Walk with Jamie Stubbings to Littlewick Green... & Red Kites

 We parked near the pub at Burchetts Green and walked through the field to Stubbings Nursery where we bought a couple of cakes to takeaway. 

Barley swaying the breeze.

The footpath to Stubbings Nursery

Then through Maidenhead Thicket woods to cross the A4 at Cherry Garden Lane.

And then the farm road to join Knowl Hill  Bridal circuit 

And we cut through a footpath into Littlewick Green

Littlewick Green. 

With a beer and our cakes, we watched loads of Red Kite coming down 
to feed on some bread which the landlady had thrown for them (Daily routine at 4pm)

Dive-bombing like Peregrine Falcon!

Jamie trying with his iphone.

This little boy was enjoying them too. 

Lunch at Heckfield Place

I was given a very generous voucher to spend at Heckfield Place, which is not far from Wokingham, and yet I had never been there.  Why not? Well further research tells me that after 6 years of renovations of this stunning Georgian Manor House, it only opened this year, and is becoming a favourite "A list" celebrity hotel. Well my name starts with "A", so I'm in!

What an amazing place, and a HUGE thank you to all of my Breeze cycling buddies and in particular Vanessa, whose idea it was for all the regular riders who came to my party recently, to collectively give me this wonderful gift.    The best bit is that I still have some money left so will be going again! JOHN adds his thanks too, and was very appreciative of his experience today and he found a comfortable seat... which as most of you know is a bonus.

This place is very exclusive, and already has status of one the Best Hotels to Stay in the World 2019. As you drive past the entrance a couple of little pillars with a Red Letter "H" is all that tells you you have arrived. I recognised this from  my voucher, otherwise could easily have missed it. The security guard also appears from his pillar box as you arrive to check if you have a booking, before pointing you in the right direction down a very long sweeping drive. The Manor house is not visible from the main road.

We were greeted by staff dressed in unusual costumes wearing what I would describe as oversize shirts. All very smart, earthy colours. I asked how we did not know about his place? Where do they advertise? The apparently don't advertise much, but prefer word of mouth recommendations. 

There are two restaurants, and since neither was fully booked, we were shown both and given the option of where to eat. Earlier this week, the one called The Hearth which is downstairs and along a beautifully decorated corridor, opened it's doors for lunches, whereas up until now it was residents only in the evening.  It was so different. Like a posh tapas menu, and food cooked on an open fire. For the benefit of those who have also not yet been, I took a few photos. 

Our Truffle Pizza being made

Cheers and thank you ladies. What a treat. 

Following our Truffle Pizza, this delicious Artichoke dish, with curd. The flavours were stunning

Followed by Ravioli with sage butter sauce. Yum.

Followed by Spiced Quails with Quince. Delicious.

Followed by Prunes in Armagnac, with Almond Tart. 

Wellies for use if you need them to walk in the grounds.

The corridor to the restaurant.

It was all quite rich, and they recommend 4-5 dishes are sufficient, and they were right. Our bill for 4 small dishes to share, 2 desserts, and a carafe of  delicious Red wine, coffee and truffles was £132. Well worth it. The flavours were amazing. 

Before we left, a quick look at their Theatre which Vanessa had mentioned. That also looks brilliant, so we will look out for a reason to go back and enjoy something there soon. 

Applecross Peninsula

2 days spent in Applecross, including a drive to either end of the peninsula.

West Whittering 14 May

I wanted to go on a recce trip to find a location with sand dunes and some chestnut fencing, in an effort to find a suitable filming location for a script I have written. The picture I am trying to replicate is this.

 I immediately thought of West Whittering, but its strange how your memory can play tricks!

I KNOW I photographed chestnut fencing at West Whittering on a past visit, but it turned out there is only ONE bit of chestnut fencing there. Anyway, I only need one, so mission accomplished.

It was a wild windy day, but some great clouds, so a good day for photography. Hubby and my son Jamie came too with his camera. Ice cream to set us up, followed by fish and chips for lunch. A lovely day out to blow away the cobwebs....... and everything else too!

The sailing crews has to lean right out to keep their boats upright.

This group of girls on a day out emerged in the distance. Fancied something different for this one. 

Then this dog was going nuts jumping mid air through the  dunes. A springer spaniel presumably?!

look at me .... I can jump!

Swapped to the wide angled lens for this one.

You can't go to West Whittering and NOT photograph the beach huts.