I’d planned a run yesterday but my legs hurt and I was still a bit tired from a migraine. It’s been ages since I went for a walk anywhere except around home so I decided to head to a local deer park for a wander before doing some work. It looked cold but bright. Perfect.
I parked just outside the estate to avoid the charges. Heading in through the gate and up towards the deer, I realised I’d made an error in wearing a warm coat and thick jumper. The coat came off. The wind blew straight through the jumper and the coat went back on again. Then I was too hot and the cycle repeated. Should have gone for my thin, windproof jacket! Hey ho.
This place holds a park run so decided to follow the route a little way and divert off to pick up coffee. The path heads straight up the hill and past the deer (see photo). The sun is glorious and lots of runners are out. As a lady comes down the hill and smiles at me, I almost wish I’d decided to run but spotting a guy puffing past up the hill, I’m glad I didn’t!
Because I was having such a nice time, I forgot about the coffee plan and carried on up the hill. Turning sharply left, I followed the track past the end of the parkrun route and all the way to the edge of the estate. As my first podscast ended, j realised I’d probably gone a bit far and would be starving by the time I got back to the car! I thought about winging a new route back but instead retraced my steps and was rewarded by a fantastic view over the city. Down the path, down the hill and then to the cafe for a spontaneous lunch.
Back through some more formal garden and I spotted the first bluebell of the year. Past a lady walking seven dogs and as I reached the car, 8km pops up. I was later than planned and everything else was a rush for the rest of the day. Totally worth it though!
A little more off-piste than planned
