Walk around Downe

This is the first walk  that I have done, since we've had the storms, which have left a lot of damage and floods in their wake.

Saw lots of snowdrops.

This tree had fallen across the pathway but fortunately it was easy to get climb over.

What wasn't so easy was the mud! Because of brambles etc you need to keep to the paths but hauling yourself through the deep mud was energy sapping. You also needed to watch what you were doing as the last thing you want is to end up on your backside in the mud.

The walk took me through the village of Downe. There are a couple of pubs and cafes so you can stop off for refreshments if you want. I was only doing a short walk of 5 miles so I continued on my way.  Charles Darwin chose to live in Downe when he moved his family from London in 1842. It was here that he worked on his book 'On the origin of species' .

The village church of St Mary which dates from the 13th century.

Interesting place for seating.

My return walk was mainly through woodland and lots more mud. These trees must have come down in the last storm as they have  not yet been made safe.

I cleaned my boots in a puddle before changing out of them but they are going to need much more cleaning when I get home.