When the weather changed, it was significantly suddenly Winter. Living in The North of The North of England, we tend to get some rather cold wind, harsh rain and the dark nights seem to loom over us all too quickly. It is far too easy to stay inside, and stay warm. But we’ve been so very busy in the last few months, getting some major DIY done that being stuck inside is exactly what I don’t need. And then there is Jasper, a 5 year old with so much energy and the will to run circles round you even when he’s tired.
So, one day, while Jasper and I were both free, we got in the car and drove to one of our favourite local places. We’re so very lucky, living were to do to have easy access to coast and country. The beach seemed a little too bleak, so we headed to The Hirsel, a lovely estate just over the Scottish Border, in Coldstream. Wellies and warm coats on, we were ready for anything.
The weather was pleasant, even if cold. But when you’re wrapped up in the right clothes, you barely notice. Billy Connolly once famously said “there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing”.
The Hirsel has a public walkway, set in the woodland and round the lake. There are local crafts, a tea room and a play park. So having parked the car, Jasper and I set off on the walk that goes round the lake. As soon as we hit the path, we noticed hundreds of acorns on the ground. And every so often we heard them falling to the ground. We looked up, and saw loads of beautiful oak trees. I showed Jasper the shape of the leaf, and explained how the acorns sit on the tree. I asked him what he thinks likes to eat them, to which he replied birds, squirrels, and mice.
When we’re out and about, I often talk to him about what we see, and he’s always interested. Jasper decided to make a collection of acorns and cups, twigs and leaves, all of which ended up in my pocket.
Number 1. We talked about trees.
As we continued on the path we got quite a shock as a male pheasant came running from the hedge and in to the wood. Although Jasper was also quite amused by the funny run it did. Then we noticed another little visitor, a red squirrel. It was wonderful to see. We stood statue still and hoped we didn’t scare it. But they are very shy, and was soon away up a tree, never to be seen again that day. Jasper stood for quite some time, trying to coax the squirrel back down to see us.
Number 2. Spotting Animals
We continued on our walk eventually, and found a very exciting tunnel in the trees. It is the pathway down to the hide by the lake. As we entered the wood, the light changed entirely and it became quite dark. The smell was wonderful. With branches winding themselves past others, and bushes growing in between, this was quite an adventure for Jasper. Jasper then mentioned The Gruffalo, just perfect for where we were. Love it. The Gruffalo is of course one of Jasper’s favourite stories.
Number 3. Gruffalo adventures in the deep dark wood
We got to the hide after our deep dark adventure, opened the wooden creaky door and I was pretty horrified. The hide has been built so you can look out across the lake, wildlife watching. Unfortunately it has been vandalised, and the plastic viewing windows have been melted with lighters, there is graffiti and chewing gum on the benches, and a general feeling of uncomfortableness. Not an ideal place for Jasper. So we took a photo looking out on to the lake, and left, feeling a little disappointed.
Number 4. Looking out from the hide
Our walk took us round the bottom edge of the lake, and Jasper led the way. We could hear pheasants in the fields, birds on the lake, and very little else. Was so peaceful. Jasper decided we needed to ride on imaginary tuk tuks, so here I was walking about, hoping not to bump in to anyone else as I was now making tuk tuk noises. As you do. This only ended when we came to a muddy bit on the path, where Jasper decided it was no good for tuk tuks, and instead we ended up on imaginary horses. He named mine Jeremy, his was Hammond. I was in one way amused, in another, slightly alarmed. But on we went.
Number 5. Tuk tuks and horses in the woods
On the opposite side of the lake, the path was starting to become quite muddy. But, no stopping us. As I said, you dress for the occasion, you’ll be fine. I do remember having wellies when I was younger, and the joy of being allowed to walk through mud was just amazing. So with much glee, we walked through much mud.
Number 6. Mud doesn’t stop us. We aim for it
Once we came back round the lake, we’d done the full circuit, and the wood opens up with fields that cows and horses graze in. We stopped to say hello to a cow, and then found a quiet bench to sit on by the lake. The light was beautiful on the water, and Jasper cuddled in. I asked if he’d had a good walk, to which he replied “I’ve had a good adventure.” Which just made me smile more. Lovely.
Number 7. Peace on a bench.
Number 8. Visit a cafe
The best way to end a muddy walk is to go for a cup of tea, or in Jasper’s case, a carton of apple juice. So we headed to the warm cafe.
Number 9. The playpark
Then for Jasper’s second wind, a trip to the play park that is located in the grounds near the cafe. Much swinging, bouncing, climbing and taking your toy Aston Martin DB9 on everything too.
I thought that was that, and we’d head back to the car parked round the corner in the car park. But when Jasper has wellies on, he’s like a brown and white spaniel, looking to get wet and dirty. And with that in mind, he made a bee line to some big puddles. Did I scream in horror and run in apparent slow motion to stop him? I did not, with his trusted wellies on, and the joy in his face, I watched him jump about in the water, having the time of his life. Just wonderful to see the glee in his smile.
Number 10. Splashing in puddles
It was a wonderful day, with much excitement, much to see, we felt the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces. so worth it to get out and about.
