walking the dog to reach some cake

Ah, Autumn. We are friends. You bring me cold days and bright sunshine, wellies, scarves, jumpers, although not quite a coat just yet. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out and about, take in the local scenery and give the dog a chance to sniff about on one of her favourite walks.

The North Downs Way is a beautiful trail to follow and some day I’d like to walk the length of it. But for this week, in the sunshine and with a glorious tea shop at the end of one section I decided to go from Guildford to Compton. Because I’m not quite up to the circular walk which takes you back past Loseley House, I roped in dear old Dad to drop me off at the start and pick me up at the end. It was a perfect plan, made sweet for him with the promise of a pot of tea and a homemade scone at the finish.

Of course, the camera came along because I knew that there are some gorgeous spots to photograph along the way. Plus I had the curly one with me, who just loves having her picture taken. Sort of. Not really. Not at all. I bribed her with biscuits.

Even in October, when the sunshine is out it can get quite warm. Especially when there are leaves to chase, pigeons to bark at and horses to run away from.

Ella enjoyed herself too. She’s very good at sitting for a moment, staring at me, slightly annoyed, panting a bit, and just waiting for the opportunity to run off again…

…only to bring me back something sharp and spiky. But it’s the thought that counts. And I should have thought more before sitting down for a rest in the field of spikes. Without looking. But certainly feeling it.

This little spot at that time of day is beautiful – gorgeous light, so quiet. The perfect place to throw sticks for your puppy and pick the pin-like spikes out of your backside. You can lose track of time so easily. Too easily in fact. So somewhere up the track, sitting waiting for his tea and cake is Dad. When I notice the time it’s too late for a leisurely stroll. Free from the gaze of others I broke into a trot. For about 10 seconds. Then I did some quick walking. Then I remembered it had been a while since I’d walked any distance, so the normal slow walking resumed and I decided to just be late.

Thank god for mobiles and barely there reception. Dad decided to brave the countryside and walk up to meet us. He ended up walking a lot further than expected.

I can’t help thinking of the theme tune to “The Littlest Hobo” when I look at this next photograph. That or “Highway to Heaven” with the glow at the end of the path.

So I managed the walk, Ella enjoyed herself, and Dad got a little bit of exercise for his sad old knee.

None of us ate a cake that day. The tea rooms are closed on a Monday.