Hiking in England ~ The North Downs Way
I generally don't go with the crowd, but I would go anywhere with my herd.
I have shared with you the friendship & adventures of the Goats ~ read here for the Herd Story.
Our longest & most far flung adventure unfolded last week. All 7 of us followed each other to the UK for a hiking trip.
I say "hiking", for while we did do a lot of that, it is my laugh muscles that got the greatest work out.The trip has been in the planning for about a year. The impetus was our British California girl's birthday.
And guess what? She has a home in her husband's childhood village ~ you can even rent it for your own holiday here.Surrounded by the idyllic English Countryside & her extended family we set out daily to trek The North Downs Way.
The countryside is stunning and the villages movie set perfect ~ no wonder Four Weddings & A Funeral and Holiday were filmed there.Watch this lovely video for the landscape & the accent!
The North Downs Way passes by Albury, one the homes of the Duke of Northumberland.
Even Dukes have $$ issues ~ click both links above for the back story, the treasures & the flood that cost a bundle...can you count all the chimneys?!If I had encountered Lady Mary on this property I really would not have been surprised. Sweaty & under dressed, but not surprised.
Sometimes we were not exactly sure, but for the most part the path was clear…Oh, what do I know? I was following the herd, but we never got lost, so you won't either. And if you do, there is usually a pub not too far off ~ to stop and order…err, ask directions.
The warmth of the sun, yes sunny everyday, was surpassed only by the warmth of our Goat's family & friends. We were treated like royalty & long lost pals. In particular, we all wanted to adopt her sister as our own.
After hiking with us for 20 miles or so we rambled up to her 500 year old home, the house they grew up in! What we thought would be a casual dinner was really a feast for 25.
Table set with china & flowers in the drawing room and delicious scents wafting from her green Aga stove.As a celebrated chef & event planner, we were treated to topnotch tastes & ambiance to match.
My dreams have been filled with her potatoes ever since, but it was the warmth of the company that I will never forget. (Thank you Sarah & Christopher!)
And thank you to our dear friend for inviting us over & sharing so much of her life. It was a wonderful adventure. Memories were made that we'll treasure forever.
As every turn of the path of The North Downs Way offers a different vista, everyone's trip there will be unique.
If you enjoy nature, beauty, quaint villages & history, I can say with confidence that you will revel in your travels. And, if you enjoy potatoes au gratin, email me ~ I'll give you the address!xx Kelly xx