Life can be manic as we move into the season but despite it being March hare time were not yet rushed madly off our feet. In fact we are able to indulge in a bit of walking which is doing wonders for the waist line - definitely needed after the over indulgence over the festive season.
Last week we did two walks which are well within the capabilities of most. On Sunday we headed off in the direction of Thirsk and Sutton Bank. The top of Sutton Bank affords spectacular views over the Vale of York and on a clear day, as hackneyed as it may sound, you can literally see for ever.
The North York Moors National Park provides parking at the top of Sutton Bank and the walk skirts the contour of Sutton Bank (actually a cliff) all the way to the White Horse of Kilburn. On the landward side is the Yorkshire Gliding Club and whilst walking one can watch the gliders taking off and landing. The walk is on the flat and on a good all terrain path and the energetic should complete it in under an hour and a half.
Equally enjoyable was our walk on Tuesday. We have over the years done sections of the York city walls but we had, until now, never walked the complete wall. This we rectified on Tuesday. The total walk is approximately 2 miles and again is on the flat bar when one climbs steps to get onto the various sections of the wall. Each "gate" as in Mickelgate or Walmgate (the old entrances to the city) has a plaque with the history of the "gate" and these make fascinating reading. They really bring to life the city's history. As we walked we noticed that the Crocuses were starting to bloom on what were the walls of the moat and in a week or so the daffodils should bloom in their usual profusion.
An added bonus of the walk is that Walmgate has a coffee and tea shop on it and this is a pleasant place to stop and have a cuppa.
We have no hesitation in recommending both walks.
A few weeks ago we had a couple from south east London stay with us. The gentleman asked me on the Saturday morning about an original oil painting on one of the landings. I proudly informed him that it was the work of our younger daughter. He expressed a view that it was excellent. At that stage I had no idea he was the Head of Art at a well known private school. Thus his appreciation of the work took on added meaning.
We have further works by Carolynne, our younger daughter in the Guinevere Room and the office and a charcoal work by our elder daughter Sarah-Jane in the Bethel Room as well as some water colours of York painted by Elaine's grandfather. These latter works are in the dining room and are at least 60 years old.
Next time you visit Feversham Lodge have a look at what our artistic family have produced. Sadly such artistic expertise is not within my capability.
Our winter mid week special "Three nights for the price of two" will end when the clocks change at the end of the month so if you are planning a York visit you could maximise your stay by visiting us before the clocks change.
As usual we conclude with a "what's on in York summary".
7 March York International Women's Week (until 14 March) www.yorkwomen.org.uk
14 March York Bach Choir www.yorkbachchoir.org.uk
16 March Sing a Son of Sixpence (Exhibition) Castle Howard until 30 August www.castlehoward.co.uk
20/21 March Harrogate Book Fair
24 March An Evening with Gervase Phinn York Minister