Tuesday 16 July 2019

Happiness is ............... Part 2

Happiness is returning to the English countryside.

2015 was the last time I visited, hiking Wainright's Coast to Coast with friends. This time my husband is my companion. He has found us delightful accommodation in the tiny rural village of Goodrich, in the Wye River Valley.

This morning we stepped out our door and commenced our 10km walk along the Wye River and over Coppett Hill. The temperature was in the mid 20's but the humidity was quite high.

Track description - Some of the best scenery in the UK, it takes one to the tranquil scenes of the Wye, on little used paths and tracks. The walk involves a gentle ascent of the entire, nearly 2 miles of Coppett Hill Ridge. The terrain is varied with broadleaf woodland, riverside pasture and open hill. As you ascend, there are superb panoramas, with views to the Welsh hills.

Our hosts lovely garden greets us as we leave, and go on to pass the local post box.




We hike above the village school, happy children calling to one another. They appear to have a small maze, in their grounds.


Someone has been busy tidying the trail.

It was nescessary.


Wheat ready for harvest.


Still in the village, we walk through the grounds of St Giles Church.


Exiting the grounds. 

First views of Coppett Hill as we walk below a high wall of someone's garden.


Another lane. 

Our first stile and walk across a field of grazing sheep.



Stinging nettles were difficult to avoid on this overgrown path. 


Keep to the left of the garage!

First view back to Goodrich. 
 
A wooded section, with huge magnificent trees, gradually took us down to the river.








The River Wye 


Canadian Geese and swans loved this reach of the river.




Beautiful meadow to stroll across before the ascent. 

Little cabin in the wood! 




Coldwell Rocks, not far from the very popular Symonds Yat.

The ascent begins. 
 










Goodrich from on high. 




The blurb didn't mention the steep descent back to the village! 








Happy times  here in the Wye Valley.

I would love to read your comment.

15 comments:

  1. What a wonderful walk! Thanks for taking us along with you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was wonderful to be back in the English countryside.

      Delete
  2. Wow--- countless people have walked those paths. Another super post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So very true Bill. It was all so very peaceful as we hiked, but I'm sure it was quite different in days gone by.

      Delete
  3. A lovely walk indeed. You have so many pictures, Helen, I don't know when you have time to walk,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Re no of pics - I have a husband that marches, not walks. so if I didn't stop to take pics, I would see little. Secondly my little point and shoot allows me to click without really stopping. AND, I just can't help myself! It was a lovely walk and so different to Oz.

      Delete
  4. So beautiful and peaceful! It's lovely to discover the English countryside through your photos.
    Red is the best colour for post boxes. :)
    Happy weekend! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the red mail boxes too Sara. I'm always on the lookout for one with VR for Victoria.

      Delete
  5. As always I enjoyed walking with you. Sooo green.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sooo green and more rain yesterday. It was very welcome in many areas as the heat had made it dry.

      Delete
  6. I just love the English countryside! Wonderful shots.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Lady Fi, it is so picturesque. I wish we had more time to spend here.

      Delete
  7. Pretty blooms along the way. I love the Foxgloves. Good thing you're in hiking shape for the ups and downs.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm slow "coming along" on your walk this week, since we had our county fair last week and some other obligations. Anyway, it looks like another beautiful trek, and I agree with Barb: You are in great shape for the hiking. I really need to work on increasing my walking time/distance again.

    ReplyDelete
  9. So exciting to see someone else's impressions on a walk I've done dozens of times near my home. My daughter used to rehearse in the village hall in Goodrich every Saturday morning and I did this walk while she did. Its a wonderful varied stroll although I do it the other way round to walk up the steep section rather than done it. A great pick for a walk and so glad you enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete