Well I’m writing this on a typical Bank Holiday Monday in that it’s dull, grey and wet outside. However I have no complaints as this has been a lovely weekend.

We had no set plans for the weekend, we were hoping to catch-up with family one of the days and then while we ought to do some gardening we thought we would more likely be tempted outside to go for a longer walk, probably ending at a pub. Well the first part of the plan went perfectly as the sun shined brightly on Saturday so we were able to enjoy drinks on a terrace listening to live music. The laid-back vibes and clear blue sky made it feel like we were on holiday – great music, great food and great company. The weekend was off to a cracking start.

Then on Sunday, just as we were starting to think we really ought to do some gardening, the rain started which sadly meant we had to stay indoors and snuggle up to watch a film instead – naturally we were gutted about this. Still, it’s a long weekend, we have an extra day to get stuff done, it will be fine…

We could hear the rain hammering on the window before we even had a chance to contemplate leaving the duvet to get the morning coffee (well coffee for me, tea for the mister). What a shame the gardening would have to be postponed once again but what of our other potential activity, what about a walk? This was when I realised yet another thing I love about walking, it is a very adaptable pastime. While the longer route we had hoped to do would be far too boggy that didn’t mean we had to forego a soothing stroll, we could simply adapt to the conditions and opt for a shorter, soggy stroll instead.

I’ve mentioned before that I actually like walking in the rain and today was a perfect example of why that is the case. After donning our rain coats and walking boots we were ready to go and what a peaceful place the outside world was. On Saturday when the skies were clear and the sun was shining there were people everywhere and while it’s nice to see folk out & about enjoying themselves I do prefer it when they are doing that somewhere that isn’t near me. A wet, grey afternoon however and suddenly they’ve disappeared, at first it was just us and the birds. When we got to the park we saw some dog-walkers and a small dinosaur which upon reflection may have actually been a child in a dinosaur coat but all in all it was a far less hectic, and therefore more enjoyable, park then it would have been on a sunny day.

On a sunny day everyone wants to be outside but on a rainy day there are only a few of us, well only a few humans anyway but you see, the thing is, I don’t go for walks to spend more time with people. The joy of walking is that it gets me closer to trees, animals and flowers. I walk to connect with nature and to escape humanity and it turns out humans are the only ones that care about the weather. A soggy stroll around the park means I still see trees, ducks, swans, coots, moorhens, geese, herons and crows just with fewer people, except for the person I’ve chosen to spend time with. So really as long as you’ve got a decent waterproof coat & boots a soggy stroll can be much more fun than a sunny one.

That’s how I stroll.

• The best laid plans…
• Hiding in plain sight
• Holiday Strolls
• Something is better than nothing
• National Walking Month