Just a Walk in the Park

 Easter Monday weather can be notoriously fickle.  The forecast wasn’t good, and as I peeped out from my bedroom curtains on Monday morning, I was pleasantly surprised to see a beautiful sunny morning.

 Feeling uplifted and optimistic I loaded the car with all the usual walking and picnicking paraphernalia: boots, hats, picnic hamper, picnic table, umbrellas and raincoats (just in case!) and off we set, collecting a passenger or two on the way, also carrying boots, hats, picnic hamper…..

 Our journey to Clumber was uneventful (if a little cramped).  The black clouds looming in the distance over what appeared to be our destination did nothing to dampen our sprits, but I have to confess to some small disappointment at the heavy shower that started  the very moment I got out of my car at Clumber Park.

 By 11:00 it was raining steadily but we had a good turn-out, so with raincoats on and umbrellas up we set off round the lake, leaving one or two messengers to point any stragglers in the right direction.

 The Park is a beautiful setting, even in the rain, but as we walked around Clumber Lake, the rain stopped, the clouds broke and we found ourselves in brilliant sunshine (carrying our coats and brollies). 

 The scenery changed as we walked on through the open park and into the forest:  the trees and spring flowers reflecting in the lake, together with the water fowl, busy with their seasonal activities and the occasional flock of chicks added to the joy of being in the open air with spring almost upon us.

As with all lengthy walks, people split into small groups and went at their own pace, but we all found our way around the lake and arrived back safely at the central area at around 13:00 for lunch.  Here we met with a number of non-walkers who had arrived a bit later to enjoy our picnic lunches on the green overlooking the lake.

 After lunch various games were played in the glorious afternoon sunshine and numerous ice creams consumed. 

 There are lots of things to do and see in Clumber Park’s 3800 acres and as the afternoon progressed, people took themselves off to enjoy the gardens, the beautiful chapel and some of the special activities that had been put on for the Bank Holiday.

 Those who were still feeling active after the morning walk were able to hire bikes and pedal off to the more remote parts of the park.  The hire shop supplies an excellent map that takes you to some delightful parts that are too far to reach on foot.  For those less mobile, the park can be explored by car: Hardwick Village is very pretty and the local farm was open that afternoon see newborn lambs and calves.

 As we set off for home and drove back through the long avenue towards the Park exit, we reflected on a lovely day spent (mostly) in the sunshine with beautiful scenery and wonderful Christian company, and thanked God for his goodness and blessings upon us. 

 Malcolm Bowgett

Clumber Park Web Site

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