After a rainy start, Mother’s Day turned into a beautiful day, so I wanted to get out as a family and explore another part of Middlesex Fells. We have already walked a lovely woodland trail to a ruined mill a few times and investigated a water tower with fantastic views over the Fells and towards Boston.
The previous day we had done our own Mile in Memory walk on the old mill trail. On the notice board at the start of the trail there was a sign telling us that Wrights Tower was open at the weekends during May. So, we took advantage of the sunshine and headed to the south of the Fells to check out this tower.
We had a wonderful walk – it’s a beautiful trail up to the tower. I have so many photos, so I hope that these will tell the story of our walk without the need for too many words.
We started out following the Skyline Trail (although I’m intrigued by the Panther Cave, we will have to go back and investigate that!).
We followed the trail markers, the 4yo keeping us on track.
There was plenty to investigate, including this tree – who lives here? The boys decided it was home to a raccoon.
And, of course, there were sticks! Although, today’s priority was finding big sticks to use as walking sticks :) The 6yo kept finding better ones!
At last, we reached the tower. Who’s the king of the castle?
The views from the top were stunning, and as we were at the south end of the Fells, the views across to Boston were fabulous.
After climbing back down the hill it was time for a rest and some quiet contemplation of the beautiful surroundings.
As we finished the walk back down we found a swing in a tree – this was just fantastic, and brought back many happy memories from my childhood. It’s the first time the 6yo has swung from a tree swing :)
And then, to top off a wonderful walk, we came face to face with some local wildlife! Geese and very cute goslings, a terrapin (having googled to check, it was fresh water so therefore a terrapin!) and a snake!! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a snake in the wild before, or a terrapin for that matter!
There are days when I am so glad that we made this move to the States – and this day was one of them. The experiences that the boys are being exposed to are amazing, even the simple things like a walk in the woods turn into such an adventure. When we look back on our time here, I will be so thankful for days like this. Quality family time, making the most of the opportunity, experiencing the countryside, the wildlife, the weather. We really are very lucky.
I am linking up with the wonderful Coombe Mill’s Country Kids again this week. Click on the badge to see what everyone else has been up to!
Gorgeous set of photos. It looks like a lovely day for it. Funny how no matter what else is going on, there is nothing as interesting as a stick
Yup, nothing beats a stick or a stone!
I love the look of your day. Wherever you are in the world it’s hard to beat a family day with nature. It looks like one of those magical days with something for everyone and topped off perfectly with the swing seat and wildlife finds.I have never seen a terrapin either. I have a feeling you will all be returning here again. I have a warm and happy feeling just reading your post. Beautiful. Thanks for linking up and sharing.
It was a really lovely afternoon. Out of all the places we’ve walked so far, this was my favourite. I think that the key thing for us is that we’re not ‘at home’ – we’re make so much more of an effort. And it’s wonderful :)
i love these photos..what an fun day and those views..and your weather! So much to like!!
Thank you! It’s a lovely area – and so close to where we live. And I have to admit to being a big fan of the weather :)
That looks like such a great place, what a lovely day you had.
It was a wonderful day, thank you for reading xx
What a beautiful day and such lovely close up encounters with nature. You and your boys will truly treasure that day
Thank you, we will – the boys were so excited by the snake and the terrapin!
This looks beautiful, what a stunning location and i am so jealous over rope swings i havent seen one of those since i was small! xx
I know! It was fab :)
Looks wonderful. This is one of the reasons I love my move to the states too. Even in rainy Seattle we are surrounded by beauty and outdoor activities are on our doorstep.
It all just so close isn’t it – and I think there’s still an element of ‘we’re away from home, we must make the most of every minute’. We are surrounded by lakes and forests, just so beautiful. And the lifestyle is far more outdoors than back in the UK – weather driven to an extent I imagine! Thanks for commenting xx
Wow amazing to see all that wildlife! Like you say, it’s an experience they are getting from being in the US. Also good to see that you had your 4 yo to show you the way and your 6 yo to provide walking sticks :)
Yes, we can always rely on the 4yo to keep us right, and sticks are a must on any good walk :)
What an amazing day you had, absolutely loved this post – and the photos. As you said, it must be great to have days like this :)
Thank you so much! It is a day to remember, lovely memories xx
Looks like it was a great trail, and lots of fun.
Thanks! We had a lovely time xx
Oh Sara what an amazing walk, the views over Boston are stunning. What a fabulous location to bring up your children. I think I’d like to explore the panther cave too :)
Thank you Nichola – days like that remind me that being here is a good thing, and that the boys are having an amazing experience. We’re definitely going back to check out that cave!
How great is that. So many things all rolled up into one! My wee man would love the big sticks! and seeing so many animals in the wild!
Thank you – it was great! The boys couldn’t believe that they saw a snake in the wild!
What an amazing day out. That view is really stunning. I love the tree swing – a very fond memory of mine is our tree swing.
Mine too – my grandparents house had one inside too, which was just amazing! Thanks for reading xx