This summer is a funny one. I'm off for five weeks, we're not going on holiday and we're desperately saving money. That means I'm needing to find ways of filling my time with lovely things that don't cost the earth. Fewer days shopping and eating out, and more days spend exploring our local area and everything it has to offer.
Last Saturday was lovely and sunny in Farnham and we wanted to get out for a long walk. After a little internet browsing we found this walk 'in the footsteps of Jane Austin' and hopped in the car down the A31 to Chawton (near Alton). We walked around 4 miles, cutting off a small section round Upper Farringdon, and it was blissful. Gorgeous countryside, rolling hills, a quick nose at some beautiful homes - all ending at Jane Austin's home. We didn't go in the house but enjoyed a cream tea in the tea rooms opposite; sitting outside soaking up the sun the whole time. All kinds of perfect.
Want to do the walk yourself? See full details here.
Walking should be about soaking up your surroundings. These snaps are from my iPhone - I wanted to enjoy the walk rather than lugging round my DSLR. Living in the moment, taking it all in.
So this summer will hopefully be spent making better use of the great outdoors! I already have two walks planned; a section of the South Downs Way with my family and a section of the St Swithun's Way with work friends. I'm praying for better weather than we've seen in the last few days, or this dream may not become a reality...
What do you do to save money in the holidays?
This just about sums up my perfect kind of day! I visited the Jane Austen House Museum a couple of months ago and it was beautiful and very humbling. I spent a long time writing about her in my masters degree so it felt very surreal being in the house itself. I also have 5 weeks off (go teachers!) and am also trying to save money in anticipation of a house move! I've been getting crafty at home with recycled resources (candles from old jam jars) and have visited my parents home (nothing saves money like being spoiled by Mum and Dad!). I've also been catching up on reading by cycling somewhere nice and laying out a blanket. Picnics too :)
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a fantastic summer :)
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Scones with Jam & Cream - me oh my - one of my favourite snacks. There is something so lovely about a good scone, and I'm obsessed with clotted cream. Haven't had any in about a year though and I'm now drooling over your picture.
ReplyDeleteIt's great going out and finding nice walks near by. Looks like you had a lovely time - STUNNING photos
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allabouttink.co.uk
Sounds like bliss and gorgeous photos! I'm going to have to give this walk a go sometime. I'm also saving money so I at the moment I'm doing a lot of photography, exploring towns around me, cycling, reading and doing free online courses. Enjoy your time off!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures! Your day sounded amazing :)
ReplyDeletehave you seen my latest post?
Georgia x | GeorgiaNicolaou Blog
The area around Chawton is absolutely beautiful, I love the countryside around Farnham, it's so idyllic. That little tea-shop near Jane Austen's house is a great spot for tea and scones.
ReplyDeleteUncia and Tigris