Today I undertook a long constitutional after parking Clint in the hamlet of Troway which is situated just a couple of miles south east of Sheffield. I checked my watch as I set off - 11.40am. It was 2.20pm when I returned to my trusty South Korean vehicle.
Owler Car Lane
From the word go, I thoroughly enjoyed that circular walk. I was in the mood to do it. One foot in front of the other as the promised "sunny intervals" came true. Hidden birds performed their timeless tunes and I only saw one other human - a bearded man walking his dog. He was trudging up Owler Car Lane as I descended into The Moss Valley. "I like the way you're walking pal!" he said.
At first I thought he was praising my swivelling hip action but he was talking about me walking downhill rather than uphill.
The walk took in Povey Farm, the hamlet of Birleyhay and Fold Farm. Two thirds of the way round, I sat on a bench for five minutes to drink some water from my steel flask and to eat a banana and an apple. Sitting there, I felt strangely at peace with the world - devilish thoughts suppressed, my heart beating like a metronome as somewhere nearby a woodpecker drilled intermittently into a tree.
Big horse and little horse at Sicklebrook Farm
It's a shame that so few people walk in that beautiful area.
ReplyDeleteThey are missing a treat round there Red.
DeleteWonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming along Debra.
DeleteYes, is the term unusual these days? My dad went on walks which he referred to as his morning constitutional.
ReplyDeleteI guess he wanted time away from his nagging little daughter.
DeleteI have often used the phrase, "I'm taking my daily constitutional," when I go our for a walk. I like the use of forgotten words and usages.
ReplyDeleteBut it reminds me of a joke:
At age 86 my grandmother began walking two miles a day. She just turned ninety and we have no idea where she is.
Ha-ha! You should do stand up Bob!
DeleteWhat a lovely constitutional you had!
ReplyDeleteI would rather have a constitutional than a destitutional!
DeleteI admire you for your continued "constitutionals", Neil.
ReplyDeleteAnd I admire you for your "institutionals" Bruce! Not now, but surely soon!
DeleteThat was a great constitutional! As I often read books that were written in the 19th century, I am familiar with that term for a walk. And you had good weather and the right mindset for it. I know exactly what you mean when you say that walking can get you that way.
ReplyDeleteLove the big horse with his glossy coat! The little one seems to be hiding in its shade but at the same time curious about who's walking past.
Strange partners. I wanted a better photo of them but they were quite nervous. Who wouldn't be if they saw me striding by?
DeletePS: You haven't mentioned Bosh! in a while. What's Ian up to these days?
ReplyDeleteAll is good - still riding the wave with frozen vegan ready meals about to hit every big "Tesco" supermarket in the country.
DeleteIt looks a good walk. When I lived in Blighty I liked walking along old canal towpaths.
ReplyDeleteDid you ever walk the plank like a pirate?
DeleteThe photos are good. Especially the two horses, I suspect the black horse quite enjoyed the tickling of his tummy by his little companion.
ReplyDeleteWho knows what the two of them get up to in that stable at night?
DeleteNice long walkies.
ReplyDeleteYour walks are very rewarding with beautiful countryside, but they are very deserted. I am not sure as a woman I would feel comfortable doing them on my own.
ReplyDeleteYes, I remember people going out for their constitutional. When I was very young, I thought it was something to do with going to the toilet. There were so many words and phrases that didn't describe human bodily functions accurately.
ReplyDeleteI am so envious of your walking paths.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a terrific walk, Neil. That's a good feeling of accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteSome of our walks are very popular, while others seem to be almost undiscovered.
ReplyDeleteYours - the ones you've advertised through your blog - are beautiful and very inviting.
What a lovely looking walk. Thanks for sharing the photos.
ReplyDelete"devilish thoughts suppressed, my heart beating like a metronome"
ReplyDelete- the tempo giusto of the well-exercised.
I do know that good feeling you get from walking. I need to do more of it, as soon as this pesky job ends for the summer!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful countryside walk. A 3 hour constitutional is good for the body, mind, and spirit.
ReplyDeleteThe horses are so funny
ReplyDeleteYou could sell that photo
i was imagining you strutting along and the bloke merely admiring your gait...... that was a nice image......... yes, i am familiar with the term "constitutional" for a walk...... we got a pelting of rain at about 3pm - presuming you managed to stay dry?
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely scenery you have for a constitutional Walk! Those Horses are so Cute.
ReplyDelete