What a treasure this time spent walking alone along the river bank. The cool stillness and the stark beauty of this early crisp winter’s morning, drives all cares away. The crunching of leaves underfoot is a million miles away from the noise, concerns and trials of the busy and contradictory world of people.
Whisper quiet now I wander on with every step, every movement, in harmony with my surroundings, where even the pines as they rise over the river Cart, seem to reflect the quiet serenity of this beautiful day. The pressure of time has loses its edge and the distance I stroll simply irrelevant, at times such as this. Living at the very centre of the present, minute by minute, the delights of this clear morning reveal themselves as an evolving experience – no owner, no manager, this path, these woods, belong to those who love them.
At this time of the year nightfall comes early and quickly. The moon rises over the White Bridge reflecting on the river waters, its silvery light floods the path ahead, it shines through the trees of the wood casting deep and mysterious shadows, even as the first frost of night, starts to form and twinkle. Listening with ears that can catch the sounds of silence; the quiet waters of the flowing river, the occasional rustle of a bird settling in for the night and the soft step of boot on path.
There is a striking quietness when walking alone on a bright winter’s day, a unique feeling of freedom and joy at just being here; nothing more, nothing less.
Thanks to Rebecca Shewell for a fantastic photograph - being in the right place at the right time AND capturing the view.