When I was young and growing up in England, we spent most days outside. As soon as we got up we were out the door and off over the fields. Farmers did not mind people on their property and there were so many footpaths. Walking was a way of life. We would rather walk than catch the bus unless we had a place we needed to be. I was an only child and my parents used to take me on walks on weekends when possible. Most of the time I went on my own or with a friend. It was a time to explore, to learn, to appreciate nature.
I think that even now, "Rambling" is a national pastime. The UK is made for it...........with its ancient laws of freedom to roam it makes it easy. People and their dogs a healthy lifestyle.
Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Downs from Ivinghoe Beacon - the White Lion carved on the hillside marks the location of Whipsnade Zoo.
This is my territory, I know this land I have walked a lot of it. Back when we were children our parents seldom knew where we were or what we were doing. There was no worry. Footpaths even through open fields are easy to see, and usually clearly designated.
One thing I love is that when one walks on these paths they are not new, these are paths that have seen the Romans and the Saxons before them travel through here. Grimm's Ditch follows some of these walks. Grimm's Ditch is a series of linear earthwork in the Chilterns the purpose is lost in time. There is one part that is obvious and deep and I knew it as Devil's Dike. The Chiltern Way is a footpath through the Chiltern Hills running through 4 counties.
Another thing about the English, the weather does not stop them. Thats why we have umbrella's and rain wear tucked away in our gear. You can't let a silly thing like rain stop the fun. Maybe those days can be used to walk in the woods.
There are many conveniences in place to help in your rambles, stiles or kissing gates to allow access to fields without letting out the cows or sheep.
When I was going out with American guys from a nearby base, I was sometimes asked "what shall we do?" I might say "Lets go for a walk".........that would be greeted with raised eyebrows and a "Why would we do that?" response. Apparently the people I dated back then did not see walking anywhere as a pleasure.
For me, it has always been a pleasure at least when it involves fields and woodlands or beaches.
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