The coronavirus pandemic has meant this has been a year like no other. Sarah and I were due to spend Christmas Day with my brother in Bournemouth, but in the current climate, this wasn’t really an option. Thankfully, we were able to have our friend Andy, who is in our social bubble, over instead. 

The pre-Christmas week had seen a couple of milestones for Sarah and me. Firstly, I had finally been able to get back on my bike following a hip op. Also, after a year and a half out of our home while it was renovated we had been able to move back. So, at least the year was ending on a better note.

It was from this home that we all decided to set off on a Christmas Day stroll.

We headed off to one of our favourite local open spaces, Mirrlees Fields. 

At Davenport Rail station, we picked up the path heading towards Hazel Grove. 

We had walked around some parts of Mirrlees earlier in Autumn. This time, however, about halfway along the main path we turned off into the field alongside the railway line.

It was a dry crisp morning and the frost on the ground brought out some lovely scenery.

Walking gave us time to slow down and enjoy the frost patterns.

 

There’s an orienteering course around Mirrlees.

Eventually, we arrived back at the main path.

We then crossed this path and headed over to the main Mirrlees field. We met our friend Hilary.

Along the way, we passed some of the maps created by CERACycloan.

We mentioned in our previous Mirrlees Fields blog post that these fields were under threat from developers. Thankfully, some disagree and making their views known.

After leaving Hilary, we continued on to our previous temporary home to pick up a few more things. Along the way, we noticed some effects of climate change with some flowers and trees beginning to blossom earlier than ever.

It’s also good to see the Christmas spirit with families decorating their gardens.

On our way back we passed New House Farm Pool.

Talking about nature being confused …

We finished our walk by crossing back over the railway line at Woodsmoor Lane.

It was a shame that we haven’t been able to visit Bournemouth this year, but this little Christmas Day walk went some way to overcoming that disappointment.

You can view our Christmas Day walk route below: