A walk in the wintry woods

December 2010, the coldest in the UK since the MET office started collating the weather in 1910 (I think), the average temperature was -1c across the country, and although it caused havoc for the trains, plains and automobiles, it did provide a stunning cover to my local area.

Gobians is the woodland and open space adjacent to my home village (well adopted home village in Hertfordshire rather than my true home village in the midst of Northumberland), it's a place I love to walk round with open views, woodland walks and lakes. It looks great in the spring, summer and autumn, but in the winter it turns into Narnia.

Narnia

Narnia 2

The snow fall we had just before Christmas give Brookmans Park and Gobians it's thickest covering since I've been here, and for many a year more than that.  But with the right footware and camera in hand I ventured out.

Starting at the bottom of the village I wandered through the woods which had taken on a magical appearance.

This way

From the woods up towards the lakes., meeting many of the people and dogs that frequent the open space.

woof!

Including those on their sledges heading home after a morning on the hill.

Sledging the way home

The lakes were completely frozen, a pretty regular occurrence back in the North East, but not quite so 15 miles from the centre of London.  Reminded me of the stories of the Thames freezing in the old days and the people ice-skating between the bridges.

Freeze

Fallen Tree

As I walked round the lake the sun started to shine, and created this wonderful effect of almost molten gold on the ice.

Molten Gold

Shimmer

Glow

The path round the lake gives lots of opportunity to take some pictures with the Sun high in the winter sky, and also a chance to meet some more of the local wildlife.

Little Robin Red Breast

It was nice to see that even with all the snow, many had taken leave on their walks to sit and admire the views.

Take the weight off

So that was my last walk through the woods with the snow.  It never lasts long down here, mostly causes chaos when it comes, but to me it really makes for a great opportunity to get out with the camera.

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