Ramblings
Follow Along
The Bluebell
Deeply embedded in our country’s natural history, we are very lucky to have them; almost half of the world’s bluebells live here…
Walking – ‘Just Say No’
8 reasons why you should never go for a walk…
‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ – err… why not?
Some musings on the politics of solo walks and how Billy and Betty No Mates are onto something maybe…
In Search of the Contemplation Tree
The lone, unfrequented tree provides focus, appreciation and reflection while we pass them deep inside our own private ‘train of thought’…
Forgive us Our Trespassing
As a small child I was metaphorically transfixed by an image inside the doorway of Worthing Museum: a roughly painted scene – a moonlit night, dark scudding clouds, a ragged poacher writhing in agony as the jaws of a mantrap clamped his leg. I needed no further instruction in the principles of land ownership: That land wasn’t made for you or me…
The Oak, the Jay and the Acorn
Jays need acorns and oaks need jays. Take a closer look at both of these magnificent species this Spring and Summer…
In the spotlight – Eynsford to Otford
A walk that’s long enough to feel like ‘a proper day out’ (6.8 miles), populated with features both historical and natural, yet not so demanding to be intimidating…
In Praise of… the Swift (or is it a Swallow?)
Swifts are the graceful sky-skaters of our city summer evenings, living their lives almost entirely airborne…
In the spotlight – Hampton Court to Richmond
Possibly the easiest ‘out of town’ walk of any on this website, but long enough for a good day out. So if you know of any reluctant ramblers just tell them it’s flat with pubs and cafes – they can wimp out at any point, it’s almost London…
In Praise of… the Beech Wood and the ‘Forest Bath’
A feature of several of the LoHo walks, from central London to Wendover, the sturdy beech is so familiar to many softie southerners, like me, that it comes as a bit of a surprise to know that it is as ‘nesh’ as it is. For the beech tree, it really is grim up north – the south east of the UK is its natural northern limit…
The Art & Science of Strollocking
‘Strollocking’: My own definition: the mysterious experience of walking and talking with companions whereby the conversation organically and comfortably tends from the everyday and ordinary into unexpected, enjoyable depths…