simplyNordicWalking: Midsummer Nordic Walking in Beautiful Surrey

Many people unfamiliar with Surrey are surprised to learn that, despite being adjacent to London, it has some of the loveliest countryside in England. The Surrey Hills have unspoiled woods and estates with miles of paths which are a delight to walk in. Plus there are scores of pubs and tea-rooms to refresh the body after the walks.

This week, some of us were fortunate enough to walk at Denbies Wine Estate - a large vineyard nestling in hills, just north of Dorking.
http://www.denbiesvineyard.co.uk/

There's plenty of room to walk amongst the 600 acres of vines, and there are extensive views across to Box and Leith Hills.....

Meanwhile, in Bushy Park, the antlers continue to grow on the stags,

.... and more people think it's OK to feed the deer.

The Woodland Gardens, above, are still attractive, and the tranquil Thames riverbank can seem miles away from the bustle of nearby Kingston-upon-Thames. Just after this photo, below, was taken our group watched a Great Crested Grebe feed a fish to its offspring. You won't see that in a gym!

The weather has been beautiful for walking all week, and on the 23rd June, dozens of Nordic Walkers met in Richmond Park to celebrate Midsummer's Eve. This is a big celebration in parts of Europe, especially Scandinavian and Nordic countries, where pagan rituals were commemorated with bonfires and burning of witches (centuries ago).

I haven't checked the small-print of Richmond Park's regulations recently, but I'm pretty sure those activities are banned!

[Heading towards The Royal Ballet school, Richmond Park]

[Skirting Pen Ponds]

So, after the pleasant exertions, we confined ourselves to an enjoyable picnic...chatting to new friends, and perhaps swapping a Scotch egg for a mushroom and ricotta tartlet, or the ubiquitous strawberries for some raspberry and vodka jelly. Yes, the food was good and varied, like the walkers.