A February Village Walk

I have spent too much time recently sitting down crafting

and eating the cakes that I bake.  These are a gluten-free recipe I have tried from this book.  They were delicious and although we are fine with gluten, I will definitely be making them again.  I have saved the recipe here.

As a result I have gained weight and I am in need of some exercise!

Yesterday the sun was shining and I decided that a walk around the village was in order.

We live in a modern village,

 but are very lucky to be situated in quite a rural setting, with lots of woodland within the village.

 For this walk I stuck to the paths as the ground is very soggy underfoot after the recent abundance of rain!

 I had no particular route in mind, just a rough circuit of the village.  This was once the old road that passed through here.

 The brook isn't too high at the moment.

 Nature believes that spring is here already.  I discovered lots of flowers and blossoms as I walked.

Lesser Celandine

 Blackthorn Blossom

 Pussy Willow

 Snowdrops

 Hazel Catkins

 Primroses

Sweet Violets

Last year there was a bumper crop of acorns and they are still carpeting many of the paths.

 I made a friend. :)

 I walked 5.5 miles at a brisk pace, so hopefully it has done me some good!  My purse didn't fare too well though - I passed a charity shop and came home with these! 

I'd better choose a different route today! :)