It is well over a year since I have been hiking. I had a slight tear in a tendon in my leg which has taken a long time to heal and then lots of physio and acupuncture. Walking on flat ground presented no problems. Walking on uneven ground was unbelievably painful but I am now well on the road to recovery and am back in the gym as well as increasing the distance I walk. No real hiking yet but I am working towards that soon. So on a beautiful frosty morning I decided to put the boots on and go for a gentle 6 mile walk.
This is a newly built estate in Kidbrooke about a 15 min walk from where I live. They have landscaped the area really well but the apartment blocks are still built very close together.
A short distance from Kidbrooke is the Cator estate. It is a large 282 acre site laid out in the 1820s with the building of private roads. The houses are a mixture of detached mansions to these blocks of flats.
These blocks have the advantage of being surrounded by greenery and space. Not something you see nowadays.
Once through the Cator estate you enter Blackheath village which overlooks the open space of the Heath
At the other side of the Heath is Greenwich Park which is about 3 miles from where I live. It was beautiful in the park.
The pond was frozen in places
but enough water for the ducks to enjoy.
I love the contrast of the deciduous trees and the evergreens in the park.
This fallen tree is known as Queen Elizabeth's Oak. This ancient tree is thought to have been planted in the 12th cent and to have strong links with King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. It died in the late 19th cent but a strong growth of ivy supported it until it collapsed in June 1991.
Winter time is the perfect time to spot the hundreds of parakeets that live in the park.
From the top of the hill you have views over London.
I decided to leave the park and have a wander around Greenwich village. The market was very busy with lots of people looking for Christmas gifts.
Closer to the River Thames and the Cutty Sark was ready for visitors.
I wandered round the town for a little while and then decided it was time to make my way home. The walking boots were just as comfortable as ever so next time the walk needs to be on more challenging terrain. Kent here I come.
Sharing with James at
Weekend Reflection
Sorry to hear about your injury but glad that you are making a recovery. Looks like a nice walk. I'm off just now to walk around a nearby lake.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason my walking boots work fine in Norway on uneven ground. However, when wearing them abroad and on the flat? Blisters and more blisters. I will probably need another pair.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're on the way back to hiking. And love your photos.
aw, this was textures Thursday :)
ReplyDeleteThat seems to have taken a long time to sort itself out though I'm not a believer in acupuncture especially if it is a westerner who studied it. I have the Cutty Sark on my list of places to visit. You will soon be doing your long hikes again
ReplyDeleteGlad your leg is healing and you're able to take long walks again. What a beautiful place for a stroll.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice walk. I am surprised at the distance on your first outing. I was wondering. Are they just going to let the tree trunk stay where it is?
ReplyDeleteThat rekindles some memories. The weather looks great but if there is ice in the pond, it can't be too warm.
ReplyDeleteIt must have felt great to walk a good distance after so long! I hope your progress continues and you are back to your long walks soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same boat, sort of, with physical therapy three times a week for my knee and no walking allowed for the rest of the year. No fun!
So glad you were able to share this fine walk with us
ReplyDeleteThat is great o be back in your walking shoes. Those exotic parakeets we have in Amsterdam too in the parks. Such a strange look and amazing that they can survive in winter here.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along to see the sights, especially the Cutty Sark!
ReplyDeletelovely reflections in the pond and the window. The poor gulls look confused over the frozen surface!!
ReplyDeleteLove the creativity used in that "London, Music, Dance, Smile" sign !
ReplyDeleteVery clever.
What wonderful things you saw on your walk, the Cutty Sark, parakeets in the park (rather cold for them), gifts for sale. Glad your tendon is healing.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear your getting back to your hiking. Nice park and how cool to be able to see the colourful parakeets. Have a lovely week!
ReplyDeletePay attention with your foot ! I thought mine was healed but I still felt it when climbing up steps, then I fell again at the airport and now I am back to case 1 ! All starts over again, apparently my foot was still weak !
ReplyDeleteOh we saw some of this -- the Cutty Sark caught on fire while we were there -- I am glad to know they have repaired and reopened it. Love the parakeets and ...everything. And only you would call a six-mile walk something to do whilst you recovered.
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