Tuesday 25 November 2014

Walks


I’m doing a Stressbuster Course at the moment organised by Outlook Southwest - it’s free and very good value, with lots of common sense advice. Yesterday the benefits of exercise were extolled. Well, as someone who loves walking (and most kinds of exercise - stop sniggering in the back there), I was astonished to think that people don’t actually like doing it. (I have far too much energy to sit still for long and, as my nearest and dearest know, would go bonkers if I was cooped up inside for a whole day. Unless I was very poorly.)

To me walking is a joy. A way of letting off steam. Off being with Moll. Of getting to know people. Of sharing. Of adventuring - Mr B and I have explored miles of Cornwall on foot - as I have with other friends. To think of denying myself that is hellish. So I was amazed to think that other people would not enjoy walking too (I know, I can be incredibly naive at times).

Over the past few days I’ve had a few lovely walks, one on the Lizard, ending up at Porthallow, with Fiona. We left the car at 1.30 and walked up to Gillan Creek then along the coast to Porthallow, where we found a Christmas fair going on, so we dived in there for a cup of tea and home made cake, and returned to the car - in the dark by this time. It was a good mix of sloping fields, long dark shadows cast by the afternoon sun, and stunning coastline, before crashing back through woods in the dark. Luckily Fiona had done the walk before so she knew roughly where we were going, or we’d still be walking round looking for the car now….

Then yesterday I met my dear friend Viv at Trelissick on a sunlit winter’s morning with the first frost cast like icing sugar, and a sea of shimmering glass. It was just magical and so glad she was able to be here for it as she’d only just driven down from London the night before, in thick fog and pouring rain.

We tend to think of Cornwall for its coastline, but inland can be just as magical.





10 comments:

Sally said...

Glad the course is proving useful. Oh to be able to walk inland and coastally again. Op any time up to end Feb + 3 months and I should be walking somewhere at least. The coast may take a bit longer. :)

Dc said...

We have gotten lost on walks as well, once ended up walking an extra 3 miles! We do one 4-5 mile walk a week plus little one mile walks as extra's. Can't do more as it hurts my hips!

Flowerpot said...

DC - I think getting lost is part of a good walk,actually! Hope your hips recover x

Flowerpot said...

Sally - not much I can say re the op but they do get cancellations. My friend Deb has had both hips done and she recovered really well and is striding forth along the coastal footpath with her daughter!

Chris Stovell said...

I've been away from home in the south-east (so have also caught up with your previous post)which has made returning to west Wales and the walks we enjoy here particularly sweet so I echo your sentiments. It's a joy to be out in the fresh air again (very fresh, yesterday - a frost here too). Cx

Flowerpot said...

Chris - glad to find someone else who's like minded! Sx

ADDY said...

I didn't think I particularly enjoyed walking until my dog Snoopy died. This past year has left me bereft in more than one way. I still try to meet up with a dog-walking friend twice a week for a morning walk, but have noticed I am not as fit as I used to be. It is a good way to get fresh air and build up stamina.

Flowerpot said...

Addy - you're quite right - dogs are a great incentive. Maybe you will have another dog one day?

Kim @ Him, Him Me said...

Love that top picture, Sue. It looks warm and idyllic. I want some of that sunshine.

Flowerpot said...

Kim - I think we all want more of that sunshine!