The Garden on my doorstep

 

Eamonn used to say that the surrounding farmland, with its network of footpaths and bridleways, was like having a rural estate without the responsibility of managing it. This morning, I took Alf for a walk up towards Wymondley Woods and took some photos showing it in its summer glory. The map at the beginning of the walk shows that, at this point, the footpaths are part of the Greenway, where it meets the Hitchin Hoop.

Eamonn and I used this route to walk to Wymondley Woods and beyond. After Alf's fox-hunting episode last week, I was reluctant to let him off lead and kept him close-in by regularly calling him. He was a star. Even at the beginning, where he loves to rampage, at speed, he came back without hesitation.

You can see the very wide set-aside the farmer has left during the Pandemic, to aid walkers and cyclists maintain the correct distance. 

The summer wildflowers are splendid at the moment, all along the edge of the fields and in the hedgerows.

Field Roses are in full bloom, but there is no sign, yet of blackberry flowers.

There are several varieties of Apiaceae (I have some cultivated varieties in my garden),

mainly covered in bees.

Some are definitely Hogweed, but, thankfully, not the giant variety.

As we passed the bridge over the ditch, Alf turned, hoping for the long walk up through Wymondley Woods. Unfortunately, my lungs are not yet recovered enough to manage the hill.

Once again, Alf's recall was very good. He hadn't even crossed the bridge before he turned, and we continued up towards Willian Road.

The set-aside strips are full of oxe-eye daisies, just like the ones in my garden.

We reached Eamonn's favourite bench and sat awhile, getting our breath back. Alf had a little morning snack, before we headed back down towards the car on Kingswood Drive.

It may look as though he's eating nettles, but he's not. He often snacks on damp grass and has been known to indulge in some foraging from berries.

 

All along the path, I could hear birdsong, including skylarks. You can just hear one in the background on this video clip.

The footpaths and bridleways around Hitchin are very well-signed and form part of a larger network used for leisure and recreation.

I still miss walking (and talking) with Eamonn, but am getting used to solo walks. A few members of @Walsworth and Purwell Community Bereavement Coffee Klatch Group have decided it will walk together as part of our get-togethers. I'm looking forward to joining them.