Austen, Woolf and a country stroll

I have started falling into the trap of letting the cold keep me indoors, where I invariably overeat and watch trashy television! That said, it does take a determined effort to get out and about in the weather ... today it was 2C and Regent's Canal was completely frozen over!

I am trying to make the most of the thermals I bought for Norway so that I can get out and see the countryside. Last week I went for a stroll at Box Hill and Westhumble in Surrey. A pretty if foggy destination that feels far removed from London yet is less than an hour away by train.

From Surrey, UK

Box Hill features in Jane Austen's novels, as I pleasantly discovered while watching a remake of Emma in which a party of characters enjoyed a picnic atop the hill.

Keeping with my literary theme (albeit unintentionally) I ventured to Lewes in East Sussex at the weekend for an ambitious 15km hike! The walk (from the book Time Out Country Walks near London, Vol 2) took me through green pastures, past horses and cows, up a large hill with views across the South Downs and eventually to the village of Rodmell where I was keenly anticipating a hearty pub meal. 

From The South Downs

With a sinking stomach I discovered a note on the door declaring the Abergavenny Arms had closed down two days earlier "due to circumstances beyond" the owners' control! I was much disheartened, particularly as this was the only place in Rodmell to purchase food or drink! Determined and desperate, I set out on the 5km "post lunch" walk to Lewes. The route took me past Monk's House, the modest country retreat where Virginia Woolf and her husband Leonard spent much of their time and entertained T.S. Elliot and other members of the Bloomsbury Group. Most of my journey was along the banks of the River Ouse, into which Woolf waded with her pockets full of stones. Although my spirits were somewhat downtrodden I had no intentions of going near the freezing water!

From The South Downs

By the time I reached Lewes I was starving and incredibly thirsty (having taken just a small bottle of water and muesli bar). Next time I shall take decent provisions! Nonetheless it was a pleasant outing and a great way to discover life beyond London.