Although we have recently enjoyed some warm spring sunshine, the last few days have seen a swift return to wintry weather, with bitterly cold winds and snow on higher ground. I'm really hoping it will be short-lived, as surely it must be time to pack away my winter woollies and boots now. The garden is still to be tackled and I'm longing for the day I can sit out there with my morning coffee, enjoying the (yet to be planted) flowers.
At the weekend, we wrapped ourselves up nice and warm and went for a walk through a beautiful nature reserve. It was a bright, still morning and I'm sure the changing of the clocks had something to do with how quiet it was there, as it felt as though we had the whole place to ourselves.
The pathway through the reserve is built on a disused railway line, so it made quite a refreshing change for us to be walking somewhere without any hills. It was lovely to see signs of spring all around; primroses lined the track and the lambs in the fields seemed very keen to make us aware of their presence from the amount of noise they were making.
There was plenty of nature on offer, including rabbits, deer, red squirrels and woodpeckers. In places we could hear the beck babbling far down below the track, but couldn't actually see it until we reached the viaduct because of all the trees which lined the steep slopes of the gill. The views from the viaduct were stunning and from there we could clearly see the slight detour we were to make on our return. A few miles into our walk we found this lovely Shetland pony lying right across our path. She was one of three and the other two, at least, looked as if they were heavily pregnant. They appeared to be very well cared for and were happy to receive lots of our attention.
Turning away from the main footpath we joined a public bridleway, crossing a small stone bridge over to the opposite side of the river. Here we followed the track back around to the far end of the viaduct where we re-joined the footpath once more. A good spot for a rest, we sat a while and ate our picnic before retracing our steps back towards the farm where we first began our walk.
Lovely. Thanks for taking me!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it. X
DeleteBeautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAnd how delightful for your little one, to have ponies to give attention to. :-)
Happy to see you taking such a long walk, since I remember a comment by you, elsewhere.... Saying you took a bad fall, a bit ago. You must be all over its effects. Gooood!!!!!!!!
Thank you, WoW. I still have the bruises but, thankfully, walking is not a problem. X
DeleteLooks a lovely Spring walk. Is this anywhere near Ullswater area? Just asking as my Mum lives at Askham near Lowther Castle, so like to find walks when we are in the area.
ReplyDeletePs ~ there are some great walks at Askham, either up the fell or around the Lowther estate and surrounding area.
Thank you, Shazza. I didn't think to put it in the original post but it's Smardale Nature Reserve. I would say it is worth a drive over. We will be returning very soon to see the bluebells. X
DeleteOooh, what a lovely walk! The little red pony looks so beautiful! It's turned awfully cold and wet again here too, but it's supposed to warm up again next week. I noticed Lily running on ahead, obviously having a wonderful time! Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteThe little pony was gorgeous and (fortunately for us) appeared quite content to just sit there as we stroked it. Lily is usually to be seen running into the distance although, unusually for her, this time it was without a stick! X
DeleteWow, gorgeous photos! I love the Shetland pony. Thanks for sharing your walk with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephenie. The pony was very cute. X
DeleteGreat photos as usual, it looks like a lovely walk and I love the little pony :) Last Thursday I had a lovely walk round a local park I hadn't been to for many years, the weather was warm enough to be without jacket but this week it's back to being winter again :( I really hope it warms up a bit for Easter.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to be able to remove our jackets when we're out and about although, guess who ends up having to carry them!? X
DeleteLooks idyllic, you certainly live in a beautiful part of the World. Thanks for taking us along with you.
