Well it's a start. Since my hospitalisation last September I've been unable for much of the time to go for 'proper' walks i.e. ones that get the muscles going and the heart pumping. I've not even been to the gym very much. Since my visit to Ayr Hospital last week things have improved immeasurably and today I decided that I would don my trusty walking shoes and go for a short but purposeful walk in the Stornoway Castle Grounds.
It was just a mile and a half with a few short gradients to tackle. Along the shore road the wind was very strong and that always makes catching one's breath difficult. In the woods, however, it was very pleasant indeed.
Since the 1987 hurricane which brought down a great many of the very elderly trees the woods have undergone a huge transformation with hundreds of trees felled and hundreds planted. The main difference for those of us acquainted with the woods for over 4 decades is the removal of almost all the rhododendrons which had grown wild and covered every available free bit of ground. This has allowed much more light into the woods allowing new trees to flourish.
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| Wild daffodils on the shore roadside |
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| Great paths for prams |
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| Now that's the sort of helpful notice I like |
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| Cuddy Point and Stornoway Harbour |
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| There's still a few wildish bits |
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. Keep at it.
ReplyDeleteYes Red it is and I really do need to get back to some proper walking.
DeleteI am so glad that you were able to enjoy this walk and to let me enjoy it with you.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, "A Walk In The Woods" is a book by Bill Bryson that he wrote about the Appalachian Trail. Have you read it? I liked it but I really liked his book about Australia better. That one is called "A Sunburned Country" here but it is called "Down Under" in the UK.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed a "cuppa" at that cafe with a nice biscuit! :-)
Kay, I used the title because Bill Bryson's book came to mind. I think I've read all his 'travel' books and most of "A Short History of Nearly Everything', 'Shakespeare', and 'Troublesome Words'. As you can tell, I'm a fan.
DeleteThere's nothing to compare with reconnecting with nature; which is one good reason that I have a dog. You're right about Rhododendrons; can can smother a place very quickly.
ReplyDeleteCro, I do enjoy rambling and always have done since my Dad used to take me up Moel Fammau in North Wales as a toddler. I confess, though, that walking for fitness as a goal is something of a chore. However it is a necessary chore and on days like yesterday and today it was very pleasant too.
DeleteA good walk with your eyes open to all the new things about since last you came that way. It's great to see the change of the vegitation along with the seasons.
ReplyDeleteA dog is very useful.
Potty, my lifestyle has never allowed me to keep a dog and even now it's not something I would contemplate. However when I'm out walking everyone is either pushing a pushchair or walking a dog.
DeleteGlad you got out for a walk, that is good news. It is a shame the rhododendrons had to go, the loss of colour will be noticed I am sure, but I also understand why, sometimes these things have to be done to return to how the environment needs/was/should be. We enjoyed a walk in the woods yesterday as well.
ReplyDeleteSerenata, the rhododendrons were massive and totally choked the woods and, presumably because they were so old, their display each spring was not very impressive. I'm glad you got out into the woods too.
DeleteHow wonderful you were able to go for the walk...and we are the lucky beneficiaries of your walk, too. I love your photos, Graham.
ReplyDeleteTake good care. :)
Hopefully, Lee, I'll be doing more walking and taking more photos as the year progresses.
DeleteBeautiful photos
ReplyDeleteThe "Woodland Cafe" is on my top ten favorite signs!
Thank's Maywyn. I love the Woodlands Café and visit it a great dealeither with friends or just for my morning coffee.
DeleteLooks like a lovely walk - and 'wow' for all those daffodils just now (even if you have those in your own garden too) I sometimes think of my camera as my "dog"... It makes me stop at things where I probably wouldn't if I was "just" walking; and sometimes makes me go to places I wouldn't go without it as well... :)
ReplyDeleteYour camera as your dog! that's clever.
DeleteIt must be good to be out and about and I enjoy the photos
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're out and about! Makes me sad about the wild rhododendrons... in the mountains of North Carolina, where my mother is from, the wooded hillsides are just covered with them, so I love it that way. But the really important thing is that you are feeling better! What glorious news! What I wouldn't give to be walking down on the shores of Lewis, past the blackhouses, or out among the Calanais stones...
ReplyDeleteHopefully one day Mrs S.
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