A walk around Woburn

Sophie went to the gym this morning and took part in a yoga class. I pootled about, and when she returned, we both got ready to go out. We'd booked a lunchtime table at The Black Horse in Woburn, but we were planning to do a walk first, around the grounds of Woburn Abbey.

The M1 was busy, but we made it to Woburn in good time and parked (eventually) in the free car park. A lot of people had had the same idea as us and were walking towards the grounds of the Abbey. We went through a gate and entered a lovely forest glade overlooking a lake.

The path was well-marked, and we followed it to a small settlement of pretty houses, probably owned by the same family that owns Woburn Abbey, the Duke of Bedford. The Abbey itself is currently closed for major renovations, but the safari park is still open for business.

We emerged into open parkland, inhabited by deer, and a narrow canal of water. We followed signs to complete a circular walk back to Woburn, passing stables and grazing horses on the way.

Beautiful old oak tree

There were a few people about, but it was very peaceful. In a fenced-off area, we saw a little Muntjac deer!

Following the path back to the village, we saw gorgeous rhododendron bushes in full flower. They were beautiful!

It had been a lovely walk, and one we'll definitely do again! We emerged from the parkland on the outskirts of Woburn and had a pleasant walk to the centre. The village was abuzz with people sitting outside in the sunshine, enjoying a drink or ice cream. 

We decided to have a quick look in Zoohause, a lovely place for homeware and gifts. I noticed a woman waft in, wearing lovely clothes, with immaculate hair, exuding a gorgeous fragrance. I immediately felt out of place, glowing as I was after our walk, and pink-cheeked (it's better than saying red-faced and sweaty!).

We had a quick look, but as we had half an hour before our booking, we decided to have a drink at The Nook. The place was empty, which was a shame as it's a lovely, friendly bar and we ordered an Aperol Spritz and a curious beer with added cognac! 

We took a seat in the window and chatted while doing a spot of people watching!

As we walked to The Black Horse next door, we felt spits and spots of rain. No sitting outside for us, then! The pub was pleasantly full and we took a table against the wall. Next to us were two ladies, and we couldn't help listening in on their conversation, which was all about man troubles!

Sophie ordered another Aperol Spritz while I chose the Guinness 0%. It came in a pint glass, which I hated! As soon as I could, I decanted the drink into a nicer glass!

We chose courgette fries to start, followed by a fishcake for Sophie served with a poached egg, and fish goujons in a bun for me. We shared a pot of French fries, and the meal was delicious. The pub remained busy the whole time we were there, and it was an exceedingly pleasant lunch.

When we emerged into the busy street, the rain had stopped, and we walked back to the car, deciding to cut through the parkland and take the slightly longer route back to the M1.  We saw a deer standing by the side of the road, looking majestic, with gorgeous antlers.

The journey home was quick and easy, and when we arrived back, we relaxed. I kept thinking that today was Sunday, not Monday!