Summer Adventures | The Countryside

I live in the suburbs of London, which means I am surrounded by endless rows of semi-detached houses, schools, local shops and the occasional park. As a lover of all things nature, I often find myself longing for wide expanses of greenery stretching out for miles and miles. It was only last year that I remembered the hidden pocket of open space about a half hour walk from where I live. I made the most of the few really lovely August days by walking there as often as I could this summer, sometimes with friends and sometimes with family, and spent a good few hours exploring the woods and fields each time.

I was beyond thrilled to discover horses grazing in some of the fields on one occasion. They really are majestic creatures. Plus ever since I began watching Heartland (currently on season 5) my love and appreciation for horses has only multiplied. The show also increased my growing desire to live in the countryside someday. Every time I watch it I get the urge to pack my bags and relocate to a ranch in Western Canada!

Seeing as that's unlikely, I'll settle for a quiet corner of rural England. Someday, hopefully. Until then I'll take whatever pockets of countryside I can get! If I can't live in the country just yet then I'm grateful to be living in the suburbs rather than the roaring heart of the city. I have always valued the quiet magic of the country over the enchanting lights of the city. One may cause moments of excitement and adrenaline, but the other brings with it a lifetime of contentment. I know which one I would choose.