This summer is a funny one. I'm off for five weeks, we're not going on holiday and we're desperately saving money. That means I'm needing to find ways of filling my time with lovely things that don't cost the earth. Fewer days shopping and eating out, and more days spend exploring our local area and everything it has to offer.
Last Saturday was lovely and sunny in Farnham and we wanted to get out for a long walk. After a little internet browsing we found this walk 'in the footsteps of Jane Austin' and hopped in the car down the A31 to Chawton (near Alton). We walked around 4 miles, cutting off a small section round Upper Farringdon, and it was blissful. Gorgeous countryside, rolling hills, a quick nose at some beautiful homes - all ending at Jane Austin's home. We didn't go in the house but enjoyed a cream tea in the tea rooms opposite; sitting outside soaking up the sun the whole time. All kinds of perfect.
Want to do the walk yourself? See full details here.
Walking should be about soaking up your surroundings. These snaps are from my iPhone - I wanted to enjoy the walk rather than lugging round my DSLR. Living in the moment, taking it all in.
So this summer will hopefully be spent making better use of the great outdoors! I already have two walks planned; a section of the South Downs Way with my family and a section of the St Swithun's Way with work friends. I'm praying for better weather than we've seen in the last few days, or this dream may not become a reality...
What do you do to save money in the holidays?
