Last Friday I started my weekend early by taking the day off to spend a little time with my mother. Oh and what a perfect time we spent together, blessed with a bright crisp autumn day to spend a few hours walking, talking and sipping on coffee.
We took a slow drive out to Polesden Lacey which is quite possibly my favourite National Trust property in Surrey. It is such a beautiful place to whittle away a few hours in the countryside, and there is so much to see and do here with the added bonus of being extremely dog friendly.
Autumn is the best time to pay a visit to this stunning estate in my mind, especially on a bright sunny autumn day like we enjoyed.
My mother and I took only Shiva on this outing, we felt she needed a little down time with us both and to be made to feel extra special. That and we wanted to have a calm walk opposed to what would have otherwise been chaos with both Bunter and Aero in tow.
The route we followed can be found here.
There are many footpaths to chose from at Polesden Lacey all going off in different directions, however this particular walk is just over 4 miles long. The walk takes in glorious views across Surrey, as well as the view that looks back at the splendid estate from a hill top. Being nestled deep in the Surrey hills there are many hills on this walk, some small and others quite a climb!
Setting out on our walk we passed many people out riding their horses through the crisp late morning sunshine. This made me keen to tack up and get out on Daya my own horse upon returning home.
The leaf covered paths on this walk are quite something at this time of year.
A moment of stillness while taking in the golden woods surrounding us.
Every corner presented another horse and rider out enjoying this beautiful day. As you can see from this horse’s breathing there was a real chill in the air and it was past 11am at this point.
Once you have climbed the big hill you are able to rest and take in the views from an aptly placed bench.
As we neared the end of our walk, the smell of autumn (also known as a bonfire) came drifting across the fields. This smell offered bittersweet childhood memories for me of all those autumn afternoons spent in the garden at home with my Grandmother, throwing leaves on to a bonfire. Those who follow on Instagram will know that my Grandmother passed away very suddenly just recently, and I am (as well as the rest of the family) finding it difficult to adjust to life without her loveliness.
To warm up our hands after our walk we ordered coffee and cake from the Cowshed coffee shop and sat out in the sunshine.
Shiva was very thankful indeed, for one of the lovely members of staff offered her and the other dogs sitting with their owners a sausage.
Polesden Lacy will be hosting some very festive activities in December so be sure to head over there if you can.
As we are soon to be moving in to the winter months I will be looking to share with you a series of winter warmer walks. These walks will include stopping off for a warm up by the fire in cosy country pubs.
Love for now Emma and Shiva xx