Friday 12 October 2018

Into The Sun


Wednesday was unseasonably sunny in this part of the world as summer had what may be its final fling. As we drove through Newmarket we saw the racehorses returning from their early morning gallop. Horse racing dominates this small town to the extent that, when a statue of the Queen is commissioned, it's no surprise to see that it also includes a racehorse and a foal.



But my brother and I are on our way to Moulton to do a circular walk through the villages of Moulton,  Dalham and Gazeley. I've done the walk before, but today I see a sign that tells me that my route coincides with the Three Churches Walk and there's a map outside Moulton church which echoes our intended journey.



The sun at this time of year is quite low in the sky and we were heading straight towards it for the first leg of the journey.



Sunbeams filter down through the leafy branches.



Dalham is a small but perfectly formed little village with many picturesque cottages.



It also has this puzzling structure by the roadside. It's actually an eighteenth century malt kiln, an important part of the brewing process. Most villages would have had one of these in the past but this is one of only a few survivors.



An avenue of trees leads up towards Dalham Hall.



The Hall was built for the Bishop of Ely in the early eighteenth century. Nowadays it's owned by Sheik Mohammed, Prime Minister of the UAE and leading race horse owner.



This is the view the Sheik can enjoy from the property, not as extensive as that from his Burj Khalifa in Dubai but pleasant enough to my eye.



The path from Dalham to Gazeley passes along woodland edges with views out across the newly ploughed arable fields.



This seventeenth century barn in Gazeley has also been taken over by horse racing and is converted to stables. 



The footpath here is confined between fences. Walking near Newmarket you get used to the security around the racing stables which is quite understandable considering the value of some of these horses.



Just a trace of autumn gold along the roadside leading back to Moulton.



And in Moulton you'll find this rather grand packhorse bridge, built back in the days when horses were used to carry goods from town to town - rather different beasts from those that today carry small men at high speed towards the winning post. The village also has a prize-winning village-shop-cum-post-office-cum-coffee-shop where we enjoyed a well-earned mug of tea.


Take care.



17 comments:

  1. You always manage to find the best paths for walking to have these wonderful views on the countryside, John. The malt kin is an interesting structure, I haven't seen anything like it.

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  2. What a grand walk you took there. Such beautiful pathways and vistas.

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  3. Nice walk but there seems to be a lack of water goingg under the bridge

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  4. Hi John - I'd have thought the Sheikh would be really happy to see green - but I guess he waters his lot over in Dubai! Gorgeous walk - stunning views ... and I love the 'toddle' along the tree-lined paths ... delightful. As Marleen says the malt kiln is really interesting to see - so thanks for showing us ... and I'd love to know more about it ... one day! But thanks - just England at its best - cheers Hilary

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  5. The sunbeam photo is exceptional! Beautiful photos, John.

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  6. Thank you for sharing another wonderful walk.

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  7. Lovely countryside. That malt kiln and old bridge are very interesting structures.

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  8. Beautiful scenery! I once bought stamps in Newmarket post office and mailed postcards home .We visited the race track, too.

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  9. Some very picturesque paths! Never heard of a malt kiln. Such an unusual shape.

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  10. Such a lovely walk on what looks like a perfect day. I love the malt kiln and the avenue of trees also the packhorse bridge:)

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  11. That malt kiln is interesting. I'd never have guessed what it is. I wonder how often the sheik stays in his hall? Only when the racing is on, I guess.

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  12. A walk in the countryside is always a pleasure. Lovely photos as always, John. Thank you!

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  13. I love the shot of the sunbeams through the treetops. Also, the kiln is intriguing! A great hike for sure.

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  14. Here's hoping you get some cooler weather soon, and more fall colour. Nevertheless, splendid photos, and, as always, I enjoyed them immensely.

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  15. Always such a pleasure to take these walks with yourself and your brother John. The English countryside is spectacular. I think the view Sheik has here would be so much better than anything he would see in Dubai ✨

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  16. What a lovely walk :)

    The weather was the same here on Wednesday but I a had a day of work so wasn't able to enjoy it.

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  17. If this is repeat comment, please delete one of them. I wrote one and hit publish and it just disappeared.

    I love the sunlight filtering through shot, and the cottage below it is beautiful. So appealing. And that barn...wow, it looks huge. I would love to see inside it. And that malt kiln...I have never seen anything like it. Hopefully will remember to google it cause I wonder what it looks like inside.

    All the shots show a beautiful area.

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