Love Like a Local - Autumn Thoughts

Guest Blog Post - Maid in Dartmoor

We have recently moved to the beautifully picturesque & historic Dartmoor town of Chagford - a place absolutely bursting with creativity at every turn. From the artisan shops to fantastic studios, Chagford is a creative hub, full of inspiration and people living their dreams.

To enjoy the simple pleasures of a peaceful walk is a real delight and it is easy to see where these many talented people get their inspiration from. 

A simple country walk in the autumn Devon countryside is one of those things that few people don’t enjoy. I just love to walk at this time of year. Everyone should take time from their busy lives to get outside whenever possible to enjoy the benefits for both your body and mind, and I hope this inspires someone to do so.

I realised today that the children were settled both in School and Nursery, meaning I had some precious free time! Since being a parent of young children, one of which is yet to start school, I rarely have much time to myself, and to have a few hours of “me time” is an opportunity to be grabbed firmly with both hands. I quickly threw my wellies on and picked up the camera. Taking pictures with a small child hanging from your leg is not always easy, I am sure that most of the wildlife I encountered would have usually been long gone if I had my two thriving young girls thundering along the country paths with me.  

A walk on your own from time to time, to take in every little whisper of wind, and enjoy the quiet patter of raindrops on your coat, and see the delightful ripples the rain makes when it splashes into a puddle, are all simple but enchanting moments. These beautifully natural scenes that we often need to remind ourselves to stop and enjoy, are something that I really appreciate.

The abundant berries, ever changing leaves and forageable foods are magical in colour and purpose at this time of year. Listening to the songs from happy birds, all full and fattened from all of autumn's bounty was also very pleasing. I even got the chance to say hello (and thank you!) to a very friendly Robin. I am aware that the Robin is renowned for being a sociable creature, but none the less, being somewhat of an amateur photographer, I was delighted to capture this lovely bird.

The awakening breeze and refreshing autumn showers all add to the energising country walk I enjoyed today. With camera in hand I found myself wandering off the beaten track and hunting in the thicker woodlands for lichens and mushrooms, not forgetting to put the camera to one side occasionally and truly take in my surroundings.

I walked through open fields, gazed at the high tors in the distance, met some incredible wildlife and crossed a couple of meandering streams. As my walk came to an end I pottered back to the town centre where I visited some of the artist studios which have been open in Devon throughout September. Glimpsing into the creative spaces of the artists of Devon has been spectacular. I highly recommend visiting some of them. If you didn't get a chance to visit some on this occasion then keep an eye out for any future Devon Artists Network events.

With an energised glow, and feeling completely inspired, I came home to warm my hands around a cuppa, edit the pictures I had just taken and write this blog…. I then enjoyed the rest of my day (and the school pick up!) with a rejuvenated connection to the land and an autumn spring in my step.

Lisa Evans writes a a family lifestyle blog under the name 'Maid in Dartmoor'. Read about what her and her family enjoy doing in South Devon.