As a family we love to be outside together and enjoy nice views, feel invigorated and see the kids going nuts whilst we stroll hand in hand chatting about life. They are moments that please us all and that make us feel connected as a family, have fun and make memories, so at the end of 2015 when the forestry commission sent us some things and passes to the forest and we were super excited.
We decided to use them at Yorkshire’s great forest “Dalby” not far from us in North Yorkshire, over the holidays and whilst with the extended fam. And the weather couldn’t have been better, it was a lovely day and great to meander along chatting all together and exploring the “Stick man Trail”.
The kids loved it, they had seen the film on TV over Christmas and were mesmerized by seeing pictures and “real stick men” in these “magical woods” -They loved the opportunity to walk grandma’s doggies and run off all of that chocolate!! I love moments like these when characters come to life for them, and that they can let their imaginations flow, and it was an added bonus that there was also a Gruffalo and Gruffolo’s child model towards the end of the trail, which filled them with excitement to see their favourite stories become reality. It made me so happy to see their joy over nature, the outdoors and book characters, and being silly with their Granddad.
It seems like ages since we were out and about like this together, and even longer since we were with my youngest sister and parents all together doing something outdoors. As a child and growing up, my dad often planned walks, bike rides and ‘outdoorsey’ stuff for us to do, and whilst I moaned at times I look back fondly on those ordinary moments of a Saturday hike in North Yorkshire! Now as we drive and go to these places with our own kids it makes me happy to see the beauties of the forest, little English villages and lovely valleys and miles of scenery. I enjoy the same banter on walks, snacks and sweets as we go and seeing the kids getting stuck in the mud, falling over and playing imaginative games with all of the resources that nature has to offer!
Sticky, muddy hands and boots are certainly the sign of an Ordinary part of childhood adventures in the woods and I hope throughout 2016 we can stop being so busy on a weekend and have many more of these Ordinary moments together appreciating the world around us and one another.
What a gorgeous set of photos Mary, we meant to go out so many times over the lazy Christmas period to go for a walk together but somehow we never got round to it which is awful! It isn’t as if we even were doing much, but somehow PJ days, cleaning, sorting and watching films and snuggling seemed to take preference. I would love for the girls to visit the Stickman trail, they love the book. I hope you all had a wonderful christmas together. x
I seem to only be having Pj days since haha whoops somethings not right! The stickmen trails are all over, just look on their website and you’ll find one, the kids really did love it and couldn’t wait to look at the story again x
We love stick man! We’ll have to take a visit. Thanks =)
No worries – hope you find one fairly local and love it,theyre all over the country x
I used to love going for walks in the woods when I was younger. As ridiculous as it sounds my 4 year old hasn’t even been to a forest and now the nearest one is in another country so it doesn’t look like it’ll be happening any time soon! That Stickman trail looks awesome and your photos are just beautiful,
Oh man thats crazy to comprehend haha – where in the world are you?
Thank you so much x
The Stickman trail looks amazing – perfect place to go on a walk! We’ve been out quite a bit over the past few weeks and it’s been really nice to get some fresh air and a bit of exercise after some serious over indulging this christmas! Gorg photos xx
Thanks Chantal – yes overindulging is certainly a given at Christmas isnt it haha – its so nice to get out all together and walk and enjoy the world. Glad you have taken those opps! x
That first photo is fab! we’re yet to venture to a Gruffalo wood but it looks so much fun! we love family walks and exploring xx
Thanks Natalie 🙂 Yeah go for it, the kids think they’re brilliant and they kill a lot of time too, its a real adventure x