It was a cold afternoon. As we trudged up the hill towards home after a morning of work and pre-school, the wind bit into our bare hands. With a stinking cold and a banging headache all I wanted to do was curl up on the sofa and hibernate for the afternoon.
We fell through the door and took off our hats and scarves. My three year old requested CBeebies and a cup of warm milk and I duly obliged. Half an hour later, we were still there, snuggled up on the sofa, bathed by the warm glow of Mr Bloom and friends.
I would have been there an hour and a half later too, if I hadn’t made a promise to myself a couple of weeks ago. Life is a bit stressful at the moment. With Christmas just around the corner we still don’t know where we’re going to be living come December 25th, which is kind of scary, especially when you’re a planner as I am. So I made a pact with myself recently to try and do as much as I can in the afternoons with Frog, to forget the stress. Immersing myself in mum duties seems to be working, so far.
It’s amazing how distracting a three year old can be. Reluctantly turning off the TV and donning wellies, coats, hats and gloves, we went for a wander to the end of our road. I was sure I’d spotted a tiny entrance to a public footpath when I was parking the other day.
Sure enough… 
It’s amazing really. We’ve lived here four months and I’d never noticed that path until a few days ago. We followed it for a minute or so.
It led here… 
Beneath us was the stream we discovered a couple of weeks ago. The path threaded around the side of a steep hillside, with views right across the valley, overlooking the edge of Dartmoor.
This has been just behind our house all this time. 
We stopped to sit on a bench and chat about what we could see – amongst the fields there was the place where Frog does swimming lessons, some hamlets tucked just behind town and rather a lot of sheep.
Then we did some hill climbing. 
Recovering from the terror of seeing my three year old almost hurtle down the sheer face of a very steep Devon hill, I realised I wasn’t feeling stressed any more. And the stinking cold didn’t feel quite so stinking.
I even felt happy enough to indulge my camera-mad child and take a couple of Dartmoor Selfies (that’s totally a thing by the way – Dartmoor enthusiasts will be doing “Dartmoor Selfies” from here on in, guaranteed). 
The outdoors wins again. Thank you outdoors.
oh what a fabulous post. love the pcitures!
Look out you almost sound like you may be a bit addicted to the fresh air now…
I can think of worse things to be addicted to… although don’t get me wrong, I still love a weekend wine!
What a great adventure and a stunning view!
It really is – can’t believe it’s been sitting so near and undiscovered by us for so long!
this place looks fantastic xx
It is lovely – and cold!
What a great discovery and I’m glad it made your cold not feel so bad.
Hope you know where you will be living very soon too x
Me too! Thank you. x
It’s amazing how much better you can feel after some fresh air. It can be tough getting up and going out some days, but so completely worth it. Your photos are lovely, what beautiful views. #CountryKids
You are so right. It was a real wrench getting out, but once we were there it was worth it.
3 cheers for the healing powers of the outdoors! So glad you turned off Mr Bloom, good as he is, and heading outside. Sounds like a lovely little stroll and a great stress buster. This is what Country Kids is all about.
How tempting to stay on the sofa! I always know that if I have a cold, I’ll feel that little bit better after a walk, but, oh, it’s so hard to make that move. I like your promise to yourself. Wonderful to find a new walk too. #CountryKids
You are so good getting out – I need a serious kick up the bum!
I love that you are bringing selfies to dartmoor x
Love all these brilliant views of your new life. Selfie is a new term to me…might try a few myselfie!
love X
I love everything about this! I can totally relate to those long afternoons where you just want to veg! I love your hat and F’s wellies are too cool!
I like your little adventure, and discovering that path is very magical garden. What an awesome view at the end of it all!