Under Foot

Another highly valued feature of this place is the chance we get to walk on informal paths. These are not registered as rights of way or bridleways and are often simply deertracks used occasionally by walkers. What distinguishes them is their beauty underfoot, the rightness of the route they take and the sensible gradients. After a fairly long period of dry weather at this time of year such as the one we've recently enjoyed the brittle leaves and dry twigs have been broken into small pieces by the hooves of deer, an absolute joy to walk on.

This morning after hours of heavy rain followed by snow there was quite a difference.

Elsewhere, in places more regularly frequented by walkers, and even bikers, paths had become fast-flowing streams.

More level parts had become lakes.............

 ..... some of which were covered by wet snow. Not recommended for normal boots.