Walking

A couple of months ago, I signed up for a walking holiday in the Lake District in May.  This was with some bright-young-things from work, and I have to say that I have been feeling more than a little nervous about it.  Yesterday, we had our first training session, so I donned my boots,,,,,,,

... and thought that if I looked the part, I was halfway to actually playing the part.  (PMA, I think it's called, otherwise known as 'who-do-you-think-you're-kidding')  The plan was to do a ten (10) mile walk, following the millenium way, and some of the battlefields trail, deep in the wilds of Northamptonshire. 

We met in Chipping Warden, on an absolutely glorious day.  It was perfect walking weather; lovely sunshine, but with a lovely cool breeze once we were in unchartered territory open countryside.

 

The sign above refers to the agricultural history of this area, and also a reference to an RAF base here in the war.  I love quirky signs like these.
So we left the village, and headed out on the expedition ...

We were lucky, because there were plenty of signposts - phew!

 

I hope you haven't given up reading, because there is a bit of a treat at the end for all Jane Austen fans (No, Mr Darcy did not appear beyond this bridge,

or come out of this stream with his shirt a-flapping,

worse luck), but bear with me and you'll see.  We walked through beautiful countryside ,,,

... had a gorgeous lunch in the pub (warm lamb salad with new potatoes and roasted vegetables) which looked something like this ...

... and then headed back.   We past this mill house

... at Edgcote, and then - here it is, but first a little teaser .....

Saw this!   If you don't recognise it , or if you are thinking, 'I've seen that somewhere before, but wheere?', then let me put you out of your misery.  Here it is in all its glory ....

It's Netherfield Park!