Not much floristry this week - instead an adventure across counties and through the hedgerows. I’ve been off of work and on a long walk, wowing (or potentially boring - not sure) my Dad with flower facts and many stops to photograph and log them in my growing wildflower inventory.
The walk itself was however his idea. He had discovered the ‘GMT’ (Greenwich Meridian Trail) by happening upon one of its route markers a few years earlier. Research told him it was a 273 mile route, following the prime meridian, starting in Peacehaven on the South coast and finally finishing at Sand Le Mere in East Yorkshire. The first chunk, Peacehaven to Greenwich itself, seemed a manageable 70 mile trip, never going too far from home.
Day 1 - Peacehaven to North Chailey (19 miles)
A beautiful route starting off over the lumps and bumps of the chalky South Downs and into the historical town of Lewes. Warm weather and being rather exposed on the hills, coupled with overpacking our rucksacks, made for hard going and we were pleased to find village pubs along the way for a refreshing drink.
Day 2 - North Chailey to Lingfield (20 miles)
My favourite day - off of the Downs and into large areas of varied woodland - birch, oak, pine. Foxgloves, fields of wildflowers and signposts covered in creepy, curling lichen. Buzzards soaring and singing up high in the warm thermals and deer creeping through the undergrowth, hoping to go unnoticed. We crossed one of my favourite places, Ashdown Forest, and made our way towards Lingfield discovering a wonderful viaduct and, even better, an ice cream man.
Day 3 - Lingfield to Bromley (22 miles)
A comical start to the day - crossing a field with a bull (cows are my most un-favourite thing) and warning signs of adders (Dad’s phobia) left us keen to crack on. We crossed the M25 to make our way up the cliff like edge of the North Downs. Rewarded with fabulous views and a glut of huge Roman snails. The largest land snail we have, they are only found in a few places across the UK, the North Downs being one. Even as we entered the borough of Bromley, we were still walking through fields of wildflowers, the first of the poppies just peeping through - ready to mark D-Day in a few weeks.
Day 4 - Bromley to Greenwich (10 miles)
On my last few trips to London, I’ve loved discovering green spaces within the hustle and bustle and this final stretch provided just that - pleasantly green and quiet, you could easily be somewhere else. The route cleverly crossed large parks and followed river walks, a bounty of elderflower ready to be gathered for cordial. Popping up momentarily to cross though Lewisham onto Blackheath and finally into Greenwich Park before heading to the Cutty Sark, our finish line. A ceremonial trip to the pie and mash shop completed four wonderful days.
*You may be wondering why this post is titled ‘GMT or GnT’ - all the way along we talked about having a gin to celebrate once we finished - and then, on the day, we forgot…. ! I’m planning one once I get my feet up this evening instead.
…and so, onto the next adventure!
Next week, I’m visiting my local flower farm - so pleased to have finally found one who can supply to florists and just a few miles up the road. Just perfect - I can’t wait to report back!
Have a lovely week and remember…
…stop and smell the roses.
Amy x
Amy runs an independent floral design company, ‘Delilah and Herb’, based nr Tonbridge, Kent. Uk. She uses planet friendly methods with cut and foraged flowers to create florals for events, occasions, funerals and farewells.
To find out more, please visit www.delilahandherb.co.uk or email Amy directly at delilahandherb@gmail.com.
This sounds like a wonderful adventure!