Holkham Heatwave

After 2 or 3 days of real heat and proper sunshine we finally agreed that there would not be too many days like this left to us this year. Out came the t-shirts packed away for the season and the practical but not really fetching hat, it was warm enough to burn!

Holkham is on the way to my in-laws so several birds were at risk of being hit by stones as we felt it a virtuous use of petrol to drive to one of our favourite places for walking.

At the start of the day so much seemed possible, the grounds around the house, for that 'Downton Abbey' moment, the deer park and the woods for an intrepid explorer experience, (more of that later) the wide expanses of beach and migrating birds to see, and a wander through the nearby villages, rich in history and hostelry.

We set out from the village car park and got as far as the hall's tea rooms. Of course this had to be tested for quality, and was much enjoyed.

A little later than planned and beneath a searingly blue and cloudless sky we headed off to follow one of the marked paths towards a giant obelisk that was impressive but seemed to commemorate nothing. We headed off into a wooded area, following an obvious path through the trees, enjoying their shade and getting thoroughly lost. It was quite and adventure showered everywhere by falling acorns that rained noisily with every slight breeze.

We reached a bit of a barrier when we got to the wall that surrounds the property and runs along the side of a roman road. Each gate out onto the path that would take us towards the nearby villages and places to eat was chained. The paths were very brambly and overgrown, and lunch was really calling so nothing for it but to hop on a fallen tree and onto the cap stones of the wall for a bit of intrepid escaping.

Much higher on the other side, remember to bend the knees as you hit the ground!

We hurried off towards the lovely village of Burnham Thorpe where wonder of wonders the pub serves lunch until 2.30. It is such a lovely place; the village as you reach it across the fields looks quite ancient. It was wreathed in smoke from a bonfire and looked altogether very soft focused. The heat and bright sun made the fall of auburn leaves look golden and quite surreal. A very strange autumn day.

We are not too far off of Trafalgar Day and in the pub garden, we raise a cold glass of beer to the Admiral.

It is too late in the day to walk as far as the beach so having had a walk around the ancient village with Nelson's Church and decorative stone work, we set off back to Holkham where I know that there is an ice-cream with my name on it.

Leaving the grounds the last lovely sight of the day is that of deer coming into the area around the fast emptying car park. As the visitors leave the residents take back their territory.

Off to tea with the in-laws!