We recently went for a stomp up Old Winchester Hill in Hampshire. It seems rather incredible, having lived in this area for well over a decade, that we’ve not visited the site before! It was my 40th Birthday and the weather was perfect for getting out on the South Downs, before celebrating with a hearty pub lunch. Here are some photos from the top.
Up on the Hill
The hill is actually around 10 miles out from Winchester, lying to the east of Corhampton in the Meon Valley and opposite Beacon Hill. It became part of the South Downs National Park in 2009. The South Downs Way and Monarch’s Way long distance footpaths cross the summit of the hill, which reaches 197 metres (646 ft). The views on this day were crystal clear. We could see our way down to the coast and slithers of jewel bright sea. The Isle of Wight was also there on the horizon, appearing almost like a hazy blue cloudbank. It was incredibly peaceful and a wonderful (quiet) way to mark a special anniversary. Lots of good thinking time too… before the year properly gets going with projects.
New Years Resolution?
Since my first degree at Newcastle University I have tried to make travel an integral part of my practice. But it has been tricky finding time in recent years to get out there and wander. I’ve been blessed with two great (and active) kids and plenty of creative work (both commercial and private commissions). Though those excuses are starting to wear thin. I suspect if I was to look back through my patchy studio blog this thought would come up multiple times. So if I have a resolution for this year… it’s a renewed determination to get out adventuring!
What’s exciting is that we already have things in the diary. We have a Dublin flight booked in March. I’ve never been to the Republic of Ireland before. I’m also hoping to try and fit in a jaunt to Hamburg. I’ve had a couple of awesome projects related to the city and i’d love to see it up close. There will also be regular road-trips here in the UK, ‘Explorer Days’ where I will force myself to leave the studio with a sketchbook and camera. Our first destination is coming up on the 2nd February… I’m dragging my excellent friend (and fellow creative) Jez along for an unguided tour of Bristol! If inspiration strikes i’ll be posting sketches and photo snippets here on the blog.