cost of fuel you need to be mindful of spending.

Coombe Hill Nature reserve is run by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.  It became a reserve in 2000 and has slowly expanded over the years.  The reserve has a canal that you can walk along, a meadow which at this time of year is full of meadow flowers. There are varies ponds and a bird hide that you can sit in which is a good size along with various seats placed in perfect spots to just sit and watch and listen to the wildlife around you.

Please enjoy my visual diary of my trip.

I always have knitting with me, it is just a given.

 

I do love going on Google maps and just seeing where I am.

I hope you enjoyed, until next time ......