As with most National Trust Gardens, Wakehurst was ticket only today, but OMG, I've never seen it sooo busy. A long queue to get in and actually quite a lot of people once inside, but that didn't stop us enjoying our short walk with our little Paige (don't panic, she's firmly in our childcare bubble). We only managed 3km today but Paige managed 2.5km of that which is pretty good for a 3yr old. Lots to see as usual, as they prepare for their annual Glow Wild. If you haven't been, you really must, it is truly magical and with, quite literally, thousands of Lanterns, many thousand lights,...

So sorry there wasn't a walk yesterday, it really was just too wet! But we couldn't miss two days running so, as it was soooooo wet over in the forest (and correspondingly muddy), we decided to do a walk around the roads of Maidenbower. A total round trip of 8.5km for this one . . . I really wasn't sure just what there would be to photograph of any interest. I really shouldn't have worried . . . from 20 different colours of berries on the trees and bushes (well 5 anyway) to a car that had just had it's wheels nicked to what looked like a really nasty accident where a car had skidded off the road...

Well, as expected today was a complete washout as far as photography is concerned. I'm afraid is was just to wet to take out my camera. Absolutely pouring with rain all morning . . . however, that didn't stop us from walking! A lovely, but very wet, 6km through the forest to Tilgate Lake to feed the swans, ducks, geese, moorhens, seagulls and basically whatever else turned up as we took plenty . . . NOT BREAD! Please DON'T feed the waterfowl bread it really isn't good for them and unfortunately they don't know that so will still eat everything you give them. Get some swan and duck food from...

I'm so glad we got the tickets for Nyman's Gardens this morning, it was a bit grey and driseling when we got there but after about 15 mins the sun came out and the walk was absolutely gorgeous, despite the mud . . . and there was a lot of mud! So worth it. we chose the long woodland walk, which to be honest, isn't that long, only about 4km but lots of ups and downs along the way . . . As you'll see, I took a lot today so without any further wittering on my part I'll get on with the pics . . . Oh, and no annoying captions . . . Phew,...

After yesterday blow out I'm firmly back on the saddle today, and what a beautiful day! Todays walk was from home up through the path in the middle of Maidenbower, over the motorway and then over into Worth Forest all the way up to Worth Abbey, then back across the forest over the Balcomb Road and back into Tilgate forest and then back home. A total of 9 km almost exactly. We did want to go over to the small lake in the grounds of Worth Abbey but that path was closed due to, and I quote "firearms in use" . . . ????? Oh well, better luck next time I suppose. If there is a theme to todays...

I have to admit that today is a little bit of a cop out . . . only in as much that I am walking and it will be a fairly long one, approx 8.5km BUT, not until this evening when it will be dark. I will be taking my camera with me but opportunities may well be very light on the ground . . . . So, in the spirit of something being posted every day I thought I'd get my macro lens out in the garden and see what there is to shoot out there. Then . . . yes, more excuses, it started raining!!! I know, I hear you all say poor Stephen . . . maybe not! Obviously the rose wasn't in the garden, it was in a buch...

Today's was just a short walk out from my studio, around Tilgate Lake and back. Almost exactly 5k. Not much different stuff happening today but there is always lots of birdlife on the lake with the swans taking central stage as usual with those pesky seagulls trying to muscle in on the act. Also a couple of beautiful dogs out for walks, even some joggers out to try to get fit. Hopefully tomorrows will be a little bit more interesting, let's see what the weather holds in store for us! That's about it for today. I'll...

For todays walk we decided to go a little further afield and managed to get some tickets for one of our favourite gardens, Sheffield Park, right at the end of the Bluebell Line. Absolutely stunning at any time of year but during autumn it's in a class of its own due to the number of maples it has surrounding the lakes. We were probably a couple of weeks to late for them to be at their best but I think you will agree absolutely stunning and well worth the drive out! No words or captions for this one, just enjoy the pictures . . . That's...

Todays walk was a rather misty damp affair! We started off just outside Standen House, then across towards Weir Wood Reservoir and over to Stone Hill Rocks then we crossed the Bluebell line and had a lovely coffee and snack at Kingscote Vinyards finally continuing over towards Saint Hill Manor, the home of L Ron Hubbard and the Church of Scientology and back to the car park at Standen . . . about 8.5km in all. Standen House and Gardens, always worth a visit, especially if you haven't already been Some very weird spiders webs all over some piles of hay . . . . anyone know what kind of spiders...

As you can see, it was another fabulous sunny day in the forest but rather than focus mainly on the flora today (although there is of course some) I thought I'd look out more for the fauna . . . oh, and sooooo many people today, but being a Saturday, I guess it was predictable . . . This way please . . . Cycling through the mud . . . I just liked the tangle of branches . . . Yes I know, it'a a little out of focus but he was tearing along, luck I got anything at all . . . Just WHY? Was it left there as an artistic statement or just too heavy to take home . . . Just so beautiful...