Jasper enjoyed it all the more with his warm Muddy Puddles coat and wellies on. We were gifted the items by Muddy Puddles to try out, and I am very grateful for such fabulous items. The coat shown is the Puddleflex Jacket, it has a warm fleece lining, is waterproof, has a full sized hood, ribbed cuffs to keep drafts out, a good length, and a double zip. I much prefer Jasper to wear a bright colour in Winter so he can be clearly seen when walking on paths near roads in the dark months of Winter. So the red is ideal. There are reflective patches on it for extra visibility at night. The coat is machine washable.
The wellies are also Puddleflex from Muddy Puddles. They are lined with a soft polar fleece for comfort, and have a quilted upper cuff with a draw string. When Jasper puts them on, he always comments on how soft they feel inside. They are lovely and long on the leg, which was great for the splashing and mud. Jasper’s trousers didn’t get dirty at all. There is a long reflective strip down the back of the leg, and good grips on the soles. The wellies come in their own cloth bag, which is ideal for storing them in once they have been cleaned. Jasper hangs them with pride on the back of his bedroom door.
The coat shown here prices at £50 and the wellies £24. Prices may differ due to offers available.
A range of great coats, jackets and wellies are all available on The Muddy Puddles website.
Thank you to Muddy Puddles for the items you sent us.
All opinions are my own.
I love the Muddy Puddles coat and wellies in the red. They look fantastic. It sounds like you had a brilliant walk. It also looks like a beautiful place to go for a walk too.
I love that we have places like this on our backdoor, a little escape now and then.
I used to love days out like this when mine were younger, nothing better than a good pair of wellies and coat to go on your adventures in x
I used to go to this same place when my others were little, and have now all grown up. So it is lovely that Jasper is just as keen, can do it all again now.
Ahh what lovely days you have had so far! We love to splash in puddles especially, the kids put on their splash suits and there’s no stopping them!
There is something very liberating about splashing in puddles. I have been known to jump right in myself. Only hoping I don’t do a Vicar of Dibley one day!
What some lovely things to do on your winters day out! I love that you looked out for animals.
Always nice to spot nature at its best. We’ve spotted deer here, which are always splendid to see.
Very cost effective and animal spotting can be a lot of fun too c
Sometimes a simple day out can be the best fun.
I have great memories of family holidays to Coldstream, it’s a lovely part of the world. I learnt to fish on the River Tweed and I learnt so much about nature on those holidays.
How wonderful. The Scottish Borders is a lovely part of the country, and fishing on The Tweed must have been great fun.
Nothing beats a winter walk in the woods when the weather is good. That looks like an awesome coat too, and very reasonably priced!
Jasper does love his Muddy Puddle jacket.
Isaac has puddleflex wellies and they have lasted him for about two years (his feet haven’t grown) – looks like you have had some fun days out testing them
I’ll certainly be going back to Muddy Puddles for their wellies when Jasper grows out of them. The best wellies we’ve had.
Wow, it sounds like you had such a beautiful day and that nature reserve looks so peaceful! What a shame that the hide had been vandalised though – it breaks my heart when things like that happen! 🙁 xx
It does spoil things somewhat to see damage like this. Hopefully the damage can be easily repaired.
Splashing in puddles is so much fun! I love going on nature walks but like you I find it so upsetting that people have to spoil nature x
I get upset when I see litter, I just don’t understand why people do it. So sad.
You have prepared very well for a muddy encounter. It sounds like you had a great family time during the trip and enjoyed a lot the natural reserve.
It is a really lovely place to enjoy a day out.
I used to babysit some children for years and they loved looking for the Gruffalo in the woods! So much fun can be had just on a little walk during Winter, love post!
I adore The Gruffalo. Jasper often has Gruffalo adventures if we’re in any wooded area. Another of his favourites on walks is “We’re going on a bear hunt”. Can be so much fun too.
These seem like amazing ways to enjoy outside in the winter. Playing and getting dirty is half the fun!
Something quite magical about being out and about.
I love all of your ideas and I’m the same, with a six year old who needs to burn off energy. Love the bright colour of the jacket and boots.
A bit of running about can be the difference between sanity and losing the plot.
What an incredible place to explore! The view from the hide is beautiful. I’ve been looking at Muddy Puddles coats recently, they look fab x
The coat has been a Godsend in the last few weeks, kept him cosy warm as the weather has got colder and colder.
Sounds like a lovely winter day out although it’s such a shame that part of it has been vandalised x
Horrible to find the hide in such a state, I am hoping the estate are able to put things right soon and that it doesn’t happen again.
Looks like you had a lovely day and took some beautiful photos!
Just what we needed, blow the cobwebs away.
Kids don’t get mucky half as much as they should these days. Sounds like you had a great day.
Katie xo
It is rather good to just get out and not worry about everything for a bit.
Love that ‘mud doesn’t stop us we aim for it’ that’s such a great attitude to have! X
Sometimes you just have to do these things.
Days like this are hands down, the best! Looks like it was loads of fun!
Was exactly what we needed.
Spotting animals used to be my favourite thing whenever I went out hiking as a kid 🙂
Lovely what you can see when out and about.