77. Wadhurst and Surrounding Villages - UK

Driving certainly makes it easier getting to some of these rural sits. In fact, there would be a lot we could not do given the limitations of public transport in these country areas. The surprising thing is that I find it more of a challenge to drive the country roads than through the streets of London mainly because the narrowness of the streets in the villages makes passing another car quite daunting at times. I could feel myself breathe in and lean to the left every time a car approached us on one of these streets.

Having said that, nothing will deter me from driving these areas as the beauty can only be fully appreciated by being there, right in the moment.

Wadhurst is a sleepy little village apart from the cars picking up and dropping off the kiddies at school times and tradesmen. 

Or, maybe a semi-trailer trying to make its way down the street (footpath).

England was commemorating Armistice Day on the weekend we walked into town.

The local church and cemetery are situated on a small hill in the middle of town and most of the shops, cafes and pubs are on the main street.

When I first visited the cemetery, it was misty and could only make out the outlines of the headstones. I then saw the outline of what I thought might have been someone visiting as it was the same size as an adult female. 

I then noticed how still it was and that it was in a standing position on a pedestal at the head of a grave and I thought... "Please be a statue!" It was a bit unnerving as the mist cleared and returned irregularly. I walked closer and was relieved it was a statue and very life-like. Then I said to myself..."Please don't turn your head and look at me!" I returned another day and took a photo of the statue... dedicated to Edith Anne Hamilton.

The photos below are of some of the many beautiful homes and paths we have come across so far. 

Things one sees on a walk

When walking through farmland, there are always signs pointing to the paths to follow.

I love coming across these!

The oak trees are abundant and spectacular

T'was a cold morning

One can casually walk on paths literally around the local farmhouses

 We went to Battle, a village not far from Hastings where the 'Battle of Hastings' took place. 

An old abbey converted to a private school

And the wee doorways...

Very English indeed

A pub in Hastings - Built in the 17th century

A hotel called 'The Bell' up the road in Ticehurst

And in this pub, there is a very musical men's loo - Where 'Symphony No.1' is played!

Something in my genes is telling me I need to chase these...

Autumn is the best!

A community garden just behind the main street in Wadhurst

The entrance to 'Landgate' in Rye was built in 1329 and funded by Edward III

A small trip up the road to Mayfield

Our stay in Wadhurst was coming to an end as we were heading off to Daniel and Ellen's place the next day to catch up and spend the night there before our next sit in Watford in the north of London.

The previous evening before we left, we sat down with a glass of wine, dog on the lap, a movie about to play when Max got a text... The owner, Kate,  had written "We hope you enjoyed your stay and got away ok. We just got off the plane and are now heading home."

We looked at each other and started laughing. We hadn't started packing or cleaning! A quick call to Daniel (God bless him) confirming it was fine to stay an extra night and we went straight into autopilot.

We downed the wine and ran around the house going from room to room frantically cleaning, re-arranging, packing our stuff and trying to complete what normally takes four hours, into one and a half and, we did it!  That also included all the washing of sheets,  and Max making them a pot of Potato and Leek soup! 

All the while through this, we were laughing realising our calculations differed by a day from theirs and as to whose fault it was? We didn't care! We laughed some more!

Just as we finished packing the car and sat down, there was a knock on the door and in they came. They were most happy to have us stay an extra night however we were happy with the decision to leave given their baby was not well and they had just gotten off a plane.