Exploring new places
I like to find remote areas that not many people know about and today was one of those days where I discovered a new place for a short woodland walk with stunning mountain views.
The way I go about finding these walks is by taking my OS explorer map and looking at where there are footpaths marked locally to where I live. I look out for small wooded areas that are not too steep, if there’s a possibility to make the walk circular and whether there’s a river or stream nearby. I tend to look for fairly short walks that I can fit into an early morning or evening. Today I was looking for a short woodland walk as it was a bit rainy and blustery. But I have a variety of walks marked out to try such as local fell summits or more mountainous paths, it all depends on how much time I have on the day and the weather conditions.
Although I will always have my favourite places that I will keep returning to, such as the river walk I often mention in my blog posts, I find it really helpful to keep challenging myself to explore new areas. There is something healing about seeking out new experiences and discovering new landscapes. For some reason I am picturing a new born baby that is looking around with wide open eyes because everything around them is new at that stage. It encourages feelings of wonder and awe.
Today my walk didn’t feel very promising to begin with as the weather was so showery. From looking at the map, the woodland I had chosen to explore did look very small, but my walk took an unexpected turn. I went slightly wrong and had to turn back, but I am so glad I did take a wrong turn! The path left the woodland and the landscape opened up to fields with sheep, little valleys and a stream that trickled in the background. As I was taking in breaths of fresh, cool air and I could still hear the trees rustling in the background, I crossed a style into the field and an amazing view started to unfold. I love it when a view takes you by surprise. Suddenly I was surrounded by magnificent mountains, lined with pine trees and I felt like I was in the Swiss Alps. Because it had been so blustery, the sky looked quite dramatic with angry clouds moving quickly and spots of blue in between.
Surprise mountain view
In the distance I could see a farm where the track eventually led to and I imagined myself living somewhere like that. It reminded me of the adventure stories I read as a child (still do as a matter of fact!). Stories such as ‘the lone pine club’ where the children go to stay with family in very remote areas in the Long Mynd (Shropshire). There would be no phone signal, the only access a farm track and the children would either walk, cycle or travel on horseback for miles and have adventures. I found myself wondering if I would mind living in such an isolated spot, surrounded by mountains and fields, no signal or internet and I found it an attractive prospect. I like the idea of living somewhere quite isolated that feels like a retreat that you occasionally leave to enter ‘civilisation’ for food supplies etc.
All in all I’m glad I pushed myself to go out today despite the rainy weather. The sun came out in the end and I discovered a new hideaway that I can come and enjoy more regularly to spark the imagination.
More sweeping mountain views and dramatic skies