I’ll admit, I’m not the best for appreciating what is on my doorstep. I often think that I have to travel to the other side of the world to see Instagrammable scenery (which usually involves a beach and some tropical waters)
It doesn’t help that I hate winter, and as soon as the temperature dips I tend to hibernate and not want to come out of my hole again until the spring arrives.
So this year, I thought I’d make a change and make the most of the countryside around me.
I live in Bristol in the UK which is surrounded by open countryside – you only have to walk 15 minutes from my house and you’re in a deer park – how lucky am I?! Better start appreciating it!
So I’ve been wrapping up warm and taking the weekends to embrace nature whether its chucking it down with rain, or toe-bite-ingly freezing.
My most recent trip was to the Mendips, a series of limestone hills in Somerset. Nestled right in the middle of the hilly English countryside is the Cheddar Gorge (yep- that’s where the cheese is from!)
It’s designated as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, and it’s easy to see why…
The easiest route up and around the gorge takes about 2 hours, although probably slightly longer for us due to the amount of mud you have to trudge through in the winter!
Luckily we picked a sunny day, and after a muddy slog to the ridge of the gorge we were rewarded with a GORGE-ous view ( pun intended -sorry!)
The wind was strong though, and I had to make sure I was low to the ground to stop myself being blown off the edge!
t was the perfect time to look over the English countryside as the winter sun set giving that golden, crisp light that you only get in the winter months.
I returned home to the warmth with that familiar satisfied exhaustion you only get from long walks in the cold. Perhaps winter isn’t so bad after all…
Next stop - the coasts of Southern Cornwall in a few weeks time. After 29 years living here, I'm finally beginning to appreciate the natural beauty in my own country!
wow this is amazing! im actually so close to bristol right now as im currently in manchester (from NYC). i havent had the chance to explore a lot - went to Wales for a weekend but really have to get to Bristol and Birmingham and a few others. I came down with virus so not enjoying this week so much haha, but really cant wait to get back out an explore, especially after seeing your posts!:)
Ah wow welcome to the UK! Bristol is great - a lot of culture, music, street art - i should do a post about Bristol really! yes if you get a chance to go to the Mendips, they're beautiful, or Exmoor is also beautiful for hiking. Glad you enjoyed my post and I Hope you feel better!
thanks! i will definitely reference your post when i feel better again and have a free weekend :)