Not another ‘Autumn’ blog post.

You’ve probably seen your fill of ‘autumn colour’ posts recently but I’m not apologising.

Last weekend a sunny day dawned out of the fog.

I stepped away from the sewing machine, which had been frustratingly skipping stitches on my recent jersey project and has ended up going for a service, and got out my mountain bike.

A 12 mile circular ride with just a very short distance on the road, right on my doorstep.

These are the woods around Newmillerdam reservoir. Newmillerdam Country Park was once part of an area known by the Norse name of Thurstonhaugh. The name changed when the area became part of the medieval ‘Chevet’ estate after a new corn mill was built in the village in 1285 and the area became known as New Myllne on Dam.

Instead of racing round like a maniac, my usual tempo, I made myself take it slow and stop and admire the colour, taking time to look up, as well as down.

From the woods I headed to the Anglers Country Park.

Located 4 miles south-east of Wakefield, Anglers Country Park is dominated by several lakes, surrounded by grassland, woodland and a wetland area known as the ‘Pol’. At one time this was the deepest open cast coal mine in the country, reaching a depth of 250 feet.

And then turned back along the Barnsley canal which forms part of the Trans Penine Trial. The towpath of the disused Barnsley Canal running from Walton through to Old Royston cuts through the trees and in places, through a rocky gorge.

No boats today!!

My route then took a turn along a disused railway which form parts of our 40 mile long ‘Wakefield Wheel’ off road bike route before returning home.

Just one more.

OK. That’s my autumn colour fix for another year. Winter? Bring it on!

Love, Lucie xx