Dave Christopher

MUD. And lots of it. It was a very interesting and challenging walk with lots of level changes and great views. In the summer time this would be an amazing walk, but after a few days of heavy rain I wouldn't recommend it. There was one hill that was quite steep and without my poles I would still be there right now trying to make it up. After about 6km I came to a bench and the view over the countryside and the brook (which after 2 days of rain was more like a raging torrent of water you didn't want to fall in) was beautiful. Not a soul in sight. It was peaceful and relaxing. Saw a number of different animals along the way. A large fat cow that was more chilled than a front row fan at a Bob Marley concert smoking weed. Low flying red kites, cole tits, squirrels, blue tits, ravens and I could even hear a woodpecker. I would definitely recommend this walk but it is more on the intermediate side than easy and check the weather over the last few days before you do. ** Don't forget to follow if you would like to join me on one of my hikes. Always looking for fellow hikers to share a walk, scenery and conversation **

This was my second walk of the day and my toughest. I think I would list this as a moderate hike as there was a lot of steep slopes and down, which I was thankful for having my poles with the heavy mud. I did get to look down the "cheese roll" hill (if you are not aware, every year people come together from all around the world and chase a large block of cheese down one of the steepest hills imaginable. Tradition is wonderful but often strange), and that was STEEP. I couldn't walk down it let alone run. The rest of the walk was pleasant, but muddy, though Komoot did save my route halfway through when I hadn't finished which caused me some confusion and challenges to get back. Overall, really nice walk in the woods but probs better in the Spring/Summer time. ** Don't forget to follow if you would like to join me on one of my hikes. Always looking for fellow hikers to share a walk, scenery and conversation **

AWESOME!!! What a great day for a hike and such beautiful scenery. Started off following the route planned out and then at the Wash (small pond) I noticed a runner sitting on the bench at the top of the hill and I just couldn't resist seeing what it was like to sit on that bench. It was a little hard work to get up the steep slope but OMG the reward !!!! The views all around (check out photo) were just stunning. What a great place to put a seat. Stayed for 15 mins and had a read before continuing. The rest of the walk was amazing too. So many people I passed gave me a smile and a hello. Only my third hike but probably my favourite so far. ** Don't forget to follow if you would like to join me on one of my hikes. Always looking for fellow hikers to share a walk, scenery and conversation **