Hiking in England ~ The North Downs Way

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I generally don't go with the crowd, but I would go anywhere with my herd.Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comI have shared with you the friendship & adventures of the Goats ~ read here for the Herd Story.Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comOur longest & most far flung adventure unfolded last week.  All 7 of us followed each other to the UK for a hiking trip.Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comI say "hiking", for while we did do a lot of that, it is my laugh muscles that got the greatest work out.The trip has been in the planning for about a year.  The impetus was our British California girl's birthday.Lynchetts, Betchworth Surrey on VRBO  http://mysoulfulhome.comAnd guess what?  She has a home in her husband's childhood village ~ you can even rent it for your own holiday here.Surrounded by the idyllic English Countryside & her extended family we set out daily to trek The North Downs Way.Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comThe countryside is stunning and the villages movie set perfect ~ no wonder Four Weddings & A Funeral and Holiday were filmed there.Watch this lovely video for the landscape & the accent!Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comThe North Downs Way passes by Albury, one the homes of the Duke of Northumberland.Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comEven Dukes have $$ issues ~ click both links above for the back story, the treasures & the flood that cost a bundle...can you count all the chimneys?!If I had encountered Lady Mary on this property I really would not have been surprised.  Sweaty & under dressed, but not surprised.Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comSometimes we were not exactly sure, but for the most part the path was clear…Oh, what do I know?  I was following the herd, but we never got lost, so you won't either.  And if you do, there is usually a pub not too far off ~ to stop and order…err, ask directions.Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comThe warmth of the sun, yes sunny everyday, was surpassed only by the warmth of our Goat's family & friends.  We were treated like royalty & long lost pals.  In particular, we all wanted to adopt her sister as our own.Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comAfter hiking with us for 20 miles or so we rambled up to her 500 year old home, the house they grew up in!  What we thought would be a casual dinner was really a feast for 25.Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comTable set with china & flowers in the drawing room and delicious scents wafting from her green Aga stove.As a celebrated chef & event planner, we were treated to topnotch tastes & ambiance to match.Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comMy dreams have been filled with her potatoes ever since, but it was the warmth of the company that I will never forget. (Thank you Sarah & Christopher!)Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comAnd thank you to our dear friend for inviting us over & sharing so much of her life.  It was a wonderful adventure. Memories were made that we'll treasure forever.Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comAs every turn of the path of The North Downs Way offers a different vista, everyone's trip there will be unique.Hiking the North Downs Way Surrey England http://mysoulfulhome.comIf you enjoy nature, beauty, quaint villages & history, I can say with confidence that you will revel in your travels. And, if you enjoy potatoes au gratin, email me ~ I'll give you the address!xx Kelly xx 

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