ReplyDeleteWe are fortunate to have some lovely walks close by, however, you don't do too badly yourself. X
DeleteDo not pack away your winter woollies as it feels like mid-winter this week and I'm wondering where that beautiful Spring sunshine of last week went to. Your walk looks lovely, I'm so envious of you seeing those rabbits, deers and those gorgeous ponies. How lovely to be able to sit out in the countryside and enjoy a picnic. It's always a pleasure to join you on your walks, thank you:) x
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it, Eileen. I'm hoping the spring sunshine will return this week, now that school has finished. X
DeleteLovely picture Jules of what looks like a lovely walk too. I too am hoping for some beter weather - it is a bit cool in the garden at this temperature. x
ReplyDeleteI just don't feel like getting out in the garden when it's damp and chilly. It's far more pleasant when the sun is out. X
DeleteLovely photos! Thank you for sharing your walk with us! I felt like I was right there, walking with you. But, a few miles? I can barely manage 1 mile! LOL!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bless. I'm not sure how far we walked altogether but it was nice and flat, so it was easy going. We might walk the full length of the track on our next visit. X
DeleteLily really walks a long way! The primroses are so pretty. How wonderful to find the ponies right there for the petting. That would have been the highlight of the walk for me! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm so lucky in that Lily has always been a good walker and she enjoys getting outdoors on our little adventures. The ponies were a highlight for us too. X
DeleteThank you for sharing your lovely walk with us. I've really enjoyed the 'virtual outing' and have a mental note to add this to the places I want to visit. That pony does look remarkably well groomed and clean, and very relaxed, lovely to see.
ReplyDeleteIt was a really lovely walk, Jayne and a nice surprise to see the ponies on the path. X
DeletePicnics on cooler days can be so much fun. Lovely bonus to see the pony at such close quarters. Our weather too turned from sunny (and unseasonably warm) to dull and sleety. Today (Saturday) we are back to sunshine. Let's hope it stays this time.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a beautiful Spring day here, Eloise. I hope it's been the same for you. X
DeleteWhat a beautiful place to walk. We have to get in the car and travel to decent places to for walking as even though we live in a country lane it is used as a rat run between the little town and the A50. You take your life in your hands walking along there.
ReplyDeleteHugs-x-
It's not a lot of fun walking on some of the country lanes is it? It's lovely to be able to walk somewhere completely traffic free. X
DeleteRe: your comment on my blog... Since you too, are on a mission to simplify your home.... May I suggest the web site of the author, who is inspiring me... It is Konmari...
ReplyDeleteThere you will find a very simply and calm web site... With all the information needed, to find her books and her general vision, etc. So calming... So different from so many web sites... -smile-
Thank you so much for this. I'll have a look later. X
DeleteWhat a lovely walk and with the added bonus of ponies too. We've got blue sky and sunshine and although it was lovely and warm yesterday, today it's quite nippy. I'm also looking forward to a bit more warmth but at least I'm finding it easier to get up now the clocks have gone forward. Have a lovely Easter break - if Lily has finished of course. Some schools have and some haven't around here. xx
ReplyDeleteWe finished school on Friday for a much welcome break and it's even better now that the weather is improving. I expect you've been, or are getting ready to go back to the van and enjoy some sea air. X
DeleteWonderful photographs, and so nice to see the Shetland pony too.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the Easter holiday break - hope the weather is good :)
All the best Jan
The ponies were gorgeous. At the moment the forecast is looking good for the next couple of weeks. Fingers crossed. X
DeleteThe hills are beautiful. What a lovely place to walk. How's the running going? xx
ReplyDeleteIt could be better. I must try and get out more often. X
Deleteso beautiful. Your words and pictures are a tonic for the soul. And aw, the little pony!! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sadie. I hope there might be even smaller ponies there when we return. X
DeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It was a lovely walk. X
DeleteSuch lovely countryside!
ReplyDeleteIt really is. I'm looking forward to a return visit. X
DeleteThese days I'd be delighted to walk along old railway paths. My enthusiasm for hill climbs has diminished somewhat. Oddly that is an area I've rarely visited although I did fall for a young lady who farmed near Cockermouth many moons ago (ie when I was about 21).
ReplyDeleteIt was beautiful there, Graham and, I agree, it made a refreshing change from climbing the fells. X
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