Eight go on a ramble

Why it’s important to spend time together away from screens and everyday work.

One fine day right after the Easter holidays, eight Fridgelets and two pups travelled by train to Wiltshire for a day out rambling. This is what ensued.

A carefully planned route

Adequately booted and caffeinated, the Fridgelets congregated in the medieval cathedral city of Salisbury, with two bouncy pooches in tow.

Laura had planned the 13km route meticulously: a prompt start in the centre of Salisbury let the group catch sight of the stunning medieval Cathedral and enjoy the splendour of its celebrated spire.

Crossing the river Avon and heading East, the gang soon found themselves on the outskirts of town and dandelion-speckled verdant fields gradually replaced the urban landscape, offering an ideal playground for Reggie and Aggie to explore off their leads.

Picnic time

After a few more miles through the beautiful rolling countryside looping South and then West, it was soon time to take a break for a spot of much anticipated lunch.

To everyone’s delight, Nick produced delicious Cornish pasties from his heavy bag and Gaelle distributed her homemade brownies. This was the perfect occasion to share some ‘Brew for Ukraine’ beer from the Grapevine Brew House of Exmouth and inject a little more cheer into the proceedings.

Back to nature

Satisfyingly sated and quenched, the group were on their way again along shaded paths and towards the sweeping views of the Coombe Bissett Down. The landscape opened up onto the rich calcareous grassland, offering expansive vistas for everyone to enjoy as the sun joined the party.

They did it

To complete the loop satisfyingly, the group headed back towards town along the golf course and back over the river. They found their way to a 15th century paper mill converted into a fine free house across the river Nadder. As the sun peeked through the clouds, they shared jugs of Pimm’s and G&Ts whilst the dogs enjoyed tasty venison snacks in the peaceful garden.

With evening drawing near, appetites grew stronger and the gang relocated to a different venue for some traditional pub fare and more beverages, merrily reflecting on the day’s events.

A day full of good cheer and optimism

What the reader learns from this joyous expedition is how important it is for the Fridgelets to get together away from their duties to enjoy each other’s company and reconnect with nature.

The bi-annual rambles are always cause for celebration and a good reason to switch off from screens. The team come back from those escapades rejuvenated, optimistic for the future and ready to tackle exciting new projects together.

So where will they go next time? Watch this space and join the Fridgelets on their next adventures soon.